British Colonial Furniture
BRITISH COLONIAL STYLE
Typically made of mahogany, teak or bamboo and featuring a range of fabrics and prints with botanical patterns, antique British Colonial furniture and decor varies as it involved local materials and techniques and spanned centuries of design styles.
As the British Empire expanded from the 16th to the 20th century, its conquest and control of colonies around the world bolstered its wealth through the extraction of resources. Including colonies in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australasia, this spread of often violent subjugation imposed British culture, language and faith on Indigenous peoples. The design of homes was included in this expression of imperial power, with government officials, merchants and military officers creating homes mimicking the luxuries they were used to in England.
Local artisans were commissioned to replicate British designs, resulting in versions of Regency, Chippendale, Sheraton and other styles of furniture being crafted from mahogany, rosewood, ebony and teakwood as opposed to beech and oak, which were more common in Europe. Whereas the colonial furniture for the Portuguese and Dutch regularly had motifs of indigenous flora and fauna, the British tended to want more exact reproductions of their home country’s designs.
To escape the summer heat in places such as India and the Caribbean, British colonizers relocated to airy houses in the hills or plantations, leading to foldable chairs and collapsible desks in the style of military campaign furniture. Rather than upholstery as they might have in Europe, chairs and sofas in the British Colonial style had rattan and cane seating for these higher temperature climates. The contrast between the light textiles and the dark colors of the sturdy furniture became a defining aesthetic of British Colonial interiors.
Find a collection of antique British Colonial outdoor furniture, seating, bedroom furniture, decorative objects and other items on 1stDibs.
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Style: British Colonial
Maitland-Smith Vintage British Colonial Style Bar Cabinet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive mid century bar cabinet featuring an upper case crafted in coconut shell with two doors having bronze elephant head handles and an illuminated interior lined in mahogany w...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Early 19th Century English Antique Decorative Wooden Oak & Pine Globes
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of British colonial wooden sculptural globes. The brown one is in solid oak and the black in stained pine. In great vintage condition and very decorative.
Sold as a set.
Dime...
Category
Early 19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Oak, Pine
Lee Radziwill Inspired Block Print Down Flower Motif Pillow in Yellow, India
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Bring a taste of the Orient to any space with one of our custom-created square Indian block print down filled pillows. Each pillow is made of soft cotton and...
Category
2010s Indian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Down
A Teak Wood Oval Dining Table
Located in Chicago, IL
The natural roughness of the material is what gives this table its authenticity. It is a stunning piece rich in texture and history, and may serve a wide variety of roles in its futu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Burmese British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
Pair of Antique British Colonial Three Tiered Stands or Tables
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome pair of English stands crafted in mahogany with an attached tray form top over two lower tiers having elegant turned supports on tapered legs.
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Beautiful Cushioned Chesterfield Captain Leather Chair
Located in Crawley, GB
We are delighted to offer for sell this stunning Cushioned Chesterfield Captain Leather Chair.
This chair is in lightly restored condition, we have deep cleaned hand condition waxed ...
Category
Late 20th Century British British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Iron
Military Campaign Square Mahogany & Brass Butlers Tray on Folding Stand
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Military Campaign Square Mahogany & Brass Butlers Tray on Folding Stand.
Extra dimensions
Leaves up
Height 59cm
Width 54.5cm
Depth 54.5cm
Category
20th Century British British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Antique Caned British Colonial Planters Chairs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Intriguing pair of early 20th century British Colonial plantation chairs handcrafted in indigenous mahogany with elegant form featuri...
Category
Early 20th Century Caribbean British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
Six-Drawer Bamboo and Cane British Colonial Style Dresser or Chest.
Located in Bellport, NY
A handcrafted six-drawer dresser of bamboo and cane, all drawers are on slides.
for easy handling, woven cane fronts and bamboo frames.
A transitional and neutral piece that works...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Cane
Maitland Smith Bronze & Shell Mosaic Footed Ginger Jar Urn Table Lamp 30"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Maitland Smith table in the shape of a tall ginger jar / urn featuring a white shell mosaic in a scalloped feather or leaf vein pa...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Lillian August embossed leather top side table.
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a Lillian August Leather top side table. This round side table has four fluted legs with solid brass casters at the bottom. This tabl...
