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.
Pair of Campaign Style Mahogany Side Tables, Circa 1960's
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1960's pair of Mahogany Campaign style side tables from England. The tops of the tables are covered in leather, which has gold tooling banded detail, surrounded by brass edges...
Brass
British Campaign Officer's Chest on Stand as a Side Table
Located in Nantucket, MA
A handsome satinwood and ebony British Campaign officer's chest on a custom made stand, also in satinwood and ebony. These boxes were used by officers to transport their personal ef...
Ebony, Satinwood
McGuire Rattan Oak Campaign Style Folding Drink Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare organic modern campaign style folding drinks table crafted by McGuire artisans in California. The table features a thick pole rattan X frame that features an open fretwork desig...
Brass
19th Century Mahogany Campaign Table
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century mahogany campaign table. The circular hinged top raised on shaped square section legs joined by stretchers. Condition: S...
Brass
Authentic Models Bombay Campaign style side tables or Night stands 1970s England
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice Bombay Campaign style Side tables or Nightstands or Sofa Tables . 3 Drawer (Black/Honey) . Great looking set . Cherry Wood . 1970s England . and Brass side carrying handle...
Cherry
Pair of Antique Military Campaign Style Side Tables
Located in London, GB
A smart and extremely well made pair of antique military campaign style side tables. They were made in England, and date from around the 1930’s. The quality is outstanding, they hav...
Brass
Pair of Mid Century Teak Campaign Style Cubical Side Tables Chests
Located in Germantown, MD
A very unique Pair of Mid Century Teak Campaign Style Cubical Side Tables Chests. Measure 17" in width, 17" in depth and stand 17" tall.
Wood
Neo-Classical Campaign Style Tambour Drum Form Brass Side Table Att. Sarreid
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a large scale neoclassical campaign style tambour form brass drum side table attributed to Sarreid. It most likely dates to the 1970s . The tops show some notable tarnishing ...
Brass
Pair of Antique Military Campaign Style Side Tables
Located in London, GB
An impressive and large pair of antique military campaign style side tables. They were made in England, and they date from around the 1950’s. The quality is outstanding, these are v...
Brass
Pair of Mahogany Military Campaign Chests on Stands or Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of modern military campaign chests mounted on custom stands, circa 1970s. Incredible style, craftsmanship and attention to detai...
Brass
$1,496Sale Price|25% Off
Rattan Campaign Ficks Reed Far Horizons End Table W/Tile Top by John Wisner
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome vintage rattan Campaign Style Ficks Reed Far Horizons Collection end table with tile top designed by John Wisner. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. The tile has been caulked and it has a fresh coat of Danish oil. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Mid-20th Century. NOTE: If you love this rattan Ficks Reed Far Horizons Collection by John Wisner end table. NOTE: Shipping is possible via parcel which may reduce shipping costs. Exotic, Incredible, and Ficks Reed!!! This is a fabulous rectangular end table by John Wisner for Ficks Reed. It is comprised of a stout rattan base, and it features a wonderful white tile top including three tiles with black painted Asian designs of fans and symbols… it’s absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! This end table is from Ficks Reed’s Far Horizons collection by John Wisner which was introduced in 1954. It is designed with sturdy and stylish crossbars with rattan ties on the corners on all four sides of the coffee table. And the design of this awesome Campaign style end table is classic allowing it to work with many decor aesthetics and styles from traditional to mid-century modern. It will be wonderful in your living room next to a lounge chair or in the family room aside a comfortable chaise or loveseat. Or, maybe on its own in an entry or hallway adorned with foliage. The Ficks Reed Furniture Company was originally established by Louis Ficks as the National Carriage and Reed Company in 1885. For over 125 years they built their reputation manufacturing high quality furniture using wicker...
Ceramic, Rattan
Vintage Small Campaign Style Trunk Chest on Brass Base Accent Side Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Small Campaign Style Trunk Chest on Brass Base Accent Side Table. Item features brass base, removable wooden trunk with distressed finish, nice smaller size, very nice vintag...
Brass
Vintage Campaign Style Chest by Hickory Furniture for JB Van Sciver
Located in Lancaster, PA
This is an interesting Campaign chest that gives a nod to the East while remaining traditional and transitional. The piece was produced by Hickory Furniture for J.B. Sciver in the U...
Brass, Enamel
$1,316 / item
English Campaign Decorative Box on Stand
Located in Westwood, NJ
An English Campaign style decorative box on stand, this smaller wood box is beautifully detailed with brass tacks and hardware with leather accents. T...
Wood
English Campaign Yew Wood 1920s Side Table with Brass Accents and Straight Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English Campaign yew wood side table from circa 1920 with brass accents and straight legs. This English Campaign yew wood side table, dating back to circa 1920, encapsulates the r...
