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
Lillian August embossed leather top side table.
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a Lillian August Leather top side table. This round side table has four fluted legs with solid brass casters at the bottom. This tabl...
Category
2010s Unknown British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
British Colonial Style Vintage Bamboo and Grasscloth Desk Set
Located in Southampton, NJ
Midcentury British Colonial style 4-drawer writing desk or work table of bamboo wood frame construction wrapped in woven basket weave cane rattan. Featuring a generous work surface with custom cut glass, fitted to the top & lower open shelves, the desk is finished on all sides allowing for various placement options. Sold as a set including the classic Baker faux bamboo caned...
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Glass, Wood
Pair of Antique Caned British Colonial Planters Chairs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Intriguing pair of early 20th century British Colonial plantation chairs handcrafted in indigenous mahogany with elegant form featuri...
Category
Early 20th Century Caribbean British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
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
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
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
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
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
British Colonial Elephant Head Writing Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style one drawer writing desk or table crafted in walnut with a chic pecan finish with contrived aging and featuring four carved elephant head legs with an India inspired...
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Walnut
1980s Classic Ethan Allen Maple Colonial Style with 2 Leaf Extensions + 4 Chairs
By Baumritter
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a lovely Ethan Allen, solid maple, Colonial style dining table in excellent condition. Classic Ethan Allen.
The table is very versatile, it can be configured 3 ways and comes...
Category
1980s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood, Maple
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
Pair of Vintage British Colonial Style Woven Reed Wingback Armchairs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive pair of vintage British colonial style wingback armchairs upholstered in grass cloth or woven reed in classic comfortable form with a modern tropical twist, cotton cushion...
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wicker
Pair of English Armchairs in Velvet and Walnut Wood
Located in Milano, IT
Gorgeous pair of velvet armchairs of English manufacture of the late 1800s.
The beautiful armchairs have a walnut wood structure and have been lined with sand colored velvet tending...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Maitland Smith Mahogany Curio Golf Ball Display Wall Cabinet Case German Clock
Located in Dayton, OH
A rare Maitland Smith curio cabinet. Made from naturally distressed mahogany with glass front opening to four shelves with brass tee shaped pedestals intended to display golf balls. The crown of the clock showcases crossed golf clubs over a German made clock...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Frederick Leo Hunter "Old New Bedford Whaler Andrew Hicks" C. 1929 Painting
Located in Atlanta, GA
This remarkable oil painting, titled **"Old New Bedford Whaler – Andrew Hicks"**, is an exquisite maritime artwork that captures the spirit of 19th-century whaling. The painting, exe...
Category
Early 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Giltwood, Paint
Arctic Council Discussing A Plan For The Search of The John Franklin Expedition
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The Arctic Council Discussing The Plan for the Search of the The John Franklin Expedition
After Stephen Pearce.
Limited Edition reproduction copied f...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Paper
Vintage British Fire / Powder Bucket Umbrella Stand Cane Holder
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A handcrafted thick saddle leather vintage British fire , powder bucket with handle and canvas interior . A matching strap handle with grommets attach it to the container which can b...
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Metal
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
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
Caribbean Mahogany Reeded and Barley Twist Four Poster Bed, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Caribbean mahogany four-poster bed with a carved decorative scrolled spindle head board and foot board, complimented by four reeded and barley twist...
Category
1820s Caribbean Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Pine
Very Large Bronze Elephant Sculpture, Near Life Size
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and remarkable elephant sculpture expertly crafted in bronze with a lush patina, ambitious attention to detail, and a dramatic near life size scale.
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Handsome oversized tufted leather ottoman/trunk after Ralph Lauren
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a handsome large oversized leather tufted library ottoman. The tufted ottoman features a beautiful olive green leather on the top and opens up ...
Category
1990s Chinese British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique British Colonial Leather Top Partners Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome British Colonial partners desk hand crafted in mahogany with a brown tooled leather top, two drawers on either side and elegant turned legs on brass casters.
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large Scale British Colonial Style Framed Tropical Fruit / Botanicals -S/9
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of nine very large scale British Colonial style framed reproduction tropical fruit prints. They are nicely framed and matted. They would make a stunning wall! The print...
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paper
Vintage Coastal Boho Bamboo Rattan Foldable Dinning / Card Table
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Charming vintage folding table crafted from bamboo and rattan, featuring a striking geometric parquet design on the top.
The natural beauty of the bamboo is highlighted by the warm h...
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
pair of chests of drawers, natural fibers, Signed Kreiss
By Kreiss
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of high quality chests of drawers with a warm and timeless appearance. They could be combined with rattan, brass or natural wood elements for a harmonious look. They would be a ...
