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 British Colonial Style Faux Luggage Leather Top Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive British Colonial style desk crafted in mahogany in a three piece construction with a tooled leather top featuring burnished brass hardware, leather strap pulls on the thre...
Category
20th Century Vietnamese British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Four Burnt Bamboo Tortoise Folding Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Very good set of four British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo Tortoise folding chairs. Well constructed and sturdy. An additional set of four is also available for purchase.
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
$1,250 / set
Pair of Large Wicker Armchairs; The Collection of Andre Leon Talley
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair of Large Wicker Armchairs w/ fitted upholstered seat cushion. Seat cushion is removable. From Andre Leon Talley's Collection.
A striking pair of large wicker armchairs, meticul...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wicker, Rattan
19th Century English Campaign Marine Chest of Drawers in Mahogany
Located in NICE, FR
This stunning mahogany chest of drawers model was originally used by the British navy. It features charming typical campaign handles as well two carrying handles on both its sides.
...
Category
19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Metal
Antique English Copper Flagon Jug Vessel Pitcher Hallmark #2 C. 1900
Located in Tyler, TX
Beautiful Antique English Copper FLAGON, Pitcher, Vessel or Jug #2~~c. 1900
Excellent heavy copper flagon with hallmark
15" tall to top of handle
...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Copper
West Indies Carved and Caned Daybed or Chaise Lounge
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial daybed, most likely Barbadian crafted in mahogany with a graceful form, floral carvings, handmade construction, caned seat, back and side, and turned legs with brass...
Category
19th Century Bajan Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Baker Furniture Hollywood Regency Bamboo Rattan and Cane Lounge Chair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Hollywood Regency Organic Modern lounge chair
By Baker Furniture, "Milling Road" Collection"
Circa Late 20th Century
Rattan frame in bamboo form, with cane seat and bac...
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan, Cane
19th Century King Size Mahogany Jamaican Double Waterfall Bed
Located in Charleston, SC
This elegant Caribbean mahogany bed was constructed in the 19th century in Jamaica. This Rare West Indies Bedstead exhibits a scarce and desirable hand carved iconic Jamaican Double Waterfall headboard which resonates with the four solid mahogany turned and reeded bedpost. This exceptionally carved bed with grand scale makes it a decorative work of art. This Remarkable Jamaican mahogany four poster bed has been converted to a king size bed for modern use by David Skinner...
Category
19th Century Jamaican Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Poplar
Vintage British Colonial Style Anglo Indian Blanket Rack with Carved Fists
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout vintage Anglo Indian blanket or display rack crafted in mahogany with a fly speck finish having two turned supports with carved fists at the top holding cross bars on turned...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Thai Rosewood Elephant Howdah Saddle Style Chairs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of elephant saddle style chairs crafted with rosewood in a distinctive Thai form, hand carved depicting elephants, which are a symbol of fortune, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Antique English British Colonial Leather Top Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 19th century English desk handcrafted in mahogany, in three piece construction, with brass campaign hardware, having a tooled black leather top with Greek key motif on a cas...
Category
19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Large Glass Hibiscus and Palm Leaf Serving Platter
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A large glass serving platter in the shape of a palm leaf with a Hibiscus flower at the stem. The top of the platter is smooth, and the underside i...
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Crystal
$224 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Italian Globe for Bar Desk Table
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Tabletop Vintage Wooden Spinning Globe, Marked "Made in Italy"
Charming hand-crafted Mid-Century Modern spinning tabletop globe featuring an antique design sepia brown world m...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Metal
Vintage British Colonial Style Three Tiered Stand By Milling Road
By Milling Road
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome vintage British Colonial style stand crafted in mahogany with a contrived aged finish having a flame grained top over two caned lower tiers with turned and twisted supports ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
British Colonial Solid Cherry Wood Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful set of eight British Colonial, Early American, or Victorian style dining chairs
USA, Circa Late 20th Century
Measures:
Sid...
