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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
PAIR OF ROMANTIC PORTUGUESE CONSOLES 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF ROMANTIC PORTUGUESE CONSOLES 19th Century in mahogany wood, with carvings. Marble tops. Some little defects. Dim.: 86 x 97 x 50 cm good condition
Category

19th Century Portuguese Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Indian Tabletop Vanity Mirror
Located in West Hollywood, CA
An elegant teak tabletop vanity mirror. The combination of the turned supports, original mirror frame, and drawer create a harmonious blend of form and function.
Category

19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood, Glass

A View of Cape Rouge, Quebec, Canada, Mazell after Capt. Hervey Smyth, c.1760s
Located in Savannah, GA
A View of Cape Rouge, or Carouge, on the Saint Lawrence River, north of Quebec. Engraving by Peter Mazell after a drawing by Captian Hervey Smyth, published c.1760's, London. T...
Category

1760s Canadian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Paper

A Pair of Large Bronze Coloured Toleware Table Lamps
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Pair of Large Bronze Coloured Toleware Table Lamps These Large Stunning Lamps have an Armorial Crest theme they have matching shades, both lamps and shades have a crackle glaze fi...
Category

1960s Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Tin

19th Century Indian Tabletop Vanity Mirror
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A charming teak tabletop vanity mirror with scrolled side supports, original arched top mirror frame and a drawer at the bottom. The mirror surface reveals the passage of time with a...
Category

19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo and Cane Armoire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style burnt bamboo and cane armoire. Signed Bloomingdales. Wear to finish of cane and bamboo (please refer to photos). Additional photos...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Cane

Michelle Erickson Ceramics Delftware Mugs GOD BLES THE QVEEN, BOYES BEE MERRY
Located in Hampton, VA
Thrown tin glazed white stoneware with handpainted metallic oxide slip decoration. Michelle Erickson’s contemporary versions of a 17th century Engl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware, Pottery, Delft

Man of the Sandwich Islands, with His Helmet J. Webber del. J.K. Sherwin Sc.
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An English 18 century engraving titled "Man of the Sandwich Islands, with his helmet " signed .J. Webber del. J.K. Sherwin sc. The subject was sketched in the 1770s by J.K Sherwin S,...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Paper

Antique British Colonial Settee Newly Upholstered in Cognac Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique British Colonial Settee Newly Upholstered in Cognac Leather This handsome antique British Colonial 5-leg settee has been meticulously restored and newly upholstered in sumpt...
Category

Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Vintage Brighton Chinoiserie Rattan Blonde Bamboo Caning Split Reed Armchair 70s
By Brighton Pavilion 1
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage blonde bamboo, caning and split reed armchair on six legs. This is a handcrafted chair with woven cane seat features bamboo frames and Chinese inspired bamboo patterns. The b...
Category

1970s Philippine Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo, Cane, Reed

After Joseph Pitts, Parian Bust of F.A. Cox, 1854
Located in New York, NY
After Joseph Pitts (English, active 1830-1870), A Parian Ware Bust of F[rancis]. A[ugustus]. Cox (English, 1783 - 1853), signed "Jos.h Pitts, SC / London / 1854" to left side, and in...
Category

Mid-20th Century European British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Marble

English Victorian Style Mirrored Washstand with Decorated Basin and Pitcher
Located in Germantown, MD
A midcentury English decorated porcelain basin and pitcher on mirrored oak washstand with candle sconces in very good condition. . Measures 22" in width, 18" in depth and stands 52.5...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Oak, Porcelain

Large Mid 20th Century Teak Ships Wheel A wonderful decorative piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Large Mid 20th Century Teak Ships Wheel A wonderful decorative piece, heavy and made in solid teak with Turned spindles radiating out from the centra...
Category

