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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
English Mahogany Carved Animal Game Wall Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style (19/20th Century) mahogany carved animal game wall plaque with round top.
Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Tole Military Hat Trade Sign on Lucite
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Trade sign depicting an 18th century British officer's hat with a weathered finish and presented on a custom Lucite stand.
Category

20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Tôle

Walking stick
By Cleghorn of Edinburgh
Located in Glasgow, GB
This is a very fine example of a late 19th century Briar wood walking stick from an Edinburgh workshop in Scotland . More used as an object of status than a walking stick but except...
Category

Late 19th Century Scottish Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bog Wood

Framed 17th Century Map of Cumberland, England by John Speed, 1610
Located in Middleburg, VA
A fascinating and richly detailed antique map of Cumberland County in northwest England, drawn and published by the celebrated English cartographer John Spe...
Category

Early 17th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Copper, Gold Leaf

English Antique Axminister Rug, 1870 Handmade Carpet Runner Wool Hallway Runner
Located in Wembley, GB
This high-quality rare English Axminister rug Features asymmetrical repeat pattern, woven in beige pink and cream. Revealing meandering scrolls and floral motifs. This beautiful Ant...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Organic Material

Carved Coral Bowl or Planter
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Here is a large piece of bowl coral with its bleached white color and sea inspired texture, carved and repurposed as a bowl or planter. Available only in the United States of Americ...
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Coral

Trench Art
Located in Glasgow, GB
These two fine egg cups are excellent examples of Trench Art from World War 1 . Expertly worked from two smaller shell casings . Crafted from US shell casings by a member of the Brit...
Category

1910s British Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Brass Palm Tree Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Brass banana tree or palm tree sculpture with a custom burnished bronze like finish, removable leaves, a weighted base decorated with floral designs,...
Category

20th Century Italian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Large Carved Arab Sculpture with Coffee and Pipe, Vienna, circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Carved Arab Sculpture with Coffee and Pipe, Vienna, circa 1900 A masterly carved wooden statue of an Arab drinking coffee and smoking his pipe. An antique shop...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Vintage Pair of Deer Hoof Table Lamps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage pair of custom English deer hoof table lamps with silver plated candle cups and hardware, presented on custom double plinths. Newly wired. Poss...
Category

20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Animal Skin

Antique Indian Silver Hip Flask with Leather Case
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Indian 900 standard silver hip flask with the original leather case; part of our wine and drinks related silverware collection. This exceptional antique Indian 900 standard silver hip flask has an oval rounded form. The surface of this antique silver hip flask...
Category

1910s Indian Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Silver

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

Safari Armchair by Wilhelm Kienzle attributed to Wohnbedarf, Switzerland, 1950s
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
A striking example of mid-century Swiss design: this Safari Armchair is attributed to Wilhelm Kienzle for Wohnbedarf, dating from the 1950s. Crafted in sturdy hardwood with leather s...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Textile, Wood

19th Century Anglo-Indian Trunk
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A superb-looking late 19th-century Anglo-Indian trunk with original ribbed iron fittings, brass-bound with decorative mounts, and carrying handles. Traditionally used as patio storag...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

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

20 Th Century 3 Light Bouillotte Lamp Style Silvered
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very popular design of Bouillotte lamp made of brass and finished in Hi-polished silver plate. Has 3 candelabra sockets. All new wiring and sockets. Ht of 22" and the base is 7 1/2...
Category

1990s North American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

English Brown Leather Valise
Located in Queens, NY
English dark brown leather small valise with 2 strapes and initials HB
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather

19th Century British Colonial Shelf
Located in High Point, NC
19th century British Colonial shelf made from teak. There are tall hand turned finials on the top over three shelves, all with scalloped galleries...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Teak

Tomlinson Ebony and Brass Coffee/Side Table
Located in East Freetown, MA
Vintage Tomlinson ebony coffee/side table with curved square top and brass accents. With stenciled label on underside.
Category

Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Jockey Scales from Market Rasen Racecourse
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Avery brass height and weight standing jockey scales from Market Rasen Racecourse  This is a very rare set of 19th century Jockey scales, it was made by W & T Avery Birmingham...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 sk...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Paper

British Colonial Carved Claw Foot China Cabinet
Located in Franklin Park, IL
British Colonial Carved Claw Foot China Cabinet This china cabinet measures: 62.5 wide x 19 deep x 66.75 inches high We take our photos in a ...
Category

1980s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Early 20th Century Leather Elephant Sculpture
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Hand made leather elephant sculpture. Original condition. Likely an Anglo-Indian era import. Faux ivory tusks. Would make a great adornment to a bookshelf or desk. Would fit well i...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather

English Country Brick House Acrylic Painting
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style (20th Cent) acrylic on board painting, depicting a brick house, within faux wood and decorated frame. (7 Similar pieces: 057835A, 057835B, 057835D, 057835E, 057...
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

American Country Style Brass and Iron Ladle
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style (19th Century) brass ladle with wrought iron handle
Category

19th Century American Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Louver Panel Window Shutter
Located in Dallas, TX
This piece is a part of Brendan Bass’s one-of-a-kind collection, Le Monde. French for “The World”, the Le Monde collection is made up of rare and hard to find pieces curated by Brend...
Category

20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

English Country-Style Pine Wood Kneehole Desk
Located in Queens, NY
English Country (late 19th Century) pine wood kneehole desk having a scalloped gallery, three drawers in the frieze on the front side, a bank of three drawers below with brass pull h...
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

A Pair of Large Bronze Coloured Toleware Table Lamps
Located in Godshill, 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

Early 20th Century Vintage English Walnut Buffet Cabinet with Casters
Located in Seattle, WA
English buffet with marble top and 2 doors. The handles and escutcheons are bronze. It rests on four tapered legs that ends in casters. Dimensions. Approx 36 W ; 30 H ; 19 D.
Category

1920s Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Country Copper Cauldron
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style (19th Century) copper cauldron with iron handle.
Category

19th Century American Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Iron

Antique Needlepoint English Rug. Size: 7 ft 5 in x 9 ft 7 in
Located in New York, NY
Antique English Needlepoint, Country of Origin: England, Circa: 18th Century –Size: 7 ft 5 in x 9 ft 7 in (2.26 m x 2.92 m).
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

19th Century Black Lacquered Wood Pedestal with Red Stone Inset
Located in New York, NY
A black lacquered pedestal/stand in elm wood, with red root stone top, cabriole legs and base stretcher, Beijing, 19th century.
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Stone

HAND-CARVED Wooden 1920 s CHANDELIERS [PAIR]
Located in Hawthorne, CA
A pair of wooden hand-carved chandeliers for an eclectic decor. These pieces are perfect for an island or coastal setting. Of the 19th C. wired to modern standards, origin England 19...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Antique English Gaming Wheel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Transporting antique English gaming wheel crafted in pine darkened by aged shellac with leather stopper and decoupaged numbers 1 through 30 and se...
Category

19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Pine

American Country Style Brass and Iron Ladle
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style (19th Century) brass ladle with wrought iron handle
Category

19th Century American Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

*Two British Colonial Style Zebra Print Pillows, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Enticing pillows crafted in cowhide with printed zebra stripes each with its own form and organic patterns. Priced Individually. From left to right: H: 13 ...
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Cowhide

Pair of English Country Mahogany Carved Floral Wall Plaques
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of English Victorian Country style mahogany rectangular carved floral wall plaques (PRICED AS PAIR).
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

White Horse Animal Portrait
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of an animal portrait titled "White Horse" set in a classical landscape Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Category

Late 20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Paint

Pair of Horn Veneer Table Lamps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Dashing pair of midcentury table lamps featuring Horn veneer mosaic bodies and finished with Classic nickel plated metal tops and feet.
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Antique Colonial Stencil Back Black Painted Plank Bottom Rocker Rocking Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Colonial Stencil Back Black Painted Plank Bottom Rocker Rocking Chair. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: 40" H x 20.5" W x 24.5" D x 15" Seat height.
Category

