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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
British Colonial Solid Teak Plantation Shutters with Panel Work Dovetailed
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
British Colonial solid teak plantation shutters uncompromisingly made. 1.25" thick teak from old grown timber. Varnished. Customize and introduce y...
Category

Early 1900s British Indian Ocean Territory Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Teak

Large Carved Arab Sculpture with Coffee and Pipe, Vienna, circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A masterly carved wooden statue of an Arab drinking coffee and smoking his pipe. An antique shop window decoration from a coffee shop or a tobacco ...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Asian Pipe Silver Metal
Located in Marseille, FR
Pipe from Indochina in silver and early 20th century bone with a small ceramic pot Moustier with an inscription that will leave no doubt about the destination of this utensil.
Category

Early 20th Century Vietnamese British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Britannia Standard Silver

HAND-CARVED Wooden 1920's CHANDELIERS [PAIR]
Located in Hawthorne, CA
A pair of wooden hand-carved chandeliers for an eclectic decor. These pieces are perfect for an island or coastal setting. Of the 19th C. wired to modern standards, origin England 19...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

HAND-CARVED Wooden 1920's CHANDELIERS [PAIR]
HAND-CARVED Wooden 1920's CHANDELIERS [PAIR]
$2,288 Sale Price / set
45% Off
Antique English Two Piece Walnut Buffet Storage Cabinet or Book Shelf
Located in Seattle, WA
Antique English Two Piece Walnut Buffet Storage Cabinet or Book Shelf.
Category

1820s Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Antique Chinese Oval Accent Rug with Pictorial Phoenix Design
Located in Dallas, TX
71754, antique Chinese oval accent rug with Pictorial Phoenix design. This hand knotted wool antique Chinese oval rug features a pictorial oval medallio...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

19th Century British Colonial Ceylonese Satinwood and Ebony Cabinet
Located in San Marino, CA
Early 19th century British Colonial cabinet of wide-paneled and figured solid satinwood with solid ebony trim. Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is one of the few places in the wo...
Category

19th Century Sri Lankan Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Ebony, Satinwood

Lovely Painted Wicker Peacock Chair
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A very pretty and excellent quality wicker peacock chair, very intricate work and in excellent overall condition. 44" high 28.5" wide 28" overall depth 18" seat height You are welc...
Category

20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wicker

Antique Rustic Anglo-Indian Candleholder
Located in Sheffield, MA
The large sculptural antique rustic Anglo-Indian candleholder made from architectural element. Carved hardwood with an indented metal disk and spike or pricket for candles with extra...
Category

Late 19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Lee Radziwill Inspired Block Print Down Flower Motif Pillow in Pink, India
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Bring a taste of the orient to any space with one of our custom-created Indian block print pillows. Each pillow is made of soft cotton and h...
Category

2010s Indian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Down

English Country Scene of Musicians
Located in Queens, NY
Walnut framed photograph of 19th Century genre scene of men drinking and playing musical instruments. (Companion Pieces: 052554B-E)
Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Walnut

American Country Style Copper Cauldron
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style (19th Century) copper cauldron with iron handle
Category

19th Century American Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Iron

Italian antique colonial bamboo wood and damask fabric chair, 1910s
Located in MIlano, IT
Colonial chair with wooden structure with round section slats and bamboo covering, padded seat and backrest covered in their original damask fabric. 1910 ca. Good general condition. ...
Category

1910s Italian Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo, Wood

Oceanic Pendant, White, Large, Davey Lighting & Original BTC, United Kingdom.
By Peter Bowles (Original BTC), Davey & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Oceanic Pendant, White, Large, Davey Lighting & Original BTC, United Kingdom. Large Oceanic Pendant A contemporary twist on an original design from the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Vintage Bamboo Chinese Style Demi-Lune Center Table with Open Fretwork Design
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Introduce an element of refined elegance to your space with this Vintage Bamboo Chinese style demi-lune low profile center table. The table features a distinctive open fretwork design...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

19th C Jamaican Minature Spice Cabinet, attributed to Ralph Turnbull
Located in Charleston, SC
This Caribbean miniature demipress/spice cabinet was made in Jamaica in the 1830's and is attributed to Ralph Turnbull. This British Colonial piece is c...
Category

19th Century Caribbean Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Coconut, Mahogany, Rosewood, Satinwood

American Country Copper Cauldron
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style (19th Century) copper cauldron with wrought iron handle.
Category

19th Century American Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Iron

Large 18th Century Colonial Walnut Chest with Brass Fittings
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
This impressive 18th-century walnut colonial coffer, also known as a blanket chest, features exceptional brass hardware and is constructed from solid pieces of walnut. The chest is d...
Category

