British Colonial Furniture
BRITISH COLONIAL STYLE
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.
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Style: British Colonial
Maitland Smith Tessellated Faux Tortoise Chrome Candlestick Buffet Table Lamp
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Maitland Smith 1996 modern candlestick table lamp featuring four chrome legs bound with brass wire, supporting an ovoid / egg shape of tessellated horn, topped with brass can...
Category
1990s British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
British Colonial Style Vintage Bamboo and Grasscloth Desk Set
Located in Southampton, NJ
Midcentury British Colonial 4-drawer writing desk or work table of bamboo frame construction wrapped in woven basket weave cane rattan. Featuring a generous work surface with custom ...
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Glass, Wood
Vintage British Colonial Style Bamboo and Rattan Tall Chest
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Vintage British colonial style dresser in bamboo and rattan. Five spacious drawers clad in rattan with a bamboo skeleton. Wonderful geometric pattern throughout. Would work in a vari...
Category
1980s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Faux Bamboo, Cane
Vintage Monkey Palm Tree Two Light Wall Sconce Candle Holder 11"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage cast metal wall hanging sconce, featuring a monkey wearing a red jacket and yellow hat, perched on a ball between a pair of palm trees, the tops of which hold a single taper ...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century Henry Likly Wood Bound On Canvas Packing Trunk
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th Century Wood Bound On Canvas Packing Trunk. Measuring 38" in width, 22" in depth and 13" in height.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Canvas
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of British Colonial Deco Period Armchairs
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of British Colonial Deco Period Armchairs. Made of teak in the British East Indies
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
Rare 19th Century English Staffordshire White Spaniel Dogs With Pups - a Pair
Located in Pearland, TX
A superb rare pair of antique 19th-Century English Staffordshire Spaniel dogs with pups. These charming dogs have fine hand painted details, gilt accents, and the sweetest expression...
Category
19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Maitland Smith Mahogany Curio Golf Ball Display Wall Cabinet Case German Clock
Located in Dayton, OH
A rare one of a kind handmade Maitland Smith curio cabinet. Made from naturally distressed mahogany with glass front opening to four shelves with brass tee shaped pedestals intended to display golf balls. The crown of the clock showcases crossed golf clubs over a German made clock...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Trevor James The Meet East Suffolk Hounds Fox Hunt Painting After John Herring
Located in Dayton, OH
The meet of the East Suffolk hounds at Chippenham Park with George Mure of Herringswell, M.F.H., and William Rose, Huntsman. Painting by Trevor James Company. Framed in a dark oak frame. Canvas naturally aged.
Original painting by John Frederick Herring, circa 1839
John Frederick Herring Sr...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Edward Tuttle for McGuire Coastal Rattan Butterfly Chair
By McGuire, Edward Tuttle
Located in Norwalk, CT
Designed by Edward Tuttle for McGuire's Coastal Collection, this example of the sculptural peacock chair, known to many as the "butterfly" chair is in excellent condition. Featuring...
Category
Early 2000s American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Rattan
20th Century Nichols & Stone National Cathedral Ebonized and Gilt Windsor Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 20th Century Nichols & Stone National Cathedral School Ebonized and Gilt Windsor Chair in excellent vintage condition.
Measures 16.5" in width, 18" in depth, 33" in height wit...
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Pair of British Colonial Style Carved Caned Plantation Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing pair of hand-carved plantation chairs crafted in the British colonial taste. The chairs feature large frames decorated with reeded, scrolled seats having delicate acanthus de...
Category
20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane, Rattan, Wood
Maitland Smith Bronze Marble Tooled Leather Equestrian Horse Table Lamp 24"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage figural horse bronze table lamp by Maitland Smith featuring a mare and foal in tableau on a charcoal black marble clad base. Includes hard and rectangular tooled / gilded lea...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Chateau Edgewater Inc Faux Bamboo & Alligator Domed Keepsake Trinket Vanity Box
Located in Dayton, OH
Chateau Edgewater Inc keepsake box. Features a domed exterior with faux alligator / bamboo form. Includes brass hardware with a silk line interior.
