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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
Early 20th Century Henry Likly Wood Bound On Canvas Packing Trunk
Early 20th Century Henry Likly Wood Bound On Canvas Packing Trunk

Early 20th Century Henry Likly Wood Bound On Canvas Packing Trunk

Located in Germantown, MD

Early 20th Century Wood Bound On Canvas Packing Trunk. Measuring 38" in width, 22" in depth and 13" in height.

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather, Canvas

English Country Brass Paperweights
English Country Brass Paperweights

English Country Brass Paperweights

Located in Queens, NY

English Country style (19th Cent) brass 3 similar piece weight set with loop top (1@ 4 oz, 1 @ 1lb., 1 @ 2lbs.)

Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Impressive Collection of 82 Antique English Bridle Rosettes
Impressive Collection of 82 Antique English Bridle Rosettes

Impressive Collection of 82 Antique English Bridle Rosettes

Located in Bridgeport, CT

These English equestrian bridle mounts and pins range in various subjects and motifs including dogs, equestrian, floral arrangements, nautical and monarchy. Note: Four are solid bras...

Category

Early 20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Zabihi Rug Collection Turkish Sivas Throw Rug
Zabihi Rug Collection Turkish Sivas Throw Rug

Zabihi Rug Collection Turkish Sivas Throw Rug

Located in New York, NY

A finer quality early 20th century Turkish Sivas rug. 3' x 4'9''

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wool

Hand Carved with Bone Marquetry Chest with Brass Onlay
Hand Carved with Bone Marquetry Chest with Brass Onlay

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

Finely Carved British Colonial 19th Century Round Tiltable Table
Finely Carved British Colonial 19th Century Round Tiltable Table

Finely Carved British Colonial 19th Century Round Tiltable Table

Located in Miami, FL

A beautiful finely carved British Colonial wooden circular side table from India or Ceylon. The circular top with a broad shallow relief detailed border depicting a lion and serpent ...

Category

1890s English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

1950s Vintage English Tortoise Bamboo Slant Front Desk
1950s Vintage English Tortoise Bamboo Slant Front Desk

1950s Vintage English Tortoise Bamboo Slant Front Desk

Located in Lancaster, PA

This is a diminutive slant front desk, having a bamboo frame and hand painted details. The painted pattern is done in black with red and green floral and leaf designs, and has a sty...

Category

1920s Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Hardwood, Paint

English Country Brass Log Holders
English Country Brass Log Holders

English Country Brass Log Holders

Located in Queens, NY

3 English-style (mid-20th Century) pen holder in the shap of a miniature brass log holder (PRICED EACH)

Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

British Colonial Antique 1910 Cheltenham Silver Coffee Service Sheffield England
British Colonial Antique 1910 Cheltenham Silver Coffee Service Sheffield England

British Colonial Antique 1910 Cheltenham Silver Coffee Service Sheffield England

By Sheffield Silver Co.

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

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Side or Office Chairs with Upholstered Seat
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Side or Office Chairs with Upholstered Seat

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

English Country Walnut Windsor Side Chair
English Country Walnut Windsor Side Chair

English Country Walnut Windsor Side Chair

Located in Queens, NY

PAIR of English Country (19th Cent) walnut Windsor side chairs with spindles and a wheel back design and having a stretcher connecting the legs. (PRICED AS PAIR) Vintage condition.

Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Complete Set of Pink Cloth Napkins and Faux Bamboo Brass Place Setting Set of 4
Complete Set of Pink Cloth Napkins and Faux Bamboo Brass Place Setting Set of 4

Complete Set of Pink Cloth Napkins and Faux Bamboo Brass Place Setting Set of 4

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

Make hosting and entertaining easy, with a vintage British Colonial style place setting. Over a year in the making, we’ve sourced hundreds of table settings from all over the globe and paired our favorites in a set. (See our other listings for more beauties in an array of different colors, styles and place settings from 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 16.) This set features a faux bamboo brass charger from India. It does have a slight patina to it, which makes it look even more storied. We’ve had these custom cloth napkins created just for this set. We’ve brought over this fabulous pink block print fabric from India and created 4 16” x 16” cloth dinner napkins...

Category

20th Century Indian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Irish Painting Michael Healy Original Watercolour Dubliners from Dawson Gallery
Irish Painting Michael Healy Original Watercolour Dubliners from Dawson Gallery

Irish Painting Michael Healy Original Watercolour Dubliners from Dawson Gallery

By Michael Healy

Located in Kingsbridge, GB

Michael Healy Original Watercolour 'Dubliners' from Dawson Gallery Dublin. This important painting of Irish life in the dying days of English rule in the Republic of Ireland. Micha...

