Sometimes called “knock-down” furniture, campaign furniture was designed to be folded, collapsed, taken apart and packed flat to load onto a ship or a camel’s back. Although mobile furniture for military campaigns dates back to the Romans, the British Army in its global conquests in the 18th and 19th centuries defined the style with sturdy and elegant pieces. Even in a tent thousands of miles from London, a four-poster bed, dining table and seating could simulate the comforts of home.
Antique and vintage campaign-style furniture was also initially designed as propaganda. The mahogany and teak structures were part of a purposeful demonstration of power in these campaigns, with the colonizing military officers imposing their culture and view of what they considered “civilized” on a given land and its peoples. Designers and manufacturers including Thomas Butler, Ross & Co. of Dublin, and Morgan & Sanders contributed to the rapid production of this furniture as the British Empire expanded through Africa, Asia and Australia.
Campaign furniture was utilitarian as well as refined, fitted with recessed brass handles and brass angles on stackable chests and other case pieces to protect vulnerable corners. The Wellington chest was one of the most famous pieces to come out of this style, named for the Duke of Wellington, who slept in his campaign bed long after his battles were over.
The flexibility of campaign-style furniture would influence 20th-century Scandinavian modernists such as Kaare Klint, Mogens Koch and Arne Norell. For his 1930s Safari chair, Klint drew on the simple Roorkhee chair, named for a town in northern India. The lightweight and adaptable campaign-style seat was created in the late 19th century and had no fixed joinery. The Roorkhee’s influence can also be seen in the Wassily chair, a pared-down work of tubular metal and durable canvas conceived by legendary Bauhaus instructor Marcel Breuer.
Now, 21st-century designers like Jomo Tariku and Dokter and Misses are creating pieces that recognize the contributions of African artisans to campaign furniture in order to reframe this style without overlooking its difficult past.
Find a collection of authentic antique and vintage campaign bedroom furniture, chairs, decorative objects and other pieces on 1stDibs.
Lovely Campaign Style Nest Of Three Tables
By Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London
Located in Crawley, GB
Stunning antique military campaign style nest of three tables in mahogany and brass , made in England between 1950-1960 with brass corners and inlaid brass plaque in amazing conditio...
Brass
Set of Three Campaign Style Mirrored Top Gallery Nesting Table, France
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in, this Set of Three Mirrored Top Bronzed Campaign Gallery Nesting Table. Each have a gallery , old mirror and paw feet. These are very heavy and sturdy the basses are in the ...
Metal
Antique Military Campaign Nesting Coffee Table / Side Tables
Located in London, GB
A wonderful antique military campaign nesting coffee table / side tables. These were made in England, they date from around the 1930’s. They are of excellent quality and have a very...
Brass
$738Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful Brass Bound Military Campaign Nesting Tables
Located in Crawley, GB
Beautiful Brass Bound Military Campaign Nesting Tables with glass top and decorative antique world map. Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Please have a closer...
Brass
Nest of Coffee & Side Tables Military Campaign with World Maps
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning campaign decorative world map nest of tables. A well-made solid table, each table has a detailed map of the world. Lightly res...
Brass
Rare Lovely Coffee & Side Table Nest of Tables Military Campaign with World Maps
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely nest of three side tables with world maps detailing A nice decorative set, each one has a good quality print of a world map. They ar...
Brass
Vintage Coffee & Side Table Nest of Tables Military Campaign with World Maps
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely nest of three side tables with world maps detailing. A nice decorative set, each one has a good quality print of a world map. They a...
Brass
$792Sale Price / set|20% Off
Military Campaign Style Nest Of Three Tables
Located in Crawley, GB
Stuning antique military campaign style nest of three tables in mahogany and brass , made in England between 1950-1960 with brass corners and inlaid brass plaque in amazing condition...
Brass
Kennedy for Harrods Military Campaign Nesting Tables with Brass Idents & Mounts
By Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Set of Three Tables by Kennedy for Harrods of London Department Store. Harrods sold Kennedy Furniture for over 87 years. Military Campaign Nesting Tables With Brass Indents and Mo...
