British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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
Late 20th-C. British Colonial Style Tall Chest By Ralph Lauren For Henredon
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a handsome chest designed by Ralph Lauren for Henredon as part of their Safari Collection. It has dovetail construction and is marked. It also has wooden knobs.
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
$2,316 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of Vintage British Colonial Burnt Bamboo Dressers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage rare pair of burnt bamboo British Colonial chest of drawers. Great attention to detail throughout.
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bamboo
British Colonial Style Tortoiseshell Bamboo
Rattan Diminutive Chest
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
British Colonial Style Tortoiseshell Bamboo and Rattan Diminutive Chest
Europe, Later 20th Century
A stunning British Colonial-style diminutive chest of drawers, wrapped in rattan...
Category
Late 20th Century European British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan, Reed, Willow
$2,128 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Bamboo Chest with Greek Key Design
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage bamboo chest with Greek key design. This versatile mid-century bamboo chest, side table, end table or bedside table has style and storage ...
Category
1950s Vintage British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bamboo
$1,960 Sale Price
20% Off
Faux Bamboo Three Drawer Lacquered Chest of Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Lots of detail on this very sturdy chest of drawers. This three drawer faux bamboo chest has been freshly lacquered in a coastal shade of blue. Very versatile piece that could be use...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
19th Century English Campaign Marine Chest of Drawers in Mahogany
Located in NICE, FR
This stunning mahogany chest of drawers model was originally used by the British navy. It features charming typical campaign handles as well two carrying handles on both its sides.
...
Category
19th Century British Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
Vintage Coastal Wrapped Rattan Chest of Drawers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A superb vintage chest that exudes coastal elegance and incredible textural appeal. This handsome piece is completely enveloped in expertly wrapped rattan, with a beautiful basketwea...
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
antique Mid-Victorian solid Camphorwood military travelling trunk
Located in Kiel, SH
antique Mid-Victorian solid Camphorwood military travelling trunk
with signs of use and age. Please look at the pictures.
The key is missing and the trunk doesn't closed perfectly.
S...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Bamboo and Grasscloth Chest of Drawers
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Gentlemen's chest of eight drawers with a casual elegance and featuring a bamboo frame, grasscloth panels, stylized sunrise designs on the sides and splayed legs.
Category
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Grasscloth, Bamboo
Vintage Boho British Colonial Carved Chest With Bone Escutcheons
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This handsome antique chest of drawers, likely dating from the mid-Victorian or late Georgian period, exhibits classic British furniture design characterized by robust construction a...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Baker Furniture 18th Century Flemish Style Mahogany Triple Dresser, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous 18th century Flemish reproduction chest of drawers, dresser, or buffet server
By Baker Furniture
USA, mid-20th century
...
Category
Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Late 20th Century Stacking Luggage-Form Leather
Woven Rattan Side Table Chest
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 20th Century Stacking Luggage-Form Leather and woven rattan Chest Side Table featuring 3 drawers with leather pulls and William and Mary Style wooden legs.
Measure 25.5" in wi...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Leather, Wood, Rattan
Red Lacquered Chest on Stand 19th Century, British India, 1860
Located in Epfach, DE
Red lacquered chest on stand 19th century, British India, 1860
Very charming 19th century chest with wonderful lacquered and gilt flower dec...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Indian Ocean Territory Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
19th Century British Colonial Brass Bound Teak Campaign Chest
Located in Richmond, VA
Great quality late 19th century British colonial brass bound teak campaign chest in 2 parts.
Category
19th Century Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
$2,560 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique British Colonial Campaign Chest with Pullout Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive 19th century campaign chest with seven drawers handcrafted in camphor wood and featuring a pullout desk with nooks, drawers and a leather writi...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Vintage coastal woven rattan chest of drawers - 20th
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vintage coastal woven rattan chest of drawers
Dresser - Vintage - decoration
Measures : 122x46cm H:77cm
Materials : Wicker - Brass - Rattan
Weight : 40kg
Bring a touch of tropical elegance to your home with this beautifully crafted vintage woven rattan chest...