1960s Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Teak

Pair British Colonial Style Bamboo, Rattan, Tessellated StoneChests/Nightstands
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair British Colonial Style Bamboo, Rattan, Tessellated Stone Chests/Nightstands A pair of exquisite British Colonial Style Bamboo, Rattan, a...
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Large Wicker Armchairs; The Collection of Andre Leon Talley
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair of Large Wicker Armchairs w/ fitted upholstered seat cushion. Seat cushion is removable. From Andre Leon Talley's Collection. A striking pair of large wicker armchairs, meticul...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wicker, Rattan

Pair of Woven Reed Pillows
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of pillows handcrafted in woven reed in a herringbone pattern with discrete side zippers. Exclusively designed and offered by F. S. Henemader antiques ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Reed

Large Scale British Colonial Style Framed Tropical Fruit / Botanicals -S/9
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of nine very large scale British Colonial style framed reproduction tropical fruit prints. They are nicely framed and matted. They would make a stunning wall! The print...
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper

Handsome vintage clubhouse style side cabinet by Brandt
Located in Allentown, PA
this is a handsome mid century Vintage side cabinet. This diminutive Cabinet has decorative burgundy leather book fronts on either side of the ce...
Category

1970s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

British Colonial Style Anglo Indian Polychromed Linen Press
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic Anglo-Indian 2-part linen press cabinet or dresser made in the British colonial style. The cabinet features two large front doors with a dramatic sunburst relief carving th...
Category

20th Century Indian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair 1970s Lane Venture Carved Faux Bamboo Handwoven Caning Wingback Chairs USA
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of British Colonial Style Lane Venture Bamboo, Faux Bamboo and handwoven double Caning Wingback Chairs. Large Lounge Chairs in Bohemian Period Style with a thick Leather Seat Cu...
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Bamboo, Faux Bamboo, Cane

Baker British Colonial Style Bamboo Queen Bed Frame
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British Colonial style queen size bed frame crafted in bamboo and bent bamboo with reed wrapped joints, lacquered panels with a crackle glaze, and bronze finials and feet. Signed Mil...
Category

Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Reed, Bamboo

Three Blue and White Staffordshire Porcelain Leaf Form Dishes - Canton style
Located in Leesburg, VA
Three Blue and White Staffordshire Porcelain Leaf Form Dishes with Canton style Chinoiserie scenes Anonymous Staffordshire, England; First half of the 19th century Porcelain blue transferware Approximate size: 5.25 (l) x 5 (w) x 1.5 (h) ea. The present suite of three leaf-form blue transferware dishes...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Set di 4 Candelieri da altare. BRONZO E OTTONE.
Located in Cantù, IT
Set di 4 Candelieri da altare. BRONZO E OTTONE. set di 4 candelieri di altissima qualità artigianale con dettagli vintage e design unico. Created and designed by Mice di Domenico Ru...
Category

18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Hamilton & Co Colonial Indian Silver Half Pint Tankard Calcutta c1870
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : Hamilton & Co Indian silver half pint tankard Date : Hallmarked in Calcutta c1870 for Hamilton & Co Period : British Raj Origin : Calcutta, India Decoration : George IV sty...
Category

1870s Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Silver

Antique English Brass Planter Lion Heads Flowerpot Pub Scenes c.1930
Located in Tyler, TX
EXCELLENT Antique English Brass Planter Flower Pot Jardiniere with Lions Heads and Pub Scene~~c. 1930 Beautiful decorative brass planter~~excell...
Category

Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Pair of French Tooled Leather Safari Campaign Armchairs
Located in Torquay, GB
Rare pair of mid century leather Safari armchairs. French made, circa 1940s. Offered here in original condition. Dark brown leather, artfully tooled in ancient symbols, resting on solid oak frame structure. The armchairs have tilted leather backrests and leather arm straps...
Category

Mid-20th Century French British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood, Calico

Antico orologio oro argento
Located in Cantù, IT
Antico orologio oro argento Antico orologio oro argento Antico orologio oro argento Antico orologio oro argento Antico orologio oro argento Antico orolo...
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Silver

Old Brass British Military Issue Brass Handbell A Great Piece, Second World War
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Old Brass British Military Issue Brass Handbell A Great Piece, Second World War, dated 1942, marked A.S.1942, and with the broad arrow insignia denotin...
Category

