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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Late 20th Century John Somers Glass Pitcher With Pewter Handle
By John Somers
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
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
Dressed Navy Sculpture, Floor Lamp A Fibreglass mannequin in 19th Century dress
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Dressed Navy Sculpture, Floor Lamp
A Fibreglass mannequin in 19th Century dressed uniform, set on a pipework frame and topped with a hanging brass light, the mannequin is dated 1805...
Category
1960s Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Fiberglass
Victoria Reimagined , 21st Century Blend of Vintage Charm and Modern Elegance
By Yugu Atelier
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
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
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
$3,759 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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 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
$1,996 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Man of the Sandwich Islands, with His Helmet J. Webber del. J.K. Sherwin Sc.
By John Webber
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
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Bamboo and rattan folding screen, 1950s
Located in Vicenza, IT
Four-panel decorative screen made of bamboo and rattan, datable to around 1950s. The distinctive element is the ornamental design achieved by weaving and spiraling curvatures of ratt...
Category
1950s Unknown Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
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
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
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
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: 057835B, 057835C, 057835D, 057835E, 057...
Category
20th Century British British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.