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Cherry
Campaign-Style Chest by Beacon Hill Collection
By Beacon Hill
Located in Norwood, NJ
A finely crafted campaign-style chest by the Beacon Hill Collection, circa 1960s–70s. Made in three stacking sections, this piece draws inspiration from 19th-century British military...
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Bamboo Lounge Chair
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage lounge chair crafted with bent bamboo and woven rattan in an elegant modern form featuring pullout footrest and adjustable back.
Extended depth 60".
Category
Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
$3,900
Ralph Lauren Chesterfield Sofa
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Hartville, OH
Gorgeous Vintage Chesterfield Sofa with Deep Button Tufts, Rolled arms and Brass Casters. Finished in a Cognac leather. Unsigned, believed to be Ralph Lauren.
Category
1990s American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather
18th C. English Pine Curtis & Horspool London Act of Parliament Tavern Clock
Located in Dayton, OH
18th century monumental museum quality Act of Parlament clock. Made from pine with a large round face over elongated case. Features an enameled metal face marked Curis Horspool in Le...
Category
18th Century Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Pine
$10,000 Sale Price
44% Off
British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo and Cane Freestanding Cheval Floor Mirror
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A wonderful British colonial style floor mirror with faux burnt bamboo frame and cane details. Great geometric pattern up top. Would work well in a variety of interiors
Mirror only ...
Category
1980s Philippine Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Faux Bamboo, Cane
Baker Furniture English Barley Twist Oak, Brass, and Glass Cocktail Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous English barley twist coffee or cocktail table
By Baker Furniture
USA, circa 1960s
Oak, brass and glass
Measures: 43.5" W x 4...
Category
Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique British Colonial Heart Form Sailors Valentine
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Charming 19th Century English heart form sailors valentine ambitiously handcrafted with exotic seashells around a sailboat image as seen through a glass lens.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Shell
Vintage Brighton Chinoiserie Rattan Blonde Bamboo Caning Split Reed Armchair 70s
By Brighton Pavilion 1
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage blonde bamboo, caning and split reed armchair on six legs. This is a handcrafted chair with woven cane seat features bamboo frames and Chinese inspired bamboo patterns.
The b...
Category
1970s Philippine Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Bamboo, Cane, Reed
19th Century British Ceylonese Handblown Etched ‘Glow Lamp’ Bell Jar Lantern
Located in Southampton, NY
19th century British Ceylonese handblown etched ‘Glow Lamp’ bell jar lantern. These lanterns were handblown in Sri Lanka for the British expats. They were re...
Category
Early 20th Century Sri Lankan British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Ralph Lauren Home Tufted Leather Chaise
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Hartville, OH
Extraordinary Vintage Find. This spectacular example came to us having been well loved by a 4 legged family member. After years of daily enjoyment and much to our disappointment, the...
Category
1980s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather
Antique 19th C Ceylonese British Colonial Satin Wood and Ebony Cabinet
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 19th C Ceylonese British Colonial Satin Wood and Ebony Cabinet.
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Ebony
Maitland Smith Bronze Marble Tooled Leather Equestrian Horse Table Lamp 21"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th century figural horse bronze table lamp by Maitland Smith featuring a mare and foal in tableau on a charcoal black marble clad base. Includes hard and rectangular tooled / ...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 19th Century Jamaican Regency Mahogany Pineapple Bed
Located in Charleston, SC
A rare British Colonial Jamaican bed. All mahogany, with abstracted West Indies pineapple motifs throughout, and exquisite twisted reed turnings on each of the posts.
Category
19th Century Caribbean Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Brass Palm Tree Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Brass banana tree or palm tree sculpture with a custom burnished bronze like finish, removable leaves, a weighted base decorated with floral designs,...
Category
20th Century Italian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Jamaican Cuban Mahogany Upholstered Sofa with Acanthus & Lion Paw Feet. C. 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Jamaican Cuban mahogany sofa with flanking scrolled arms, reeded skirt, centered rosette, and terminating on acanthus carved lions paw feet. Sofa has be...