DIMENSIONS
19" x 11" x 11.25"h
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Faux Bamboo, Alligator
Early 20thC Indian Brass Planter
Located in Altrincham, GB
Early 20thC Indian Brass Planter on Solid Brass Scrolled Stand originally purchased on a Grand Tour - 19"w x 18"d x 32"h
Category
Early 1900s Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Robert Lighton British Khaki Teak Armoire Wardrobe Cabinet Silk Curtains 92"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Robert Lighton British Khaki X armoire / wardrobe / TV console / cabinet. Made of teak featuring dark ebonized finish with double jointed doors ...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique 1808 Thomas Rowlandson Pugin Doctors Commons Aquatint Engraving
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 1808 aquatint engraving titled "Doctor's Commons" drawn by Thomas Rowlandson, engraved by Auguste Charles Pugin, aquatint by Joseph Constantine Stadler. Published in London, ...
Category
Early 1800s Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Paper
Maitland Smith Carved Mahogany & Rattan Queen Anne Plant Stand Beverage Chiller
Located in Dayton, OH
A beautiful late 20th Century plant stand / planter by Maitland Smith. Made from mahogany with a rectangular form over swooping cabriole legs and scrolled feet. Features scallop carv...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Burberry Leather Plaid Case or Wallet
By Burberry
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Burberry cigarette case or wallet with flap closure.
Good condition vintage cigarette pack holder, great to use as a wallet or to store...
Category
Late 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather
Vintage British Colonial Plantation Ladder Back Rush Armchairs Pair
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Beautiful pair of British Colonial plantation armchairs with tall ladder back and natural woven Rush seating, Circa 1960's. Oak or Mohogany.
Except...
Category
1960s British Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Rush, Oak
Century Furniture Wedge Side Table
Located in Toronto, ON
Uniquely shaped and in almost showroom condition, this fantastic piece of solid wood furniture oozes with craftsmanship. Fabricated with a mix of woodworking techniques including a d...
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
Vintage Maitland Smith Harlequin Penshell Brass Footed Decorative Modern Box Urn
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th Century Maitland Smith Lidded Box / Urn. Features a beautiful Harlequin pattern Penshell exterior resting on a footed brass neoclassical style tasseled base. The lid opens ...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Tooled Leather Traditional Carved Campaign Style Office Writing Desk 62"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th Century campaign style desk. Features a rectangular form with brown tooled leather top and two drawers in the frieze. Each drawer has brass lion knocker pulls. The desk is ...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Vintage Maitland Smith Figural Bronze Monkey Desk Lamp With Pen Shell Shade 27"
Located in Dayton, OH
An impressive handmade figural bronze lamp by Maitland Smith. Features a monkey climbing a tree branch, holding an adjustable banker style pen shell shade. The bronze is mounted to a...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Anglo Indian British Colonial Style Sheesham Blanket Trunk Chest Coffee Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th century British Colonial style Sheesham wood blanket storage chest or coffee table. Features a beautiful two tone finish with iron hardware.
Dimensions:
16" x 24" x 16"h
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Maitland Smith Bronze Marble Tooled Leather Equestrian Horse Table Lamp 21"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th century figural horse bronze table lamp by Maitland Smith featuring a mare and foal in tableau on a charcoal black marble clad base. Includes hard and rectangular tooled / ...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Maitland Smith Brass Nautical Maritime Binnacle Ship Compass Gimbal Oil Lamp 14"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique English nautical / maritime ship / Yacht / lifeboat binnacle gimbal compass with rare double oil lamps. Copper and brass body with double oil ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
British Colonial Style Burnt Tortoise Bamboo and Grass Cloth Desk Set
Located in Southampton, NJ
Midcentury burnt tortoise bamboo and grass cloth desk with British Colonial design elements featuring two glove boxes, two drawers, elegant splay...
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Bamboo, Cane, Raffia, Rattan
Ralph Lauren Knockhill Tartan Plaid Luncheon Plates, Pair
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous pair of decorative luncheon or wall plates with a tartan plaid pattern
By Ralph Lauren, "Knockhill Tartan Plaid" pattern
USA, Early 21st Century
Measures: 9.25"W x 1"D ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
A 19th Century Brass Bound Mandalay Teak Campaign Dressing Box, Burma Circa 1860
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
These boxes were made for British military officers who were posted in Burma (now Myanmar) & India during the days of British rule.
