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
Period: Mid-20th Century
Bedside Tables, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1960/70s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of bedside tables in mahogany veneer and brass details. The brass wheels makes it easy to move the tables. British colonial style, bought at Nordiska Kompaniet, one previous o...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo Leather Clad Desk by Maitland-Smith
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive Mid Century desk crafted with a faux bamboo frame having a faux tortoise finish featuring tooled leather panels on the top, front, side and back, lower tier storage and be...
Category
Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Faux Bamboo
Vintage British Colonial Plantation Ladder Back Rush Armchairs Pair
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Beautiful pair of British Colonial plantation armchairs with tall ladder back and natural woven Rush seating, Circa 1960's. Oak or Mohogany.
Except...
Category
1960s British Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Rush, Oak
Baker Pair of Vintage British Colonial Caned Stands
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Large scale pair of mid century British colonial style stands with two caned tiers having turned supports with finials at the tops, classic legs and brass casters. Signed Baker on th...
Category
Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Vintage Welsh Cupboard ~ Sideboard
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Welsh Cupboard ~ Sideboard is a clever design originating in what is now called the UK, providing means to store cups, saucers and linens, while displaying some of the family...
Category
Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Steel
Albert Engstrom Leather & Gilt Swedish Book Set, C. 1945
By Bonniers
Located in Ross, CA
Set of 6, leather bound book set written by Albert Engstrom (1869-1940), published by Bonnier's in Stockholm in 1945. The Swedish language books are books are filled with the author...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather
Mid-Century Bone Inlaid And Carved Moroccan Teak Side Tables - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of heavily carved hexagon form teak and bone inlaid Moroccan side tables. They most likely date to at least the 1950s or earlier. They are both in very good condition.
Category
1950s Moroccan Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bone, Teak
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
Rare and Unusual Pierced Coconut Shell Table Lamp
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and unusual handmade table lamp featuring thirteen carved and perforated coconut shells as shades, carved coconut leaves, hand wrapped string stems and a coconut base on a mahog...
Category
Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Coconut
British Colonial Style Vintage Bamboo and Grasscloth Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome British Colonial style desk crafted with a bamboo frame and grasscloth panels all around having a concave center drawer and two more on either side over a lower tier.
Category
Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Grasscloth, Bamboo
Teak Wood Glass-Front Wall Cabinet with Shelves and Drawers
Located in Nantucket, MA
Teak wood wall cabinet with glass front and two interior glass shelves. Two lower cabinet drawers with iron flush-mount drawer pulls. Two hooks at the top to allow for hanging. Refinished. Colonial British.
The Lockhart Collection is a personally curated gallery of antiques and fine jewelry, owned and operated by Deborah Lockhart Phillips. The antiques and vintage pieces encompass Nautical Artifacts...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
English Brass Umbrella and Canes Stand by Lombard England Brass Company
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
1950's Brass Metal Umbrella and Canes Stand by Lombard England Brass
The finishing touch for your well-appointed home, this vintage umbrella stand mak...
Category
Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
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
Steel, Brass
A Pair of Large Bronze Coloured Toleware Table Lamps
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Pair of Large Bronze Coloured Toleware Table Lamps
These Large Stunning Lamps have an Armorial Crest theme they have matching shades, both lamps and shades have a crackle glaze fi...
Category
1960s Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Tin
After Joseph Pitts, Parian Bust of F.A. Cox, 1854
Located in New York, NY
After Joseph Pitts (English, active 1830-1870), A Parian Ware Bust of F[rancis]. A[ugustus]. Cox (English, 1783 - 1853), signed "Jos.h Pitts, SC / London / 1854" to left side, and in...
Category
Mid-20th Century European British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Marble
British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo and Grasscloth Pagoda Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive mid century desk crafted with a faux burnt bamboo frame having grasscloth panels on the tops, sides, and drawer fronts, featuring two glove boxes and a dramatic pagoda for...
Category
Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo
Large Mid 20th Century Teak Ships Wheel A wonderful decorative piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Large Mid 20th Century Teak Ships Wheel
A wonderful decorative piece, heavy and made in solid teak with Turned spindles radiating out from the centra...
