Typically made of mahogany, teak or bamboo and featuring a range of fabrics and prints with botanical patterns, antique British Colonial furniture and decor varies as it involved local materials and techniques and spanned centuries of design styles.
As the British Empire expanded from the 16th to the 20th century, its conquest and control of colonies around the world bolstered its wealth through the extraction of resources. Including colonies in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australasia, this spread of often violent subjugation imposed British culture, language and faith on Indigenous peoples. The design of homes was included in this expression of imperial power, with government officials, merchants and military officers creating homes mimicking the luxuries they were used to in England.
Local artisans were commissioned to replicate British designs, resulting in versions of Regency, Chippendale, Sheraton and other styles of furniture being crafted from mahogany, rosewood, ebony and teakwood as opposed to beech and oak, which were more common in Europe. Whereas the colonial furniture for the Portuguese and Dutch regularly had motifs of indigenous flora and fauna, the British tended to want more exact reproductions of their home country’s designs.
To escape the summer heat in places such as India and the Caribbean, British colonizers relocated to airy houses in the hills or plantations, leading to foldable chairs and collapsible desks in the style of military campaign furniture. Rather than upholstery as they might have in Europe, chairs and sofas in the British Colonial style had rattan and cane seating for these higher temperature climates. The contrast between the light textiles and the dark colors of the sturdy furniture became a defining aesthetic of British Colonial interiors.
Find a collection of antique British Colonial outdoor furniture, seating, bedroom furniture, decorative objects and other items on 1stDibs.
Vintage Tortoise or Scorched Bamboo Woven Rattan Two-Door Wall Cabinet, 1970s
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A wonderfully decorative vintage two-door cabinet crafted with tortoise-finished bamboo (or burnt bamboo) and tightly woven rattan, dating approximately to the 1970s. The cabinet fe...
Metal
1980s Tortoiseshell Bamboo & Rattan Wardrobe Attr to Ralph Lauren Bloomingdales
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Vintage British colonial style dresser in bamboo and rattan. Two spacious drawers below doors leading to shelves, clad in rattan with a bamboo skeleton. Wonderful geometric pattern t...
Bamboo, Cane
Vintage British Colonial style faux burnt bamboo and grasscloth 6 Drawer Dresser
Located in New York, NY
Vintage British Colonial style faux burnt bamboo and grasscloth chest of drawers . This handsome dresser has 6 drawers and painted grasscloth panels and minimalist bamboo shaped pull...
Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo, Wood
Vintage British Colonial Style Chest of Drawers by Henry Link
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage British Colonial style chest of drawers by Henry Link. This chest has three large drawers finished with a diamond pattern over raffia.
Raffia, Wood
Ralph Lauren British Colonial Style Mahogany Server / Plantation Sideboard
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Peabody, MA
A solid mahogany British Colonial inspired server or plantation sideboard designed by Ralph Lauren. For decades, before he was knighted with an OBE by Queen Elizabeth in 2019, Lauren...
Mahogany
Antique Pine Welsh Hutch/Cabinet with Shelves (Welsh Dresser)
Located in Pomona, CA
An Antique Pine Welsh Dresser (Hutch). The base with 2 cupboards and 2 drawers fitted with original Victorian porcelain pulls. Great patina on the top of the base, see pics. Hand car...
Pine
Pair Vintage Leather & Cane Four Drawer Apothecary Chests, 1980s
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Unique pair of vintage circa 1980s tall apothecary-style chests crafted from woven cane and rattan with richly aged leather trim. Each narrow chest features four drawers with open c...
Leather, Faux Leather, Cane, Wood
Antique British Colonial Campaign Sawhorse Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 19th century British colonial desk handcrafted in mahogany, having the original tooled and gilt green leather top on a case with three drawers and brass campaign hardware si...
Brass
Antique English British Colonial Campaign Chest with Pullout Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive early 19th century English campaign chest, desk handcrafted in rosewood in two piece construction, featuring a pullout desk having a drawer, inlaid door, nooks and a secre...
Brass
Antique British Colonial Campaign Chest of Drawers
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 19th century British colonial chest handcrafted in mahogany, with five drawers, in two piece campaign form with brass hardware and classic tuned feet.
