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
Period: Late 20th Century
Vintage Ficks and Reed Rattan Chaise Lounge
By Ficks Reed
Located in Bellport, NY
A newly upholstered Ficks and Reed chaise longue, indoor outdoor fabric, new fill in cushions, zippers installed. Lovely condition, easily placed in mos...
Category
1970s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Rattan, Paint
Safari style Giraffe Wall Bracket with Tassel
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Safari style giraffe head wall bracket with glass beaded tassel.
Category
1970s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Composition
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
Mid Century Bamboo and Rattan Credenza / Sideboard
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
This Mid-Century credenza embodies natural materials and practical design with a coastal and British Colonial influence. The top, front, and sides feature basketweave cane veneer in ...
Category
1970s Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Maitland-Smith Pen Shell and Patinated Bronze Snail Table Lamp, c. 1980s
Located in Glasgow, GB
A sculptural and rare statement lamp by Maitland-Smith, crafted in the 1980s and exemplary of the firm’s signature blend of luxury materials and organic form.
This dramatic design ...
Category
1980s Philippine Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bronze
British Colonial Style Demi-Lune Leather Top Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style desk crafted in mahogany in a demilune form with a tooled tan leather top, four drawers and featuring bold turned an...
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Bamboo and Laminate Fully Adjustable Coffee/Dining Table
By Coastal CT
Located in East Freetown, MA
Unique bamboo coffee/dining table with laminated three leaf folding top and smooth and easy adjustable height mechanism. (18-30) inches.
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Laminate
Late 20th Century British Colonial Rattan and Black Lacquered Chest by Milling R
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A refined example of British Colonial style, this late 20th century chest by Milling Road for Baker Furniture features a refinished rattan-wrapped drawer front design with a rich hon...
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Rattan
Regency Campaign-Style X-Base Cane Stools in the Manner of Gillows of Lancaster-
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A refined pair of Campaign-style stools featuring elegant X-base frames and handwoven cane seats, in the manner of Gillows of Lancaster.
These stools showcase turned stretchers, scro...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
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
20th Century Nichols & Stone National Cathedral Ebonized and Gilt Windsor Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 20th Century Nichols & Stone National Cathedral School Ebonized and Gilt Windsor Chair in excellent vintage condition.
Measures 16.5" in width, 18" in depth, 33" in height wit...
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
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
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
Monumental Giltwood Rope Framed Oil On Canvas Palm Beach Style Leopard In Tree
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 1990s large scale oil on canvas depicting a recumbent leopard in a lush tree. It is nicely framed in a giltwood twisted rope. Artist unknown. Very good condition.
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Giltwood, Paint
Pair of Ancient Zoomorphic Carving Lamps
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These beautifully carved temple fragments, were converted into table lamps in the style of Billy Haines.
Category
Late 20th Century Asian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Iron
Maitland Smith Tessellated Faux Tortoise Chrome Candlestick Buffet Table Lamp
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Maitland Smith 1996 modern candlestick table lamp featuring four chrome legs bound with brass wire, supporting an ovoid / egg shape of tessellated horn, topped with brass can...
Category
1990s British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Castilian Ornamental Porcelain & Brass Elephant Horn Drinking Hunt Vase 26"
Located in Dayton, OH
Ornamental hunt theme drinking horn / centerpiece trophy / cornucopia epergne / flower vase featuring a tapered pedestal base with brass capped feet and circus Elephant balancing a porcelain horn or tusk. Stamped on base, Item No. 4052-C4A. Castilian Imports...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Gold Brown Vintage Inspired Turkish Runner
Located in New York, NY
Turkish runner in warm colors with a geometric garrus design derived from late 19th century Persian Bidjar rugs.
3' x 14'7''
Category
Late 20th Century Turkish British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wool
Maitland Smith Tessilated Marble & Brass Turtle Thinker Obelisk Sculpture 20”
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Maitland Smith stone tesslated marble stone obelisk sculpture standing on the backs of four brass turtles, which in turn sit atop a square pedestal. At the tip of the obelisk sits another brass turtle, anthropomorphized in the position of The Thinker. Marked 198 on base. Hand Made in the...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Buckingham Crest Etching on Canvas by Liz Jardine Heraldic Shield Framed
Located in Dayton, OH
Buckingham Crest Etching on canvas by Liz Jardine, circa 1992. A large format art with an amazing frame. Features a heraldic crest or shield at the center ...
Category
1990s British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Antico orologio oro argento
Located in Cantù, IT
Antico orologio oro argento Antico orologio oro argento Antico orologio oro argento Antico orologio oro argento Antico orologio oro argento Antico orolo...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Silver
White Horse Animal Portrait
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of an animal portrait titled "White Horse" set in a classical landscape
Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Category
Late 20th Century British British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Paint
Faux Bamboo Cane Magazine Rack Stand Side Table Bohemian British Colonial Style
Located in Miami, FL
British Colonial Style Boho Chic Side Table featuring Faux Bamboo frames with a Faux Tortoise Finish, handwoven Cane panels. Chinese Chippendale sides and bases with magazine racks.
...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan, Wood, Faux Bamboo
Elizabeth Arden Porcelain Box Southern Heirlooms Made In Japan
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Southern Heirlooms Elizabeth Arden Trinket Box Porcelain Octagonal Shaped.
Southern Heirlooms Trinket Box Made in Japan.
Southern Heirlooms Eliza...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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 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
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
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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