Category

1910s Irish Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Paper

English Brown Leather Valise
English Brown Leather Valise

English Brown Leather Valise

Located in Queens, NY

English large brown leather valise

Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather

Antique Chinese Oval Accent Rug with Pictorial Phoenix Design
Antique Chinese Oval Accent Rug with Pictorial Phoenix Design

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

Antique Silver Plated Mechanical Gun or Cannon Bottle Trolley Decanting Machine
Antique Silver Plated Mechanical Gun or Cannon Bottle Trolley Decanting Machine

Antique Silver Plated Mechanical Gun or Cannon Bottle Trolley Decanting Machine

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

This well made mechanical gun carriage bottle trolley and pourer is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from England in approximately 1890 in a British Colonial style. The carr...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Late Nineteenth Early Twentieth Century painting on board by C. Wilson
Late Nineteenth Early Twentieth Century painting on board by C. Wilson

Late Nineteenth Early Twentieth Century painting on board by C. Wilson

Located in Winnetka, IL

A late Nineteenth early Twentieth century English Colonial painting on board by C. Wilson presented in a gilt wood frame. Depicting a group of men with top hats riding on a horse-dra...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Giltwood, Paint

Vintage Unique Folk Art Made Metal and Cold-Painted Colonial Canon Model
Vintage Unique Folk Art Made Metal and Cold-Painted Colonial Canon Model

Vintage Unique Folk Art Made Metal and Cold-Painted Colonial Canon Model

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

This Folk Art constructed model canon was made in Canada by a retired millwright in 1984 in the British Colonial style. This model canon loosely resembles...

Category

Late 20th Century Canadian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

American Country Style Brass and Iron Ladle
American Country Style Brass and Iron Ladle

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

American Country Brass and Iron Ladle
American Country Brass and Iron Ladle

American Country 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

Large Carved Arab Sculpture with Coffee and Pipe, Vienna, circa 1900
Large Carved Arab Sculpture with Coffee and Pipe, Vienna, circa 1900

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

John Somers 'Jarra de Cristal' Pitcher with Pewter Handle, Circa 1980
John Somers 'Jarra de Cristal' Pitcher with Pewter Handle, Circa 1980

John Somers 'Jarra de Cristal' Pitcher with Pewter Handle, Circa 1980

By John Somers

Located in Raleigh, US

John Somers Brazilian Pewter ‘Jarra de Cristal’ Pitcher Dimensions: 7 inches tall Material: Crystal-clear glass body for a sleek and timeless look Sturdy Brazilian pewter handle and...

Category

Late 20th Century Brazilian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Pewter

Early 20th Century
Early 20th Century

Early 20th Century

Located in Glasgow, GB

A very fine rare Royal Doulton plate depicting a Zulu Warrior from Royal Doulton 's African Series . In very fine condition . This would have been part of a collection of plates de...

Category

1930s Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Petite Pierced Brass Girandole with Beveled Mirror
Petite Pierced Brass Girandole with Beveled Mirror

Petite Pierced Brass Girandole with Beveled Mirror

Located in Johns Island, SC

A lovely petite or small round solid brass Girandole with two candle holders. This mirror originally made its way from London, England to The Bahamas to Charleston, SC. The brass t...

Category

1890s English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

English Art Deco Chrome Plated Shears
English Art Deco Chrome Plated Shears

English Art Deco Chrome Plated Shears

Located in Queens, NY

English Art Deco large chrome plated shears.

Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Bamboo and Laminate Fully Adjustable Coffee/Dining Table
Vintage Bamboo and Laminate Fully Adjustable Coffee/Dining Table

Vintage Bamboo and Laminate Fully Adjustable Coffee/Dining Table

By Coastal CT

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

British Colonial Solid Teak Plantation Shutters with Panel Work Dovetailed
British Colonial Solid Teak Plantation Shutters with Panel Work Dovetailed

British Colonial Solid Teak Plantation Shutters with Panel Work Dovetailed

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

British Colonial solid teak plantation shutters uncompromisingly made. 1.25" thick teak from old grown timber. Varnished. Customize and introduce y...

Category

Early 1900s British Indian Ocean Territory Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Teak

English Country Walnut Windsor Side Chair
English Country Walnut Windsor Side Chair

English Country Walnut Windsor Side Chair

Located in Queens, NY

English Country (19th Cent) walnut Windsor side chair with slat back.

Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Furniture

HAND-CARVED Wooden 1920's CHANDELIERS [PAIR]
HAND-CARVED Wooden 1920's CHANDELIERS [PAIR]

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

Rare Folky Watercolor Drawings on Paper by L.J. Harboe, Priced Individually
Rare Folky Watercolor Drawings on Paper by L.J. Harboe, Priced Individually

Rare Folky Watercolor Drawings on Paper by L.J. Harboe, Priced Individually

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Here are four rare and historically important watercolor drawings on paper of St. Croix. Painted in a topographical style by L.J.Harboe, effectively transporting us to a time and pla...

Category

19th Century American Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Paint

A fine J.S. Cox terrestrial pocketglobe in its stand.
A fine J.S. Cox terrestrial pocketglobe in its stand.

A fine J.S. Cox terrestrial pocketglobe in its stand.