The brass & copper bound teak case is profusely ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Burmese Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass, Copper, Iron
Maitland Smith Jockeys on Horse Bronze Equestrian Racing Statue 18"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Maitland Smith bronze two jockeys on horses equestrian racing statue featuring leather wrapped base.
Dimensions:
17.5" x 9.5" x 15" h
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Palecek French Regency Style Pedestal Dining Table
Located in Southampton, NJ
A fine Palecek French Regency style center or pedestal dining table of faux bamboo & braided rope styling accented with leather joinery in excellent vintage condition. Table dimensi...
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Glass, Wood
Set of Six Ralph Lauren Mahogany Rattan Barrel Dining Chairs
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare set of six barrel back form dining chairs or armchairs made in the British colonial style by Ralph Lauren Home. Known as Modern Sands collection chairs they feature a mahogany f...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wicker, Rattan, Mahogany
19th C English Copper Lantern Sconce by Foster & Pullen
Located in New York, NY
Rare English copper lantern sconce by noted maker, Foster & Pullen. The lantern has hinged top, and hinged panel door to allow access to the bulb from either the top or the front. ...
Category
19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Copper, Wrought Iron
Antique Sherwood & Wedge British Nautical Maritime Brass Onion Ship Oil Lanterns
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of two antique Sherwood & Wedge "onion" navigational lamps featuring a cylindrical brass base, pierced top and fluted chimney cap, rotating wire bail handle, and simple wire cag...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage 80s McGuire Antalya Directors Style Dining or Occasional Chairs Rawhide
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Classic 1980s directors style McGuire dining or occasional armchairs with lattice style rawhide seats and backs. These rattan framed chairs with backrest and seat woven in ra...
Category
1980s Philippine Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Hide, Rattan
Antique Indonesian Wood Lacquered Box
Located in Austin, TX
Antique hand-painted and lacquered wooden box with removable tray, from Indonesia. The interior compartments are amply sized. There are some small...
Category
Late 19th Century Indonesian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Faux Candle Floor Lamp Side Table
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Discover timeless elegance with this Antique Faux Candle Floor Lamp Side Table. Featuring two faux candle stick lamp heads and a colonial wooden base, this piece serves both as a flo...
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rustic Antique Indian Architectural M-o-p Inlaid Teak Window
Located in Forney, TX
A beautiful antique Indian architectural m-o-p inlaid carved teak window.
India, late 19th / early 20th century, primitive hand-crafted ...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Teak
19th C. Anglo Indian Regency Carved Mahogany & Padouk Sideboard / Credenza
Located in Charleston, SC
This Regal Anglo Indian Regency Carved Mahogany & Padouk Sideboard / Credenza was handmade in the Nineteenth Century. The British Colonial Sideboard is hand carved solid mahogany an...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Padouk
2 Antique 18th Century English Nicholson Girtin Engravings Woolwich Rippon 14"
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of framed 18th century hand colored landscape engravings. One portraying Rippon – Plate 37 Engraved by J. Walker from an Original Drawing by F. Nicholson / Published August 1st ...
Category
Late 18th Century Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Paper
British Colonial Carved and Cane Settee with Swan Neck Back and Scrolling Arms
Located in Yonkers, NY
A British Colonial carved wooden settee with swan neck back and out-scrolling arms, cane seat and turned legs. This British Colonial carved woo...
Category
Early 20th Century Southeast Asian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane, Wood
1850s Antique Framed Standard Bearer J. Gilbert Hand Colored Engraving Framed
Located in Dayton, OH
Framed mid 19th century hand colored engraving depicting a Cavalier / Musketeer holding s staff with flag. Titled "The Standard Bearer" by J. Gilbert "From the Exhibition of Old Wat...
Category
1850s Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Paper
Maitland Smith Heavy Bronze Lidded Mantel Urn Vase Ginger Jar 19"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage heavy bronze lidded ginger jar / urn / vase, produced by Maitland Smith. Designed and Hand Made in Thailand. 458 XP.
