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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 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

Pair of 19th Century Decorative Elephants
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of large 19th Century Anglo-Indian, very important, wooden elephants with Kashmir work. With the quality and scale of these magnificent items, they were quite possibly made for ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

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

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

Mahogany console desk, English, 19th century
Located in Nice, FR
This desk is solid mahogany, it dates from the 19th century, English origin. It is in good condition. Two drawers on the front with original entry. It can be used as a console or ser...
Category

1880s English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bentwood

Pair of Faux Alligator Vases
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of tall vases ingeniously crafted in cast composition depicting alligator hide with brass like highlights.
Category

20th Century North American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Faux Leather

Man of the Sandwich Islands, with His Helmet J. Webber del. J.K. Sherwin Sc.
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An English 18 century engraving titled "Man of the Sandwich Islands, with his helmet " signed .J. Webber del. J.K. Sherwin sc. The subject was sk...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Paper

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

British Colonial Decorative Carved Wood Column on Custom Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A single 19th century British Colonial carved wood column with custom stand. This antique hand carved wooden architectural element from India, whic...
Category

19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Iron

Andrianna Shamaris Raffles Teak Wood Console Table
Located in New York, NY
Rare. This beautiful teak wood colonial console has a single slab 2.5” beveled top. The antique raffles console table is part of the antique collection, which represents an elegant line of antique teak...
Category

1810s Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

The Stick has CANFORD SCHOOL O.T.C. Crest on the Round Head
Located in Godshill, 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

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

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

Console Carved, England Mahogany, XIXth
Located in Nice, FR
Console carved in English mahogany, XIX th, carved base, with two drawers in front.
Category

19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

John Somers elegant 6 inch pewter pitcher
Located in Raleigh, US
Elegant Mid-20th Century Pewter Pitcher by John Somers – Brazil This beautifully crafted 6-inch pitcher is a distinguished piece by John Somers, a well-known Brazilian pewter manuf...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Pewter

19th Century English Cupboard
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century English Cupboard boasts a stately yet rustic presence, ideal for the casual decor. The shallow design coupled with the mitered front corners makes it exceptionally traffic-friendly for efficient floor plans. Designed to hold just-washed pots...
Category

1880s English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century English Cupboard
19th Century English Cupboard
$1,984 Sale Price
20% Off
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

Antique Persian Bakhtiari Cypress Tree Runner with British Colonial Style
Located in Dallas, TX
53253, antique Persian Bakhtiari Cypress Tree Runner with British Colonial style. With a subdued appearance and cypress tree design in neutral hues, this hand knotted wool antique Pe...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

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

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

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 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

19th Century Royal Navy Oak Fire Bucket, with Plymouth Armorial Crest
Located in Godshill, 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

Bronze Finish Spelter Bust William Ewart Gladstone FRS FSS
Located in Godshill, 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

E 11 R Gold Monogrammed on Teak, from a Royal Vessel This interesting piece
Located in Godshill, 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

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

Traditional Shield Swimming Trophy
Located in Godshill, 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

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

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

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

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: 057835B, 057835C, 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

19th Century Indian Tabletop Vanity Mirror
Located in Topanga, CA
A charming teak tabletop vanity mirror with scrolled side supports, original arched top mirror frame and a drawer at the bottom. The mirror surface reveals the passage of time with a...
Category

19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

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

20 Th Century 3 Light Bouillotte Lamp Style Silvered
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very popular design of Bouillotte lamp made of brass and finished in Hi-polished silver plate. Has 3 candelabra sockets. All new wiring and sockets. Ht of 22" and the base is 7 1/2...
Category

1990s North American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Very Rare West Riding Constabulary Cast Iron Wall Plaque
Located in Godshill, 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

Teak Bookcase from an Indian Palace
Located in Topanga, CA
A gorgeous teak bookcase from a palace collection, with solid construction and shelving. This bookcase is enhanced with glazed door panels and a beautifully carved crown top. It is in excellent condition and has an available matching bookshelf...
Category

19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Teak

Original Walnut Wing Chair, circa 1900
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Original walnut wing chair, circa 1900. Armchair reupholstered and refinished a short time ago, small stains on the fabric.
Category

Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Large British Colonial 19th Century Ebony Sri Lankan Ceylonese Wall Bracket
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A Sri Lankan ebony wall bracket by Don Andris Cabinet Makers, Colombo Colombo, first half 19th century, stamped Don Andris, Cabinet Makers Colombo on shelf The shelf suspended by three foliate motif carved rests and one plain rests to the wall. Measures: H. 50.5 x W. 43 x D. 15.5 cm Note: According to J.W. Bennett in 1843 (in: Furniture from British India...
Category

Early 18th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Ebony

Vintage Boho Hand Painted Ceramic Military Figure
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bring a touch of refined whimsy and historical charm to your decor with this hand-painted vintage ceramic military figure. Dressed in an 18th-century style tricorne hat and regal blue and pink coat, this figurine holds a spyglass, poised as if surveying a distant horizon. The bold colors, expressive face, and classic detailing make it a delightful accent for bookcases, desktops, or curio cabinets—perfect for lovers of antique militaria...
Category

Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

Teak Bookcase from an Indian Palace
Located in Topanga, CA
A gorgeous teak bookcase from a palace collection, with solid construction and shelving. This bookcase is enhanced with glazed door panels and a beautifully carved crown top. It is in excellent condition and has an available matching bookshelf...
Category

19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

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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