By J & I Cox

Located in ZWIJNDRECHT, NL

A fine James S. Cox terrestrial pocketglobe. 3 inch pocketglobe (7.6cm). 6.3 inches (16cm) high in its stand. Title on the cartouche: “Cox’s Terrestrial Globe. (2nd edition) 1838”. ...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Plaster, Hardwood, Paper

Large Glass Hibiscus and Palm Leaf Serving Platter
Large Glass Hibiscus and Palm Leaf Serving Platter

Large Glass Hibiscus and Palm Leaf Serving Platter

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

A large glass serving platter in the shape of a palm leaf with a Hibiscus flower at the stem. The top of the platter is smooth, and the underside i...

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Rustic Carved Wooden Nutcracker Set with Wooden Mallet
Rustic Carved Wooden Nutcracker Set with Wooden Mallet

Rustic Carved Wooden Nutcracker Set with Wooden Mallet

Located in Queens, NY

Rustic carved wooden nut cracker bowl with a bark exterior, wooden mallet, and various metal nut picks.

Category

19th Century Unknown Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Metal

English Brown Leather Valise
English Brown Leather Valise

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 American Oak Captain's Style Armchair with Spindle Back
19th Century American Oak Captain's Style Armchair with Spindle Back

19th Century American Oak Captain's Style Armchair with Spindle Back

Located in Queens, NY

13 American (19/20th Century) oak captain\'s-style armchairs with spindle backs. (PRICED EACH)

Category

19th Century American Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Oak

English Country style Oak Trestle and Iron Dining Table
English Country style Oak Trestle and Iron Dining Table

English Country style Oak Trestle and Iron Dining Table

Located in Queens, NY

English Country style (20th Century) trestle dining table with a rectangular top made of oak planks held in place by two wide iron bands on either side, with cutouts in the corners b...

Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair of Brass Palm Tree Table Lamps
Pair of Brass Palm Tree Table Lamps

Pair of Brass Palm Tree Table Lamps

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Chic mid century modern pair of table lamps crafted in brass in a stylized palm tree form on an octagon ebonized wood base. Best of the genre.

Category

20th Century Italian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

Hand-Crafted White Horse Portrait, British Colonial, Late 20th Century
Hand-Crafted White Horse Portrait, British Colonial, Late 20th Century

Hand-Crafted White Horse Portrait, British Colonial, Late 20th Century

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

Lithograph Kenyan Ladies
Lithograph Kenyan Ladies

Lithograph Kenyan Ladies

$526Sale Price|20% Off

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

Limited Edition Cast Elephant by Louis Paul Jonas
Limited Edition Cast Elephant by Louis Paul Jonas

Limited Edition Cast Elephant by Louis Paul Jonas

By Louis Paul Jonas

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Limited edition cast elephant that captures the essence of these noble animals. This composition edition is presented on a classical wood base signed Louis Paul Jonas...

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Composition

Early 20th Century British Colonial Oval Rosewood Table
Early 20th Century British Colonial Oval Rosewood Table

Early 20th Century British Colonial Oval Rosewood Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

A British Colonial oval rosewood occasional table from the early 20th century. This antique Anglo-Indian table has an oval-shaped top that rests above an inset, rectangular-shaped ap...

Category

Early 20th Century British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

English , Vintage wood mirror , adjustable . 50, s-60, s
English , Vintage wood mirror , adjustable . 50, s-60, s

English , Vintage wood mirror , adjustable . 50, s-60, s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A very popular design used thru out England in the 50,s and 60,s . It was purchased from an Antique shop in upper London in the 1988. Has been well kept here in an Antique shop il L...

Category

1950s English Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

Massive Pair of Early 19th Century Brass Candlesticks
Massive Pair of Early 19th Century Brass Candlesticks

Massive Pair of Early 19th Century Brass Candlesticks

Located in Kilmarnock, VA

Massive pair of early 19th century English candlesticks.

Category

1810s English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Brass

American Country Style Copper Cauldron
American Country Style Copper Cauldron

American Country Style 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

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

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

By Brighton Pavilion 1

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

Glass Beaded Parrot Sculpture
Glass Beaded Parrot Sculpture

Glass Beaded Parrot Sculpture

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Glass beaded parrot sculpture ambitiously crafted with glass beads and perched on a custom wood, brass, and Lucite stand.

Category

20th Century South African British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Glass, Beads

Tole Military Hat Trade Sign on Lucite
Tole Military Hat Trade Sign on Lucite

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

John Somers Brazilian Pewter Floreira Flower Bowl, Footed, Circa 1980
John Somers Brazilian Pewter Floreira Flower Bowl, Footed, Circa 1980

John Somers Brazilian Pewter Floreira Flower Bowl, Footed, Circa 1980

By John Somers

Located in Raleigh, US

John Somers Brazilian Pewter ‘Floreira’ Flower Bowl Dimensions: 5 x 5 inches (round) Material: High-quality Brazilian pewter Features: Footed base for stability and elegance Sophist...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Brazilian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Pewter

Vintage Thai British Colonial Teak and Glass Display Cabinet
Vintage Thai British Colonial Teak and Glass Display Cabinet

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.