Sometimes called “knock-down” furniture, campaign furniture was designed to be folded, collapsed, taken apart and packed flat to load onto a ship or a camel’s back. Although mobile furniture for military campaigns dates back to the Romans, the British Army in its global conquests in the 18th and 19th centuries defined the style with sturdy and elegant pieces. Even in a tent thousands of miles from London, a four-poster bed, dining table and seating could simulate the comforts of home.
Antique and vintage campaign-style furniture was also initially designed as propaganda. The mahogany and teak structures were part of a purposeful demonstration of power in these campaigns, with the colonizing military officers imposing their culture and view of what they considered “civilized” on a given land and its peoples. Designers and manufacturers including Thomas Butler, Ross & Co. of Dublin, and Morgan & Sanders contributed to the rapid production of this furniture as the British Empire expanded through Africa, Asia and Australia.
Campaign furniture was utilitarian as well as refined, fitted with recessed brass handles and brass angles on stackable chests and other case pieces to protect vulnerable corners. The Wellington chest was one of the most famous pieces to come out of this style, named for the Duke of Wellington, who slept in his campaign bed long after his battles were over.
The flexibility of campaign-style furniture would influence 20th-century Scandinavian modernists such as Kaare Klint, Mogens Koch and Arne Norell. For his 1930s Safari chair, Klint drew on the simple Roorkhee chair, named for a town in northern India. The lightweight and adaptable campaign-style seat was created in the late 19th century and had no fixed joinery. The Roorkhee’s influence can also be seen in the Wassily chair, a pared-down work of tubular metal and durable canvas conceived by legendary Bauhaus instructor Marcel Breuer.
Now, 21st-century designers like Jomo Tariku and Dokter and Misses are creating pieces that recognize the contributions of African artisans to campaign furniture in order to reframe this style without overlooking its difficult past.
Find a collection of authentic antique and vintage campaign bedroom furniture, chairs, decorative objects and other pieces on 1stDibs.
Henredon Modernist Three-Part Campaign Oak and Brass Buffet / Credenza
By Henredon
Located in Germantown, MD
A Stunning high quality vintage three-part Henredon campaign credenza sideboard. Post mid century, circa 70s. Solid wood with select grain all a...
Brass
FINE RESTORED TRADITIONALLY FRENCH POLISHED BURR ELM MILITARY CAMPAIGN SiDEBOARD
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare fully restored and traditionally French polished Burr Elm Military Campaign sideboard bank of drawers Please note ...
Brass
Reno Wahl for Dyrlund Vintage Danish Teak Metamorphic Captains Campaign Bar
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this lovely original circa 1960s solid Danish teak at home bar on wheels designed by the great Reno Wahl Iversen and retailed thr...
Teak
Mid-Century Campaign Style Long Chest or Cabinet
By Directional
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic mid-century chest or cabinet crafted in mahogany featuring multiple components including brass campaign style hardware including three drawers and three doors. Plenty of storage...
Brass
SCOTTISH 93RD SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS REGIMENT OF FOOT MiLITARY CAMPAIGN CHEST
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare, fully signed, 93rd Lancers (Regiment of Foot) military campaign chest of drawers ci...
Hardwood
Bevan Funnell Reprodux Campaign Chest of Drawers Leather Top TV Stand
By Army & Navy CSL, Bevan Funnell Ltd.
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely RRP £4500 Bevan Funnell Reprodux Military campaign desk of drawers with brass fittings and leather top designed to seat a TV. A very...
Leather, Hardwood
LOVELY VINTAGE HARDWOOD MILITARY CAMPAIGN STYLE SiDEBOARD TV MEDIA UNIT PART SET
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this nice vintage solid hardwood Campaign style sideboard or TV Media unit which is part of a suite Please ...
Brass
Bevan Funnell Military Campaign Chest of Drawers Leather Top TV Stand
By Bevan Funnell Ltd., Harrods
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely RRP £4500 Bevan Funnell Military Campaign desk of drawers with brass fittings and leather top designed to seat a TV A very good look...