Brass
Antique British Colonial Three Tiered Stand or Etagere
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome English 19th century stand, crafted in mahogany having three tiers with turned finials at the top, on classic turned supports and brass casters.
Mahogany
American Colonial Walnut Salesman Sample Apothecary Cupboard Display Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Small Antique American Colonial Primitive Walnut Salesman Sample Apothecary Cupboard Display Cabinet with 3 Drawers, Glass Doors, and Blue Painted Interior. Circa Mid 19th Century. M...
Glass, Walnut
Antique 19th C Ceylonese British Colonial Satin Wood and Ebony Cabinet
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 19th C Ceylonese British Colonial Satin Wood and Ebony Cabinet.
Ebony
Vintage Italian Olive Wood Veneer Campaign Chest of Drawers Cabinet Side Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Italian Olive Wood Veneer Campaign Chest of 9 Drawers with Inset Brass Pulls....
Brass
Early 20th C. Rawleys Brass and Leather Bound On Canvas Wardrobe Trunk
Located in Germantown, MD
A well kepth Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century Rawleys Brass and Leather Bound On Canvas rolling Wardrobe Trunk in great antique condition. Solid brass fitting throughout, har...
Brass
Hand-Crafted English Country Pine Kneehole Desk, 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
English Country (late 19th Century) pine wood kneehole desk having a scalloped gallery, three drawers in the frieze on the front side, a bank of three drawers below with brass pull h...
Brass
Vintage British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo and Grasscloth Pagoda Desk
Located in Southampton, NJ
Vintage British Colonial Style burnt tortoise bamboo and grass cloth desk featuring pagoda styling over two glove boxes, two drawers, elegant splay front legs and matching caned chai...
Upholstery, Bamboo, Rattan, Glass, Grasscloth
$6,030Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century British Indian Red Lacquer Chest on Folding Stand Kashmiri
Located in Epfach, DE
This is a charming 19th-century chest on a stand from British India, dating to around 1860. Its lid and sides are covered in dense gilt floral scrollwork over a rich red lacquer back...
Wood
English Oak Blanket Chest / Box c.1680
Located in Pomona, CA
An original Oak Blanket Box from 168's0 England. Hand carved to the front. Simple blanket chest design from the late 17th. century. Still retains the interior candle box. The side ha...
Oak
Vintage coastal woven rattan chest of drawers - 20th
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vintage coastal woven rattan chest of drawers Dresser - Vintage - decoration Measures : 122x46cm H:77cm Materials : Wicker - Brass - Rattan Weight : 40kg Bring a touch of tropical elegance to your home with this beautifully crafted vintage woven rattan chest...
Brass
$8,928Sale Price / item|20% Off
21st Century Harrison Sideboard Oak Handmade in Portugal by Wood Tailors
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
Even though established in cosmopolitan, chaotic cities, gentlemen’s exclusive clubs can provide an “oasis of tranquility” inside its robust, opulent walls. So, inspired by that pres...
Rattan, Walnut, Oak
$16,473Sale Price / item|20% Off
21st Willington Desk Walnut Wood Leather Handmade in Portugal by Wood Tailors
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
A prestigious member of one of the most exclusive Gentlemen's clubs in London, the 1st Marquess of Willingdon was a British Liberal politician and was the tribute behind this timeless design. Designed for timeless furniture...
Steel
Late 20th Century Stacking Luggage-Form Leather & Woven Rattan Side Table Chest
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 20th Century Stacking Luggage-Form Leather and woven rattan Chest Side Table featuring 3 drawers with leather pulls and William and Mary Style wooden legs. Measure 25.5" in wi...
Leather, Wood, Rattan
Vintage Three Tiered Caned British Colonial Style Stand
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome vintage British colonial style stand crafted in mahogany with three caned tiers on classic turned supports.
Mahogany
Vintage Welsh Cupboard ~ Sideboard
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Welsh Cupboard ~ Sideboard is a clever design originating in what is now called the UK, providing means to store cups, saucers and linens, while displaying some of the family...
Steel
Ceylonese British Colonial Style Satinwood Ebony Mahogany Hutch Cupboard Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Ceylonese British Colonial Style Satinwood Ebony Mahogany Hutch Cupboard Cabinet. Item features beautiful satinwood, ebony, and mahogany wood, 3 dovetail constructed drawers,...
