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
Returnable Items Only
Old English Silver Plate Ornate Rectangular Footed Serving Tray with Handles.
Located in Miami, FL
British Colonial style old English silver plate rectangular serving tray, platter with ornate handles. Scroll embossed in the Center.
It is in original vintage condition and has som...
Category
1950s English Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate, Nickel
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
British Colonial Art Deco Teak Bench or Sofa
Located in Vienna, AT
Unique original Colonial Art Deco teak bench/sofa made in Myanmar around 1930. The bench stands on six feet with brass sleeves that have a wonderful original...
Category
1930s Burmese Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 antique teakwood bench...
Category
Early 20th Century Central American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
Great Pair of Vintage Mahogany Planters Chairs
Located in Charleston, SC
Great pair of vintage mahogany planters chairs with canvas.
Category
20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Mahogany
Antique British Colonial Rosewood Cabinet with Glass Panel Doors
Located in Atlanta, GA
A tall British Colonial rosewood storage cabinet with glass doors from the early 20th century. This antique display cabinet features a molded cornice atop a tall case with pair of five-panel front doors, set with glass. The skirt and sides of the cabinet remain clean and simple, and has a very subtle elongated carve out giving it an ever so slight raise off of the ground. This piece is made of rosewood, giving it a beautifully rich presence. This storage cabinet stands approximately 6.5 feet tall, and just over 3.75 feet wide, making it a great storage piece. Please note that there is some slight bowing at the lower right door, which doesn't allow the piece to close fully flush at bottom. This 1920s British Colonial rosewood cabinet, offers endless storage and display potential for your treasured collections, hall/bath linens...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Glass, Rosewood
French Cast Iron Firedog Andirons of Soldiers Val D´Osne, 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A pair of 19th century French firedogs or andirons in cast iron stamped Val d´Osne. The andirons appear in their unbeatable old patina making the "Zoauve" soldier and the "Grenadier" soldier formed figures fabulously attractive. The foundry of Val d´Osne grounded in 1836 by Jean-Pierre-Victor André, is the maker of the Crystal Palace in London, build for the 1851 Great Exhibition...
Category
19th Century French Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Iron
Antique Mersman Mahogany Lyre Base 3 Tier Dumbwaiter Table
Located in Germantown, MD
This early 1900s table would be wonderful in a entryway filled with flowers, or used to serve food at an event. It is in great condition - very solid and well built. However it does ...
Category
Early 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
20th Century British Colonial Bookcase with Bottom Storage
Located in Chicago, IL
This impressively-scaled book cabinet was made from solid Teak wood and dates to the 1940's. During the late British empire in India and Burma much furniture was made in the Art Deco...
Category
Early 20th Century Burmese British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
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
Novelty Royal Navy Purser’s Ceramic Grog Mug
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Novelty Royal Navy Purser’s Ceramic Grog Mug
A Great looking piece in very good condition
The Mug is 3.5” high and 3.5” in diameter
TAC227.
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Three Drawer Bamboo and Wicker Console
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Console is in very good condition. Can work in any decor.
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
British Colonial Rosewood Chest of Drawers w/ Egg-n-Dart Trim, Early 20th C
Located in Atlanta, GA
A British Colonial rosewood chest of drawers from the early 20th century. This antique chest from India is made of rosewood, giving it a beautifully ...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Antique English Pewter Plate
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Pewter plate made in England by unknown manufacturer.
An good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful p...
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Metal
Fine Double "C" Handled Quart Tulip Export Pewter Tankard Townsend & Compton
By Townsend & Compton
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A fine double "C" handled quart tulip export Pewter mug or tankard by Townsend & Compton, circa 1779-1806. Struck with makers (upside down) pseudo hallmarks, left of the handle and l...
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Pewter
Antique 19th Century Colonial Walnut Drop Leaf Breakfast Dining Table w/ Drawer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique 19th century American Colonial walnut drop leaf breakfast dining table with drawer. Item features remarkable authentic patina, turn carved legs, drop leaf sides, solid wood c...
Category
19th Century North American Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Walnut
British Colonial Teak Wood Display Counter
Located in Chicago, IL
This teak wood display counter was once found in a retail store in Rangoon, Burma. It dates to the early 20th century, c. 1910. During the colonial era, business boomed throughout w...
Category
20th Century Burmese British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Glass, Teak
Old English Silver Plate over Nickel Ornate Rectangular Serving Tray Handles
Located in Miami, FL
British Colonial style old English silver plate over nickel rectangular serving tray, platter with ornate border.
It is in original vintage condition and has some stains and is tarn...
