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.
$4,760Sale Price|20% Off
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
1970s Romweber Burled Wood Gold Accent Credenza with Filing Drawers
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne, Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Luxury, pure and simple. Well maybe not so simple… this burled Carpathian elm wood credenza wears it’s gold trim like fine jewelry. The chocolate hued wood is illuminated with brilli...
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
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
Bevan Funnell Reprodux Campaign Chest of Drawers Leather Top TV Stand
By Bevan Funnell Ltd., Army & Navy CSL
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 decor...
Leather, Hardwood
$5,338
H 77.17 in W 75.99 in D 18.12 in
Vintage Bevan Funnell Military Campaign Bookcase with Embossed Leather Doors
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Lovely Bevan Funnell Bookcase With Embossed Leather Bookcase. The Bevan Funnel Military Campaign Bookcase is a true work of art. This stunning piece of furniture showcases a classic vintage design that is both elegant and practical. The bookcase is made from high-quality materials, including sturdy wood and durable brass hardware, ensuring its longevity and durability. One of the most striking features of this bookcase is its embossed leather doors. The doors are crafted from premium quality leather that has been skillfully embossed with intricate patterns that give it an alluring texture and a classic vintage appeal. The leather doors also serve as a protective cover for your books, shielding them from dust and other elements that could damage them. The bookcase has a multi-tiered design with adjustable shelving units...
Leather, Hardwood
Henredon Campaign Mid Century Oak and Brass Lowboy Dresser
By Henredon
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Henredon Campaign Mid Century Oak and Brass Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 70 wide x 19 deep x 30.25 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition - Very Minor Areas of Stain Wear....
Brass
$3,595
H 27 in W 60 in D 16 in
Henredon French Regency Louis XVI Carved Walnut and Oak Sideboard Credenza
By Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Regency Louis XVI style sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Henredon USA, Circa 1980s Carved walnut, burl wood, and oak, with original brass hardware. Measur...
Brass
$3,995
H 31.13 in W 71.25 in D 18 in
Romweber Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Burl Wood and Brass Sideboard Credenza
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century modern Hollywood Regency sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Romweber USA, Circa 1970s Gorgeous burled Carpathian elm wood, with brass trim and origi...
Brass
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
$7,811
H 32.88 in W 108.27 in D 22.05 in
Large Brutalist Diamond Credenza in Stained Oak, Belgium, 1970s
Located in Echt, NL
High quality Brutalist sideboard in very good condition. The sideboard has 5 door panels that show a beautiful diamond shaped graphic pattern. Behind one door you can find two draw...
Aluminum
$4,080
H 35.04 in W 78.94 in D 15.56 in
Spanish Credenza Sideboard Massive Oak & Wrought Iron Buffet, circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Large Spanish credenza sideboard dresser buffet, made circa 1960 The four doors of this sideboard are carved with medieval-themed decorations. You can admire coats of arms, helmets, ...
Wrought Iron
$1,950
H 24.5 in W 26 in D 16.75 in
Henredon 3 Drawer Bachelors Chest with Campaign and Tansu Elements
By Henredon
Located in Chicago, IL
Henredon 3 drawer bachelors chest that blends British military campaign style with Japanese Tansu components. It features stunning bright brass butterfly shaped hardware and brass co...
Brass
$5,195
H 47.5 in W 49 in D 19 in
Dry Bar in Teak w/ Leather Top by Knud Bent for Dyrlund, Denmark, c. 1960s
By Knud Bent
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare Danish-made dry bar designed by the incomparable Knud Bent for Dyrlund. This sculptural and highly functional dry bar, is a refined example of Danish craftsmanship...
Leather, Teak
Vintage Boho Henredon Campaign Dry Bar
By Henredon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your living or dining space with this stunning vintage Henredon Campaign dry bar. Featuring a sleek and compact design, this piece is crafted from rich wood and accented with...
Brass
$2,564Sale Price|54% Off
H 29.53 in W 47.25 in D 18.51 in
1970s Willy Rizzo Wood and Brass Chest of Drawers
By Willy Rizzo
Located in IT
Chest of drawers attributed to Willy Rizzo. ten drawers, wood and brass details. Size of the piece: w 120 cm, h 75 cm , d 47 cm A video and better pictures will be available soon.
Brass
Danish Modern Teak Bar Cabinet by Arne Wahl-Iversen for IKEA
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Teak bar designed by Arne Wahl-Iversen for Ikea in the 1960s. 39.5w 18d 44.5h
Mirror, Wood
Sold
H 32.2 in W 52 in D 16.5 in
Vintage Boho Coastal Dixie Campaign Style Faux Bamboo Herringbone Sideboard
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Beautiful vintage faux bamboo sideboard by Dixie featuring woven herringbone inset panels and classic campaign-style brass hardware. This piece blends British Colonial influence with...
Wicker, Rattan, Plywood
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
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
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 Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London, Harrods
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