Category
2010s Unknown British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Campaign Chair Herbert McNair Design Carved Oak and Tan Leather
Located in High Wycombe, GB
A 19th century Campaign chair of Herbert McNair Design carved oak & polished tan leather adjustable reclining seat.
James Herbert MacNair (23 December 1868 – 22 April 1955), was...
Category
19th Century Scottish Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Oak
Asafo Banner
By Fante People
Located in Glasgow, GB
This is a very rare example of an Asafo Banner from the Fante people of the Cape Coast of Ghana . The Asafo have been a highly militarised society long before the Europeans set foot ...
Category
1940s Ghanaian Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cotton
British Royal Coat of Arms Wall Plaque This Is a Large Scale Piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
British royal coat of arms wall plaque
This is a large scale piece, it dates from the 1950s and is made in plaster and it is painted in very brig...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Plaster
Victorian Military Campaign Folding Faux Bamboo Embroidered Safari Canvas Chair
Located in High Wycombe, GB
A delicate slice of Victorian Military Campaign. A folding Chair of Faux Bamboo, with an Embroidered Canvas Seat Rear Finished With Brown Leather Sl...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
1910s Vintage 2 Tiered Brass Trefoil Lazy Susan Dumbwaiter
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Antique 2 tiered trefoil silent butler/ lazy susan/ dumbwaiter.
Full of character and patina.
This guy is more than 37" tall and weighs close to 30 pounds.
Lazy susan functionality o...
Category
1910s Unknown Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Scarce British Colonial India Brass-Mounted Log Bucket Fireplace Pail
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce antique British Colonial brass-mounted wood bucket (fireplace coal hod - kindling bin - pail - outdoor planter) circa 1820
Hand-crafted in India during the British East India Company...
Category
Early 19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of British Colonial Style Floor Lamps with Zebra Hide
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of British Colonial floor lamps with a Classic tapered form custom crafted in mahogany with exotic zebra hide panels all around. Available with linen or the original lambskin sh...
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Zebra Hide
19th Century Colonial Travelling Chest or Trunk
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A late 19th century handcrafted colonial travelling chest or trunk with embossed metal overlay and mounts. The trunk comprises solid carved teak wood and features a hinged lid. The i...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Metal
Lee Radziwill Inspired Block Print Down Flower Motif Pillow in Yellow, India
By Renzo Mongiardino
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Bring a taste of the Orient to any space with one of our custom-created Indian block print lumbar pillows. Each pillow is made of soft cotton and hand block printed by our artisans i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Down
Pair of 19th Century English Bergeres
By Europa
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of 19th century English Bergeres
in carved and turned mahogany wood, stuffed in green velvet with casters.
Little defects.
Dimensions: 80 x 66 x 54 cm.
good condition.
Category
19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
Bevan Funnell Military Campaign Design George III Butlers Tray and Folding Stand
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Bevan Funnell Military Campaign George III Butlers tray with folding Stand having foldable galleried handles & brass idents and feet
- Wonderful tray for drinks...
Category
20th Century British British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Style Caribbean Three Piece Settee and Two Chair Suite of Furniture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and remarkable suite of furniture comprising a settee and two matching armchairs crafted in mahogany in dramatic art deco form with woven reed backs and seats, pegged constructi...
Category
Early 20th Century Caribbean British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Early 19thc English Hand Carved Barley Twist And Suede Arm Chairs
Located in Pasadena, CA
Pair of E. 19thc English Hand Carved Barley Twist And Suede Arm Chairs.
The arms are carved with a figure of a woman in front. The Arms and legs have the twist carving to them. The...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
1900s English Mahogany Canterbury/ Magazine Rack/Record Holder
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Antique English Mahogany Canterbury magazine rack.
Four spacious divisions over a good sized single dove tail drawer with original brass pu...
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Bronze Elephant Pedestal Side Table
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page.
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A
Bronze elephant stan...
Category
1980s Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique British Colonial Caned and Carved Planters Chair
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive British Colonial plantation chair crafted in mahogany in a graceful form with dramatic carved ocean and floral motifs on the back and rolled arms, having caned seat and ba...