Category
1820s Jamaican Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Muslin, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Colonial Sri Lankan Satinwood Garden Chair
Located in Southampton, NY
Hand-turned garden chair made of solid satinwood, Colonial, Sri Lanka, circa 1900. Hand-caned seat and back.
Came from a British Military family in Sri Lanka.
40.25" overall height ...
Category
Early 20th Century Sri Lankan British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane, Satinwood
Brighton Pavillion Burnt Bamboo Settee
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Wonderful & Rare Vintage Brighton Pavillion loveseat / settee with cane seat.
Add your own cushion of choice.
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Cane
Pair of Mid-Century Palm Tree Decorative Sculptures
Located in Palm Beach, FL
In vogue pair of mid-century stylized palm tree sculptures crafted in cast fiberglass. Painted in an off white finish and presented in faux planters filled with seashells.
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Fiberglass
Large 19C Rustic Indian Carved Wood Coffee Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
Large and impressive, this plank table top is made with unusual curved wood pieces. Table is supported by six turned legs and iron braces with intricate carved decoration on the apro...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Iron
2 Antique English Colonial Birdseye Maple Colored Etching Prints 9"
Located in Dayton, OH
Two antique colored etchings / prints featuring birds eye maple frame and reverse painted glass borders. One scene features four children playing war with a blue coated general lead...
Category
Early 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Paper
$140 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Antique British Colonial Campaign Chest with Pullout Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive 19th century campaign chest with seven drawers handcrafted in camphor wood and featuring a pullout desk with nooks, drawers and a leather writi...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
Teak and Cane Colonial Chaise Lounge
Located in Highland, IN
This striking chaise is long, lean and luxurious. A teak frame with lovely carved details and a woven cane support offers a platform for lounging, reading and relaxing. Made more comfortable by a beautiful woven quilted pad and pillow.
This exceptional piece strikes a balance between antique and...
Category
Early 20th Century European British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane, Teak
Vintage Painting Still Life with Fruit - Study of Oranges
Located in San Diego, CA
The oil on canvas painting majestically depicts a pair of oranges on a vine with a leaf, together with a cherry adjacent to them. The scene is depicted against a dark ground, however...
Category
1950s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Pair British Colonial Style Rattan, Tessellated StoneChests/Nightstands
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair British Colonial Style Rattan and bamboo Tessellated Stone Chests/Nightstands
A pair of exquisite British Colonial Style Bamboo, Rattan, ...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
$2,920 Sale Price / set
20% Off
British Colonial Style Tortoiseshell Bamboo & Rattan Diminutive Chest
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
British Colonial Style Tortoiseshell Bamboo and Rattan Diminutive Chest
Europe, Later 20th Century
A stunning British Colonial-style diminutive chest of drawers, wrapped in rattan...
Category
Late 20th Century European British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan, Reed, Willow
$2,128 Sale Price
20% Off
Robert Lighton British Khaki Teak Armoire Wardrobe Cabinet Silk Curtains 92"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Robert Lighton British Khaki X armoire / wardrobe / TV console / cabinet. Made of teak featuring dark ebonized finish with double jointed doors ...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
$5,600 Sale Price
20% Off
British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo Etagere
Located in Southampton, NJ
A Faux bamboo British Colonial style etagere with mirror detailing, fixed interior shelves behind two glass doors; enhanced with green grasscloth interior. Multifunctional for storag...
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo, Glass
Vintage Faux Bamboo and Grasscloth Two Tiered Table
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome British colonial style mid century table crafted in faux bamboo with a faux tortoise finish having an octagon form top and lower tier covered in grasscloth with reed wrapped...
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Grasscloth, Bamboo
Antique British Colonial Three Tiered Stand or Etagere
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome English 19th century stand, crafted in mahogany having three tiers with turned finials at the top, on classic turned supports and brass casters.