Category
1960s Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
Old Brass British Military Issue Brass Handbell A Great Piece, Second World War
Located in Chillerton, 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
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
Baker British Colonial Style Bamboo Queen Bed Frame
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British Colonial style queen size bed frame crafted in bamboo and bent bamboo with reed wrapped joints, lacquered panels with a crackle glaze, and bronze finials and feet. Signed Mil...
Category
Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Reed, Bamboo
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, Vintage Faux Bamboo 5-Arm Candle Sconces - Available French Wiring
By Serge Roche
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair, Vintage Faux Bamboo 5-Arm Candle Sconces
Available French Wiring for $200 - Please inquire before purchasing. (NOTE - Current listing is for candle sconces)
These vintage faux bamboo sconces have a Serge Roche feel with their traditional yet sophisticated modern appeal. The body is constructed from plaster, iron and tole with 5 arm candle holders...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Iron
Beautifully Styled Ceylonese Porcupine Quill, Lidded Dark Wood Conical Pot
By SILVA (Sri Lanka)
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Superb Ceylonese porcupine quill lidded pot in a most unusual conical shape
Fashioned in dark wood and decorated with quill pieces
All quills are present and in excellent order. Int...
Category
1950s Sri Lankan Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
English Victorian Style Mirrored Washstand with Decorated Basin and Pitcher
Located in Germantown, MD
A midcentury English decorated porcelain basin and pitcher on mirrored oak washstand with candle sconces in very good condition. . Measures 22" in width, 18" in depth and stands 52.5...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Oak, Porcelain
Vintage Set of Six Moth Watercolors
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty set of six watercolors on paper depicting the surprising diverse beauty of moth species. Presented in wood frames, matted and under glass.
Category
Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paper, Paint
Asafo Banner
By Fante People
Located in Glasgow, GB
This is a very rare example of an Asafo Banner from the Fante people of the Cape Coast of Ghana . The Asafo have been a highly militarised society long before the Europeans set foot ...
Category
1940s Ghanaian Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cotton
Mid-Century Pair of French Tooled Leather Safari Campaign Armchairs
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Torquay, GB
Rare pair of mid century leather Safari armchairs.
French made, circa 1940s.
Offered here in original condition.
Dark brown leather, artfully tooled in ancient symbols, resting on solid oak frame structure.
The armchairs have tilted leather backrests and leather arm straps...
Category
Mid-20th Century French British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood, Calico
British Colonial Handwoven Cane Turned Wood Spindle Frame Chaise Lounge Daybed
Located in Miami, FL
1950 refinished British Colonial handwoven Cane Chaise Lounge, Daybed or Sofa with turned Wood Frame and support Stretchers in brown Finish.
Bohemian Chic Style with a graceful form...
Category
Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane, Wood
British Royal Coat of Arms Wall Plaque This Is a Large Scale Piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
British royal coat of arms wall plaque
This is a large scale piece, it dates from the 1950s and is made in plaster and it is painted in very brig...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Plaster
Maitland-Smith British Colonial Style Coconut Shell and Leather Sideboard
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive midcentury Maitland-Smith sideboard or wine cabinet with a textured bronze top in a coconut border on a four door case having bronze elephant head handles in coconut panel...
Category
Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Coconut
Karin Mobring Pine Safari Armchair with Canvas Seat & Leather Straps
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Karin Mobring Pine Safari Armchair With Canvas Seat & Leather Straps Made In Sweden For Ikea 1972
Karin Elisabet Mobring (1927-08-07 — 2005-02-17), Furn...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Pine, Leather, Canvas
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
Sterling Silver Candle Holders
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This extraordinary candle holder is in great condition and beautifully crafted out of sterling silver this piece features three arms of beautiful details newly cleaned and polished d...
Category
1930s European Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Metal, Sterling Silver
English Mahogany Campaign Chest of Drawers, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of English mahogany campaign chest of three drawers, brass mounted and with swing pulls, handles at sides.