Late 18th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Three Antique Hand Colored Engravings of Birds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Three 18th century hand colored engravings of parrot specimens as depicted by Peter Brown, an artist and naturalist, working in London England. Originally published in 1776 in a foli...
Category

18th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Paper

English Brown Leather Valise
Located in Queens, NY
English brown leather valise
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather

English Brown Leather Valise
Located in Queens, NY
English brown leather valise
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather

Wicker Armchairs from the FS Flores Collection, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of mid century inspired armchairs crafted in wicker or reed ambitiously woven over a sturdy metal frame. One of many new designs from the FS Flores Collection...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Reed

English Antique Axminister Rug, 1870 Handmade Carpet Runner Wool Hallway Runner
Located in Wembley, GB
This high-quality rare English Axminister rug Features asymmetrical repeat pattern, woven in beige pink and cream. Revealing meandering scrolls and floral motifs. This beautiful Ant...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Organic Material

Faux Bamboo Cane Magazine Rack Stand Side Table Bohemian British Colonial Style
Located in Miami, FL
British Colonial Style Boho Chic Side Table featuring Faux Bamboo frames with a Faux Tortoise Finish, handwoven Cane panels. Chinese Chippendale sides and bases with magazine racks. ...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Wood, Faux Bamboo

*Two British Colonial Style Zebra Print Pillows, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Enticing pillows crafted in cowhide with printed zebra stripes each with its own form and organic patterns. Priced Individually. From left to right: H: 13 ...
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Cowhide

Large Mid 20th Century Teak Ships Wheel A wonderful decorative piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Mid 20th Century Teak Ships Wheel A wonderful decorative piece, heavy and made in solid teak with Turned spindles radiating out from the centra...
Category

1960s Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Teak

English Country-Style Pine Wood Kneehole Desk
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...
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

American Country Brass and Iron Ladle
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style (19th Century) brass ladle with wrought iron handle
Category

19th Century American Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

English Country Brick House Acrylic Painting
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style (20th Cent) acrylic on board painting, depicting a brick house, within faux wood and decorated frame. (7 Similar pieces: 057835A, 057835C, 057835D, 057835E, 057...
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Canvas Flamingo Throw Pillows, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British Colonial style pair of canvas throw pillows with flamingos over antique style maps of the Caribbean. Priced Individually
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Linen

English Golf Display Case Wall Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
English display case wall plaque with golf driver and iron heads and trophy in oak frame.
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Iron

Majolica Boot Umbrella or Cane Stand
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical midcentury Majolica or glazed terra cotta umbrella or cane Stand in the form of Italian military boots complete with tassels and spurs.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

English Country Brick House Acrylic Painting
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style (20th Cent) acrylic on board painting, depicting a brick house, within faux wood and decorated frame. (7 Similar pieces: 057835A, 057835B, 057835C, 057835D, 057...
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique English Country Lady and Bicycle Photograph
Located in Queens, NY
Walnut framed photograph of 19th Century scene of lady kneeling next to bicycle (Companion Pieces: 052554B-E)
Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Glass

Bahamian Street Scene Watercolor Painting by Hartwell Leon Woodcock
By Hartwell L. Woodcock
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Watercolor painting of a Bahamian street scene possibly in Nassau. Complete with a woman carrying a bundle, a man in a cart, palm trees, house, gates and warm peaceful ambiance. Sign...
Category

20th Century North American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Paint, Paper

English Country Brick House Acrylic Painting
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style (20th Cent) acrylic on board painting, depicting a brick house, within faux wood and decorated frame. (7 Similar pieces: 057835A, 057835B, 057835D, 057835E, 057...
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

Tropical Watercolor on Paper of a Jamaican Scene
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Watercolor painting on paper of a tropical scene with houses, palm trees, and figures executed in a lush pallet. Signed by American artist Margaret Morrish in 1956 at Port Antonio Ja...
Category

Mid-20th Century Jamaican British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Paper

Complete Set of Pink Cloth Napkins and Faux Bamboo Brass Place Setting Set of 4
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Make hosting and entertaining easy, with a vintage British Colonial style place setting. Over a year in the making, we’ve sourced hundreds of table settings from all over the globe and paired our favorites in a set. (See our other listings for more beauties in an array of different colors, styles and place settings from 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 16.) This set features a faux bamboo brass charger from India. It does have a slight patina to it, which makes it look even more storied. We’ve had these custom cloth napkins created just for this set. We’ve brought over this fabulous pink block print fabric from India and created 4 16” x 16” cloth dinner napkins...
Category

20th Century Indian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

A Pair of Vintage Rattan Club Chairs
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully crafted pair of vintage rattan armchairs features a rich, dark finish and an airy open-weave lattice design. The arched back and gently sloped arms offer a comfortab...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Rattan