1940s Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

A Large Brass and Oak Barrel Stick Stand This good looking piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Large Brass and Oak Barrel Stick Stand This good looking piece originated as a 19th Century Rum Barrel, it is made with oak staves and bound with 6 wide brass hoops The Barrel i...
Category

19th Century Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Oak

British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo and Cane Nighstand
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style burnt bamboo and cane nightstand. Signed Bloomingdales. Wear to finish of cane (please refer to photos). Additional photos available upon request. Would work ...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Cane

Antique Royal Standard of the United Kingdom in Giltwood Frame and Under Glass
Located in Morristown, NJ
An antique Royal Standard of the United Kingdom, possibly by Benjamin Edgington, London. The fabric is in a giltwood frame under glass. Each of the four quadrants on the flag represe...
Category

1830s English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Glass, Wood

A British Colonial Bookcase with Bottom Storage
Located in Chicago, IL
This large antique book cabinet was made from solid teak wood and dates to the early 1900's. During the British Empire in India and Burma much furniture was made in the Anglo-Indian ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Teak

British Colonial Style Pair of Bamboo and Grasscloth Stands or Tables
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive pair of mid century stands crafted in grasscloth and bamboo with four transforming foldout trays or surfaces, can be used with one,...
Category

20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Grasscloth, Bamboo

Castilian Ornamental Porcelain & Brass Elephant Horn Drinking Hunt Vase 26"
Located in Dayton, OH
Ornamental hunt theme drinking horn / centerpiece trophy / cornucopia epergne / flower vase featuring a tapered pedestal base with brass capped feet and circus Elephant balancing a porcelain horn or tusk. Stamped on base, Item No. 4052-C4A. Castilian Imports...
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Maitland Smith Bronze Figural Monkey Sculpture Toilet Paper Holder 21"
Located in Dayton, OH
Large vintage Maitland Smith bronze sculpture or statue of a happy monkey walking on all fours with his tail raised over his back. Use...
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bronze

A Fossilized Whale Vertebrae
Located in Savannah, GA
A fossilized whale vertebrae from 19th century specimen collection. 10 ½ inches wide by 8 inches deep by 8 inches tall
Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Other

A Rare Chamberlains Worcester 1798 "Disce Pati" Admiral Duncan Armorial Plate
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An extremely rare late 18 Century Admiral Duncan Chamberlains Worcester porcelain plate, the centre with an armorial crest of a ship in full sail beneath the banner ‘Disce Pati" within a wide spiral border of salmon pink stripes and gilt foliage sprays. There is some age related rubbing of the gilding but the plate is otherwise in great condition with no visible cracks chips or repairs. "Disce Pati" in Latin meaning "Learn to Suffer...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Turn of the Century English Hotel Front Desk Mail Cabinet
Located in East Hampton, NY
This whimsical curiosity cabinet from an English Hotel, used for guests to receive their mail. Roman numerals on enamel tags to windowed doors. The wood is lovely aged and the cabi...
Category

Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Beautifully Styled Ceylonese Porcupine Quill, Lidded Dark Wood Conical Pot
By SILVA (Sri Lanka)
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Superb Ceylonese porcupine quill lidded pot in a most unusual conical shape Fashioned in dark wood and decorated with quill pieces All quills are present and in excellent order. Int...
Category

1950s Sri Lankan Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Collection of 227 Pieces of Flow Blue China
Located in Stamford, CT
The count of 188 pieces is good antique china with some minor flaws. This set includes an additional 39 pieces of chipped or cracked pieces that might be useful on display or restored. One company is Touraine by Stanley Pottery, marked England. Price is for whole set 227 pieces. The 188 Good Pieces: 25 cups. 4"dia. 30 saucers 6" dia 27 dinner plates. 10" dia 39 soup plate. 9" dia 15 dessert/salad plates. 8" dia 15 fruit bowls 5.5" dia. 11 pitchers/creamers/gray boats...
Category