Category
1940s English Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate, Nickel
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
French Cast Iron Firedog Andirons Amerique, 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A pair of 19th century French firedogs or andirons in cast iron stamped "Amerique".
The andirons appear in their unbeatable old patina, making the well dressed ladies with hat...
Category
19th Century French Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Iron
Schumacher Adele Floral Wallpaper in Blackwork
By Vogue, Schumacher
Located in New York, NY
Adele is a youthful take on a traditional rose. Inspired by a 1930s illustration in the Vogue archive, this screen-printed wallpaper captures the or...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Paper
British Colonial Hutch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20th century cabinet with two glazed doors above, two drawers and two doors below with solid, raised, panels. Nicely made with through-tenon construction. Great patina.
Category
Early 20th Century Indian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Antique English 18K Gold Sterling Silver Coral Cigar Jewerly Keepsake Box
Located in Dayton, OH
Provenance : Jerome Schottenstein Estate, Columbus Ohio. Jerome was was an American entrepreneur and philanthropist, co-founder of Schottenstein Stores Corp. The Schottenstein family...
Category
Early 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Coral, Gold, Sterling Silver
19th Century British Colonial Tea Plantation Teak & Leather Lounge Chair
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Circa 1890
Rare Teak and leather lounge chair that was formerly used in a Tea Estate in India. Hand made with pull out leaves that transform into leg rests and can be tucked back ...
Category
1890s Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
Vintage Rose Chintz Egg Shaped Ceramic Trinket Box with Hinged Lid
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Vintage rose chintz egg shaped ceramic trinket box with hinged lid.
This 20th century vintage ceramic egg (Trinket Box) stands on shaped legs, i...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
British Colonial Tradewinds Rattan & Copper Grandfathers Clock Bonnet Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
British Colonial tradewinds Rattan & copper Grandfathers clock Bonnet mirror
Modeled after the bonnet of a tall case clock, with turned hardwood finials, applied engraved copper fretwork...
Category
20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Copper
Antique English Axminster Rug. 14 ft 10 in x 20 ft 3 in
Located in New York, NY
Oversized Antique English Axminster Rug, Country of Origin: England, Circa date: 1900. Size: 14 ft 10 in x 20 ft 3 in (4.52 m x 6.17 m)
Category
20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wool
2 Vanity Fair Pictures Military Uniforms by Reginald Augustus Wymer
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
2 vanity fair pictures military Uniforms by Reginald Augustus Wymer (1849-1935)
The pictures are framed and have signatures, they are in nice conditi...
Category
Early 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Paper
Mother of Pearl French Colonial Vietnamese 2-Door Cabinet
Located in Pasadena, CA
A solid rosewood cabinet with the front richly inlaid with mother of pearl depicting birds and a delicate floral motif. Made in Vietnam for the export market. The two doors open to r...
Category
20th Century Vietnamese British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
1800s Georgian Solid Mahogany Accent Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Antique solid mahogany occasional table with waved legs and unique top shape.
We noticed that a leg has been repaired at some point, but apparently not noticeable to our opinion.
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
British Colonial Teak Slipper Chair With Leather Upholstery
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Circa 1920's
Hand carved Victorian Slipper chair constructed from Teak wood and re-upholstered in brown leather.
Category
1920s Indian Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
Pair of 1940s Mid Century Ladies Riding Boots with Wooden Stretchers
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of leather riding boots with wooden stretchers. Leather is still intact and in good condition. Pull up straps are still attached and working. Stretcher is a 3 part mapl...
Category
1940s English Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Maple
Persian Shiraz Gallery Size Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century Persian Shiraz Gallery size rug
Measures: 4'11'' x 11'8''.
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wool
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
18th Century Antique High Back Curved English Pine Pub Settle Hall Storage Bench
Located in Philadelphia, PA
18th century antique high back curved English pine wood pub sette hall storage bench. Item features tall curved form, remarkable patina, 3 lift off storage seats...
Category
18th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Pine
Lovely Pair of Bright Red Wool Rugs
Located in Chillerton, 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 19th C Hand Painted Distressed Wood Blanket Chest Dovetail Trunk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique 19th century hand painted distressed wood blanket chest dovetail trunk. Item features dovetail construction, cast iron hardware, hand painted interior lid, solid wood constru...
Category
19th Century German Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Iron
Colonial 18th Century Vizagapatam Pen-Engraved Writing Desk with Silver Mounts
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A Vizagapatam pen-engraved veneered sandalwood portable writing desk with silver mounts
India, Coromandel coast, Visakhapatnam, circa 1875
...
