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 Style Sideboard or Server
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Antique William IV style sideboard reminiscent of a West Indies British Colonial server or buffet crafted in indigenous mahogany with a gr...
Category
19th Century Antiguan Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Midcentury British Colonial Style Bamboo Bar Cart
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Midcentury bar cart or tea cart with a bamboo frame wrapped with reed.
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
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
Oil on Canvas The Smoke 0f Battle signed J.C.Ambrose
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Oil on Canvas The Smoke 0f Battle signed J.C.Ambrose
This is a Large Oil Painting on canvas, it is framed and has a brass plaque with the title of the painting
Painted in the 20th C...
Category
1960s Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Canvas
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
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
$3,950 / set
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
$925 Sale Price
60% Off
Silver Vase Oriental Manufacture of the Colonial Age, Early 1900
Located in Roma, IT
This silver vase is an original decorative object realized by oriental manufacture of the colonial age in the beginning of the 20th century.
This refined silver vase is entirely e...
Category
Early 20th Century Asian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
$1,968 Sale Price
25% Off
Framed 17th Century Map of Cumberland, England by John Speed, 1610
By John Speed
Located in Middleburg, VA
A fascinating and richly detailed antique map of Cumberland County in northwest England, drawn and published by the celebrated English cartographer John Spe...
Category
Early 17th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Copper, Gold Leaf
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
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
$9,895 Sale Price / set
46% Off
WWw11, Tiny Leather Attaché Case First Aid Medical Equipment
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
WW11, tiny leather attaché case first aid medical equipment
This is a superb piece and is in excellent condition almost unused, the case is mad...
Category
Early 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather
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
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
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
19th Century Anglo-Indian Trunk
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A superb-looking late 19th-century Anglo-Indian trunk with original ribbed iron fittings, brass-bound with decorative mounts, and carrying handles. Traditionally used as patio storag...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
1980s Vintage Chests From Century Furniture
Located in Hartville, OH
1 of 2 Monumental Chests of Drawers from Century Furniture. Distressed finish, beautiful hardware and cream stone tops. These are huge and have a strong European rustic feel. Italian...
Category
1980s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Stone
$2,300 Sale Price / item
20% Off
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
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
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
Lovely Pair of Bright Red Wool Rugs
Located in Godshill, 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 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
$760 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
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
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
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
$140 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Vintage British Colonial Style Zebra Safari Folding Stool or Seat
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Mid century British colonial style stool with a zebra hide seat fitted to three folding ebonized legs with brass feet. As seen in the last photo of the listing, a similar stool is al...
Category
Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Zebra Hide
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
Pair of Apple Green Unusual Velvet Pillows
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
These cushions were made by a famous Swiss workshop (whose name I don't remember), with a beautiful green velvet.
Size are cm. 40 x 40 (padding) with a 12 cm. band all around.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Velvet
Colonial 18th Century Vizagapatam Pen-Engraved Writing Desk with Silver Mounts
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A Vizagapatam pen-engraved veneered sandalwood portable writing desk with silver mounts
India, Coromandel coast, Visakhapatnam, circa 1875
...
Category
18th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Sandalwood, Bone
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
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
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.