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.
Mid-Century Italian Walnut Bistro / Side Table W/ Hand Forged Iron Knot Base
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an exceptional table. It is a mid-century find. It was hand forged in Italy and has a walnut top with a four knot tripod base. I believe it was initially intended as a bistro...
Iron
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
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
Monumental Canvas and Leather Steamer Trunk Coffee Table 5 Ft.
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A handsome Campaign-style steamer trunk or coffee table executed in ivory canvas panels, honey-toned hardwood battens, and black leather-bound trim detailed with brass nailhead tacks...
Brass
1970s Romweber Burl Wood and Gold Trim Executive Desk with Filing Drawers
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne, Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Luxury, pure and simple. Well maybe not so simple… this burled Carpathian elm wood executive desk wears its gold trim like fine jewelry. The vintage 1970s desk captures the glamour of the era. The chocolate hued wood is illuminated with brilliant gold-colored metal handles, legs, and bezel. This is no dainty beauty. Designed for serious work and sophisticated environments, the desk features a suite of functional enhancements rarely found in pieces of this era. Three pull‑out table tops, one at the back, and one on each side. These convenient pull-out tables expand the usable surface area for devices or collaborative work. A long center drawer with an integrated organizing tray keeps essentials elegantly contained. On the left and right, two shallow top drawers provide quick‑access storage. Two deep file drawers (one left, one right) accommodate modern organizational needs. These file drawers lock, one key is included. Attention to detail rings throughout the design. Meant to be admired from all angles, it is a true work of art. Romweber, founded in Indiana and known for its uncompromising standards, produced some of the finest American case goods of the 20th century. This desk is a testament to that legacy: substantial, impeccably built, and designed to endure for generations. Its scale, materials, and craftsmanship make it an exceptional choice for executives and collectors seeking a statement piece that communicates authority, taste, and heritage. We also have a matching, equally grand, Romweber executive office credenza with file...
Brass
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
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
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
Restoration Hardware Vintage Leather Trunk Coffee Table Campaign Style Storage
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful vintage-style leather trunk coffee table by Restoration Hardware featuring rich brown leather upholstery, oak wood accents, brass hardware, and functional sliding drawers f...
Leather, Oak
Fine Vintage Campaign Style Metamorphic Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautifully constructed in Campaign style in honeyed light brown wood, the table features a hinged flip top that opens to a desk with a light brown leather writing surface and slotte...
Leather, Wood
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
Antique Military Campaign Style Desk in Yew Wood
Located in London, GB
A wonderful antique military campaign style desk in yew wood, dating from around the 1950’s period. It is of excellent quality, with lovely brass fixtures and a beautiful inset blac...
Brass
$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
$9,880 / item
Architect Adjustable Desk with Red 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, adjustable top position, Classi...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
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
Pair of Raffia Grasscloth Campaign Style Hat Trunk Boxes
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous pair of hat trunk cube shaped storage boxes or side tables featuring a raffia grasscloth clad exterior. The lidded trunks have decorative metal studded borders and brass nic...
Metal, Nickel
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
Beautiful Military Campaign Style Writing Desk
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this stunning military campaign style writing desk , lovely condition ! Circa 1960 Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Please have...
Brass
$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
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
$840Sale Price|43% Off
Vintage Vanity / Writing Desk With Chair by Morris of California. Circa 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Campaign Style Vanity / Writing Desk With Chair by Morris of California. Circa 1960s Features a white body with contrasting bright yellow drawers...
Wood
1930s Antique Mahogany Campaign Desk by N. Norman 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
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
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
Campaign Style Nightstands in Wood and Brass with Writing Slide, Italy 1950
Located in Roma, IT
Refined and rare Italian Campaign Style nightstand or side table in mahogany and solid brass, produced in Italy during the 1950s. Fully original and in excellent vintage condition, ...
