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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
Pair of Mid-Century Faux Bamboo British Colonial Style Nests of Tables
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare pair of British colonial style nests of tables or stands each with faux bamboo frames wrapped with reed and grass cloth panels on the table tops.
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo, Reed

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

Pair of Folding Tripod Stools in Oakwood and Leather
Located in Barcelona, ES
Elegant pair of turned oak Campaign tripod stools with leather folding seats. England, 1930s. These folding stools feature a turned oak's wood tripod foldable structure. They have a...
Category

20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather, Oak, Wood

Zabihi Collection Oversize Jewel Toned Traditional Persian Sarouk Rug
Located in New York, NY
an early 20th century Persian Sarouk Oversize Rug Details rug no. j4056 size 8' 11" x 15' Before the 1920s the Sarouk design was the most popular of Persian rugs worldwide. Most o...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Chinese Oval Accent Rug with Pictorial Phoenix Design
Located in Dallas, TX
71754, antique Chinese oval accent rug with Pictorial Phoenix design. This hand knotted wool antique Chinese oval rug features a pictorial oval medallio...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

British Colonial Antique 1910 Cheltenham Silver Coffee Service Sheffield England
Located in Miami, FL
1910 English silver coffee service by Cheltenham & Company, Ltd. Sheffield, England. All 4 pieces have the same maker's marks on the bottoms complete with the engraved unicorn design...
Category

1910s English Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Silver

English Fall-Front Secretary Desk in Carved Oak, Circa 1800
Located in North Miami, FL
This piece just took our breath away - all the carved wood details and medallions are master craftsman quality. See all detail images to truly appreciate what an excellent antique pi...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

2 Maitland Smith Shell Mosaic Stacked Ball Candlestick Buffet Table Lamps 36"
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of two Maitland Smith buffet / table lamps featuring round bronze bases and urn shaped finials with factory distressed patina / verdigris, w...
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

Collection of 22 Swedish 20th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 22 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 embossing. The book collection measure horizontally is 80 cm, approximate 31,49 inches wide. This collection of books...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather, Paper

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

Maitland-Smith Vintage British Colonial Style Bar Cabinet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive mid century bar cabinet featuring an upper case crafted in coconut shell with two doors having bronze elephant head handles and an illuminated interior lined in mahogany w...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Stickley Lancashire Style Cherry Wood Spindle Dining Chairs With Rush Seats
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of six Lancashire style dining chairs By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, 1954 Solid carved cherry wood frames, with rush seats. Measures: Side chairs - 21.13"W x 18.75...
Category

1950s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Rush, Cherry

Tole Palm Tree Chandelier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Italian tole five light chandelier with palm leaves over graceful arms with acanthus leaves and floral candle cups all having a rustic aged yell...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Metal

Finely Carved British Colonial 19th Century Round Tiltable Table
Located in Miami, FL
A beautiful finely carved British Colonial wooden circular side table from India or Ceylon. The circular top with a broad shallow relief detailed border depicting a lion and serpent ...
Category

1890s English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Scarce Anglo Indian British Colonial Brass Mounted Wooden Log Pail Bucket
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and most charming antique Anglo Indian British Colonial brass bound hand turned hollowed log bucket. Early 19th century, India, handmade during the British rule on the Indian...
Category

Early 19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Colonial Hardwood Table, 19th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique, 19th century hardwood table. Of immense weight, carved from a single piece of hardwood, this exotic piece makes for an interesting side or lamp table. The s...
Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

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

20th Century Maitland-Smith Faux Tortoise Bamboo Brass Pull Stand Magazine Racks
Located in Miami, FL
Maitland-Smith British Colonial Style End Table or stand with a faux tortoise finish over a turned wood faux bamboo frame. Featuring Gold Leaf tooled brown leather panels, one drawer...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

British Umbrella or Cane Holder Vintage Fire / Powder Bucket
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

Safari Armchair by Wilhelm Kienzle attributed to Wohnbedarf, Switzerland, 1950s
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
A striking example of mid-century Swiss design: this Safari Armchair is attributed to Wilhelm Kienzle for Wohnbedarf, dating from the 1950s. Crafted in sturdy hardwood with leather s...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Textile, Wood

19th Century British Colonial Teak & Woven Rattan Stool
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
19th Century British Colonial Teak and Woven Rattan Stool A charming late 19th-century teak and woven rattan stool or luggage stand that effortlessly combines style and functionalit...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Teak

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

English Victorian Greyhound Dog Painting
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian style gilt framed oil painting of brown and white greyhound dog.
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Paint

Pair of Faux Tortoise Bamboo Stands with Magazine Racks
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British Colonial style end tables or stands with a faux tortoise finish over a turned wood faux bamboo frame. Featuring tooled brown leather panels, distinctive brass hardware, magaz...
Category

20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Faux Bamboo

Teak Museum Display Cabinet
Located in Topanga, 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

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 Carved Claw Foot China Cabinet
Located in Franklin Park, IL
British Colonial Carved Claw Foot China Cabinet This china cabinet measures: 62.5 wide x 19 deep x 66.75 inches high We take our photos in a ...
Category

