Skip to main content

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.

to
95
559
117
663
19
7
198,507
115,349
44,188
33,263
16,580
12,242
10,870
10,844
9,982
8,923
7,347
6,665
6,490
6,390
6,244
6,161
4,912
3,747
23
202
438
26
109
100
85
11
7
6
9
5
10
11
8
10
5
308
200
108
105
85
249
207
167
131
120
689
681
681
19
10
7
5
3
Style: British Colonial
Antique Two-Tier Cane and Scorched Bamboo Tiger Wood Side Table with Storage Top
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Antique Victorian Aesthetic movement two-tier scorched bamboo and cane tigerwood side table or occasional table with box storage on top. Bamboo occasional tables like this, are a cult favorite among those in the design circle as well as discerning collectors across the globe. Evoking a tropical or British Colonial vibe, these tables are rare to find, and always a classic timeless piece for just about any room in the home. You'll find this classic bamboo side table while flipping through the pages of nearly every design magazine. Understated, perhaps because of it’s size, it packs a big punch. It serves as both form and function with two areas for storage. Both a hidden box, as well as a bottom open shelf. Born in the 19th century, this piece is created out of bamboo. Other terms used to describe this type of material and finish, are scorched bamboo or tortoiseshell bamboo or tiger bamboo. This particular piece is square in form and has four legs. The top of the table is square and features a box with a liftable lid for storage. Fastened with a hinge, it is a great way to hide little things that make a space feel cluttered. (TV remotes, reading glasses, etc.) When closed, the top functions as a normal tabletop. We envision a beautiful vase sitting atop a stack of well-loved books. Under the top of the table, sits a second open tier shelf for additional storage. Again, we think this would be a great way to showcase a stack of your favorite books or a small bowl of fresh flowers. Both the top of the table, and the sides are covered in what is sometimes called rice matt. It's more of a woven fiber much like cane or wicker, and can often be mistaken for grasscloth. This piece would be fabulous if used in a number of ways: 1.) Our dear friend suggested using this as her "smoking box". With the inside holding the items she wouldn't necessarily want in view, but in a convenient enough place to quickly grab things should she need/want to. 2.) Entry table: To eliminate the mess of setting keys and sunglasses on a table, we think this small table box would be a great place to set keys and sunglasses inside, and then closed, to set a purse on top of. 3.) Patio: A lovely plant stand between two patio chairs...
Category

19th Century American Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Metal

Large Mid 20th Century Teak Ships Wheel A wonderful decorative piece
Located in Godshill, 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

Campaign-Style Chest by Beacon Hill Collection
Located in Norwood, NJ
A finely crafted campaign-style chest by the Beacon Hill Collection, circa 1960s–70s. Made in three stacking sections, this piece draws inspiration from 19th-century British military...
Category

Early 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Distressed Vintage Turkish Kilim Rug with Southern Living British Colonial Style
Located in Dallas, TX
50769, distressed vintage Turkish Kilim rug with Southern Living British Colonial style. This handwoven wool vintage Turkish Kilim...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

Extra Large Early 19th Century English Mirror
Located in Faversham, GB
An exceptional early 19th century mirror from the historic Chatham Dockyards in Kent, England. The heavily foxed mercury plate is twelve millimeters in thickness and supported by th...
Category

Late 18th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Mercury Glass, Mirror, Oak, Pine

Teak and Cane Colonial Chaise Lounge
Located in Highland, IN
This striking chaise is long, lean and luxurious. A teak frame with lovely carved details and a woven cane support offers a platform for lounging, reading and relaxing. Made more comfortable by a beautiful woven quilted pad and pillow. This exceptional piece strikes a balance between antique and...
Category

Early 20th Century European British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Cane, Teak

Vintage Set Of Two John Derian Jungle Animals Porcelain Lidded Jars
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of 20th century porcelain jungle-themed lidded jars by New York designer, John Derian. Elegant vases feature multiple jungle animals including elephants, tigers, monkeys and zeb...
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Fine Double "C" Handled Quart Tulip Export Pewter Tankard Townsend Compton
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A fine double "C" handled quart tulip export Pewter mug or tankard by Townsend & Compton, circa 1779-1806. Struck with makers (upside down) pseudo hallmarks, left of the handle and l...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Pewter

Midcentury British Colonial Style Bamboo Bar Cart
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Midcentury bar cart or tea cart with a bamboo frame wrapped with reed.
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Safari style Giraffe Wall Bracket
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Safari style giraffe head wall bracket set honed by the artist.
Category

1970s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Composition

Pair of Hand Painted Porcelain Parrot Vases
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Unusual rectangular porcelain flower vases decorated on both sides with hand painted tropical colored varying parrot species. The opening on the tops is divided into three sections f...
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

British Colonial Wood Column on Custom Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A single 19th century British Colonial carved wood column with custom Stand. This antique hand carved wooden architectural element from India, ...
Category

19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Iron

British Colonial Style Bamboo Recliner Chair with Ottoman
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Mid century recliner chair crafted in bamboo and bent bamboo with caned seating featuring a pull out ottoman and Morris style reclini...
Category