Metal, Brass
PAIR OF HARDWOOD HARRODS LONDON KENNEDY MILITARY CAMPAIGN HIGH SiDE END TABLES
By Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London, Harrods
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very nicely pair of Military Campaign side tables made by Kennedy and retailed through Harrods London. ...
Brass
FINE PAiR OF HARRODS KENNEDY HARDWOOD MILITARY CAMPAIGN SINGLE DRAWER TABLES
By 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 of fully restored Kennedy furniture Harrods London Military Campaign side tables with ful...
Brass
$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
Antique Military Campaign Style Coffee Table
Located in London, GB
A superb antique military campaign style coffee table. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1930’s. The quality is outstanding, this is very well built and has a very ...
Brass
$1,314Sale Price|20% Off
Stunning Vintage Mahogany& Brass Military Campaign Coffee Table
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this Lovely Campaign Style mahogany &brass Coffee Table with black leather top separated in three parts , three opening drawers with inset brass handles ...
Brass
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
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
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
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
English Antique Campaign Ebonized Pedestal Desk, 19th Century
Located in Shippensburg, PA
EBONIZED CAMPAIGN-STYLE DESK Probably English, late 19th century, with later alterations 30 1/4" H x 28 5/8" D x 54" W 24" knee clearance A most attractive campaign-style desk of r...
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
Stunning Maitland Smith Campaign Style Tray Table Bar
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Handsome tray table bar having removeable tray from stand; campaign style with beautiful warm brown finish and leather wrapped joints. The tray has a fascinating surface with cheer...
Wood
Antique Victorian Mahogany Campaign Butler's Drinks Tray On A Detachable Stand
Located in Reading, Berkshire
An English Victorian Antique Mahogany Campaign Butler's Drinks Tray On A Detachable Stand Removable Tray With A Fixed Stand Terminating on Four Block Supports With Cut In Handles. ...
Mahogany
$1,657 / 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
$1,369Sale 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
$2,843 / item
Modern Campaign-Style Console
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern campaign-style console table with an embossed leather top. This three-drawer console is accented with brass campaign-style hardware and sits on a metal base. Dimensions:...
Metal
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
1940s Campaign-Style Collapsible Walnut End Tables - A Pair
Located in New York, NY
These handsome, well-designed Campaign style tables were hand-crafted in the 1940s. They consist of collapsible walnut frames and removable hardboard tray inserts. The trays are coat...
Walnut, Lacquer
Regency Campaign Writing Table, 19th Century, Portable Design
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Regency Campaign Coaching Table. A Beautiful Mahogany Folding Writing Desk Featuring A Push Button Action. Opening To Reveal A Plain Square Writing Surface With Both A Green Baize Ta...
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
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
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
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
Rustic Round Pedestal Table, Pine Wood, Campaign Style, France, 1958
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Round Pedestal table Ø 95cm Wear consistent with age and use Rustic - Wabi Sabi - Brutalist Measures : Ø 95cm H:78cm
Pine
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
Vintage Scandinavian Campaign Table, early 20th Century
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Vintage Scandinavian Campaign Table, early 20th Century. Round, folding table with wood locking mechanism and brass fittings.
Wood
Mahogany Campaign Style Two Drawer Console Table
Located in Southampton, NJ
A Campaign style Mahogany console table with two deep drawers, original brass hardware and X base stretcher. Nice mid size scale silhouette allows for multifunction in use and placem...
Brass
$3,978 / item
Modern Campaign Style Etagere
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Campaign Style Etagere. A combination of a traditional English campaign style with an updated modern design. This three-tier etagere is a satisfying combination of wood and...
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
Chinese Export Campaign Secretary
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Chinese export Campaign or travel secretary the top with foliate carved backsplash over lifting lid, the fall front with molded raised panel door...
Hardwood
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
$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
Antique Travel Desk On Stand
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique travel desk with brass bands, tooled leather interior, brass shield plate and escutcheon, ebonized trim and presented on a plain stand with...
Brass