Wicker Armchairs from the FS Flores Collection, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British Colonial armchairs crafted with a sturdy metal frame ambitiously wrapped in reed with comfort and classic form set on turned wood feet. Exclusively designed and offered by F.S. Henemader Antiques from the FS Flores collection...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wicker

English Country Carved Royal Peacock Wall Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
English Country (20th Century) style stripped and carved Royal Peacock wall plaque/sign
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique English Gaming Wheel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Transporting antique English gaming wheel crafted in pine darkened by aged shellac with leather stopper and decoupaged numbers 1 through 30 and se...
Category

19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Pine

English Country Style Framed Flag Embroidery
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style (19/20th Century) maple framed "woolie" embroidery with flags and floral trim with crown top.
Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

English Country Brick House Acrylic Painting
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style (20th Cent) acrylic on board painting, depicting a brick house, within faux wood and decorated frame. (7 Similar pieces: 057835A, 057835B, 057835C, 057835D, 057...
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

English Country Man and Bicycle Portrait
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style walnut framed photograph portrait of 19th Century man standing next to bicycle
Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Walnut

English Country Brick House Acrylic Painting
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style (20th Cent) acrylic on board painting, depicting a brick house, within faux wood and decorated frame. (7 Similar pieces: 057835A, 057835B, 057835C, 057835D, 057...
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

English Country Brick House Acrylic Painting
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style (20th Cent) acrylic on board painting, depicting a brick house, within faux wood and decorated frame. (7 Similar pieces: 057835A, 057835B, 057835C, 057835D, 057...
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

English Country Brick House Acrylic Painting
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style (20th Cent) acrylic on board painting, depicting a brick house, within faux wood and decorated frame. (7 Similar pieces: 057835B, 057835C, 057835D, 057835E, 057...
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage Regency Caricatures of English Generals - Set of 6
Located in west palm beach, FL
Bring a dash of wit and historical flair to your interiors with this charming set of six Vintage Regency Caricatures of English Generals. Each print features a whimsically exaggerate...
Category

Early 20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Late 20th Century John Somers Glass Pitcher With Pewter Handle
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Brazilian Pewter ‘Jarra de Cristal’ Pitcher Dimensions: 7 inches tall Material: Crystal-clear glass body for a sleek and timeless look Sturdy Brazilian pewter handle and...
Category

Late 20th Century Brazilian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Pewter

Large Blue Wildebeest Antelope Carpet / Rug from Kenya, British Colonial Era
Located in New York, NY
A noble and elegant African blue wildebeest rug or carpet from the British Colonial era in Kenya. Blue Wildebeest are known beautiful and subtle color r...
Category

Mid-20th Century Kenyan British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Felt, Animal Skin

Zebra Hide Desk Set
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and remarkable vintage campaign zebra desk set with a blotter, a notepad, and a pen holder. Possible Hermes. Blotter H: 12 W: 23 D: .5 Notepad H: 5.5 W: 8 D: 1 Penholde...
Category

20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Zebra Hide

Limited Edition Cast Elephant by Louis Paul Jonas
By Louis Paul Jonas
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Limited edition cast elephant that captures the essence of these noble animals. This composition edition is presented on a classical wood base signed Louis Paul Jonas...
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Composition

Anglo Indian British Colonial Style Brass Elephant Head on Stand
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout Anglo Indian cast brass elephant head sculpture presented on a turned brass stand. Hand polished and lacquered for easy care.
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Fanciful Paintings on Canvas of Monkeys
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical acrylic paintings on canvas, one depicting a monkey peeling a banana and the other of a monkey holding an ice cream soda and both are wearing Asian Style hats and lounging on leopard print...
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Acrylic

Traditional Turkish Oushak Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from a vintage Turkish Oushak rug. 19'' x 20''
Category

20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Foam

Traditional Turkish Oushak Pillow
Traditional Turkish Oushak Pillow
$159 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of White Terracotta Lions
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical pair of Italian midcentury terracotta male and female lions with a white glaze and painted details. Although hardly ferocious these seated big c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Feminine Persian Antique Kerman Brown Pink Rose Accent Room Size Rug
Located in New York, NY
A highly decorative floral Persian rug with a formal presence. Caramel ground with hints of soft blues, raspberries, cinnamon and pinks, circa 19...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Rug Collection Turkish Sivas Throw Rug
Located in New York, NY
A finer quality early 20th century Turkish Sivas rug. 3' x 4'9''
Category

Early 20th Century Turkish British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

Tole Military Hat Trade Sign on Lucite
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Trade sign depicting an 18th century British officer's hat with a weathered finish and presented on a custom Lucite stand.
Category

20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Tôle

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.

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