Category
20th Century British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Faux Bamboo and Cane Dresser, British Colonial Style
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A gorgeous faux bamboo, cane, and wicker chest or dresser. Unique dimensions allow for a variety of uses
A pair of split drawers sit above 3 spacious drawers. The "frame" of the cas...
Category
1980s Philippine Vintage British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Early 20th Century Burmese Wood Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
A four-drawer chest in teak wood from old Burma, now Myanmar. Early 20th Century, circa 1925.
Dark finish. Two small drawers, two large. Original brass handles.
Category
1920s Burmese Vintage British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Teak
$2,850 Sale Price
50% Off
Antique British Colonial Campaign Chest on Cabinet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 18th century British Colonial chest with a beaded cornice over three drawers with campaign hardware in the top of the case and ...
Category
18th Century English Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Hardwood
1980s Vintage Chests From Century Furniture
Located in Hartville, OH
1 of 2 Monumental Chests of Drawers from Century Furniture. Distressed finish, beautiful hardware and cream stone tops. These are huge and have a strong European rustic feel. Italian...
Category
1980s American Vintage British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Stone
$2,300 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Black Bamboo and Rattan Wickerwork Chest of Drawers, British Colonial Style
Located in Cork, IE
This chest of drawers in the British Colonial style is a delight to behold with its elegant lines, organic patterns and blackened finish!
Set on bamboo frame the front, sides and t...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Corner chest of drawers from around 1900.
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique chest of drawers from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Very good condition, after professional renovation, the chest of drawers finished in polish.
Year: around 1...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Boho British Colonial Bone Inlay Chest of Drawers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This imposing chest of drawers, likely a revival piece from the mid-20th century, captures the stately elegance and solid construction of the Empire or late Classical style. Crafted ...
Category
Early 20th Century American British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Black and White Chest of Drawers Cow Hide Checkerboard Antique Country House
Located in London, GB
A remarkable and stunning chest of drawers in wonderful condition. This outstanding and versatile piece marries wow-factor with antique craftsmanship and will enhance any interior wi...
Category
Late 19th Century Indonesian Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Cowhide, Leather, Teak
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Faux Bamboo chest of drawers with mirror
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Ralph Lauren vintage British colonial style campaign chest of drawers
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a vintage Ralph Lauren Senegal British colonial style campaign chest of drawers. The body of this chest is handwoven rattan with a diamond patter in the center. The rattan is...
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1990s British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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H 43.25 in W 44 in D 21.5 in
British Colonial Style Burnt Tortoise Bamboo and Grass Cloth Desk Set
Located in Southampton, NJ
Midcentury burnt tortoise bamboo and grass cloth desk with British Colonial design elements featuring two glove boxes, two drawers, elegant splay...
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H 40 in W 42 in D 23 in
19th Century Faux Bamboo Chest of Drawers from France
Located in High Point, NC
19th century faux bamboo chest with a marble top from France. The top is cut Carrera marble and appears to be original to the piece. The case upon which it sits is made from cherry...
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Pair of Rattan Bamboo Nightstands / Small Chests, 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
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20th Century Spanish British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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19th Century French Faux Bamboo Chest of Drawers
Located in High Point, NC
19th century faux bamboo chest of drawers from France. The top is new and is made from Carrara marble. The sides of the chest are si...
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British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo 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...
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Late 20th Century American British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo, Glass
Faux Bamboo Chest Of Drawers With Desk
Marble Top
Located in Bradenton, FL
Late 19th century tall faux bamboo and maple chest of drawers with fall front desk and white marble top that reflects the popular decorative arts of the era. The marble top adds eleg...
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Early 19th Century French Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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Marble
Small Italian Burlwood Chest
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Petite burlwood Italian three drawer chest with paper lined drawers.
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20th Century Italian British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Burl
Ralph Lauren for Henredon Neoclassical Mahogany 21-Drawer Chest of Drawers
By Ralph Lauren, Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Neoclassical, Empire, or British Colonial style carved mahogany twenty one-drawer dresser or chest of drawers
By Ralph Lauren for Henredon
USA, Late 20th Century
Measur...
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
$5,995
H 64.25 in W 64 in D 21 in
19th Century English George III Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality George III mahogany bachelors chest, having a leather lined brushing slide with two brass handles, above an arrangement of four graduated drawers each with...