Ebony, Mahogany, Satinwood
Vintage Coastal Braided Rattan Highboy Chest, 1960, 4 Drawers
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage coastal safari style braided rattan highboy chest of 4 drawers.
Rattan
Mid-Century Rattan Chest of Drawers, Faux Bamboo Frame, Brass Handles
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Palm Beach Style Mid-Century Organic Rattan Four Drawer Glazed Chest With A Stained Faux Bamboo Wooden Frame. Finished With A Glazed (removable) Top To Protect The Surface For Everyd...
Brass
Vintage Tortoise Bamboo Wall Cabinet with Mirror, Aesthetic Movement Style
Located in Southampton, NJ
A delightful vintage tortoise bamboo single door wall cabinet with mirror, accented with grass cloth surround and one shelf. A marvelous option for Coastal settings with an appreciat...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
Antique Teak Travel Trunk with Removable Organization Tray
Located in New York, NY
Antique 19th century Teak Travel Chest Trunk. This is a beautifully preserved antique British Colony solid teak travel trunk featuring an exceptionally intricate internal storage sy...
Teak
$27,532Sale Price / item|20% Off
21st Century Bowmore Bar Cabinet Wood Made in Portugal by Wood Tailors
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
The Gentlemen’s Club distinguishes itself through its exclusive and singular environment. In order to achieve uniqueness, distinctive pieces are needed, and the Bowmore Bar Cabinet i...
Brass
1980s British Colonial Faux Bamboo and Cane Tall Shelf
By Bloomingdale's, Ralph Lauren
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Gorgeous tall shelf with a faux bamboo frame and cane shelves. Great size shelf could work in a variety of spaces. Nice coastal, British Colonial, and boho styling.
Faux Bamboo, Cane
$3,160Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Teak Hand Carved Colonial Whatnot Rack with Shelves & Drawers
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
British Colonial solid Teak whatnot stand with shelves in good condition. Hand carved fluted vase columns with crown moulding and drawers. Brass ha...
Teak
Vintage Bloomingdale’s Bamboo Rattan Dresser British Colonial Boho Chic Coastal
By Bloomingdale's, Bloomingdale's
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Bring an exotic touch to your space with this vintage Bloomingdale’s bamboo rattan dresser, blending British Colonial elegance with Boho chic coastal charm. A true statement piece, i...
Rattan
Vintage Bamboo Wall-Mounted Bar Cabinet With Accordion Doors & Mermaid Handles
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A truly exceptional and highly unique vintage bamboo wall cabinet, designed to make a statement while offering functional storage. This one-of-a-kind piece features beautifully craft...
Bamboo, Wood, Plywood
Faux Bamboo Three Drawer Lacquered Chest of Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Lots of detail on this very sturdy chest of drawers. This three drawer faux bamboo chest has been freshly lacquered in a coastal shade of blue. Very versatile piece that could be use...
Metal
British Colonial Hutch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20th century cabinet with two glazed doors above, two drawers and two doors below with solid, raised, panels. Nicely made with through-tenon construction. Great patina.
Hardwood
Antique English Georgian Style Leather Top Partners Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome British Colonial 19th century English Georgian style partners desk handcrafted in mahogany in three piece construction featuring a tooled leather top, six drawers and a cabi...
Brass
19th Century British Colonial Shelf
Located in High Point, NC
19th century British Colonial shelf made from teak. There are tall hand turned finials on the top over three shelves, all with scalloped galleries...
Teak
Campaign-Style Chest by Beacon Hill Collection
By Beacon Hill
Located in Norwood, NJ
A finely crafted campaign-style chest by the Beacon Hill Collection, circa 1960s–70s. Made in three stacking sections, this piece draws inspiration from 19th-century British military...
Brass
British Colonial Carved Cherry Wood Lighted Bookcase Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous British Colonial or French Louis Philippe style four-piece lighted breakfront bookcase, display cabinet, or media cabinet USA, Circa Late 20th Century Carved cherry wood...
Brass
Vintage West Indies Style Server or Sideboard by Baker
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome vintage British colonial style server crafted in mahogany in a West Indies style featuring a dramatic ocean inspired gallery with two shelves on a case with two beaded drawe...