Brass
STUNNING PAIR OF TWO TIER MILITARY CAMPAIGN SiDE END TABLES LARGE SINGLE DRAWERS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of Military Campaign side tables with full sized single drawers and two tiers Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote, please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price. A good looking and well-made pair, these are absolutely iconic and highly collectable, this is the only pair I...
Brass
MidCentury Henredon Mahogany Canpaign Single Drawer Side Table with Brass Accent
By Henredon
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid-Century Henredon Mahogany Canpaign Style Single Drawer Side Table with Brass Accents. .Measures 24" in width, 24" in depth, 22.5" in height.
Mahogany
Brass Pedestal Side Table Attrib. Mastercraft
Located in New York, NY
A substantial brass pedestal end/side/drinks table attributed to Mastercraft Furniture Co., circa late-20th century. This all brass able is rectangular with round medallion front (on...
Brass
One Drawer End or Side Table Oxford Square by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in New York, NY
From one of the most stylish line of furniture produced by Drexel, this Oxford square end, or side table is in original, clean and ready to use condition. The table has an open storage space (9.75 in H) over one large drawer. The pecan wood case features the signature faux inlay design, and brass colored metal corners and recessed bail style drawer pull, on bun style feet. 1970's mod meets classic campaign style, equals Drexel Oxford Square...
Metal
Burl Walnut and Walnut Writing Slope on Stand
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Burled walnut and walnut writing slope with brass mounts, made in 1870, on a late 20th century lacquered stand. The burled walnut top with a central brass inlaid presentation plaque ...
Brass
$1,525Sale Price|20% Off
Side Table "the Clermont Baltimore 1801" Champain Style
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful side table mahogany frame comes with Brass inlay champaign style One drawer. with inset drop handles. Signed The Clermount Baltimore 1801 This table has some history, i...
Mahogany
Vintage Traditional Solid Red Oak Parsons Tables, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
Authentic handmade solid oak side tables. The Parsons tables have the same thickness to both top and legs and is a classic design. Offered in solid oak throughout with a square br...
Oak
Classic and Versatile Campaign Style Mahogany Side or Dining Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A nifty versatile beautifully crafted Campaign style mahogany table by Benjamin Ferber that opens to become a side table or small dining table having a bar underneath that clasps aro...
Mahogany
STUNNiNG PAIR OF MILITARY CAMPAIGN STYLE TIGER OAK SINGLE DRAWER SIDE END TABLES
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this sublime pair of vintage Military Campaign side tables with large single drawers in Tiger Oak Please no...
Oak
English Midcentury Campaign Style Side Table with Parquet Top and Brass Braces
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English Campaign style walnut side table from the mid 20th century, with parquet style top, brass accents and straight legs. Created in England during the midcentury period, this ...
Brass
$1,899Sale Price|20% Off
19th century Campaign Table
By Scott & Co. 1
Located in Glasgow, GB
A very fine example of a late 19th century Campaign table in speciemen wood. These tables are versatile and and have a variety of uses . Th...
Wood
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
Italian Campaign Chest of Drawers with Olive Wood Veneer, Mid-20th Century
Located in Stamford, CT
Campaign style chest of drawers with wonderful olive wood veneer. This is such a sweet little chest, my favorite piece right now. Mid century Italian...
Brass
On Hold|$3,467 / set
H 24.02 in W 17.72 in D 14.97 in
Campaign Style Pair of Nightstands, Wood and Brass w/ Writing Slide, Italy 1950
Located in Roma, IT
Refined and rare pair of Italian Campaign Style nightstands or side tables in mahogany and solid brass, produced in Italy during the 1950s. Fully original and in excellent vintage c...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Mahogany side tables by Anton Kildeberg, Denmark 1960's
By Anton Kildeberg, Anton Kildebergs Møbelfabrik
Located in Balen, BE
A elegant pair of mahogany side tables 'model 210' made by Anton Kildeberg. Different version of this table were made during the 50s, 60s and 70s. Made from a solid beech turned base...
Hardwood
Pair of Jacobean Style Side Tables
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Jacobean style rectangular one-drawer side table with an ogee top edge, in our distressed rustic country wood tone with natural highlights, with a hand-rubbed satin finish with a b...
Wood
Early 19th Century Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Martlesham, GB
Early 19th century mahogany writing or side table on square tapered legs and castors, with a drawer on one end and a faux drawer on the other end, the top has a lift up flap to revea...
Mahogany
Panoplie White Oak Drink Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly made solid white oak cocktail table with carved ribbed detailing. Natural oak finish. Made in Los Angeles. Multiple quantity and c...
