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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
Period: Late 20th Century
1980s Signed Triptych British Colonial Style Cheetahs On Board Wall Art
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a signed triptych depicting two cheetahs. It is wood and does fold. It is signed. It is in very good condition and dates to the 1980s.
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage British Colonial Pair Bamboo Nightstands
Located in Roanoke, VA
Vintage British colonial style night stands in bamboo and rattan. Each chest has three spacious drawers clad in rattan with a burnt or tortoise bamboo skeleton. Wonderful diamond pat...
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Faux Bamboo

Late 20th-C. British Colonial Style Tall Chest By Ralph Lauren For Henredon
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 Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo and Cane Nightstand
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Vintage British colonial style nightstand or end table in bamboo and rattan. Two spacious drawers clad in rattan with a bamboo skeleton. Wonderful geometric pattern throughout. Wou...
Category

1980s Philippine Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Cane

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 Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Cane, Rattan

Late-20th Century Faux Bamboo and Red Lacquer Desk by Baker Furniture
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Elegant late 20th Century faux bamboo desk by Baker Furniture featuring the original rich red lacquer finish. This beautifully designed piece includes a single center drawer and open...
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Vintage British Colonial Style Bamboo and Cane Sideboard
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A very nice sideboard consisting of a bamboo frame with cane clad panels. Features four doors, each set revealing shelves. On the left is one adjustable shelf, and the right side has...
Category

1980s Philippine Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Cane

British Colonial Carved Cherry Wood Lighted Bookcase Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous British Colonial or French Louis Philippe style four-piece lighted breakfront bookcase, display cabinet, or media cabinet USA, Circa Late 20th Century Carved cherry wood...
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Ralph Lauren British Colonial Carved Mahogany Sideboard Buffet or Console Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful British Colonial, American Classical, or Victorian style carved mahogany sideboard, buffet server, or console table By Ralph Lauren Circa Late 20th Century Measures: 6...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Maitland Smith Jockeys on Horse Bronze Equestrian Racing Statue 18"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Maitland Smith bronze two jockeys on horses equestrian racing statue featuring leather wrapped base. Dimensions: 17.5" x 9.5" x 15" h
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bronze

British Colonial Style Burnt Bamboo and Cane Freestanding Cheval Floor Mirror
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A wonderful British colonial style floor mirror with faux burnt bamboo frame and cane details. Great geometric pattern up top. Would work well in a variety of interiors Mirror only ...
Category

1980s Philippine Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Cane

Habersham Wooden Plantation Campaign Trunk Style Side Coffee Table w/ Brass Trim
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Habersham Wooden Plantation Campaign Trunk Style Small Coffee Table/Side Table with Brass Trim, Distressed Finish, 3 Drawers, and Swing Door. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 2...
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Vintage Ralph Lauren Home Tufted Leather Chaise
Located in Hartville, OH
Extraordinary Vintage Find. This spectacular example came to us having been well loved by a 4 legged family member. After years of daily enjoyment and much to our disappointment, the...
Category

1980s American Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather

Ralph Lauren Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Hartville, OH
Gorgeous Vintage Chesterfield Sofa with Deep Button Tufts, Rolled arms and Brass Casters. Finished in a Cognac leather. Unsigned, believed to be Ralph Lauren.
Category

1990s American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather

1970 s Sculpted Cane Rattan Bar Stools, 6 available
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Sculpted twisted cane & rattan counter height bar stools. Solid and very comfortable. They swivel in the center. Made in colonial Tiawan, circa 1970's. They show little to no wear at...
Category

1970s Taiwanese Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Rattan

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 Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Reed, Willow

Robert Lighton British Khaki Teak Armoire Wardrobe Cabinet Silk Curtains 92"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Robert Lighton British Khaki X armoire / wardrobe / TV console / cabinet. Made of teak featuring dark ebonized finish with double jointed doors ...
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Maitland Smith Painted Monkey Landscape Crackled Coromandel Wall Panel 72"
Located in Dayton, OH
Hand painted Maitland Smith Coromandel wall panel. Features a crackled landscape with monkeys holding peaches in a tropical setting amongst bird...
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Anglo Indian British Colonial Style Sheesham Blanket Trunk Chest Coffee Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th century British Colonial style Sheesham wood blanket storage chest or coffee table. Features a beautiful two tone finish with iron hardware. Dimensions: 16" x 24" x 16"h
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Maitland Smith Bronze Marble Tooled Leather Equestrian Horse Table Lamp 24"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage figural horse bronze table lamp by Maitland Smith featuring a mare and foal in tableau on a charcoal black marble clad base. Includes hard and rectangular tooled / gilded lea...
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Tony Wood Studio England Pussy Foot Cat Shaped Teapot, Ceramics
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage playful ceramic teapot features cat-shaped body with curled tail serving as a handle and lifted front paw - as a spout; the lid is done in shape of a cat's head. Naturalisti...
Category

Late 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

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...
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo, Glass

Maitland Smith Tessilated Marble Brass Turtle Thinker Obelisk Sculpture 20”
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Maitland Smith stone tesslated marble stone obelisk sculpture standing on the backs of four brass turtles, which in turn sit atop a square pedestal. At the tip of the obelisk sits another brass turtle, anthropomorphized in the position of The Thinker. Marked 198 on base. Hand Made in the...
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Maitland-Smith Pen Shell and Patinated Bronze Snail Table Lamp, c. 1980s
Located in Glasgow, GB
A sculptural and rare statement lamp by Maitland-Smith, crafted in the 1980s and exemplary of the firm’s signature blend of luxury materials and organic form. This dramatic design ...
Category

