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.
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
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
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
Vintage British Military Style Campaign Chest
Located in Alhambra, CA
Made of polished wood with brass hardware and corner caps. Likely designed by Kennedy for Harrods of London in the 1960's. In excellent vintage condition. Convenient size with 3 stor...
Brass
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
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
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
$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
$2,187Sale Price / set|48% 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
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
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
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
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
$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
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
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
Vintage Campaign Style Mahogany and Brass Desk With Inset Leather Top
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A beautifully crafted antique campaign desk made from rich mahogany with brass corner fittings and recessed handles. Featuring multiple drawers f...
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
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
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
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
Vintage Boho Burl Wood Campaign Coffee Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage Boho burl wood campaign coffee table blends rustic charm with functional design, featuring rich wood grain and brass accents. A standout piece for any eclectic living sp...
Metal
$1,665 / 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
$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
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
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 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
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
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
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 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
Beautiful Military Campaign Writing Table
By Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to ofer for sale this amazing military campaign writing table with brass corners and leather top made by R.E.H Kennedy of Ipswich and retailed by Harrods London . Don't he...
Brass
$1,366Sale 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
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
$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
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
$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
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
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
Mahogany Writing Slope Lap Desk Box with Red Leather Interior and Brass Hardware
Located in High Point, NC
A refined vintage mahogany writing slope or lap desk box featuring classic proportions and handsome brass appointments. The exterior is constructed in richly toned mahogany with beau...
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
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 Brass and Mahogany Chest on Stand Side Table
Located in Charleston, SC
A mahogany campaign style box on stand, The box with brass corners and handles, with attached parson style brass base. The finish in excellent condition. 18 inches high, 21 inches wide, 12 inches...
Brass
Vintage 1960s Solid Wood Farmhouse Table with Iron Accents
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Its patina is what gives it its character !! Large solid wood farmhouse table Brutalist - Natural decoration - Vintage Measures : 198,5x72cm H:78cm Materials : Wood - iron Sold as is
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
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
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
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
$3,687 / item
Campaign Style Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A 19th-century style Campaign desk, the flip-top revealing a fitted interior, slide-out tooled leather writing surface, raised on splayed legs with a stretcher. Dimensions: 29.25"...
Leather, Wood
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 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
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
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
Fine Quality Three Piece Faux Bamboo English Leather Top Executive Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your workspace with this exquisite Fine Quality Three Piece Faux Bamboo English Leather Top Executive Desk, a perfect blend of craft...
Walnut
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
Campaign Style Console Table
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Dashing mid-century two tiered console crafted in mahogany in an unusual form with influences from neoclassic and British colonial. The brass campaign style hardware has a bronze lik...
Brass
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
$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