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.
Mahogany Campaign Desk by N. Norton LTD England
By N. Norman Ltd.
Located in Den Haag, NL
A beathiful mahogany freestanding pedestal campaign desk. Three piece .The flame mahogany cross banded top retaining the Green leather writing surface with blind & gold tooling....
Nutwood
Vintage English Leather Top Campaign Style Low Console or Coffee Table
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Dapper mid century English campaign style console or table crafted in mahogany with a tooled leather top on a case with three drawers, campaign brass hardware and straight legs with ...
Brass
Campaign Style Maple Writing Desk
Located in Astoria, NY
Campaign Style Maple Writing Desk, with gilt-tooled green leather top above three drawers upon two supports with three drawers each. 31.25 H x 27 W x 23" D. Provenance: From a New Yo...
Leather, Maple
Baker Furniture Campaign Rattan and Leather Trunk Coffee Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous rattan and leather trunk, blanket chest, or coffee table By Baker Furniture, "Milling Road" Collection USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 36.5"W x 22.5"D x 20"H. Very go...
Brass
Italian Military Campaign Style Wood and Brass Desk with Red Leather Top, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century military campaign desk. This fantastic piece was made in Italy in the 1960s. This trestle desk is made from a beautiful wood with exceptional grain, the top is ...
Metal, Brass
Peruvian Leather Trunk As Cocktail Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Peruvian Trunk Cocktail Table in honeyed light brown and dark red-brown leather. Features a hinged lid with a scalloped border overhanging a rectangular form with navette motif panel...
Metal
$3,920Sale Price|20% Off
Handcrafted Colonial Teak Campaign Table with Folding Legs
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Circa 1890's Solid teak hand crafted Campaign folding table from the days of the British Raj. Has flaps that pivot outwards and tuck away ben...
Teak
Reprodux Bevan Funnell Lovely Military Campaign Style Writing Desk
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to ofer for sale this amazing military campaign writing table with brass corners and leather top made by Reprodux Bevan Funnell . Don't hesitate to contact me if you have ...
Brass
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
Antique 19th Century Campaign Metamorphic Desk, Ca. 1850-1875
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique metamorphic table to desk, circa 1850-1875. Beautifully constructed in Campaign style in honeyed light brown wood, the table features a hinged flip top that opens to a desk w...
Leather, Wood
1970s Baker Furniture Campaign Style Walnut Trunk / Chest / Coffee Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 1970s carved walnut campaign style chest by Baker Furniture Company. It is marked and does have dovetail construction. The trunk rests on turned bun feet. Shipping is runn...
Brass
19th Century Walnut Davenport or Ship Captain's Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A walnut davenport or ship captain's desk with marquetry inlay; lift-up compartment with fitted interior, small gallery. Handsome old worn tooled leather ...
Walnut
$1,790 / item
Campaign Form Coffee Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Campaign form leather wrapped coffee table with an antiqued brown leather, brass-bound corners, and nailhead trim details, raised on a George III style H form stretcher base. Di...
Leather, Wood
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
$1,700 / item
A Fine Campaign Style Walnut Console Table
Located in Dublin, IE
A fine walnut, brass mounted campaign style console table of fabulous quality and with a rich patination to the wood. The moulded top of rectangular form fitted with brass corner mo...
Brass
Lovely Harrods London R.E.H Kennedy Military Campaign Console Table
By Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this large Harrods London Kennedy military campaign two drawer console table with brass plaque corner protectors and brass handles , in lovely condition ...
Brass
Beautiful Harrods London R.E.H Kennedy Military Campaign Console Table
By Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this lovely Vintage Harrods London Retailed, REH Kennedy made Mahogany & Brass Military Campaign two drawer console table , brass can be repolish under r...
Brass
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
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 Raffia Grasscloth Campaign Style Hat Trunk Boxes
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous pair of mahogany hat trunk cube shaped storage boxes or side tables featuring a raffia grasscloth clad exterior. The lidded trunks have decorative metal studded borders and ...
Metal, Nickel
Vintage Faux Bamboo Octagonal Tray Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very fashionable Table with a Deep Stained Turned Wood Faux Bamboo Base surmounted with a removable Octagonal Brass Framed Glass Tray Top. Condition: Please see detail photos. Va...
Brass
English Campaign Style Desk with Two Drawers
Located in Dallas, TX
We are delighted to offer for sale this high quality desk crafted in the Campaign taste is such a striking element for the tasteful study. This handsome campaign desk follows the design tradition of the master cabinetmakers of the 18th and 19th century who were commissioned by Officers in the British Army to create heirloom quality pieces that were not only exquisitely hand-crafted but also practical to set up when on the campaign trail. It features a rectangular top provides a convenient writing surface with French dovetail...