Dimensions:
11" x 18.5" (Diameter x Height)
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Michelle Erickson Ceramics ‘MUGXIT’Delftware Portrait Mug of Meagan and Harry
Located in Hampton, VA
"Working in historic Tidewater, Virginia, for more than thirty years, Erickson has intensively studied the technology and history behind the ceramics used by the American colonists in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Her efforts have rewarded her with a toolkit of technical skills representing three hundred years of potting traditions and a loyal following of ceramic collectors familiar with Anglo-American decorative arts. She is a proficient chemist, working in a wide range of earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain bodies and glazes, and has successfully applied these skills to her diverse contemporary work."
Excerpt from Michelle Erickson...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware, Pottery, Delft
Antique Carl Thieme German Dresden Footed Reticulated Baroque Compote 11"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Carl Thieme German Dresden centerpiece compote. Made of porcelain featuring high relief footed base and reticulated / pierced scalloped bowl with two colonial figures, a man...
Category
Early 20th Century German British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Hamilton & Co Colonial Indian Silver Half Pint Tankard Calcutta c1870
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : Hamilton & Co Indian silver half pint tankard
Date : Hallmarked in Calcutta c1870 for Hamilton & Co
Period : British Raj
Origin : Calcutta, India
Decoration : George IV sty...
Category
1870s Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Silver
Castilian Ornamental Porcelain & Brass Elephant Horn Drinking Hunt Vase 26"
Located in Dayton, OH
Ornamental hunt theme drinking horn / centerpiece trophy / cornucopia epergne / flower vase featuring a tapered pedestal base with brass capped feet and circus Elephant balancing a porcelain horn or tusk. Stamped on base, Item No. 4052-C4A. Castilian Imports...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage 1970's Lacquered Bamboo Cane Sideboard Cabinet
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A exceptional multipurpose cabinet, circa 1970s. Top has 4 large woven cane "caged" doors opening to 3 spacious shelfs for books, knick knacks etc. Bottom case has 4 large drawers do...
Category
Mid-20th Century Southeast Asian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Mahogany
Military Campaign Square Mahogany & Brass Butlers Tray on Folding Stand
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Military Campaign Square Mahogany & Brass Butlers Tray on Folding Stand.
Extra dimensions
Leaves up
Height 59cm
Width 54.5cm
Depth 54.5cm
Category
20th Century British British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Victorian Military Campaign Folding Faux Bamboo Embroidered Safari Canvas Chair
Located in High Wycombe, GB
A delicate slice of Victorian Military Campaign. A folding Chair of Faux Bamboo, with an Embroidered Canvas Seat Rear Finished With Brown Leather Sl...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Faux Bamboo Cane And Brass Handled Sideboard by American of Martinsville
Located in High Wycombe, GB
American of Martinsville Bergere and Faux Bamboo Sideboard With Cane sectional fronts and brass handles.
Founded in 1906, American of Martinsvil...
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Lillian August embossed leather top side table.
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a Lillian August Leather top side table. This round side table has four fluted legs with solid brass casters at the bottom. This tabl...
Category
2010s Unknown British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
Maitland Smith Bronze & Shell Mosaic Footed Ginger Jar Urn Table Lamp 30"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Maitland Smith table in the shape of a tall ginger jar / urn featuring a white shell mosaic in a scalloped feather or leaf vein pa...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of British Colonial Style Plantation Lounge Chairs with Ottomans
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous pair of Anglo-Indian plantation lounge chairs with matching ottomans made in the Grand British Colonial style. The chairs feature a gracefully carved teak frame with large s...
Category
20th Century Southeast Asian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane, Teak
Charles Edwards Custom French Lantern Pendant Fixture, Mahogany & Nickel, UK
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Charles Edwards Custom French Lantern Pendant fixture, Mahogany & Nickel, UK. This Charles Edwards Custom French lantern ceiling light fixture is finished with a scalloped polished n...
Category
Late 20th Century British British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bronze
2 Maitland Smith Shell Mosaic Stacked Ball Candlestick Buffet Table Lamps 36"
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of two Maitland Smith buffet / table lamps featuring round bronze bases and urn shaped finials with factory distressed patina / verdigris, w...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bronze
British Colonial furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique British Colonial furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Asia, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Maitland Smith, Baker Furniture Company, Bloomingdale's, and Ralph Lauren. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $80 and tops out at $88,000 while the average work can sell for $3,161.
British Colonial Interiors
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Chest With White Marble Top
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Cast Door Pull
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