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
Lovely Pair of Bright Red Wool Rugs
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A lovely pair of bright red wool rugs
The carpets haves a wonderful bright colour with an attractive pattern and a wide border, they are both 1n good a...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wool
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 Furniture
Materials
Cowhide, Leather, Teak
Italian antique colonial bamboo wood and damask fabric chair, 1910s
Located in MIlano, IT
Colonial chair with wooden structure with round section slats and bamboo covering, padded seat and backrest covered in their original damask fabric.
1910 ca.
Good general condition.
...
Category
1910s Italian Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Bamboo, Wood
E. Löffler, "The Oronte
s Ideal Company", Framed Original Manifesto, circa 1900
Located in Firenze, IT
E. Löffler, "The Oronte's Ideal Company", Original manifesto, framed, circa 1900
Lithograph, without printer's name.
Measures: Cm 70x49.
It was a brilliant company of equili...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
19th C. Mahogany Table Vanity
Located in Topanga, CA
An early 19th-century mahogany vanity mirror stand of impressive scale, originating from a palace collection. This piece features exceptional carved details and retains its original ...
Category
Early 19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
English Country Style Carved Walnut Wall Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style (19th Century) carved walnut wall plaque with grape and floral design and bird.
Category
19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique English Country Lady with Umbrella Photograph
Located in Queens, NY
Walnut framed photograph of 19th Century lady with umbrella on path (Companion Pieces: 052554B-E)
Category
19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Glass
English Country Scene of Musicians
Located in Queens, NY
Walnut framed photograph of 19th Century genre scene of men drinking and playing musical instruments. (Companion Pieces: 052554B-E)
Category
19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique English Country Lady and Bicycle Photograph
Located in Queens, NY
Walnut framed photograph of 19th Century scene of lady kneeling next to bicycle (Companion Pieces: 052554B-E)
Category
19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Glass
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, 057835D, 057...
Category
20th Century British British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
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, 057835D, 057...
Category
20th Century British British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
Lithograph Kenyan Ladies
By French Royal Exchange London
Located in Glasgow, GB
This is a very rare Lithograph from the mid 19th century . French artist depicting two Kamba and two Chaga Tribal Ladies. The piece is in original condition with a very fine gilt fra...
Category
Mid-19th Century Kenyan Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Paper
The Stick has CANFORD SCHOOL O.T.C. Crest on the Round Head
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
CANFORD SCHOOL O.T.C. swagger stick.
The stick has CANFORD SCHOOL O.T.C. crest on the round head
The metal top appears to be a white metal overprinted to look like brass
The sti...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Cane
Ficks
Reed Mid-Century Bamboo and Cane Coffee Table
By Ficks Reed
Located in Bellport, NY
A Ficks & Reed bamboo and cane coffee table. We also have two matching side tables and a pair of high back armchairs all the same match and pe...
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Cane
$938 Sale Price
24% Off
Original Framed Jacobs Cream Crackers Card Poster, from Dublin
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Original framed Jacobs cream crackers card poster, from Dublin
This is delightful original advertising sign, showing a happy young lady in period dress on the telephone telling us , “yes please Cream Crackers and they must be Jacobs”
The sign is color printed on card, it is in good condition and set in its own original frame, it has W&R Jacobs...
Category
1930s Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Vintage Boho Gilt Tipped Monkey Lamps - a Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Illuminate your space with whimsical charm using this pair of Vintage Boho gilt-tipped monkey lamps. With their playful design and luxurious gold accents, these lamps blend quirky el...
Category
Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Metal
$1,550 / set
Antique Watercolour Painting by Frank Dadd
Located in London, GB
A wonderful antique watercolour painting by Frank Dadd, signed and dated 1914.
Frank Dadd was a well known and highly skilled artist, know...
Category
1910s British Vintage British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Original Walnut Wing Chair, circa 1900
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Original walnut wing chair, circa 1900.
Armchair reupholstered and refinished a short time ago,
small stains on the fabric.
Category
Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Anglo Indian Carved Rosewood Console Table
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A mid 19th century beautiful and highly decorative British colonial rosewood console table supported by four profusely carved legs terminating into mythical animal faces at the table...
Category
Mid-19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Wood
Colonial Made Occasional Table, circa 1820
Located in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
An Indian Colonial occasional table in padouk wood on a carved stem and with three claw feet.
Category
Early 19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Padouk
19th Century Indian Tabletop Vanity Mirror
Located in Topanga, 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
Indian Brass and Silver Embroidered Velvet Wedding Parasol on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Delicate textile that is in remarkable condition.
Category
Early 20th Century Indian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Silver, Brass, Iron
18th Century pair of Indian Wood pillars
Located in PAU, FR
Wonderful pair of Indian columns from the XVIIIth century, the wood have a really nice patina, the tops are well sculpted.
We could see the influence of the british colonial.
Category
18th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Late 20th Century John Somers Brazilian Pewter Curving Serving Dish
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Brazilian Pewter Swirling, Curving Serving Dish
'Tigela de Gominhos'
The John Somers Brazilian Pewter Swirling, Curving Serving Dish is a stunning example of fine craftsm...
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Pewter
Hand Carved with Bone Marquetry Chest with Brass Onlay
Located in New York City, NY
The Splendor Chest showcases the mastery of traditional bone inlay, featuring hand-carved camel bone flowers arranged in a precise diamond grid across its surface. Each flower is met...
Category
2010s British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Boho Hand Painted Ceramic Military Figure
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bring a touch of refined whimsy and historical charm to your decor with this hand-painted vintage ceramic military figure. Dressed in an 18th-century style tricorne hat and regal blue and pink coat, this figurine holds a spyglass, poised as if surveying a distant horizon. The bold colors, expressive face, and classic detailing make it a delightful accent for bookcases, desktops, or curio cabinets—perfect for lovers of antique militaria...
Category
Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Maitland-Smith Vintage Two Door Faux Bamboo and Lacquer Cabinet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout mid century British colonial style handcrafted cabinet featuring a faux burnt bamboo frame with a bow front form, jungle camouflage lacquer panels, stick and fist hardware a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Faux Bamboo
British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo Leather Clad Desk by Maitland-Smith
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive Mid Century desk crafted with a faux bamboo frame having a faux tortoise finish featuring tooled leather panels on the top, front, side and back, lower tier storage and be...
Category
Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture
Materials
Leather, Faux Bamboo
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
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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