Brass
Lovely Military Campaign Style Pedestal Desk
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sake this stunning XX Century Mahogany Military Style Pedestal Brass Bound Pedestal Desk, leather top, three top drawers, flanking pedestals, three drawers wi...
Brass
1970s National Mt. Airy Military Campaign Style Executive Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Another good looking campaign style piece for your collection! We are delighted to offer for sale this vintage executive desk hand crafted in the Military Campaign style by Mt. Airy, which is one of the higher quality campaign manufacturers. This well-made desk executed out of oakwood which has a lovely warm patina to it, the cuts of timber are lovely with great proportions from any angle. Supporting a rectangular top with a central drawer flanked on either side by a column cabinet with four drawers each having a top and bottom drawer, two of which are double as a filing drawer in the middle offering plenty of storage space. Solid finished back all standing on a plinth base to make it more stable. The brass inset military handles & brass corner brackets are all original and in brass. Signed "National Mt...
Oak
$1,211 / item
Leather Box on Stand
Located in Westwood, NJ
Wrapped in a brown antique weathered leather, this piece features a rectangular box accented with brass nailhead trim. The interior reveals a surprise touch of charm with a printed paper lining, recalling the style and utility of vintage travel trunks. Resting atop a traditional Georgian-style wooden base, the table strikes a balance between rugged sophistication and graceful structure. Ideal as a side table or compact nightstand...
Leather, Wood
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
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
British Colonial Military Officer's Campaign Metal Field Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare British colonial officer's campaign field desk on stand. Constructed from metal and brass featuring a royal blue painted finish with gilt high...
Brass, Metal
Campaign Butlers Tray on Stand Coffee Table, Circa 1900
Located in High Point, NC
Period Edwardian campaign style coffee table in Mahogany. This table is lovely, and is comprised of a butler's tray which retains the original brass hinges to folding sides and has ...
Mahogany
$2,500Sale Price / set|40% Off
Antique English Victorian Mahogany Folding Military Campaign Writing Desks
Located in Dayton, OH
2 Civil War era British campaign writing desks. Made of mahogany featuring a folding form that opens to a writing surface complete with ...
Mahogany
Vintage Drexel Weatherwood Collection Campaign Cabinet Style Pair of Nightstands
By Drexel
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage Drexel Weatherwood Collection Campaign cabinet style nightstands or end or side tables with brass plated hardware. Beautiful condit...
Metal, Brass
Vintage Drexel Weatherwood Collection Campaign Style End Table Cabinet or Chest
By Drexel
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage Drexel weatherwood Collection Campaign style end table, cabinet, or chest with one drawer, 2 doors with brass plated hardware, and...
Metal, Brass
$6,950 / set
Pair of Faux Drum Tables
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of realistic faux drum stands crafted in wood and rope raised on drum stick legs and turned feet. Painted with historical accuracy depicting the crest of James I 1603, uniting the English lion with the Irish harp...
Rope
Brutalist Spanish Iron and Tile Coffee Table - circa 1920s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Brutalist Spanish Iron and Tile Coffee Table - circa 1920s Wear consistent with age and use Brutalist - Natural decoration - Vintage Measu...
Metal
Antique Military Campaign Desk / Writing Table
Located in London, GB
A superb antique military campaign desk / writing table. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930’s. It is very well made and has a very smart design. The wood has a ...
Brass
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
$4,760Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Brass & Mahogany Campaign Style Coffee Tables or End Tables
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of brass & mahogany Campaign style coffee tables or end tables. Unmarked, Attributed to the Baker Furniture company Rare to find a pair, often used together as coffee tables,...
Brass
FINE PAIR OF HARRODS LONDON KENNEDY MILITARY CAMPAIGN SIDE END LAMP WiNE TABLES
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 stunning pair or English country house solid mahogany with oak lined drawers REH Kennedy single drawer ...
Brass
Early 20th Century Antique English Oak Folding Campaign or Camp Table
Located in Peabody, MA
An early 20th century English oak folding campaign or camp table. Folded size 37.5" high, 15" wide, 4" thick.
Oak
English 19th Century Coaching Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A handsome English circa 1880 coaching table. Hand-crafted in 19th century England of solid mahogany, this table stands on shaped X-form legs that feature three turned baluster stret...
Wood, Mahogany
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
English Campaign Leather Top Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 19th century English desk handcrafted in mahogany with a tooled leather top, three piece campaign construction, brass hardware, and classic bracket feet. Kneehole measures...
Mahogany
Baker Furniture Mid-Century Campaign Mahogany Extending Butler Stand
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Campaign style "Party Butler" extending buffet server or bar cart with removable serving tray By Baker Furniture USA, Mid-20th Century Mahogany, with brass ...