Category
18th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bone, Sandalwood
British Colonial X-Design Display Cabinet Reproduction
Located in Pasadena, CA
Cabinet, Display X-Design w/2 Glass Doors Repro
A handsome reproduction piece of a British Colonial rosewood X-design display cabinet. The cabinet features intricately carved deta...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
British Colonial Solid Teak Plantation Shutters with Panel Work Dovetailed
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
British Colonial solid teak plantation shutters uncompromisingly made. 1.25" thick teak from old grown timber. Varnished. Customize and introduce y...
Category
Early 1900s British Indian Ocean Territory Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
Beautiful Persian Bakhtiari Gallery Size Rug
Located in New York, NY
an early 20th century Persian Bakhtiari Gallery size rug
Measures: 5'8'' x 11'4''.
Category
Early 20th Century Persian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wool
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
Late 19th Century Sri Lankan Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul Thubert 'English, 19th Century' a Large Bronze Sculpture of War Veterans
Located in New York, NY
Paul Thubert
(English, 19th Century)
A large patinated bronze sculpture statue of two war veterans with uniforms and badges. Each with amputation injuries. One with an amputate...
Category
19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Ebonized Jackwood British Colonial Box on Stand from British Ceylon
Located in Charleston, SC
19th century ebonized jackwood British Colonial box on stand from British Ceylon (Modern day Sri Lanka). Two part box on Stand is made of Jackwood with ebonized elements. The base co...
Category
19th Century British Indian Ocean Territory Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Burmese Wood Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
A four-drawer chest in teak wood from old Burma, now Myanmar. Early 20th Century, circa 1925.
Dark finish. Two small drawers, two large. Original brass handles.
Category
1920s Burmese Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
Magazine Stand in Wood, Stampted Made in England, XX Century, Brown Color
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This Magazine stand is in wood. it has been Made in England during the 20 th century. We have a stamp with "Made in England" ingraved. The Color in Brown. On the top we have a compar...
Category
20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 Silver Plated Mechanical Gun or Cannon Bottle Trolley Decanting Machine
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This well made mechanical gun carriage bottle trolley and pourer is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from England in approximately 1890 in a British Colonial style. The carr...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate
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 Leicester, London England. Curis was the royal watchmaker of the Prince of Wales.
As a result of an Act passed by the English Parliament in 1797 tavern clocks were hung in every pub and tavern throughout the British Isles. The Act declared that a tax would be collected on every clock in the realm.
As a result many private clock owners either hid their clocks or got rid of them altogether. Thus taverns and pubs became the preferred location for obtaining the correct time. The Tavern owners did not mind paying the tax because the towns people had to stop by if they wanted to find out what time it was. This resulted in more people eating and drinking at the Tavern.
An ""Act of Parliament clock...
Category
18th Century Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Pine
The Stick has CANFORD SCHOOL O.T.C. Crest on the Round Head
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
CANFORD SCHOOL O.T.C. swagger stick.
The stick has CANFORD SCHOOL O.T.C. crest on the round head
The metal top appears to be a white metal overprinted to look like brass
The sti...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane
Console Carved, England Mahogany, XIXth
Located in Nice, FR
Console carved in English mahogany, XIX th, carved base, with two drawers in front.
Category
19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
19th Century British Colonial Shelf
Located in High Point, NC
19th century British Colonial shelf made from teak. There are tall hand turned finials on the top over three shelves, all with scalloped galleries...
Category
Late 18th Century Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
19th Century Sri Lankan Trunk with Ebony Trim
Located in Pasadena, CA
A 19th century Sri Lankan Trunk made of jakwood with ebony trim. Bright hardware and handles on squat feet.
Category
19th Century Sri Lankan Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Ebony
Antique Luggage Crocodile Skin Leather Suitcase, Colonial
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique suitcase made of crocodile leather handstitched with leather lacing and secured with tacks, an attractive antique reptile skin suitcase with a...
Category
Early 1900s British Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Faux Leather
Pair of Victory V Gums Tins, England, Early 20th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique set of 2 Tin Boxes for Victory V Gums, England.
This British Brand made Liquorice-flavoured lozenges,
each by hand so every sweet contained the correct amount of therapeutic ingredient.
This Counter Cannisters - Advertising Boxes...
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Tin
Historic Corner Commode from Around 1900, After Renovation
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique chest of drawers from the turn of the century. Very good condition, after professional renovation, chest of drawers finished in polytone.
...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Original Deck Chair from European Colonies in Africa, Early 20th Century
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
It is an original piece, in the first part of the 20th century from the European colonies of Africa. It is foldable to move with garter as it happened with many colonial furniture, f...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
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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