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
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
Vintage Bamboo Framed Mirror
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Hand-woven by skilled artisans, mirror has a unique character & texture, Octagonal geometric form is outlined by weaving thin strips of rattan together contrasted by thicker pieces o...
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Indian Brass and Silver Embroidered Velvet Wedding Parasol on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Delicate textile that is in remarkable condition.
Category
Early 20th Century Indian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Silver, Brass, Iron
Pair of Eclectic 20th Century British Colonial Terracotta Elephants in Pale Pink
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of British colonial terracotta elephants from the early 20th century, India, with nicely rendered details. These eclectic statues have a very subtle, nicely aged, layer of pal...
Category
20th Century Indian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
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
English Rustic Antique Side Table
Located in Dallas, TX
English rustic antique side table was hand-crafted using fine oak with burl elm veneer on the drawer faces and a rich, natural color that has...
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Chinese Bamboo Altar Console Table With Brighton Pavilion Fretwork
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in, This spectatorial late 19th century Chinese Bamboo Altar Console in the well known Brighton Pavilion Fretwork style.
This antique Chinese bamboo altar table has everted end...
Category
1890s British Indian Ocean Territory Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Rosewood
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
18th Century Pair of Orange Tall Indian Teak Wood Pillars
Located in San Marino, CA
These pair of orange painted tall Indian teak wood pillars are topped with classical acanthus leaf capitals and come in three parts.
Category
18th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
British Colonial Wood Column on Custom Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A single 19th century British Colonial carved wood column with custom Stand. This antique hand carved wooden architectural element from India, ...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Iron
A stack of six antique wood trays with bone inlays
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fantastic set of six antique trays that fit into a stack, likely from British India turn of the 20th century. The wood is likely rosewood with attractive grains and the trays are i...
Category
1890s Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood, Bone
1900s Old English Liquor Flask & Cup
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Old English silver liquor flask & cup
figural relief hunting castle
5.5 tall x 3.75 w x 1.5 d Cup 2.38 tall x 1.5 diameter
cap serves as a cup
Preowned vintage condition.
Numbered a...
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Metal
British Colonial Decorative Carved Wood Column on Custom Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A single 19th century British Colonial carved wood column with custom stand. This antique hand carved wooden architectural element from India, whic...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Iron
19th Century Anglo Indian Carved Rosewood Console Table
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A mid 19th century beautiful and highly decorative British colonial rosewood console table supported by four profusely carved legs terminating into mythical animal faces at the table...
Category
Mid-19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
A Rare Chamberlains Worcester 1798 "Disce Pati" Admiral Duncan Armorial Plate
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An extremely rare late 18 Century Admiral Duncan Chamberlains Worcester porcelain plate, the centre with an armorial crest of a ship in full sail beneath the banner ‘Disce Pati" within a wide spiral border of salmon pink stripes and gilt foliage sprays. There is some age related rubbing of the gilding but the plate is otherwise in great condition with no visible cracks chips or repairs.
"Disce Pati" in Latin meaning "Learn to Suffer...
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Safari Style Kauffman Fabric Tablecloth Thriw with Tassels
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Safari style linen Kauffmann vintage fabric with fringes as a picnic throw or tablecloth.
Category
1610s American Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Textile
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
English Brown Leather Valise
Located in Queens, NY
English brown leather valise
Category
20th Century British British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather
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
Ceylonese British Colonial Style Satinwood Ebony Mahogany Hutch Cupboard Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Ceylonese British Colonial Style Satinwood Ebony Mahogany Hutch Cupboard Cabinet. Item features beautiful satinwood, ebony, and mahogany wood, 3 dovetail constructed drawers,...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Ebony, Mahogany, Satinwood
Monkeys Prints, 12 Engravings from "Le Règne Animal" Georges Cuvier, France 1816
Located in Firenze, IT
Set of 3 glassed framed panels of 12 engraving depicting monkeys and lemur studies from "Le Règne Animal" by Georges Cuvier.
France, 1816
Le Règne Animal (The Animal Kingdom) i...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Paper
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
Pair of Woven Reed Pillows
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of pillows handcrafted in woven reed in a herringbone pattern with discrete side zippers. Exclusively designed and offered by F. S. Henemader antiques ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Reed
Ficks & Reed Mid-Century Bamboo and Cane Coffee Table
By Ficks Reed
Located in Bellport, NY
A Ficks & Reed bamboo and cane coffee table. We also have two matching side tables and a pair of high back armchairs all the same match and pe...
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Cane
Rare 18th Century English Clock
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare 18th century English clock
Marquetry
Weight: 9.20 kg
England
Sizes: H 62cm L 31cm
very good condition.
Category
18th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Francois Grenier Mixed Media 3D La Chasse au Tigre Tiger Hunt Collage
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique mixed-media enhanced engraving artwork attributed to Francois Grenier. François GRENIER b. 1793-1867. This work features a hunting scene from India, framed shadowbox style, signed in stone lower left and titled on backside. La Chasse au Tigre translates to (Tiger Chase or Tiger Hunt...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Organic Material, Paper
E. Löffler, "The Oronte's Ideal Company", Framed Original Manifesto, circa 1900
Located in Firenze, IT
E. Löffler, "The Oronte's Ideal Company", Original manifesto, framed, circa 1900
Lithograph, without printer's name.
Measures: Cm 70x49.
It was a brilliant company of equili...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Maitland-Smith Vintage Faux Bamboo Stand with Magazine Rack
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style mid century one drawer stand handcrafted with a faux burnt bamboo wood frame featuring brass caps, jungle camouflage panels on the top and sides and lower maga...