Leather, Hardwood
Vintage Burr Yew Military Campaign Sideboard Drinks Cabinet Bank of Drawers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage Military Campaign, burr yew wood and chrome sideboard A very well made and decorative piece, these campaign sideboards are h...
Brass
Lovely Harrods Flamed Hardwood and Green Leather Military Campaign Sideboard
By Harrods
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this lovely vintage Harrods London flamed mahogany with green leather gold leaf tooled doors, Military Campaign sideboard with drawers A very well made and dec...
Leather, Hardwood
Antique Military Campaign Style Chest of Drawers / Sideboard
Located in London, GB
A superb antique military campaign style chest of drawers / sideboard. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930’s. It is of amazing quality and is a great size, with ...
Brass
Beautiful Yew Wood Military Campaign Sidebord
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this beautiful military campaign style sideboard / bank of drawers in yew wood. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1950’s. The quality is...
Brass
Pair of Campaign Style Two Door Woven Wicker Stands
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive pair of vintage Bielecky Brothers stands hand crafted in woven reed in a campaign style with brass hardware, two doors in front, and plenty of storage.
Reed
Lovely Yew Wood Military Campaign Style Sidebord
Located in Crawley, GB
delight to offer for sale this beautiful military campaign style sideboard / bank of drawers in yew wood. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1960’s . The quality is o...
Brass
$18,958
H 23.63 in W 88.59 in D 21.66 in
Mid-Century Modern Olival TV Cabinet, Marble Sideboard, Handmade by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Olival TV Cabinet, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Olival marble TV cabinet draws inspiration from the sacred symbolism of the ancient G...
Marble, Quartz, Travertine, Brass, Stainless Steel
Walnut Campaign Chest of Drawers
Located in Bradenton, FL
Walnut cabinet campaign chest of drawers. Chest features five drawers fitted with recessed brass bail handles and strengthened with brass corner mounts. These provide support and a c...
Walnut
$3,371
H 36.42 in W 77.96 in D 18.51 in
Spanish Credenza Sideboard Massive Oak & Wrought Iron Buffet Three Doors, c1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Large Spanish credenza sideboard dresser buffet, made circa 1960 The three doors of this sideboard are carved with motifs for imitation draperies. The materials used—solid oak, wroug...
Wrought Iron
Danish Bar Cabinet by Reno Wahl Iversen for Dyrlund
Located in Karlstad, SE
"Captains bar" designed by Reno Wahl Iversen for Dyrlund, Denmark. The bar is made of rosewood with elegant details in brass. The black l...
Brass
$19,551 / item
H 35.44 in W 59.06 in D 21.66 in
Mid-Century Modern Olival Bar Cabinet, Calacatta Marble Handmade Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Olival bar cabinet, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Olival marble bar cabinet draws inspiration from the sacred symbolism of the ancient...
Marble, Stone, Onyx, Travertine, Brass, Steel, Stainless Steel
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 25.75 in W 70.5 in D 18 in
Harvey Probber Bleached Ribbon Mahogany Long Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Harvey Probber long, low credenza or sideboard with four ascending height drawers and pair of shelved cabinets measuring 16.5" wide x 21" high. Sleek conical brass pulls and dark mah...
Brass
$7,950
H 39 in W 37 in D 20 in
British Military Officer's Campaign Chest or Dresser of Brass-Bound Mahogany
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome British military officer’s Campaign Ware chest of drawers or dresser, from the 19th century, featuring a patinated mahogany exterior over four drawers with brass escutcheo...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Danish Long Teak Credenza with Tambour Doors
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautifully designed teak credenza with top notch construction. It features two sliding tambour doors, two drawers and two shelf spaces. Marked made in Denmark. Original clean cond...
Teak
$2,995
H 38 in W 76.5 in D 22 in
Mid-Century Campaign Style Bamboo / Rattan / Wicker Credenza Or Cabinet Chest
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a striking credenza with quite a bit of family friendly storage! It is a large scale bamboo credenza with campaign styling. It is painted with a deep red frame and red birds....
Brass
French 1960s Elm Sideboard
By Charlotte Perriand, Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Presenting a noteworthy four-door sideboard, exuding an Alpine Chalet style, crafted from solid elm and discovered in the Maritime Alps. This unique cabinet, originating from the 196...