Category
Early 20th Century Caribbean British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
Maitland Smith Tessilated Marble & Brass Turtle Thinker Obelisk Sculpture 20”
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Maitland Smith stone tesslated marble stone obelisk sculpture standing on the backs of four brass turtles, which in turn sit atop a square pedestal. At the tip of the obelisk sits another brass turtle, anthropomorphized in the position of The Thinker. Marked 198 on base. Hand Made in the...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
20th Century Maitland-Smith Faux Tortoise Bamboo Brass Pull Stand Magazine Racks
Located in Miami, FL
Maitland-Smith British Colonial Style End Table or stand with a faux tortoise finish over a turned wood faux bamboo frame.
Featuring Gold Leaf tooled brown leather panels, one drawe...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Karin Mobring Pine Safari Armchair with Canvas Seat & Leather Straps
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Karin Mobring Pine Safari Armchair With Canvas Seat & Leather Straps Made In Sweden For Ikea 1972
Karin Elisabet Mobring (1927-08-07 — 2005-02-17), Furn...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Pine, Leather, Canvas
Semi-Antique Anatolian Distressed Turkish Rug 3'6" x 5'6"
Located in Atlanta, GA
Turkish, early 20th century.
A soft wool pile rug with vibrant hues of red, brown and tan. This carpet has a unique design and perfect for designer use!
Category
Early 20th Century Turkish British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wool
Pair, Vintage Faux Bamboo 5-Arm Candle Sconces - Available French Wiring
By Serge Roche
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair, Vintage Faux Bamboo 5-Arm Candle Sconces
Available French Wiring for $200 - Please inquire before purchasing. (NOTE - Current listing is for candle sconces)
These vintage faux bamboo sconces have a Serge Roche feel with their traditional yet sophisticated modern appeal. The body is constructed from plaster, iron and tole with 5 arm candle holders...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Iron
Vintage 16 in. Terrestrial Globe and Tropical Colonial Style Bamboo Rattan Stand
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This vintage terrestrial Replogle World Classic 16 in. relief globe is mounted in a lacquered Rattan Bamboo stand with four legs, each made of three stems and joined by decorative tr...
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
British Colonial Style Glass Lantern or Pendant
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage British colonial style three light lantern or light fixture with a hand blown glass bowl and brass hardware.
Category
Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Six Masonic Throne Armchairs in Oak, circa 1880
Located in Faversham, GB
A stunning set of six Masonic throne armchairs in oak. Carved triangular pediments with broad back panels and carved finials over a dished seat. Each armrest features two quatrefoil ...
Category
19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Oak
19th Century English Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century English Mahogany Chest of Drawers has a decidedly Colonial look, with style cues inspired by the Queen Anne furnishin...
Category
1880s English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Antique Smoke Bell Light Fixtures
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout pair of antique smoke bell light fixtures with classic form having three light clusters in hand blown glass globes with brass hardware feat...
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Wicker and Rattan Hand Fans
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Unusual pair of vintage fans with plenty of decorative appeal hand crafted with stick wicker leaves over rattan ribs.
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wicker, Rattan
19th Century Oak Bookcase Dry Bar Cabinet
Located in Surrey, BC
Beautiful heavy oak two piece cabinet with adjustable shelving, decorative panels and arched glass doors.
This is a well built cabinet originally...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Zabihi Collection Exceptional Red Antique Mohajeran Persian Sarouk Rug
Located in New York, NY
an early 20th Century Persian Red Sarouk Rug
Details
rug no. 9061
size 4' 4" x 6' 6" (132 x 198 cm)
Before the 1920s the Sarouk design was the most po...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wool
Faux Bamboo Cane And Brass Handled Sideboard by American of Martinsville
Located in High Wycombe, GB
American of Martinsville Bergere and Faux Bamboo Sideboard With Cane sectional fronts and brass handles.
Founded in 1906, American of Martinsvil...
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Linen Pillow Cushions - Oiseaux and Feuilla - Designed and Made in Paris
Located in Leesburg, VA
Pair of 16" x 24" Linen cushions with the pattern "Oiseaux et Feuillage" from Antoinette Poisson's domino papers collection.
Duck Feather and Down insert with cotton cover.
Made in...