Brass
LOVELY GREEN LEATHER FLAMED HARDWOOD NEST OF THREE MILITARY CAMPAIGN TABLEs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
All Vintage Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage circa 1960's nest of three Flamed Mahogany Military Campaign tables with gold leaf embossed green leather tops...
Leather, Hardwood
ViNTAGE OVER RESTORED GREEN LEATHER MILITARY CAMPAIGN NEST OF COFFEE SIDE TABLES
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning suite of over restored Military Campaign tables that are the best in the world toda...
Brass
Stunning Coffee and Side Table Nest of Tables Military Campaign with World Maps
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning nest of vintage military campaign tables to include one large coffee table and two sm...
Hardwood
RESTORED HARRODS KENNEDY COFFEE & SiDE TABLE NEST OF TABLES MILITARY CAMPAIGN
By Harrods, Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely Fully Restored Harrods Kennedy nest of two Military Campaign side tables Please note the delive...
Brass
$2,167Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-century Maison Jansen Campaign Style Nest of 3 Tables
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Mid-century Maison Jansen Campaign Style Nest of 3 Tables Nest of 3 Tables, the table tops have brass trim with brass inlay to the Legs and early world maps on black glass These are...
Glass
Lovely Harrods Kennedy Coffee & Side Table Nest of Tables Military Campaign
By Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London, Harrods
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Harrods Kennedy nest of three Military Campaign side tables A nice decorative set, they are made in the military campaign style so b...
Brass
Henredon Set of Three Nesting Tables
By Henredon
Located in Highland, IN
A handsome and nicely detailed set of three tables by Henredon. The large table is 20"h X 24"w X 15"d The two small tables are 18"h X 11"w X 11"d
Wood
$2,800 / set
H 17.71 in W 21.65 in D 13.4 in
Nest of Tables with Green Marble Tops, France, circa 1940
Located in Vienna, AT
Nest of tables with green marble tops, France circa 1940 Set of three side tables in original vintage mid century condition. The slender columns are from brass and iron and show s...
Marble, Brass, Iron
$1,049 / set
H 17.52 in W 18.9 in D 14.97 in
Set of Three Nesting Tables French Bauhaus Style Metal and Glass circa 1970
By Bauhaus
Located in Labrit, Landes
Three nesting vintage tables , French, circa 1970 This table series was manufactured with a Bauhaus influence. Refined style thanks to the use of simple materials such as glass and m...
Metal
$5,165 / set
H 19.69 in W 20.48 in D 20.48 in
Duna Nest Table, Side Table, Bedside Table in Solid Poplar Wood by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Duna Nest Table, Side Table, Bedside Table in Solid Poplar Wood by Joel Escalona Duna Collection is a set of wood tables and surfaces inspired by the vast sand dune regions of the w...
Wood, Poplar, Oak, Hardwood
Mid Century Style Nest of Tables
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Mid-Century Modern style nest of tables. The side tables are sculpted from American walnut with a hand-rubbed lacquer finish and brass ferrules. Hardware is acid dipped and hand-ru...
Wood
Pierre Vandel Set of Three Nesting Tables, France, circa 1970
Located in London, GB
Pierre Vandel set of three nesting tables, France, circa 1970. Very good vintage condition commensurate of age. Dimensions: D 40.5 x W 32 x H 29 cm D 40.5 x W 40.5 x H 33.5 cm D 40....
Aluminum
$3,850 / set
H 21.93 in Dm 15.75 in
ZEL AFELLA — Brass Side Table with Hand-Cut Zellige Mosaic, Set of Three
Located in Paris, FR
This sculptural set of three contemporary guéridon tables from the Flow Collection showcases a refined interplay of brass and traditional Moroccan zellige mosaic. Each piece is handc...
Brass
$1,298
H 17.92 in W 24.93 in D 18 in
Stunning Coffee & Side Table Nest of Tables Military Campaign with World Maps
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this stunning campaign decorative world map nest of tables. Each table has a very good detailed map of the world. We have lightly restored this by giving...
Hardwood
$4,703 / set
H 17.72 in Dm 31.5 in
Handmade Nesting Tables, Set Side Coffee Tables Handcrafted by French Designer
Located in LANGUEUX, FR
The beauty and high quality of handmade concrete and metal tables made in France are unparalleled in the world of furniture. The blending of these two materials results in pieces tha...