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Early 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
British Scrubbed Pine Chest of Drawers Dresser or Commode
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Lovely simple and primitive scrubbed pine chest of drawers, displaying an arrangement of four spacious drawers over a classic curved simple molding and a scrubbed pine wood finish. T...
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Early 20th Century English British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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Pine
Previously Available Items
Vintage British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo and Cane Dresser
By Ralph Lauren
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Vintage British colonial style dresser in bamboo and rattan. Three spacious drawers clad in rattan with a bamboo skeleton. Wonderful geometric pattern throughout. Would work in a var...
Category
1980s Philippine Vintage British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bamboo, Cane
Vintage British Colonial Style Bamboo and Rattan Tall Chest
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Vintage British colonial style dresser in bamboo and rattan. Five spacious drawers clad in rattan with a bamboo skeleton. Wonderful geometric pattern throughout. Would work in a vari...
Category
1980s American Vintage British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Faux Bamboo, Cane
Antique English Campaign Chest of Drawers
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 19th century British colonial five drawer campaign chest handcrafted in mahogany with dramatic grains, brass hardware, and classic bracket feet.
Category
19th Century English Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Late 20th Century British Colonial Rattan and Black Lacquered Chest by Milling R
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A refined example of British Colonial style, this late 20th century chest by Milling Road for Baker Furniture features a refinished rattan-wrapped drawer front design with a rich hon...
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Rattan
H 33 in W 44 in D 19 in
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 work...
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21st Century and Contemporary Spanish British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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Bamboo, Cane
Vintage British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo Chest
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome mid century British Colonial style chest of drawers having a faux burnt bamboo frame and grasscloth panels on the top, sides and front under faux bamboo geometric overlays.
Category
Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo
Mid 19th Century Military Campaign Cabinet on Chest
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A mid-19th century, early Victorian period two-part mahogany military cabinet on chest, featuring a secretaire section. The upper cabinet has a brass-trimmed top and two panelled doors that open to reveal two height-adjustable shelves. This upper cabinet sits atop a large mahogany chest with twin brass carry handles on each side. The well-figured top has a drop-front secretaire drawer, fitted with its original drawer stopper, pigeonholes, small drawers, and a writing section, above four graduated oak-lined drawers. Each drawer is fitted with original brass military inset handles, with brass bounds on the sides, and the piece stands on turned bun feet. This antique military chest...
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Mid-19th Century British Antique British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo Chest
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Mid century three drawer chest or commode having a faux burnt bamboo frame and grasscloth panels on the top, sides, and front under faux bamboo geometric overlays. The original Bloom...
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Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo
Vintage British Colonial Style Bamboo and Rattan Tall Chest
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Vintage British colonial style dresser in bamboo and rattan. Five spacious drawers clad in rattan with a bamboo skeleton. Wonderful geometric pa...
Category
1980s American Vintage British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Faux Bamboo, Cane
Artist Hand Painted 1930’s Union Jack Chest Of Drawers
Located in New Orleans, LA
A 1930’s beautifully hand painted chest of drawers, depicting the “Union Jack” on a blue background. The chest having two top drawers over two long drawers, sitting on tapered legs a...
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1930s English Vintage British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
English British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo / Faux Tortoise Commode / Chest
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a British Colonial style burnt bamboo or faux tortoise finished chest or commode. It is wrapped in a woven grasscloth. The piece dates to the later part of the 20th century a...
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Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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Bamboo, Wicker, Wood
H 31.5 in W 36 in D 18.5 in
Ralph Lauren Faux Bamboo and Grasscloth Chest of Drawers
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome vintage British colonial style chest crafted with mahogany faux bamboo as a frame and around the drawers and having herringbone grasscloth panels all around with campaign br...
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Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo
British Colonial commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique British Colonial commodes and chests of drawers 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 commodes and chests of drawers created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial commodes and chests of drawers made in a specific country, there are Asia, Europe, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original commodes and chests of drawers, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, and Century Furniture. 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 commodes and chests of drawers differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,250 and tops out at $14,000 while the average work can sell for $3,885.
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