Mahogany
Vintage Thai British Colonial Teak and Glass Display Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Thai British Colonial Teak and Glass Display Cabinet The cabinet has 2 Doors and 3 Shelves. This cabinet was made in Thailand.
Glass, Wood, Teak
Late 19th Century British Colonial Style Safari Wicker Rattan Storage Chest
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
An exceptionally rare and wonderfully eccentric Late 19th Century British Colonial style safari storage chest or trunk featuring woven wicker cladding, bentwood scroll detailing, fau...
Rattan, Wood, Plywood
18th Century English Oak Linen Press Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
Handcrafted in England during the 18th century, this impressive antique linen press embodies the enduring beauty, strength and practicality of traditional English country furniture. ...
Brass
$3,200Sale Price|44% Off
British Colonial Teak Wood Display Counter
Located in Chicago, IL
This teak wood display counter was once found in a retail store in Rangoon, Burma. It dates to the early 20th century, c. 1910. During the colonial era, business boomed throughout w...
Glass, Teak
Burmese Teak Chest of Drawers, Hand-Crafted, Colonial Style, 1925
Located in New York, NY
A four-drawer chest in teak wood from old Burma, now Myanmar. Early 20th Century, circa 1925. Dark finish. Two small drawers, two large. Original brass handles.
Teak
Maitland-Smith Vintage British Colonial Style Bar Cabinet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive mid century bar cabinet featuring an upper case crafted in coconut shell with two doors having bronze elephant head handles and an illuminated interior lined in mahogany w...
Bronze
British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo and Leather Bookcase
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style bookcase or etagere featuring a faux bamboo frame, tooled leather panels on the sides, shelves, and drawer fronts having classic lion head hardware...
Faux Bamboo
Vintage Bamboo Chest with Greek Key Design
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage bamboo chest with Greek key design. This versatile mid-century bamboo chest, side table, end table or bedside table has style and storage ...
Bamboo
French Louis Philippe Solid Carved Maple Bookcase or Media Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous British Colonial or French Louis Philippe style two-piece bookcase, display cabinet, or media cabinet USA, Late 20th Century Carved solid maple, with glass front doors a...
Brass
Vintage Coastal Wrapped Rattan Chest of Drawers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A superb vintage chest that exudes coastal elegance and incredible textural appeal. This handsome piece is completely enveloped in expertly wrapped rattan, with a beautiful basketwea...
Brass
Black Bamboo and Rattan Wickerwork Chest of Drawers, British Colonial Style
Located in Cork, IE
This chest of drawers in the British Colonial style is a delight to behold with its elegant lines, organic patterns and blackened finish! Set on bamboo frame the front, sides and t...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Teak Museum Display Cabinet
Located in Topanga, CA
A gorgeous teak museum display cabinet featuring glass panels on the sides and a pair of sliding glazed doors at the front. The cabinet has a wooden back panel and sturdy shelves in...
Teak
$10,494Sale Price / item|20% Off
21st Century Elliott Sideboard Walnut Wood Handmade in Portugal by Wood Tailors
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
Denholm Mitchell Elliott, a much-loved character actor, who served in the Royal Air Force During the Second World War. His career spanned nearly 40 years with more than 120 movie tel...
Walnut, Oak
Antique British Colonial Inlaid Server from the Philippines
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and remarkable 19th century British colonial two drawer server from the Philippines, handcrafted in mahogany with a lush grain, featuring pegged construction, brass hardware, seashell inlays and elegant turned and beaded legs.
Brass
Vintage Faux Bamboo and Wicker Cabinet Chest by American of Martinsville
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome vintage British colonial style chest cabinet combo crafted with a faux bamboo frame and wicker panels throughout having a cabinet with three drawers inside with brass pulls ...
Brass
British Colonial Style Demi-Lune Leather Top Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style desk crafted in mahogany in a demilune form with a tooled tan leather top, four drawers and featuring bold turned an...
Brass
Midcentury British Colonial Style Bamboo Bar Cart
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Midcentury bar cart or tea cart with a bamboo frame wrapped with reed.
Bamboo
Tall British Colonial Cabinet w/Ventilated Door Fronts, Early 20th C
Located in Atlanta, GA
A tall British Colonial two-door storage cabinet from the early 20th century. This antique Anglo-Indian British Colonial Cabinet from India has been crafted from a tropical hardwood ...
Wood