Category
2010s French British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Linen
Arctic Council Discussing The Plan Of Search For The John Franklin Expedition
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The Arctic Council Discussing The Plan Of Search For The John Franklin Expedition
After Stephen Pearce.
Limited Edition reproduction copied from an o...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Paper
Maitland-Smith Bar Tray Table
Located in Naples, FL
Excellent condition! Maitland-Smith has been creating exquisite and unique decorative accessories, lighting, elegant mirror and accent furniture. They have carried on a tradition of creating stunning accents for the home of the highest quality.
This stunning tray table has toned leather with gold...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Solid Teak Hand Carved Colonial Whatnot Rack with Shelves & Drawers
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
British Colonial solid Teak whatnot stand with shelves in good condition. Hand carved fluted vase columns with crown moulding and drawers. Brass ha...
Category
Early 1900s British Indian Ocean Territory Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Teak
Antique English Colonial Pewter Creamer Pitcher & Sugar Bowl Serving Set
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique English Colonial or Renaissance style creamer and sugar bowl set. Marked on base England with pseudo hallmark featuring a crowned shield, dragon head, lion passant, and sword...
Category
Early 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Pewter
Maitland-Smith British Colonial Style Coconut Shell and Leather Sideboard
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive midcentury Maitland-Smith sideboard or wine cabinet with a textured bronze top in a coconut border on a four door case having bronze elephant head handles in coconut panel...
Category
Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Coconut
Antique British Colonial Leather Top Partners Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome British Colonial partners desk hand crafted in mahogany with a brown tooled leather top, two drawers on either side and elegant turned legs on brass casters.
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Decorative Desk Stand, Indian, Ebony, Colonial Writer's Tidy, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique decorative desk stand. An Indian, ebony Colonial writer's tidy, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850.
Striking dark tonality with eye-catching Colon...
Category
Mid-19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Ebony
19th Century English Open Library Caddy, Bookshelf
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century English Open Library Caddy ~ Bookshelf is a charming piece that can serve in a variety of roles throughout the home! Originally designed to b...
Category
1890s English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Sycamore
Faux Bamboo Cane Magazine Rack Stand Side Table Bohemian British Colonial Style
Located in Miami, FL
British Colonial Style Boho Chic Side Table featuring Faux Bamboo frames with a Faux Tortoise Finish, handwoven Cane panels. Chinese Chippendale sides and bases with magazine racks.
...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Faux Bamboo, Bamboo, Wood, Rattan
Finely Carved British Colonial 19th Century Round Tiltable Table
Located in Miami, FL
A beautiful finely carved British Colonial wooden circular side table from India or Ceylon. The circular top with a broad shallow relief detailed border depicting a lion and serpent ...
Category
1890s English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Sterling Silver Candle Holders
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This extraordinary candle holder is in great condition and beautifully crafted out of sterling silver this piece features three arms of beautiful details newly cleaned and polished d...
Category
1930s European Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Metal, Sterling Silver
Tole Palm Tree Chandelier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Italian tole five light chandelier with palm leaves over graceful arms with acanthus leaves and floral candle cups all having a rustic aged yell...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Metal
Maitland Smith Florentine Mosaic Lacquer Round Charger Bowl Platter Tray
Located in Dayton, OH
A rare Maitland Smith over sized round Charger / platter / tray featuring a lacquered floral mosaic pattern in shades of brown and white. Includes support for wall hanging.
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
British Colonial Style Grasscloth and Mahogany Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome British colonial style seven drawer desk crafted in mahogany with bold grasscloth panels all around featuring leather luggage style hardware...
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Grasscloth, Mahogany
Lee Radziwill Inspired Block Print Down Pink Lotus Flower Motif Pillow, India
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Bring a taste of the orient to any space with one of our custom-created Indian block print pillows. Each pillow is made of soft cotton and h...
Category
2010s Indian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Down
Tudor Bed in Traditional Stained Solid Cherry with Paneled Headboard and Ceiling
Located in Tiverton, RI
Impressive in its formal qualities and celebration of craft and detail this piece has a fully wood paneled ceiling and headend with large turned footposts.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
British Colonial furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique British Colonial furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Asia, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Maitland Smith, Baker Furniture Company, Bloomingdale's, and Ralph Lauren. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $80 and tops out at $88,000 while the average work can sell for $3,161.
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