Measures: 22" H x 26.25" W x 26.25" D.
Category
Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Large Blue Wildebeest Antelope Carpet / Rug from Kenya, British Colonial Era
Located in New York, NY
A noble and elegant African blue wildebeest rug or carpet from the British Colonial era in Kenya. Blue Wildebeest are known beautiful and subtle color r...
Category
Mid-20th Century Kenyan British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Animal Skin, Felt
Faux Bamboo and leather folding officer safari chair.
Located in MIJDRECHT, NL
Mid century Faux Bamboo and leather British colonial officers folding chair.
Expertly crafted Faux Bamboo, brass hardware and stitched leather ba...
Category
Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Folding and Adjustable Teak and Mesh Seat Patio or Side Chair
Located in Nantucket, MA
A folding and adjustable teak patio or side chair with an open mesh seat. Easy to add a seat cushion if so desired, originally designed for tropical climates...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
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
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
Mid-20th Century Brass Horn Bouillotte Lamp with Black Tole Shade
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous brass horn bouillotte lamp with black tole shade
USA, Mid-20th century
Measures: 16" W x 10.75" D x 26" H
Very good original v...
Category
Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
British Colonial Planter
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
Vintage British Colonial style burnt bamboo planter. Made well and kept in great condition. Bamboo panels have been hand burnt to display a beautiful tortoiseshell pattern.
Would...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
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
Large Hand Carved British Royal Coat of Arms Brewers Wall Plaque
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Large hand carved british royal coat of arms brewers wall plaque.
This is a very fine piece, it dates from the 1950s and is hand carved...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Oak
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
Carved Mahogany and Caned Recamier or Daybed with Cushion
Located in Nantucket, MA
A mahogany and caned recamier or daybed with carving on both sides, a caned rolled end, and reeded legs. The caning is newly done and in a very tight wov...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
Royal Air Force P10 Aircraft Compass No. 10489 T
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Royal Air Force P10 aircraft compass No. 10489 T
The compass has a brass body finished in black, it comes in its battleship grey painted wooden ...
Category
1930s Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Struttura Poltrona Tripolina, Originale Anni 50. Da Transatlantico
Located in Felino, IT
Galleria Profumo e Fuselli di Genova nel 1949. poltrona originale da transatlantico.
struttura in teak , giunti in ottone.
fa parte di una fornitura navale degli anni 50...
Category
1950s European Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Bamboo Lounge Chair
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage lounge chair crafted with bent bamboo and woven rattan in an elegant modern form featuring pullout footrest and adjustable back.
Extended depth 60".
Category
Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Bronze Safari-Themed End Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This side table features a heavy rounded glass top that sits upon an elaborately sculpted base. The base uses a palm tree to hold up the table's top, and two small elephant figures a...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Glass
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
Anglo Indian British Colonial Style Brass Elephant Head on Stand
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout Anglo Indian cast brass elephant head sculpture presented on a turned brass stand. Hand polished and lacquered for easy care.
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Tropical Oil Painting on Canvas of a Haitian Road
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Oil Painting on canvas depicting a path or road with figures engaged in daily life in a tropical setting, executed in an atypical impressionist style. Signed Poisson Haiti in the low...
Category
Mid-20th Century Haitian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Paint
British Colonial Style Bamboo Recliner Chair with Ottoman
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Mid century recliner chair crafted in bamboo and bent bamboo with caned seating featuring a pull out ottoman and Morris style reclini...
Category
Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
British Arts & Crafts Minton Tile Plateau
Located in New York, NY
British Arts & Crafts Minton tile plateau, rectangular with a carved egg-and-dart modeled frame on bun feet, centering three turquoise and green-glazed flo...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Figural Palm Tree Table Lamps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of English table lamps crafted in silver plate over cast brass depicting a camel and an elephant under palm trees on terra firma bases.
Category
Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate, Brass
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
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
Pair of Thai Rosewood Elephant Howdah Saddle Style Chairs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of elephant saddle style chairs crafted with rosewood in a distinctive Thai form, hand carved depicting elephants, which are a symbol of fortune, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
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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