1880s English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Woven Back British Colonial Plantation Tea Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Woven Back British Colonial Plantation Tea Chair This late 19th Century antique British Colonial plantation tea chair is a great lounge ch...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Wood

A Pair of Vintage Anglo-Indian Veranda Chairs in Teak and Rattan
Located in Chicago, IL
These stylish lounge chairs date to the 1920's and were made in Rangoon, Burma. During the British Colonial period, much Indian furniture was made following British or European styles. High quality native hardwood was used, such as Teak and Rosewood and woven rattan was substituted for upholstery, which grew musty in the humid climate. Over time, Indian craft...
Category

Early 20th Century Burmese British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Teak

British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo and Cane Dresser
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style burnt bamboo and cane dresser. Signed Bloomingdales. Slight wear to finish of cane (please refer to photos). Additional photos av...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Cane

Antique Carl Thieme German Dresden Footed Reticulated Baroque Compote 11"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Carl Thieme German Dresden centerpiece compote. Made of porcelain featuring high relief footed base and reticulated / pierced scalloped bowl with two colonial figures, a man...
Category

Early 20th Century German British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo Grasscloth Etagere
Located in Southampton, NJ
A Faux bamboo British Colonial style etagere with mirror detailing, fixed interior shelves behind two glass doors; enhanced with green grasscloth interior. Multifunctional for storag...
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo, Glass

Vintage 1970's Lacquered Bamboo Cane Sideboard Cabinet
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A exceptional multipurpose cabinet, circa 1970s. Top has 4 large woven cane "caged" doors opening to 3 spacious shelfs for books, knick knacks etc. Bottom case has 4 large drawers do...
Category

Mid-20th Century Southeast Asian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Mahogany

British Colonial Style Coffee Table with Inset Bronze, Christie's Auction Label
Located in Miami, FL
British Colonial Style coffee table with inset bronze. Christie's auction label. Offered for sale is a British Colonial-style coffee table with an inset bronze grate...
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Colonial Bamboo Circular Tripod Table
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A large 19th century Victorian period Colonial bamboo circular occasional table. A circular dish top in hardwood with beautifully hand painted decorati...
Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Hardwood

British Colonial Leather Top Partners Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive 19th century British colonial partners desk hand crafted in well grained mahogany with a tooled leather top on a case with three drawers on either side over two pedestals ...
Category

19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

British Colonial Style Set of Four Safari Chairs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Dashing set of four vintage British Colonial chairs crafted in mahogany stained maple with a pegged construction in a safari style havi...
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Maple

A British Colonial Teak Wood Bookcase
Located in Chicago, IL
This monumental antique book cabinet was made from solid teak wood and dates to the early 1900's. During the time of the British Empire in India ...
Category

Early 20th Century Burmese British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Glass, Teak

Vintage Set of Six Moth Watercolors
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty set of six watercolors on paper depicting the surprising diverse beauty of moth species. Presented in wood frames, matted and under glass.
Category

Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper, Paint

Pair of British Colonial Style Plantation Lounge Chairs with Ottomans
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous pair of Anglo-Indian plantation lounge chairs with matching ottomans made in the Grand British Colonial style. The chairs feature a gracefully carved teak frame with large s...
Category

20th Century Southeast Asian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Cane, Teak

British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo and Cane Occasional Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style burnt bamboo and cane occasional table. Signed Bloomingdales. Wear to finish of cane (please refer to photos). Additional ...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Cane

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

Antique Sir Richard Sutton Quorn Hounds Colored Fox Hunt Engraving Bromley
By Francis Grant
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 19th century hand colored engraving titled Sir Richard Sutton and the Quorn Hounds, original painted by Francis Grant, engraved by Frederick...
Category

19th Century Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Paper

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

Antique British Colonial Cane and Carved Teak Lounge Chair
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Beautiful antique carved teak and cane lounge chair. The beauty is truly in the details of this chair. The carved and turned wood are stunning. It's in excellent condition for its ag...
Category

Early 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Cane, Teak

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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