Oak
$3,524
H 48.04 in W 63.39 in D 22.05 in
1940s Art Deco Mid-Century Italian Walnut Burl Brass Sideboard Buffet Credenza
Located in Carimate, Como
Unique and very elegant Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern sideboard credenza buffet, in beautiful veneer walnut wood, with two side doors, central drawers and antique handles and l...
Brass
$6,780
H 31.11 in W 35.44 in D 19.89 in
Chest of Drawers Campaign Military Camphor Wood Brass 19th Century
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Campaign Military or Travelling Chest of Drawers in Camphor Wood with Brass Detailing 19th Century Unusual small size Striking with the combination of richly coloured camphor wood a...
Brass
Sold
H 30.75 in W 66.25 in D 19.25 in
Drexel Heritage Hollywood Regency Walnut Sideboard Credenza, Circa 1970s
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Campaign style sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Drexel Heritage USA, Circa 1970s Beautiful book-matched walnut, with original...
Brass
Antique Military Campaign Style Sideboard / Cabinet
Located in London, GB
A smart and very well made antique military campaign style sideboard / cabinet. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930’s. The quality is superb, this is a great siz...
Brass
Vintage Henredon Green Chinoiserie Style Campaign Sideboard
By Henredon
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Vintage Henredon Green Chinoiserie Style Campaign Sideboard. Featuring three drawers at the top, three doors at the bottom that open up to storage space, brass ...
Brass
Sold
H 28.15 in W 31.89 in D 18.12 in
PAIR OF DREXEL HERITAGE MILITARY CAMPAIGN SIDEBOARDS WHiCH ARE PART OF A SUITE
By Drexel
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage pair of Drexel Heritage Furniture mid century modern Military Campaign style sideboards ...
Brass
Henredon Modernist Three-Part Campaign Oak and Brass Buffet / Credenza
By Henredon
Located in Germantown, MD
A Stunning high quality vintage three-part Henredon campaign credenza sideboard. Post mid century, circa 70s. Solid wood with select grain all around. Antiqued Brass cast brass hardw...
Brass
Sold
H 27.96 in W 59.45 in D 16.93 in
MADE IN ENGLAND ViNTAGE BURR YEW MILITARY CAMPAIGN SIDEBOARD CHEST OF DRAWERS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare lightly restored Burr yewMilitary Campaign sideboard bank of drawers Please note the deliver...
Brass
Sold
H 28.94 in W 44.89 in D 17.33 in
SUBLIME ViNTAGE BURR WALNUT MILITARY CAMPAIGN DRINKS CABINET HIDDEN IN SIDEBOARD
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage hand made in England Burr Walnut Military Campaign sideboard with drinks cabinet interna...
Brass
Sold
H 26.78 in W 47.64 in D 15.36 in
VINTAGE MILITARY CAMPAIGN SIDEBOARD LOTS OF STORAGE AND BRASS FITTiNGS
Located in Pulborough, GB
Antiques of London We are delighted to offer for sale this Vintage Military Campaign Sideboard. The Vintage Military Campaign Sideboard is a unique and eye-catching piece of fur...
Brass
Sold
H 27.76 in W 59.06 in D 17.13 in
Fine Antique Burr & Burl Walnut Military Campaign Sideboard Bank of Drawers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage Military Campaign, Burr Walnut with brass fittings sideboard bank of drawers A very well made and decorative piece, these ca...
Brass
Antique Yew Wood Military Campaign Sideboard
Located in London, GB
A superb antique military Campaign style sideboard / bank of drawers in yew wood. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1950s. The quality is outstanding, this has a ...
Brass
Sold
H 31.89 in W 67.33 in D 18.71 in
Harrods Kenney Hardwood & Brass Military Campaign Sideboard Chest of Drawers
By Harrods, Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage solid mahogany with brass trim Military Campaign sideboard with three drawers and two cupboards made by REH Kennedy and retaile...
Brass
Natural Oak Credenza, France, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Description: This stunning bleached French buffet, handpicked by our curator and discovered in Normandy, France, is a true masterpiece of 1940s craftsmanship and design. Featuring i...
Oak