Category
1970s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Natural Fiber
Antique Decorative Desk Stand, Indian, Ebony, Colonial Writer's Tidy, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique decorative desk stand. An Indian, ebony Colonial writer's tidy, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850.
Striking dark tonality with eye-catching Colon...
Category
Mid-19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Ebony
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
Antique Group of Three Smoke Bell Light Fixtures, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout group of three colonial style continental smoke bell glass light fixtures hand blown in classic form with cut designs and brass hammered hardware, using candle power as orig...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass
English Tea Table, 1930s
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Tea table with marquetry net, English style, early 20th century.
The lower part opens onto 4 side trays.
Very cute, can be used as a trolley.
Category
1920s English Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rare 1820s Caribbean Jamaican Regency Server or Wagon
Located in Charleston, SC
This beautiful, solid mahogany Jamaican bookcase/wagon, features lovely turnings, and Primitive feet.
Jamaican, West indies, Colonial, British Colonial, Islands, Island.
Category
19th Century Jamaican Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Regency Style Anglo Indian Chair
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A well proportioned Anglo Indian armchair. Hand craved out of rosewood, the chair carved with rosettes and the back rest is carved is the form of horns. The seat is woven cane and u...
Category
1950s Indian Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane, Teak
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
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 Carved Side Table, Indian, Teak, Lamp, Side, Tray, Occasional, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique carved side table. An Indian, teak lamp or tray table, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
Fascinating carved appearance with a distinctive form
Disp...
Category
Early 1900s Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
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
Antique English Rustic Secretary Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique English Rustic Secretary Desk makes the perfect choice for a cozy office, a student's desk, or just a great place to catch up on correspondenc...
Category
Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Collection of 47 Swedish 20th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 47 Swedish decorative antique leather-bound library books.
The books are wrapped in leather-bound covers, comprised of a selection of warm tones and gold leaf print ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Paper
Baker British Colonial Style Bamboo Queen Bed Frame
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British Colonial style queen size bed frame crafted in bamboo and bent bamboo with reed wrapped joints, lacquered panels with a crackle glaze, and bronze finials and feet. Signed Mil...
Category
Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Reed
Faux Bamboo Cane And Brass Handled Sideboard by American of Martinsville
Located in Reading, Berkshire
American of Martinsville Bergere and Faux Bamboo Sideboard With Cane sectional fronts and brass handles.
Founded in 1906, American of Martinsvil...
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Copper Brass Nautical Maritime Gimbal Compass Binnacle Ship Oil Lamp 14
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique English nautical / maritime ship / Yacht / lifeboat binnacle gimbal compass with rare double oil lamps. Copper and brass body with double oil ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Maitland Smith Painted Monkey Landscape Crackled Coromandel Wall Panel 72"
Located in Dayton, OH
Hand painted Maitland Smith Coromandel wall panel. Features a crackled landscape with monkeys holding peaches in a tropical setting amongst bird...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
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
Set of Three 18th Century Hand-Made Brass Candlesticks
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Three 18th Century Hand-Made Brass Candlesticks were designed to be functional yet attractive as they would remain in plain view all day, and only be utilized at night. Back in the days before electric lighting, candles were worth their weight in silver, as the process to make them was still laborious hand-labor, and the wax itself wasn't inexpensive. Many of our trunks from this period had separate cabinets inside the locked trunk...
Category
1770s English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 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
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
Teak Museum Display Cabinet
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A gorgeous teak museum display cabinet featuring glass panels on the sides and a pair of sliding glazed doors at the front. The cabinet has a wooden back panel and sturdy shelves in...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
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
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
Late 18th-Early 19th Century Swing Post Mount Whale Oil Lamp
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A late 18th-early 19th century swing post mount whale oil lamp, a fine example of a ships or wall/post mount whale oil lamp, which swings from the top a...
Category
19th Century Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Iron
British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo and Leather Bookcase
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style bookcase or etagere featuring a faux bamboo frame, tooled leather panels on the sides, shelves, and drawer fronts having classic lion head hardware...
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Faux Bamboo
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
Theodore Alexander pair of swivel barstools in fine burgundy leather
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Vintage, Theodore Alexander domed back barstools with flared arms, 12 tufted buttons ,in fine burgundy leather, the frames are mahogany with nice carved detail.. in almost...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique English Georgian Style Leather Top Partners Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome British Colonial 19th century English Georgian style partners desk handcrafted in mahogany in three piece construction featuring a tooled leather top, six drawers and a cabi...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo Super King Bed Frame in Faux Tortoise
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style super king bed with faux bamboo faux tortoise posts, borders, and applied geometric designs over a grasscloth background. Complet...
Category
20th Century North American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Faux Bamboo
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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