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.
to
108
512
111
611
22
6
199,402
113,155
43,211
33,283
16,254
12,133
10,751
10,637
9,931
8,994
7,283
6,761
6,447
6,397
6,152
5,776
4,893
3,748
27
166
418
28
106
104
86
12
7
6
7
6
10
14
9
9
5
301
180
103
89
88
209
171
169
117
106
639
631
631
21
10
8
4
3
Style: British Colonial
Mid-Century Pair of Italian Metal Palm Tree Table Lamps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic pair of vintage Italian table lamps crafted in iron or metal in a modern stylized design with an aged metal finish.
Category
20th Century Italian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Metal
Drum Form Rattan and Leather Coffee Table
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style coffee table with a round top composed of a stitched leather abstract mosaic over a classic drum form crafted in reed wrapped rattan on three wrapped legs.
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Rattan
Mahogany Corner Cabinet/Étagère From the Early 20th Century With Openwork Sides
Located in Opole, PL
Mahogany Corner Cabinet/Étagère From the Early 20th Century With Openwork Sides
An original corner cabinet/étagère with openwork sides, richly decorated with woodcarving. A single-l...
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Retrato masculino en óleo sobre lienzo
Located in VALÈNCIA, ES
Retrato masculino Circa 1.890, en oleo sobre lienzo fijado en los laterales con tachas de la época. Firmado por V. Fuster.
Category
Late 19th Century Spanish Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Canvas
$903 Sale Price
60% Off
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
A Pair of Large Bronze Coloured Toleware Table Lamps
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Pair of Large Bronze Coloured Toleware Table Lamps
These Large Stunning Lamps have an Armorial Crest theme they have matching shades, both lamps and shades have a crackle glaze fi...
Category
1960s Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Tin
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...
Category
Early 1900s British Indian Ocean Territory Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
$3,160 Sale Price
20% Off
Tomlinson Ebony and Brass Coffee/Side Table
By Tomlinson
Located in East Freetown, MA
Vintage Tomlinson ebony coffee/side table with curved square top and brass accents. With stenciled label on underside.
Category
Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
John Somers Brazilian Pewter Serving Bowl with Lid/Extra Bowl
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Pewter Serving Dish with Lid – Elegant & Versatile
This exquisite pewter serving dish by renowned 20th-century Brazilian pewtersmith John Somers is both functional and c...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Pewter
Square Two-Tiered Coffee Table with Caning
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic Baker, two-tiered coffee or cocktail table with a sleek black lacquer frame, walnut top, and a caned lower plateau that adds a British Colonial influence.
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
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
American Country 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
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
$6,350 / set
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
Late 20th Century John Somers Pewter Pitcher With Lid
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Brazilian Pewter Water Pitcher with Lid
'Pewter Flagon with Cover in the Portuguese Style'
This beautifully crafted John Somers Brazi...
Category
1880s Brazilian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Pewter
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
$4,950
American Country Black Tole Coal Scuttle
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style (19th Century) black tole coal scuttle with painted roses and side handles.
Category
19th Century American Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Paint
Vintage French Bouillotte Brass Lamp Tole Shade w Fringes
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage French Boullioun style brass lamp with black tile shade with fringes.
Category
1960s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
$600 Sale Price
20% Off
Rare Folky Watercolor Drawings on Paper by L.J. Harboe, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Here are four rare and historically important watercolor drawings on paper of St. Croix. Painted in a topographical style by L.J.Harboe, effectively transporting us to a time and pla...
Category
19th Century American Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Paint
American Country Style 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
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
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
Vintage Coastal Braided Rattan Safari Highboy Chest of Drawers
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage coastal safari style braided rattan highboy chest of 4 drawers.
Category
1970s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Rattan
Impressive Collection of 82 Antique English Bridle Rosettes
Located in Bridgeport, CT
These English equestrian bridle mounts and pins range in various subjects and motifs including dogs, equestrian, floral arrangements, nautical and monarchy. Note: Four are solid bras...
Category
Early 20th Century British British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Vintage Set of Six Moth Watercolors
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty set of six watercolors on paper depicting the surprising diverse beauty of moth species. Presented in wood frames, matted and under glass.
Category
Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Paint, Wood, Paper
$3,900 / set
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
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
19th Century Tobagonian Specimen Wood Tripod Table Made for 1885 Exhibit
Located in Charleston, SC
An intriguing cedrela and rosewood tripod pedestal table from Tobago, circa 1885, featuring a specimen top with labeled exotic woods. The handwritten labels underneath catalog each o...