Concrete, Metal
$10,160 / set
H 24 in W 12.25 in D 31 in
Set of 3 Shagreen Nesting Side Tables with Brass Inlay Work by R&Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The set of 3 peacock nesting coffee tables...
Brass
$4,211 / set
H 19.69 in W 21.66 in D 14.97 in
Kennedy for Harrods Military Campaign Nesting Tables with Brass Idents & Mounts
By Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Set of Three Tables by Kennedy for Harrods of London Department Store. Harrods sold Kennedy Furniture for over 87 years. Military Campaign Nesting Tables With Brass Indents and Mo...
Brass
$1,257 / set
H 19.1 in W 22.84 in D 15.95 in
Scandinavian Modern Danish Teak Nest of 3 Tables by Mobelfabrikken Toften 1960’s
Located in London, GB
A simple paired back Danish designed Teak Mid-Century Modern nest of 3 Tables. Professionally polished and in good condition. With fine and interesting grain pattern and simple detai...
Teak
Good Campaign Mahogany Nest of Three Tables
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A very good mahogany Campaign nest of three tables with brass inlays, in very good overall condition. 20" high 22" x 15" You are welcome to view this item at our showroom, please p...
Mahogany
Antique Military Campaign Nesting Coffee Table / Side Tables
Located in London, GB
A wonderful antique military campaign nesting coffee table / side tables. These were made in England, they date from around the 1930’s. They are of excellent quality and have a very...
Wood
Sold
H 21.86 in W 24.02 in D 20.08 in
Vintage Hardwood & Brass Military Campaign Nest of Tables with Drawer
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Vintage Hardwood and brass military campaign nest of tables with one drawer. Very smart-looking nest of tab...
Hardwood
Sold
H 25.25 in W 23.25 in D 20 in
Vintage Campaign Nesting Tables Chartreuse Leather Tops 2 Sets of 2 by Kittinger
By Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous vintage Campaign or Chinoiserie dark green painted modified Parson’s nesting tables with chartreuse leather tops two sets of 2 tables b...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 19.69 in W 22.05 in D 14.97 in
Harrods London R.E.H Kennedy Hardwood Military Campaign Nest of Side End Tables
By Harrods, Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning Kennedy furniture Harrods London Military Campaign nest of side tables. A good looking and well...
Brass
Sold
H 18.12 in W 25.01 in D 18.12 in
Stunning Hardwood Set Coffee / Nest of Tables Military Campaign with World Map
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this elegant Military Campaign mahogany nest of tables with world maps. This is a very good looking, solid and decorative nest of tables with brass fitting and fixtures. Each of the tables show a vintage world map...
Brass
Sold
H 19.3 in W 22.05 in D 14.97 in
Fine Harrods London Kennedy Hardwood Military Campaign Nest of Side End Tables
By Harrods, Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and really quite rare, Kennedy furniture Harrods London Military Campaign nest of side tables A...
Brass
Antique Military Campaign Style Nest of Tables
Located in London, GB
A lovely antique military campaign style nest of three tables in wood and brass. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1950’s. They are of excellent quality and are v...
Brass
Antique Military Campaign Nesting Coffee / Side Table
Located in London, GB
A wonderful antique nesting coffee table and two side tables in wood and brass. These were made in England, they date from around the 193...
Brass
Sold
H 19.69 in W 21.66 in D 14.97 in
Rare Harrods London Kennedy Hardwood Military Campaign Nest of Side End Tables
By Harrods, Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and really quite rare, Kennedy furniture Harrods London Military Campaign nest of side tables A...
Brass
Sold
H 19.1 in W 19.89 in D 20.67 in
Lovely Nest of Three Burr Yew Wood Military Campaign Side End Lamp Wine Tables
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this lovely burr yew wood nest of three military campaign side tables A very good suite of nested tables, I’ve never seen this exact suite before, the timber i...
Brass
Sold
H 20.87 in W 30.71 in D 17.72 in
Very Large Nest of Three Tables with Rare Zodiac Astrology Maps to the Top
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely very large nest of three side tables with rare Zodiac Astrology maps A nice decorative set, each on...
Brass