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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 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

Elegant Terracotta Antique Mohajeran Persian Sarouk Rug
Located in New York, NY
Stunning early 20th century Persian Sarouk Mohajeran Rug with a terracotta field, accents in robin egg blue, green, the border is navy. circa 1910. Measures: 3'5" x 4'7" Before...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

Rare! Early Maitland Smith Custom English Brass Table Lamp Spears Motif
Located in Peoria, AZ
Gorgeous! Maitland Smith Custom Brass Speat Tripod Table Lamp Amazing British Colonial Style! This one of a kind Maitland Smith lamp is an iconic example of British Colonial Style...
Category

Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

English Mahogany Carved Animal Game Wall Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style (19/20th Century) mahogany carved animal game wall plaque with round top.
Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique 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

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

English Golf Display Case Wall Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
English display case wall plaque with golf driver and iron heads and trophy in oak frame.
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Iron

Zabihi Collection Oversize Indian Antique Agra Carpet
Located in New York, NY
An oversize late 19th-early 20th century antique Indian Agra carpet. Large-scale Pigeons can be spotted on green colored ground. 12'3'' x 23'2'' Agra carpets combine the grandeur and grace of well-known Persian court antique carpet designs with new motifs of their own creation. Overall designs or central medallions of spiraling vinery are frequently combined with small animal forms, sometimes including birds, elephants or people. This particular piece has humans using bow and arrows...
Category

19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

Exceptional Blue Antique Mohajeran Persian Sarouk Rug
Located in New York, NY
Stunning early 20th century Persian Sarouk Mohajeran Rug. 4'3'' x 6'7'' Before the 1920s the Sarouk design was the most popular of persian rugs worldwide. Most of them consist of ...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

British Colonial Style Glass Lantern or Pendant
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage British colonial style three light lantern or light fixture with a hand blown glass bowl and brass hardware.
Category

Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Antique Étagère or Server with Cabinet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
William IV English étagère or server, hand crafted in well grained mahogany having two shelves with turned and carved supports with a lower cabinet featuring a zinc lined wine cellar...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Persian Senneh Bibikabad Rug
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular antique Bibikabad Persian Senneh rug from the 1st quarter of the 20th Century Measures: 4'7'' x 6'6''.
Category

20th Century Persian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

HAND-CARVED Wooden 1920's CHANDELIERS [PAIR]
Located in Hawthorne, CA
A pair of wooden hand-carved chandeliers for an eclectic decor. These pieces are perfect for an island or coastal setting. Of the 19th C. wired to modern standards, origin England 19...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

HAND-CARVED Wooden 1920's CHANDELIERS [PAIR]
HAND-CARVED Wooden 1920's CHANDELIERS [PAIR]
$2,288 Sale Price / set
45% Off
Feminine Persian Antique Kerman Brown Pink Rose Accent Room Size Rug
Located in New York, NY
A highly decorative floral Persian rug with a formal presence. Caramel ground with hints of soft blues, raspberries, cinnamon and pinks, circa 19...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

Black Lacquer English Antique Campaign Style Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Black Lacquer English Antique Campaign Style Desk. Believe this to be from the 19th Century. Please contact for additional photos and condition report.
Category

19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Vintage 1970's Lacquered Bamboo Cane Sideboard Cabinet
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A exceptional multipurpose cabinet, circa 1970s. Top has 4 large woven cane "caged" doors opening to 3 spacious shelfs for books, knick knacks etc. Bottom case has 4 large drawers do...
Category

Mid-20th Century Southeast Asian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Mahogany

Pair of Gorham Weighted Sterling Silver Footed Compote Candy Nut Dishes
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of weighted Gorham Sterling silver compotes, candy dishes. Very good condition.
Category

Early 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

Palacek floor lamps a pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of woven reed Palacek floor lamps .60 inches tall on a 12 x 12 wooden base.. on the back of each lamp, there are doors that give access to the lightbulbs and the shades… Very...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Reed

Tropical Watercolor on Paper of a Jamaican Scene
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Watercolor painting on paper of a tropical scene with houses, palm trees, and figures executed in a lush pallet. Signed by American artist Margaret Morrish in 1956 at Port Antonio Ja...
Category

Mid-20th Century Jamaican British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Paper

A Teak Wood Oval Dining Table
Located in Chicago, IL
The natural roughness of the material is what gives this table its authenticity. It is a stunning piece rich in texture and history, and may serve a wide variety of roles in its futu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Burmese British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Teak

