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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
19th Century Royal Navy Oak Fire Bucket, with Plymouth Armorial Crest
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th Century Royal Navy Oak Fire Bucket, with Plymouth Armorial Crest This is a superb looking piece made in Oak and decorated with the Plymouth Armorial Crest, it was used as a wa...
Category

1870s Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Oak

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

Pair of Horn Veneer Table Lamps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Dashing pair of midcentury table lamps featuring Horn veneer mosaic bodies and finished with Classic nickel plated metal tops and feet.
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Vintage Impressionist Oil Painting of a Harbor Scene
Located in Palm Beach, FL
In the tradition of 1930s impressionist, here is a painting by H. A. Burnham of a harbor scene, displaying confident brushstrokes and a striking tropical palette. This oil painting c...
Category

20th Century Caribbean British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Paint

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

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

*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

A Pair of Large Bronze Coloured Toleware Table Lamps
Located in Chillerton, 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

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

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

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

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

Bronze Finish Spelter Bust William Ewart Gladstone FRS FSS
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Bronze Finish Spelter Bust William Ewart Gladstone FRS FSS William Ewart Gladstone FRS FSS was of the PrimeMinister of United Kingdom for 12 years, this is very attractive bust, it ...
Category

1960s Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Spelter

Victoria Reimagined , 21st Century Blend of Vintage Charm and Modern Elegance
Located in ISTANBUL, TR
The Victoria Lamp is a timeless masterpiece that merges the elegance of the past with a modern twist. Inspired by the grandeur of the Victorian era, this lamp captivates with its und...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Gold Plate, Copper

Pair of English 19th-20th Century Gilt-Bronze Brig - Tall Ship Marine Lanterns
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Pair of English 19th-20th Century Gilt-Bronze 'Brig - Tall-Ship' Marine Lanterns with Putti Corner Caryatids. The single-light tapered square cast-bronze body surmounted with alleg...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Late 20th Century Square Pewter Lidded Box with Christian motif
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

19th century English Colonial Walnut Tray Table, 1890s
Located in LEGNY, FR
This side table features a beautiful walnut top with handles and folding base, dating from the early 20th century in the English colonial style. It is in good condition. The walnut ...
Category

1890s English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

Checkerboard Chest of Drawers Cowhide Antique Country House Black and White
Located in London, GB
A remarkable and stunning chest of drawers in wonderful condition. This outstanding and versatile piece marries wow-factor with antique craftsmanship and will enhance any interior wi...
Category

Late 19th Century Indonesian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Cowhide, Leather, Teak

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

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

Vintage Boho Gilt Tipped Monkey Lamps - a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
Illuminate your space with whimsical charm using this pair of Vintage Boho gilt-tipped monkey lamps. With their playful design and luxurious gold accents, these lamps blend quirky el...
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Metal

Late 20th Century John Somers Brazilian Pewter Curving Serving Dish
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

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

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

Late 20th Century John Somers Pewter Round Flower Bowl
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Brazilian Pewter ‘Floreira’ Flower Bowl Dimensions: 5 x 5 inches (round) Material: High-quality Brazilian pewter Features: Footed base for stability and elegance Sophist...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Brazilian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Pewter

E 11 R Gold Monogrammed on Teak, from a Royal Vessel This interesting piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
E 11 R Gold Monogrammed on Teak, from a Royal Vessel This interesting piece probably came from one of the Tenders for a Royal Craft, it is 3 dimensional and it is carved, about 70 ...
Category

1950s Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Teak

Late 20th Century John Somers Pewter Chalice With Greek Lettering
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

Late 20th Century John Somers Pewter Pitcher With Lid
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

Ficks & Reed Mid-Century Bamboo and Cane Coffee Table
Located in Bellport, NY
A Ficks & Reed bamboo and cane coffee table. We also have two matching side tables and a pair of high back armchairs all the same match and pe...
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Cane

Rare 18th Century English Clock
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare 18th century English clock Marquetry Weight: 9.20 kg England Sizes: H 62cm L 31cm very good condition.
Category

18th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Original Framed Jacobs Cream Crackers Card Poster, from Dublin
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Original framed Jacobs cream crackers card poster, from Dublin This is delightful original advertising sign, showing a happy young lady in period dress on the telephone telling us , “yes please Cream Crackers and they must be Jacobs” The sign is color printed on card, it is in good condition and set in its own original frame, it has W&R Jacobs...
Category

1930s Vintage British Colonial Furniture

The Stick has CANFORD SCHOOL O.T.C. Crest on the Round Head
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
CANFORD SCHOOL O.T.C. swagger stick. The stick has CANFORD SCHOOL O.T.C. crest on the round head The metal top appears to be a white metal overprinted to look like brass The sti...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Cane

Antique English Country Lady with Umbrella Photograph
Located in Queens, NY
Walnut framed photograph of 19th Century lady with umbrella on path (Companion Pieces: 052554B-E)
Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Glass

Racing Bicyclist Photograph
Located in Queens, NY
Walnut framed photograph of 19th Century racing bicyclist.
Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Colonial Made Occasional Table, circa 1820
Located in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
An Indian Colonial occasional table in padouk wood on a carved stem and with three claw feet.
Category

Early 19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Padouk

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, 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, 057835D, 057835E, 057...
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Semi-Antique Anatolian Distressed Turkish Rug 3'6" x 5'6"
Located in Atlanta, GA
Turkish, early 20th century. A soft wool pile rug with vibrant hues of red, brown and tan. This carpet has a unique design and perfect for designer use!
Category

Early 20th Century Turkish British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather

Very Rare West Riding Constabulary Cast Iron Wall Plaque
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Very rare west riding constabulary cast iron wall plaque This branch of the British police force was established in 1825, Yorkshire was divided into ...
Category

1890s Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Iron

Antique Watercolour Painting by Frank Dadd
Located in London, GB
A wonderful antique watercolour painting by Frank Dadd, signed and dated 1914. Frank Dadd was a well known and highly skilled artist, know...
Category

1910s British Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Ten Dining Chairs
Located in London, England
Set of 8 + 2 oak ladder back dining chairs with hide upholstered seats. Circa 1960. H 107/102cm (SH 45cm) x W 59/47cm x D 58/51cm (Armrest/no ar...
Category

1960s British Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather, Oak

E. Löffler, "The Oronte's Ideal Company", Framed Original Manifesto, circa 1900
Located in Firenze, IT
E. Löffler, "The Oronte's Ideal Company", Original manifesto, framed, circa 1900 Lithograph, without printer's name. Measures: Cm 70x49. It was a brilliant company of equili...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Lovely Pair of Bright Red Wool Rugs
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A lovely pair of bright red wool rugs The carpets haves a wonderful bright colour with an attractive pattern and a wide border, they are both 1n good a...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

Traditional Shield Swimming Trophy
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Traditional Shield Swimming Trophy The is a traditional golden oak shield has a large silver plated mount, in the centre “CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SWIMMING FATHER HUDSON’S SHIELD BOYS” ...
Category

1930s Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Oak

Large Hammered Copper and Steel English Bucket
Located in Bellport, NY
Hammered copper English bucket with steel handle, good for logs, magazines or plants. The shape narrows nicely at the base.
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Steel, Copper

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

Hand Carved with Bone Marquetry Chest with Brass Onlay
Located in New York City, NY
The Splendor Chest showcases the mastery of traditional bone inlay, featuring hand-carved camel bone flowers arranged in a precise diamond grid across its surface. Each flower is met...
Category

2010s British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

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.
Category

Late 20th Century Thai British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Teak

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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