Mid-20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Regency Style Anglo Indian Chair
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A well proportioned Anglo Indian armchair. Hand craved out of rosewood, the chair carved with rosettes and the back rest is carved is the form of horns. The seat is woven cane and u...
Category

1950s Indian Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Cane, Teak

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 drawer...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

19th Century British Colonial Rosewood Display Cabinet
Located in San Marino, CA
19th century Goa rosewood display cabinet with sunburst design on doors. Two small drawers with three large below. Keys included.
Category

19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

19th Century Ebonized Jackwood British Colonial Box on Stand from British Ceylon
Located in Richmond, VA
19th century ebonized jackwood British Colonial box on stand from British Ceylon (Modern day Sri Lanka). Two part box on Stand is made of Jackwood with eb...
Category

19th Century British Indian Ocean Territory Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

Caribbean Mahogany Reeded and Barley Twist Four Poster Bed, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Caribbean mahogany four-poster bed with a carved decorative scrolled spindle head board and foot board, complimented by four reeded and barley twist...
Category

1820s Caribbean Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Pine

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 Furniture

Materials

Grasscloth, Bamboo

Mahogany console desk, English, 19th century
Located in Nice, FR
This desk is solid mahogany, it dates from the 19th century, English origin. It is in good condition. Two drawers on the front with original entry. It can be used as a console or ser...
Category

1880s English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bentwood

Faux Bamboo British Colonial Style Occasional Table by Maitland-Smith
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage occasional table or stand crafted in faux bamboo featuring a faux tortoise finish, brass caps and two tiers of tooled leather tops. As...
Category

20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

English Country Horse and Jockey Painting
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style oak framed oil painting of horse and jockey wearing checkered shirt (signed: P. ZYSBLAT)
Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique English British Colonial Leather Top Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 19th century English desk handcrafted in mahogany, in three piece construction, with brass campaign hardware, having a tooled black leather top with Greek key motif on a cas...
Category

19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Group of Twelve Elephant Head Wall Ornaments, Priced Per Set of Four
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage group of twelve intriguing hand decorated cast composition elephant head wall ornaments or brackets. From the Walker Theater, Indianapolis Indiana. Priced per set of four (4).
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Composition

Mid-20th Century Restored Rattan Settee With Built-in Side Table and New Custom
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A rare and sculptural Mid-20th Century rattan settee featuring a Chippendale back design, gracefully arched supports, and integrated side table with original smoked glass top. The fr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Rattan, Smoked Glass

Large 18th Century Colonial Walnut Chest with Brass Fittings
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
This impressive 18th-century walnut colonial coffer, also known as a blanket chest, features exceptional brass hardware and is constructed from solid pieces of walnut. The chest is d...
Category

Late 18th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Square Two-Tiered Coffee Table with Caning
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic Baker, two-tiered coffee or cocktail table with a sleek black lacquer frame, walnut top, and a caned lower plateau that adds a British Colonial influence.
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Mid-20th Century Restored Coastal Brighton Pavilion Bamboo and Cane Settee
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A beautifully restored Mid-20th Century bamboo settee in the Brighton Pavilion style, showcasing intricate fretwork and a warm honey-toned finish. The cane seat and architectural det...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Mid-century solid brass obelisk lamp after Chapman
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a handsome mid-century vintage library style solid brass obelisk lamp. This obelisk lamp has a pedestal with four ball feet, holding up the obelisk with a metal black lacquer...
Category

1970s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique White Washed Teak Settee or Bench with Slatted Back
Located in Sheffield, MA
Colonial influenced antique hand-carved rustic country daybed or bench made from natural aged teak, deep enough for sleeping or relaxing. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Great in...
Category

Early 20th Century Asian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Teak

Vintage Thai British Colonial Teak and Glass Display Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Thai British Colonial Teak and Glass Display Cabinet The cabinet has 2 Doors and 3 Shelves. This cabinet was made in Thailand.
Category

Late 20th Century Thai British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Teak

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 Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Antique Thai British Colonial Teak and Glass Display Cabinet - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Thai British Colonial Teak and Glass Display Cabinet - Pair This british colonial tall and thin display cabinet has 5 shelves and 2 glass doors. Made of teakwood from Thaila...
Category

Early 20th Century Thai British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Teak

Maitland Smith Post Modern Zebra Hide Box 1980 s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large Post Modern 1980s Maitland Smith decorative box made of a square wood bottom covered in brown leather and top lid covered with zebra hide with a round polished brass and hyde p...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather, Zebra Hide

British Colonial Antique 1910 Cheltenham Silver Coffee Service Sheffield England
Located in Miami, FL
1910 English silver coffee service by Cheltenham & Company, Ltd. Sheffield, England. All 3 pieces have the same maker's marks on the bottoms complete with the engraved W A Trademark, Warranted Hard Solder England 69430. Open sugar dish...
Category