A Teak Wood Oval Dining Table
A Teak Wood Oval Dining Table
$3,200 Sale Price
44% Off
Antique English Sheffield Silver plate & crystal Crue set Circa 1890
Located in Birmingham, AL
uality 19th Century Victorian antique silver plated cruet set. Having a silver plated stand with a shaped handle and raised on ornate fe...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Set di 4 Candelieri da altare. BRONZO E OTTONE.
Located in Cantù, IT
Set di 4 Candelieri da altare. BRONZO E OTTONE. set di 4 candelieri di altissima qualità artigianale con dettagli vintage e design unico. Created and designed by Mice di Domenico Ru...
Category

18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Corner chest of drawers from around 1900.
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique chest of drawers from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Very good condition, after professional renovation, the chest of drawers finished in polish. Year: around 1...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Facing Pair of Early to Mid-20th Century Regal, Majolica Lion Figures
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A pair of very regal seated Majolica lions, a white glaze over a terracotta base, great condition, with some of the terracotta showing through the glaze,...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Vintage African Tapestry Wall Hanging with British Colonial Safari Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77336, vintage African rug tapestry. Reminiscences of an exotic journey and worldy sophistication, this vintage African tapestry wall hanging ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Kenyan British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

Palecek French Regency Style Pedestal Dining Table
Located in Southampton, NJ
A fine Palecek French Regency style center or pedestal dining table of faux bamboo & braided rope styling accented with leather joinery in excellent vintage condition. Table dimensi...
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather, Glass, Wood

19th Century Anglo Ceylonese Specimen Wood Desk Companion Tray
Located in Dallas, TX
Another stunning 19th century Anglo-Ceylonese piece. Made circa 1880 in Ceylon (Now Sri Lanka) of Coromandel wood and specimen woods. This is a simply gorgeous and quality item!! Tray made of various compartments with various high quality specimen wood lids, all edged and banded in chevrons of bone, silver or pewter and ebony. The tray itself is made of expensive coromandel wood. There are two open sections on either side of the tray which have bone and hand-painted lac ends. The main tray sits onto a base made of coromandel wood with green baize lining. This tray could have a number of practical uses, for keeping stationary, watches, jewelry, or thinking outside of the box, holding you remote controls and candy!! We have a matching box also in our Inventory and for auction. ANGLO-INDIAN AND CEYLONESE BOXES: Anglo Indian boxes were made in India for the English residents from the early part of the 18th century. They were brought back or sent back to England usually by the people who had commissioned them. From the beginning of the nineteenth century they were imported more commercially, although not in any significant numbers until the middle decades. They were very highly valued, especially the early ones, to the extent that the designs were copied on late 19th and early 20th century tins. Anglo-indian Boxes normally consist of 3 main types:- (1) Most of the best and highest quality Anglo-Indian boxes in the 18th and 19th Centuries were made in Vizagapatam, India, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship in using ivory and tortoiseshell and lac decoration. These are referred to as ‘Vizagapatam Boxes...
Category

Late 19th Century Sri Lankan Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Ebony, Wood

English Brown Crocodile Valise
Located in Queens, NY
English large brown crocodile valise with metal latches and an attache case interior.
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Metal

Vintage Rose Chintz Egg Shaped Ceramic Trinket Box with Hinged Lid
Located in Godshill, 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

Mid-Century Modern Double Dome Chandelier or Pendant Light
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic double dome chandelier or pendant light fixture that is both elegant and industrial. The dome glass is ribbed for a lustrous glow; the glass on the bottom has the peaceful pattern of water...
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Glass

Antique Chinese Model of a Sovereign Carried in Sedan or Litter
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and unusual antique Chinese sculpture or model depicting a Manchurian sovereign carried on a palanquin by four courtiers all mounted on a wood platform.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

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...
Category

Early 20th Century Asian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Teak

Louver Panel Window Shutter
Located in Dallas, TX
This piece is a part of Brendan Bass’s one-of-a-kind collection, Le Monde. French for “The World”, the Le Monde collection is made up of rare and hard to find pieces curated by Brend...
Category

20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

Drum Form Rattan and Leather Coffee Table
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style coffee table with a round top composed of a stitched leather abstract mosaic over a classic drum form crafted in reed wrapped rattan on three wrapped legs.
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Rattan

Hollone F. Nelly, Vintage Still Life Oil On Canvas "Breakfast W/ Flowers"
Located in Atlanta, GA
**Hollone F. Nelly, Vintage Still Life "Breakfast with Flowers," Oil on Canvas** This vintage still life by Hollone F. Nelly, titled *"Breakfast with Flowers,"* captures a tranqui...
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Great Pair of Vintage Mahogany Planters Chairs
Located in Richmond, VA
Great pair of vintage mahogany planters chairs with canvas.
Category