Category
19th Century Trinidadian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Cedar, Satinwood, Rosewood
Early 20th Century Hand Carved Antique Wooden Oak Chair
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Art Nouveau Spiral Spindle Antique Chair.
Made from walnut, American-made from the 1930's. Hand-carved.
Purchased at an antique store in New Orleans.
Category
1930s British Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Oak
19th Century British Colonial Wood Counter Game
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Curious mechanical lottery apperatice that has a hardwood spinning canister with pine cap and spout, supported by two turned mahogany posts on a round wood base with ball feet. The p...
Category
19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
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
19th C Jamaican Mahogany Round Specimen Table, attributed to Ralph Turnbull
Located in Charleston, SC
This table is attributed to Ralph Turnbull, who was a famous Jamaican cabinet maker in the 19th century. Constructed of mahogany with palmwood and satin...
Category
19th Century Jamaican Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Palmwood, Satinwood
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
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
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Side or Office Chairs with Upholstered Seat
Located in Nantucket, MA
Pair of Mid-Century Modern solid rosewood side or office chairs with a slightly curved back for lumbar support. Slightly tapered leg. The seat can be easily removed if you wanted to ...
Category
Mid-20th Century British British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Late 20th Century John Somers Pewter Chalice With Greek Lettering
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Brazilian Pewter Chalice with Greek Lettering
Dimensions: 6 inches tall, 5.75 inches wide
Material: Premium Brazilian pewter, known for its durability and timeless beaut...
Category
1980s Brazilian Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Pewter
Vintage Unique Folk Art Made Metal and Cold-Painted Colonial Canon Model
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This Folk Art constructed model canon was made in Canada by a retired millwright in 1984 in the British Colonial style. This model canon loosely resembles...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
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
20th Century English Colonial-Style Desk
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
English colonial-style desk. With its elegant lines and light structure, the recessed top is framed by two small side modules with drawers, creating a symmetrical composition. At the...
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
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
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: 057835A, 057835B, 057835C, 057835D, 057...
Category
20th Century British British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mid 20th Century ERIICoronation Jug
Located in Raleigh, US
Johnson Bros Coronation Jug – ERII, Elizabeth II 1953
Celebrate a historic moment with this vintage Johnson Bros "Greydawn" Coronation Jug, created to commemorate the coronation of Q...
Category
Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Glass Beaded Parrot Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Glass beaded parrot sculpture ambitiously crafted with glass beads and perched on a custom wood, brass, and Lucite stand.
Category
20th Century South African British Colonial Furniture
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
$4,847 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Faux Tortoise Bamboo Stands with Magazine Racks
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British Colonial style end tables or stands with a faux tortoise finish over a turned wood faux bamboo frame. Featuring tooled brown leather panels, distinctive brass hardware, magaz...
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Faux Bamboo
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]](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/archivesE/upload/1121189/f_85148731505466845290/8514873_master.jpg?width=240 "HAND-CARVED Wooden 1920's CHANDELIERS [PAIR]")
$2,288 Sale Price / set
45% Off
19th Century Anglo Indian Ebony Occasional Table
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
A smart early C19th Ceylonese Ebony occasional table, the specimen inlaid hexagonal top centred by a swirl of exotic woods including Palm, Satinwood, Coromandel and Palisander. With ...
Category
1930s Sri Lankan Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Ebony, Sandalwood, Satinwood, Palmwood
Antique Royal Standard of the United Kingdom in Giltwood Frame and Under Glass
Located in Morristown, NJ
An antique Royal Standard of the United Kingdom, possibly by Benjamin Edgington, London. The fabric is in a giltwood frame under glass. Each of the four quadrants on the flag represe...
Category
1830s English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Glass, Wood
Jockey Scales from Market Rasen Racecourse
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Avery brass height and weight standing jockey scales from Market Rasen Racecourse
This is a very rare set of 19th century Jockey scales, it was made by W & T Avery Birmingham...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
$159 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Late 20th Century Square Pewter Lidded Box with Christian motif
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers – World-Renowned Manufacturer of Fine Pewter
Special Offering: Ornamental Square Box
Crafted by the esteemed pewter artisan John Somers, celebrated globally for exceptio...
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Pewter
Late 20th Century John Somers Brazilian Pewter Curving Serving Dish
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Brazilian Pewter Swirling, Curving Serving Dish
'Tigela de Gominhos'
The John Somers Brazilian Pewter Swirling, Curving Serving Dish is a stunning example of fine craftsm...
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Pewter
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.