1910s English Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Silver, Steel

Vintage Campaign Anglo Indian Wicker Pith Helmet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Transporting British Colonial Anglo Indian pith helmet or hat ambitiously handcrafted in woven reed or wicker in classic form with metal breather holes and plenty of tropical charm. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wicker, Reed

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 Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of 19th Century British Colonial Child s Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of 19th century British Colonial chairs made for children with cane seats, nicely carved arms and half-moon legs.
Category

19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cane

Antique Chinese Oval Accent Rug with Pictorial Phoenix Design
Located in Dallas, TX
71754, antique Chinese oval accent rug with Pictorial Phoenix design. This hand knotted wool antique Chinese oval rug features a pictorial oval medallio...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

Inlaid Center Table
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Unusual center table crafted in mahogany and walnut veneer with an octagon form top having a sunburst grain design with a floral border inlaid with Macassar ebony, satinwood, sycamor...
Category

20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Burlap, Ebony, Sycamore, Walnut

Antique Tall British Colonial Console Table with Mirrored Skirt
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and unusual antique English console table finished all around featuring a flame grained and crossbanded top over a distressed mirror and f...
Category

20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Vintage Welsh Cupboard ~ Sideboard
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Welsh Cupboard ~ Sideboard is a clever design originating in what is now called the UK, providing means to store cups, saucers and linens, while displaying some of the family...
Category

Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Steel

Pair of English 19th-20th Century Gilt-Bronze Brig - Tall Ship Marine Lanterns
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Pair of English 19th-20th Century Gilt-Bronze 'Brig - Tall-Ship' Marine Lanterns with Putti Corner Caryatids. The single-light tapered square cast-bronze body surmounted with alleg...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

3 framed signed pencil drawings of Indian gentlemen in regional dress, 19th C
Located in London, GB
Three highly charismatic and personal portrait drawings if Indian gentlemen. Dating from the late 19th century and in original glass and oak frames they portray a Pathan hillman and ...
Category

Late 19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Glass, Oak, Paper

Vintage Boho Palm Tree Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Experience the perfect marriage of classic comfort and exotic flair with this handsome vintage club chair and ottoman set. The chair is crafted in the timeless English roll-arm style...
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Bauer International Inc. British Colonial style Hand Cane Ottoman
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is a well thought after Bauer International British Colonial style Hand Cane Ottoman with a curule form. The cane seat is in perfect vintage condition, no loss of cane. Very goo...
Category

1950s Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Cane, Wood

British Colonial Grass Cloth and Faux Bamboo Three-Tiered Cabinet and Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British Colonial style three-tiered cabinet desk with a gallery at the top over three step down compartments covered with grass cloth and framed with faux bamboo. The upper and lower...
Category

20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Faux Bamboo

Large Spread Eagle Wall Plaque, Heraldic Trade Sign
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large spread eagle wall plaque, Heraldic trade sign This is a very large piece, it is made in polished silver metal, the plaque would have been di...
Category

Early 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Vintage Teakwood Low Bookcase / Display Cabinet with Sliding Glass Doors
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage teakwood low bookcase / display cabinet with sliding glass doors This vintage teak bookcase or display cabinet was handmade i...
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Glass, Teak

Antique Faux Candle Floor Lamp Side Table
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Discover timeless elegance with this Antique Faux Candle Floor Lamp Side Table. Featuring two faux candle stick lamp heads and a colonial wooden base, this piece serves both as a flo...
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Mid-Century Palm Tree Decorative Sculptures
Located in Palm Beach, FL
In vogue pair of mid-century stylized palm tree sculptures crafted in cast fiberglass. Painted in an off white finish and presented in faux planters filled with seashells.
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Fiberglass

Vintage Brighton Chinoiserie Rattan Blonde Bamboo Caning Split Reed Armchair 70s
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

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

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Side or Office Chairs with Upholstered Seat
Located in Nantucket, MA
Pair of Mid-Century Modern solid rosewood side or office chairs with a slightly curved back for lumbar support. Slightly tapered leg. The seat can be easily removed if you wanted to ...
Category

Mid-20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Nazmiyal Collection Antique Donegal Irish Rug 3 ft 2 in x 12 ft
Located in New York, NY
Echoing Ancient Art Antique Tribal Motifs Donegal Irish Rug, Country of Origin: Ireland, Circa Date: 1920
Category

20th Century Irish British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Bamboo and Laminate Fully Adjustable Coffee/Dining Table
Located in East Freetown, MA
Unique bamboo coffee/dining table with laminated three leaf folding top and smooth and easy adjustable height mechanism. (18-30) inches.
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Laminate

English Country Style Framed Flag Embroidery
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style (19/20th Century) maple framed "woolie" embroidery with flags and floral trim with crown top.
Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

China, 18th Century, Blue-and-White Decorated Dish, circa 1780
Located in PARIS, FR
China, 18th Century, Blue-and-White Decorated Dish, circa 1780 This Chinese export porcelain dish, made around 1780 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1736-1795), illustrates the ...
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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.

Still Thinking About These?

All Recently Viewed