20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Mahogany

Antique Indian Silver Hip Flask with Leather Case
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Indian 900 standard silver hip flask with the original leather case; part of our wine and drinks related silverware collection. This exceptional antique Indian 900 standard silver hip flask has an oval rounded form. The surface of this antique silver hip flask...
Category

1910s Indian Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Silver

19th C Jamaican Minature Spice Cabinet, attributed to Ralph Turnbull
Located in Charleston, SC
This Caribbean miniature demipress/spice cabinet was made in Jamaica in the 1830's and is attributed to Ralph Turnbull. This British Colonial piece is c...
Category

19th Century Caribbean Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Coconut, Mahogany, Rosewood, Satinwood

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

Late 20th Century John Somers Pewter Pitcher With Lid
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Brazilian Pewter Water Pitcher with Lid 'Pewter Flagon with Cover in the Portuguese Style' This beautifully crafted John Somers Brazi...
Category

1880s Brazilian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Pewter

Lee Radziwill Inspired Block Print Down Flower Motif Pillow in Yellow, India
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Bring a taste of the Orient to any space with one of our custom-created square Indian block print down filled pillows. Each pillow is made of soft cotton and...
Category

2010s Indian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Down

Vintage Pair of Deer Hoof Table Lamps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage pair of custom English deer hoof table lamps with silver plated candle cups and hardware, presented on custom double plinths. Newly wired. Poss...
Category

20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Animal Skin

English Brown Leather Valise
Located in Queens, NY
English large brown leather valise
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather

Vintage Coastal Braided Rattan Safari Highboy Chest of Drawers
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage coastal safari style braided rattan highboy chest of 4 drawers.
Category

1970s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Rattan

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

Limited Edition Cast Elephant by Louis Paul Jonas
By Louis Paul Jonas
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Limited edition cast elephant that captures the essence of these noble animals. This composition edition is presented on a classical wood base signed Louis Paul Jonas...
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Composition

Large Carved Arab Sculpture with Coffee and Pipe, Vienna, circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Carved Arab Sculpture with Coffee and Pipe, Vienna, circa 1900 A masterly carved wooden statue of an Arab drinking coffee and smoking his pipe. An antique shop...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Figura Lizardl Ostrich Egg Candlesticks by Redmile
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical yet refined pair of candlesticks with silvered metal acrobatic lizards holding ostrich eggs with candle holders on a classic base stamped Redmile London.
Category

20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Ostrich Eggshell

Pair of Sea Fan Sculptures
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of sea fan sculptures crafted or dipped in silvered metal with amazing accuracy and presented on classic form lacquered stands. Signed Eduardo Garza...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Metal

Tomlinson Ebony and Brass Coffee/Side Table
Located in East Freetown, MA
Vintage Tomlinson ebony coffee/side table with curved square top and brass accents. With stenciled label on underside.
Category

Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Side or Office Chairs with Upholstered Seat
Located in Nantucket, MA
Pair of Mid-Century Modern solid rosewood side or office chairs with a slightly curved back for lumbar support. Slightly tapered leg. The seat can be easily removed if you wanted to ...
Category

Mid-20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Framed 17th Century Map of Cumberland, England by John Speed, 1610
Located in Middleburg, VA
A fascinating and richly detailed antique map of Cumberland County in northwest England, drawn and published by the celebrated English cartographer John Spe...
Category

Early 17th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Copper, Gold Leaf

Lee Radziwill Inspired Block Print Down Flower Motif Pillow in Yellow, India
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Bring a taste of the Orient to any space with one of our custom-created Indian block print lumbar pillows. Each pillow is made of soft cotton and hand block printed by our artisans i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Down

Lee Radziwill Inspired Block Print Down Flower Motif Pillow in Pink, India
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Bring a taste of the orient to any space with one of our custom-created Indian block print pillows. Each pillow is made of soft cotton and h...
Category

2010s Indian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Down

American Country Copper Cauldron
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style (19th Century) copper cauldron with wrought iron handle.
Category

19th Century American Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Iron

Bahamian Street Scene Watercolor Painting by Hartwell Leon Woodcock
By Hartwell L. Woodcock
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Watercolor painting of a Bahamian street scene possibly in Nassau. Complete with a woman carrying a bundle, a man in a cart, palm trees, house, gates and warm peaceful ambiance. Sign...
Category

20th Century North American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Paint, Paper

American Country Copper Cauldron
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style (19th Century) copper cauldron with iron handle.
Category

19th Century American Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Iron

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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