1980s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

19th C English Copper Lantern Sconce by Foster & Pullen
Located in New York, NY
Rare English copper lantern sconce by noted maker, Foster & Pullen. The lantern has hinged top, and hinged panel door to allow access to the bulb from either the top or the front. ...
Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Copper, Wrought Iron

Baker Furniture 18th Century Flemish Style Mahogany Triple Dresser, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous 18th century Flemish reproduction chest of drawers, dresser, or buffet server By Baker Furniture USA, mid-20th century ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American 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

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

English Country Brown Leather Horse Saddle
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style brown and black leather riding saddle with a sheepskin blanket.
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather

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

Elizabeth Arden Porcelain Box Southern Heirlooms Made In Japan
Located in Moreno Valley, 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

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

Hanging Wicker Monkey after Mario Lopez Torres
By Mario Torres
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A small hanging wicker monkey holding a grouping of leaves. This cute brown monkey is created from wicker and features arms and legs which are bent so t...
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wicker, Rattan, Paint

Vintage Bamboo and Laminate Fully Adjustable Coffee/Dining Table
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

Military Campaign Square Mahogany & Brass Butlers Tray on Folding Stand
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Military Campaign Square Mahogany & Brass Butlers Tray on Folding Stand. Ideal for entertaining whether to serve drinks food etc. Extra dimensions Leaves up Height 59cm Width 54....
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Bamboo and Rattan Chair and Ottoman
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage British colonial style chair and ottoman crafted with a bamboo frame and having herringbone woven rattan on the seat, arms and ottoman, ce...
Category

20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

18th Century East Indies Mahogany Raj Bed with Paws
Located in Charleston, SC
An 18th century Raj East Indies bed with elaborate carving, carved tiger paw feet, and a finished tester. Often copying Western or British forms, Rajput courts extracted influence fr...
Category

Late 18th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Rosewood

Antique Tall British Colonial Console Table with Mirrored Skirt
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and unusual antique English console table finished all around featuring a flame grained and crossbanded top over a distressed mirror and f...
Category

20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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

British Colonial Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful British Colonial, Early American, or Victorian style extension harvest style dining table Early 21st Century Solid cherry wood, with turned legs. Measures: 72"W x 44"D...
Category

Early 2000s Chinese British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Cherry

El Nido English Ships Wrought Iron Wall Bracket Lantern
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This wrought iron lantern was inspired by a Spanish Colonial house in Santa Barbara. It is also in the style of ships lanterns on the 19th century. The ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

British Sailor's Woolwork or Woolie Lighthouse Seascape C. 1865
Located in Atlanta, GA
Measures: 28.5" w x 24.5" h (frame), 19" w x 15" h (image). This intricately crafted 19th-century sailor’s woolwork embroidery, often referred to as a woolie, depicts a serene mari...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool, Birdseye Maple

Mid-20th Century Restored Rattan Settee With Built-in Side Table and New Custom
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A rare and sculptural Mid-20th Century rattan settee featuring a Chippendale back design, gracefully arched supports, and integrated side table with original smoked glass top. The fr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Rattan, Smoked Glass

Old Brass British Military Issue Brass Handbell A Great Piece, Second World War
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Old Brass British Military Issue Brass Handbell A Great Piece, Second World War, dated 1942, marked A.S.1942, and with the broad arrow insignia denotin...
Category

1940s Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage Bamboo Chinese Style Demi-Lune Center Table with Open Fretwork Design
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Introduce an element of refined elegance to your space with this Vintage Bamboo Chinese style demi-lune low profile center table. The table features a distinctive open fretwork design...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Antique White Washed Teak Settee or Bench with Slatted Back
Located in Sheffield, MA
Colonial influenced antique hand-carved rustic country daybed or bench made from natural aged teak, deep enough for sleeping or relaxing. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Great in the garden, on a porch or patio. The rustic antique teakwood bench...
Category

Early 20th Century Asian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Teak

Antique Set of Nine Framed Pen and Ink Navel Sailing Ships
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Set of nine antique drawings of American and English Navel Sailing ships executed in a pen and ink technique highlighted with watercolor on paper, matted and presented in mahogany fr...
Category

19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Paint, Paper

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

Pair of Ebonised Anglo-Indian Side Tables, circa 1860
Located in London, GB
India, circa 1860 A beautiful pair of turned ebonised Anglo-Indian side tables with stretched cowhide. Wonderful style and patina. Dimensions: H 30cm x W 37cm X D 37cm.
Category

1850s Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

Impressive Collection of 82 Antique English Bridle Rosettes
Located in Bridgeport, CT
These English equestrian bridle mounts and pins range in various subjects and motifs including dogs, equestrian, floral arrangements, nautical and monarchy. Note: Four are solid bras...
Category

Early 20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Mercury Glass Silvered Candlesticks
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Pair of mercury glass silvered candlesticks. Silvered mercury glass is mouth-blown double walled, then silvered between the layers with a liquid silvering solution. The silvering is ...
Category

Late 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Mercury Glass

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

Antique plantation chair with handwoven cane and fold out footrests, circa 1920S
Located in Houston, TX
Antique plantation chair with handwoven cane and fold out footrests, circa 1920s(30s?). This reclining lounge chair has an adjustable rattan b...
Category

Mid-20th Century European British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Teak

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

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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