19th Century Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

English Country Man and Bicycle Portrait
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style walnut framed photograph portrait of 19th Century man standing next to bicycle
Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Bronze Finish Spelter Bust William Ewart Gladstone FRS FSS
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Bronze Finish Spelter Bust William Ewart Gladstone FRS FSS William Ewart Gladstone FRS FSS was of the PrimeMinister of United Kingdom for 12 years, this is very attractive bust, it ...
Category

1960s Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Spelter

Early 20th Century Hand Carved Antique Wooden Oak Chair
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Art Nouveau Spiral Spindle Antique Chair. Made from walnut, American-made from the 1930's. Hand-carved. Purchased at an antique store in New Orleans.
Category

1930s British Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Oak

19th Century British Colonial Wood Counter Game
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Curious mechanical lottery apperatice that has a hardwood spinning canister with pine cap and spout, supported by two turned mahogany posts on a round wood base with ball feet. The p...
Category

19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Drum Form Rattan and Leather Coffee Table
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style coffee table with a round top composed of a stitched leather abstract mosaic over a classic drum form crafted in reed wrapped rattan on three wrapped legs.
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Rattan

Pair of Faux Alligator Vases
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of tall vases ingeniously crafted in cast composition depicting alligator hide with brass like highlights.
Category

20th Century North American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Faux Leather

English Brown Crocodile Valise
Located in Queens, NY
English dark brown crocodile valise with brass latches.
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Canvas Flamingo Throw Pillows, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British Colonial style pair of canvas throw pillows with flamingos over antique style maps of the Caribbean. Priced Individually
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Linen

18th C. Federal Cherry Candle Stand Tea Table Tripod Pedestal Scallop Carved Top
Located in Philadelphia, PA
18th Century Cherry Candle Stand Tea Table Tripod Pedestal Scallop Carved Top. Item features remarkable aged patina and desirable finish, tripod base, Queen Anne legs, and carved sca...
Category

18th Century Unknown Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Cherry

English Country Horse and Carriages Photograph
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style walnut framed photograph of 19th Century genre scene of 2 horse and carriages (Companion Pieces: 052554B-E)
Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Walnut

American Country Copper Cauldron
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style (19th Century) copper cauldron with wrought iron handle.
Category

19th Century American Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Iron

English Brown Leather Valise
Located in Queens, NY
English large brown leather valise
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather

English Country Brick House Acrylic Painting
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style (20th Cent) acrylic on board painting, depicting a brick house, within faux wood and decorated frame. (7 Similar pieces: 057835A, 057835B, 057835C, 057835E, 057...
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

British Colonial Style Sideboard or Server
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Antique William IV style sideboard reminiscent of a West Indies British Colonial server or buffet crafted in indigenous mahogany with a gr...
Category

19th Century Antiguan Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair Safari Style Tapestry Pillows Elephant Camel
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cute pair of tapestry woven pillows Safari style with elephant and camel figures. Velvet back, zip closure. Great condition.
Category

1970s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Textile

Antique Persian Shiraz Gallery Size Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century Persian Shiraz Gallery size rug Measures: 4'11'' x 11'8''.
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

Bahamian Street Scene Watercolor Painting by Hartwell Leon Woodcock
By Hartwell L. Woodcock
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Watercolor painting of a Bahamian street scene possibly in Nassau. Complete with a woman carrying a bundle, a man in a cart, palm trees, house, gates and warm peaceful ambiance. Sign...
Category

20th Century North American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Paint, Paper

Mahogany Corner Cabinet/Étagère From the Early 20th Century With Openwork Sides
Located in Opole, PL
Mahogany Corner Cabinet/Étagère From the Early 20th Century With Openwork Sides An original corner cabinet/étagère with openwork sides, richly decorated with woodcarving. A single-l...
Category

Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

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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