1980s Philippine Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Baker Milling Road British Colonial Style Mahogany Wrought Iron Side Tables -2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of modern British Colonial style mahogany and wrought iron side tables by the Milling Road division of Baker Furniture. They have clean lines which would work in a var...
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Iron

20th C. Set of Four Nichols and Stone Mahogany Windsor Side Chairs by Stickley
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 20th Century Set of Four Nichols and Stone Mahogany Windsor Style Side Chairs manufactured by Stickley in Manlius New York. Great vintage condition with clean line, solid wood p...
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Maitland Smith Bronze Marble Tooled Leather Equestrian Horse Table Lamp 21"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th century figural horse bronze table lamp by Maitland Smith featuring a mare and foal in tableau on a charcoal black marble clad base. Includes hard and rectangular tooled / ...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

British Colonial Solid Maple Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful British Colonial or Early American extension harvest style dining table USA, Circa Late 20th Century Solid maple, with turned legs. Measures: 72.5"W x 44"D x 30.25"H. ...
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Maple

Pair of Mercury Glass Silvered Candlesticks
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Pair of mercury glass silvered candlesticks. Silvered mercury glass is mouth-blown double walled, then silvered between the layers with a liquid silvering solution. The silvering is ...
Category

Late 20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Mercury Glass

Vintage Coastal Boho Bamboo Rattan Foldable Dinning / Card Table
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Charming vintage folding table crafted from bamboo and rattan, featuring a striking geometric parquet design on the top. The natural beauty of the bamboo is highlighted by the warm h...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

British Colonial Style Demi-Lune Leather Top Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style desk crafted in mahogany in a demilune form with a tooled tan leather top, four drawers and featuring bold turned an...
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage Pagoda British Colonial Style Bamboo and Cane Magazine Racks- a Pair
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A wonderful large scale pair of magazine racks with materials reminiscent of British Colonial influence and a Pagoda like design. Uniquely designed with a lower shelf and two compart...
Category

1990s Unknown British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Cane

Pair of Large Wicker Armchairs; The Collection of Andre Leon Talley
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Fabulous, Pair of Ralph Lauren Wicker Chairs with a storied provenance, owned by Legendary Fashion Icon André Leon Talley. These unique wic...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wicker, Rattan

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

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

Gold Brown Vintage Inspired Turkish Runner
Located in New York, NY
Turkish runner in warm colors with a geometric garrus design derived from late 19th century Persian Bidjar rugs. 3' x 14'7''
Category

Late 20th Century Turkish British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

Elizabeth Arden Porcelain Box Southern Heirlooms Made In Japan
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Southern Heirlooms Elizabeth Arden Trinket Box Porcelain Octagonal Shaped. Southern Heirlooms Trinket Box Made in Japan. Southern Heirlooms Eliza...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

Faux Bamboo Cane Magazine Rack Stand Side Table Bohemian British Colonial Style
Located in Miami, FL
British Colonial Style Boho Chic Side Table featuring Faux Bamboo frames with a Faux Tortoise Finish, handwoven Cane panels. Chinese Chippendale sides and bases with magazine racks. ...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Wood, Faux 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

Waterford Style Small Petite Cut Glass Brass Boudoir Table Lamp by Great Creator
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Waterford Style Small Petite Cut Glass & Brass Boudoir Table Lamp by Great Creator. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 8" H x 3.5" W x 3.5" D. {3-Way (Yes)}, (Location: Section 2...
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Glass

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 Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood, Rattan

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 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 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 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

Handsome Military Snare Drum from Sevenoaks Air Training Corps
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Handsome military snare drum from sevenoaks air training corps. This a good decorative piece ‘2158 SEVENOAKS SQDn’ AIR TRAINING CORPS’ painted on the f...
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Plastic

Pair of Mid-Century Faux Bamboo British Colonial Style Nests of Tables
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare pair of British colonial style nests of tables or stands each with faux bamboo frames wrapped with reed and grass cloth panels on the table tops.
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo, Reed

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

1980s Silver Plated 5 Light GSA Godinger Silver Art Candelabra British Colonial
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Vintage British Colonial embossed silver-plated 5 Lights heavier candelabra. Features ornate and embossed Silver-Plated Core with Candle Cups. The arms are flexible, so th...
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Colonial Style Twin Bed Frame
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Colonial style twin bed frame made of maple. Turned baluster bed posts are topped with cannon ball finials, and support slightly scrolled head and foot ...
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Maple

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

Vintage Rose Chintz Egg Shaped Ceramic Trinket Box with Hinged Lid
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Vintage rose chintz egg shaped ceramic trinket box with hinged lid. This 20th century vintage ceramic egg (Trinket Box) stands on shaped legs, i...
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

French Louis Philippe Solid Carved Maple Bookcase or Media Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous British Colonial or French Louis Philippe style two-piece bookcase, display cabinet, or media cabinet USA, Late 20th Century Carved solid maple, with glass front doors a...
Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Maitland Smith Bronze Shell Mosaic Footed Ginger Jar Urn Table Lamp 30"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Maitland Smith table in the shape of a tall ginger jar / urn featuring a white shell mosaic in a scalloped feather or leaf vein pa...
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Late 20th Century British Colonial Style Rattan Grasscloth Étagère Cabinet
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A charming Late 20th Century British Colonial style étagère featuring a faux tortoise rattan frame paired with woven grasscloth surfaces. The piece offers both open shelving and a do...
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Rattan

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

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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