Brass
Antique English Campaign Leather Top Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome antique British colonial desk Crafted in mahogany in a campaign form with the original red leather top, nine drawers in front with a unique kneehole cabinet, brass hardware ...
Mahogany
English Regency William IV Teal Painted Marble Top Low Coffee Table ca. 1840
Located in Shippensburg, PA
WILLIAM IV TEAL PAINTED MARBLE TOP LOW COFFEE TABLE Probably Anglo-Indian, circa 1840 with a modern green marble inset top 17 1/4" H x 24 1/2" D x 45 3/4" W There is a quiet stre...
Marble
Rattan Campaign Ficks Reed Far Horizons Coffee Table w/Tile Top by John Wisner
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage rattan Campaign Style Ficks Reed Far Horizons Collection coffee table with tile top designed by John Wisner. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There are small hairline cracks in three tiles, and they have been reglued and caulked. 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 coffee table we also have the matching lounge chair, sofa, and end table listed here for sale if they are still available. Fantastic and Ficks Reed!!! This is a gorgeous large square coffee table by John Wisner for Ficks Reed. It is comprised of a stout rattan base, and it features a wonderful white tile top including four tiles with black painted Asian designs of fans and symbols… it’s absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! This coffee 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 coffee 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 across from your sofa or in the family room among a wonderful pair of lounge chairs. 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...
Rattan, Ceramic
$4,248 / item
Large English Gun Case Coffee Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
In the antique English Campaign style. The large lift-top wooden coffee table provides ample storage in a unique traditional style. With brass mounts and pulls. Raised on a Georgian ...
Wood
Labarge Campaign Mahogany and Brass Mounted Coffee Table With Old World Map Top
By LaBarge
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Campaign style coffee or cocktail table By LaBarge USA, 1960s Brass mounted mahogany, with old world map under a glass top. M...
Brass
$1,393Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful Large Yew Wood Military Campaign Coffee Table
Located in Crawley, GB
Large yew wood coffee table in the antique campaign style dating from around the 1930’period & in good condition. It has brass military inset handles & corner fittings on the back & ...
Brass
Vintage Campaign Style Writing Table/Desk Lacquered in Red
Located in Dallas, TX
Classic Campaign style desk manufactured by Sligh of Holland/Grand Rapids, Michigan. Restored, consist of five drawers with recessed brass pulls. Inlaid leather top with elegant embossed gold design and brass legs. Brass bound corners and Campaign pulls...
Brass
Antique Camphor Wood Campaign Trunk As Cocktail Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An antique camphor wood Campaign style trunk with hand-cut dove tail joinery, recessed front handles, drop pull handles on sides, double locks with one working key, 4-hinge lid, meta...
Brass
Medium Dark Walnut Architect Adjustable Desk with Black or Brown Leather Insets
Located in Ballard, CA
The Iconic Jean Pierre desk named after the famous actor Jean Pierre Aumont is an handcrafted desk in solid walnut with black or brown leather insets,...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
Architect adjustable Coffee Table in walnut with Black Leather Insets
Located in Ballard, CA
The iconic coffee table, named after the famous actor Jean Pierre Aumont, is an handcrafted coffee table in solid walnut with black or red leather insets, adjustable top position, Cl...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
Stunning Hardwood & Brass Military Campaign Workstation Desk for Home Computer
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Military Campaign style home office desk / workstation This piece was specially designed to house a tower PC, you have the space on ...
Brass
Revertable Oak Coaching, Campaign 0r Butlers Table A very clever design
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Revertable Oak Coaching, Campaign 0r Butlers Table A very clever design and a good quality sturdy piece, the table legs fold out to make a perfect square, and they have a top slot ...
Oak
Fine Quality Campaign Style Cocktail Table With Storage
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very well made Cocktail Table in medium stain with lift-top doors revealing storage for games, books or bottles. One large drawer reached from either side, Nautical style pulls on ...
Brass
Mid-century Brutalist solid wood coffee table - 1960s
By Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Chapo
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Mid-century Brutalist solid wood coffee table - 1960s Wear Consistent with age and use Vintage - Coffee Table - Side table Measures : 44cmx70cm H49cm Material : Solid Wood
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
"Pair" of Italian Oyster Burl Night Tables w/ Rattan Bases
Located in Danville, CA
Dramatic pair of MidCentury Italian Nightstands / Side Tables / Lamp Tables raised on Rattan bases in the Victorian/Campaign style. The tray top of the Side Table and the Cabinet on ...
Wood, Olive, Burl
Antique Military Campaign Desk / Writing Table
Located in London, GB
A wonderful antique military campaign desk / writing table. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930’s. It is very well made and has a very smart design. The darker w...
Leather, Wood