Oak
Pair of Regency Style Side Tables
Located in Westwood, NJ
Regency style side table with a wooden gallery top, molded edge, with a pull-out slide about a lower shelf with drawer and turned legs all in ...
Wood
19th Century Louis Philippe Mahogany Side Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century Louis Philippe French side table made of solid and veneers of mahogany with two woven cane shelves and a small dovetailed drawer. Turned legs with small cast brass cas...
Marble, Brass
Pair of Country Style Side Tables
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this side table features a raised edge gallery top, perfect for keeping your items secure. A pull-out shelf adds character and functiona...
Wood
Antique Campaign Officer's Writing Slope on Stand, Circa 1850s
Located in Peabody, MA
An antique officer's writing slope on stand, in Cuban mahogany with brass corner brackets circa 1850s. Measures 24.5" high, 20" wide, 10.5" deep (11" deep at the feet). Box is 7.25...
Brass
$2,595
H 28.9 in W 30 in D 29.6 in
19th Century United Kingdom Rich Mahogany Round Mahogany Side Table
Located in High Point, NC
Round mahogany side table in Rich Mahogany. The rich mahogany surface highlights pierced fretwork stretcher, slender tapered legs, characteristic of United Kingdom furniture making i...
Mahogany
Pair of McGuire "Dornick" Side Tables or Nightstands
By McGuire
Located in Dallas, TX
Great looking pair of end tables or nightstands by McGuire. The Dornick table.
Wicker, Wood
Pair of Rattan Side Tables in the Manner of McGuire
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
Reminiscent of the refined designs of Elinor and John McGuire these lovely tables of rattan and cane have glass tops, a lower shelf, and beautiful undulating legs. They serve equal...
Cane, Rattan, Glass
Sold
H 17.25 in W 16.25 in D 15 in
Mid-Century English Mahogany Campaign & Tooled Leather Side Tables / Chests Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of English mid-century mahogany campaign style side tables. The tops have tooled green leather, and the drawers have dovetailed drawers. The bodies have inset brass ha...
Brass
Sold
H 19.25 in W 18.63 in D 18.5 in
Baker Furniture Campaign Rattan and Leather Trunk Side Tables, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Campaign style rattan and leather trunk side tables By Baker Furniture, "Milling Road" Collection USA, Late 20th Century Each measures: 18.63"W x 18.5"D x 19.25...
Brass
Pair of Antique Military Campaign Style Side Tables
Located in London, GB
A smart and very well made pair of antique military campaign style side tables. They were made in England, and date from around the 1950’s. The quality is fantastic, they are a very...
Leather, Wood
Campaign Style Bronze and Steel Side Table with Slate Top
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A finely crafted 1980s side table that merges the crisp geometry of campaign furniture with the refinement of Maison Jansen and the modernist glamour of John Vesey. The steel base is...
Slate, Bronze, Steel
Sold
H 17.25 in W 18 in D 15 in
English Campaign Style Mahogany Side Tables / Chests W/ Leather Tops - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of handsome campaign side tables or chests with brass hardware and green tooled leather tops. The drawers have dovetailed construction. The mahogany is also in very go...
Brass
Pair of Antique Military Campaign Style Side Tables
Located in London, GB
A smart and very well made pair of antique military campaign style side tables. They were made in England, and date from around the 1950’s. The quality is fantastic, they are a very...
Brass
19th Century Mahogany Coaching or Campaign Table
Located in London, GB
A mid 19th century mahogany coaching table with beautifully figured top, on collapsable x-framed base, with shaped and turned legs. England, circa 1850. Lovely dry original conditi...
Mahogany
Pair of Antique Yew Wood Military Campaign Style Side Tables
Located in London, GB
A fantastic pair of antique yew wood military campaign style side tables. They were made in England, they date from around the 1950’s. The quality is outstanding, these are a great ...
Brass
Pair of Antique Military Campaign Style Side Tables
Located in London, GB
A smart and extremely well made pair of antique military campaign style side tables. They were made in England, and date from around the 1950’s. T...
Brass
Passage series campaign style side table by Drexel , USA 1980s
By Drexel
Located in ECHT, NL
Campaign style side table with two large drawers. Made from wood with oak veneer. The drawers have recessed hinged handles. Made by Drexel in 1987. This side table is part of the "Pa...
Wood
Pair of Antique Leather Top Military Campaign Side Tables
Located in London, GB
A smart and very well made pair of antique leather top military campaign side tables. They were made in England, and date from around the 1930’s. The quality is fantastic, they are ...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Campaign Style Bed Side Tables by Trouvailles Circa 1970s
Located in Peabody, MA
A pair of campaign style nightstand cabinets in raspberry lacquer with brass hardware, ca. 1970s. They are from the legendary Trouvailles Furniture Company of Watertown, Massachusett...
Brass