Category
19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Campaign Anglo Indian Wicker Pith Helmet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Transporting British Colonial Anglo Indian pith helmet or hat ambitiously handcrafted in woven reed or wicker in classic form with metal breather holes and plenty of tropical charm. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wicker, Reed
19th C. Anglo Indian Regency Carved Mahogany & Padouk Sideboard / Credenza
Located in Charleston, SC
This Regal Anglo Indian Regency Carved Mahogany & Padouk Sideboard / Credenza was handmade in the Nineteenth Century. The British Colonial Sideboard is hand carved solid mahogany an...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Padouk
British Colonial Style Three Tiered Caned Stand or Table
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout English stand crafted in mahogany having one drawer over two caned lower tiers with turned and twisted supports over classic turned feet.
Category
Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
Antique British Colonial Campaign Chest on Cabinet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 18th century British Colonial chest with a beaded cornice over three drawers with campaign hardware in the top of the case and ...
Category
18th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Pair of British Colonial Midcentury Plantation / Lounge Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of solid hard wood and caned British Colonial Plantation chairs, lounge chairs or armchairs. The chairs feature swing out extension arms. The construction is hand made w...
Category
Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane, Hardwood
Antique Needlepoint English Rug. Size: 7 ft 5 in x 9 ft 7 in
Located in New York, NY
Antique English Needlepoint, Country of Origin: England, Circa: 18th Century –Size: 7 ft 5 in x 9 ft 7 in (2.26 m x 2.92 m).
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wool
1930s Large Scale Carved Oak Arm Chair In Chinoiserie Palm Toile
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a charming carved oak arm chair with an English British Colonial toile. The frame is most likely American and dates to the early part of the 20th century. The fabric shows so...
Category
Early 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Oak
Antique British Colonial Caned and Carved Planters Chair
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive British Colonial plantation chair crafted in mahogany in a graceful form with dramatic carved ocean and floral motifs on the back and rolled ...
Category
Early 20th Century Caribbean British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
20th Century Ebony British Colonial Two-Door Display Cabinet
Located in San Marino, CA
A 20th century British Colonial solid ebony two-door display cabinet, from Sri Lanka.
Category
20th Century Sri Lankan British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Glass, Ebony
Faux Bamboo Three Drawer Lacquered Chest of Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Lots of detail on this very sturdy chest of drawers. This three drawer faux bamboo chest has been freshly lacquered in a coastal shade of blue. Very versatile piece that could be use...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pair of Faux 'Elephant Tusk', Marble Bookends or Dresser Ornaments, 20th Century
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of faux elephant tusk bookends or decorative ornaments for your desk, dresser or in front of your entrance hall mirror. They are constructe...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Marble
$470 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Antique American Colonial Cherry Wood Slender Leg Pembroke Lamp Side End Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Colonial Cherry Wood Slender Leg Pembroke lamp side end table. Item features tall slender legs with pad feet, drop sides, solid wood c...
Category
19th Century Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry
Newly Refinished Antique Drop-leaf Tiger Oak table with Faux Bamboo Legs
Located in Fort Washington, MD
Antique tiger oak drop-leaf table with 2 leaves on hinges that can be raised or lowered and small drawer. The use of tiger oak suggests a striking grain pattern with a wavy or mottle...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Oak
Beautifully Styled Ceylonese Porcupine Quill, Lidded Dark Wood Conical Pot
By SILVA (Sri Lanka)
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Superb Ceylonese porcupine quill lidded pot in a most unusual conical shape
Fashioned in dark wood and decorated with quill pieces
All quills are present and in excellent order. Int...
Category
1950s Sri Lankan Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
British Colonial California King Shell Bed, Susanne Hollis Collection
Located in San Marino, CA
Our shell bed in Cal king size, made from African mahogany. Finished with brass hex caps on all bolt covers. Solid platform bottom. Made in our Los Angeles W...
Category
2010s American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique British Colonial 1830s Caned Oak Reclining Mechanical Dental Arm Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Englishman James Snell of London made the first mechanical dental chair with an adjustable seat and back for doctors to examine their patients more efficiently. This exquisite exampl...
Category
1830s Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane, Oak
$1,400 Sale Price
40% Off
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.