Category
Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Faux Bamboo
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
Antique Royal Standard of the United Kingdom in Giltwood Frame and Under Glass
Located in Morristown, NJ
An antique Royal Standard of the United Kingdom, possibly by Benjamin Edgington, London. The fabric is in a giltwood frame under glass. Each of the four quadrants on the flag represe...
Category
1830s English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Glass, Wood
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
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
British Colonial Leather Top Partners Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive 19th century British colonial partners desk hand crafted in well grained mahogany with a tooled leather top on a case with three drawers on either side over two pedestals ...
Category
19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
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
English Style Dresser – Solid Indian Teak Wood with Brass Inlay-
Located in Queens, NY
Handcrafted Indian Teak Dresser with Brass Inlay
This refined dresser is crafted from solid Indian teak wood, known for its rich grain, strength, and ...
Category
Early 2000s American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Sandalwood, Bone
1920s Wood Himachal Pot
Located in Roma, IT
1920s Wood Himachal Pot
This seemingly simple wooden vase is a design object of infinite beauty and elegance that can be placed in either an antique or a modern or contemporary sett...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
1960s English Traditional Bronze & Copper Baby Shoes Bookends Nursery Décor Pair
Located in Miami, FL
A Pair of British colonial baby shoes bookends in cast bronze and handcrafted solid copper Shoes made in England in the 1960s.
Note the attention to details at the shoes and each is ...
Category
Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Copper
Large British Colonial 19th Century Ebony Sri Lankan Ceylonese Wall Bracket
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A Sri Lankan ebony wall bracket by Don Andris Cabinet Makers, Colombo
Colombo, first half 19th century, stamped Don Andris, Cabinet Makers Colombo on shelf
The shelf suspended by three foliate motif carved rests and one plain rests to the wall.
Measures: H. 50.5 x W. 43 x D. 15.5 cm
Note:
According to J.W. Bennett in 1843 (in: Furniture from British India...
Category
Early 18th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Ebony
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
John Somers Pewter Footed Tray, 11.5 Inches Square
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Elegant Footed Pewter Tray – Brazilian Craftsmanship
This beautifully crafted footed square pewter tray is a testament to the artistry of John Somers, one of the most re...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Pewter
Early 20th Century Henry Likly Wood Bound On Canvas Packing Trunk
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th Century Wood Bound On Canvas Packing Trunk. Measuring 38" in width, 22" in depth and 13" in height.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Canvas
Antique Burmese Buddhist Decorative Backboard Mandorla Panel
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Antique Burmese Buddhist Decorative Backboard Mandorla Panel. A style of surround for a seated Buddha image reminiscent of a Burmese transom in shape. The peaked triangular panel in...
Category
1920s Burmese Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
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
Rare Folky Watercolor Drawings on Paper by L.J. Harboe, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Here are four rare and historically important watercolor drawings on paper of St. Croix. Painted in a topographical style by L.J.Harboe, effectively transporting us to a time and pla...
Category
19th Century American Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Paint
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
Distressed Vintage Turkish Kilim Rug with Southern Living British Colonial Style
Located in Dallas, TX
50769, distressed vintage Turkish Kilim rug with Southern Living British Colonial style. This handwoven wool vintage Turkish Kilim...
Category
Mid-20th Century Turkish British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wool
Original Walnut Wing Chair, circa 1900
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Original walnut wing chair, circa 1900.
Armchair reupholstered and refinished a short time ago,
small stains on the fabric.
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Zabihi Collection Oversize Persian Sarouk Rug
Located in New York, NY
an earl y 20th century Persian Sarouk Oversize Rug
Details
rug no. 9313
size 10' 3" x 17' 5" (312 x 531 cm)
Before the 1920s the Sarouk design was the most popular of Persian rugs ...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wool
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
Ebonized Console Sofa Table with Drawers and Brass Hardware, Turned Legs
Located in Miami, FL
Ebonized console sofa table with drawers and brass hardware.
Offered for sale is an ebonized wood console or sofa table that would make a wonderful server. This heavy substantia...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Indonesian Wood Lacquered Box
Located in Austin, TX
Antique hand-painted and lacquered wooden box with removable tray, from Indonesia. The interior compartments are amply sized. There are some small...
Category
Late 19th Century Indonesian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Vintage British Colonial Style Caned Tiered Stands or Etageres
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive pair of mid century British Colonial stands or etageres crafted in fruit wood with framed tops over three caned tiers with turned supports.
Category
Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane, Fruitwood
Late Nineteenth Early Twentieth Century painting on board by C. Wilson
Located in Winnetka, IL
A late Nineteenth early Twentieth century English Colonial painting on board by C. Wilson presented in a gilt wood frame. Depicting a group of men with top hats riding on a horse-dra...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Giltwood, Paint
Zabihi Collection Navy Blue Persian Traditional Room Size Sarouk Rug
Located in New York, NY
Rare navy field high-quality antique Persian Sarouk room-size rug. The piece is in mint condition as the previous owner kept it in storage for a long period of time.
Measures: 8'4" ...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wool
British Colonial Carved Teak Column with Granite Base
Located in Somis, CA
This extraordinary 88" tall column has its original granite base, is made out of solid teak wood featuring an elaborately carved crown. The crown is carved on all four sides with eac...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Granite
19th Century Colonial Mahogany Plantation Lounge Cane Chair
Located in Astoria, NY
An exquisite mid-19th-century traditional Anglo-Indian Colonial plantation chair, sourced from Provence, France. Beautifully hand-crafted from solid mahogany wood with a carved crown...
Category
Mid-19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
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.