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.

Style: British Colonial

Oil on Canvas The Smoke 0f Battle signed J.C.Ambrose

$2,057

Oil on Canvas The Smoke 0f Battle signed J.C.Ambrose

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Oil on Canvas The Smoke 0f Battle signed J.C.Ambrose This is a Large Oil Painting on canvas, it is framed and has a brass plaque with the title of the painting Painted in the 20th C...

Category

1960s Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Canvas

E 11 R Gold Monogrammed on Teak, from a Royal Vessel This interesting piece

$1,920

E 11 R Gold Monogrammed on Teak, from a Royal Vessel This interesting piece

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

E 11 R Gold Monogrammed on Teak, from a Royal Vessel This interesting piece probably came from one of the Tenders for a Royal Craft, it is 3 dimensional and it is carved, about 70 ...

Category

1950s Vintage British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Teak

A stack of six antique wood trays with bone inlays

$2,600 / set

A stack of six antique wood trays with bone inlays

Located in Atlanta, GA

A fantastic set of six antique trays that fit into a stack, likely from British India turn of the 20th century. The wood is likely rosewood with attractive grains and the trays are i...

Category

1890s Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood, Bone

Early 20th Century Hand Carved Antique Wooden Oak Chair

$450

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

Bronze Finish Spelter Bust William Ewart Gladstone FRS FSS

$548

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

Antique Rustic Anglo-Indian Candleholder

$750

Antique Rustic Anglo-Indian Candleholder

Located in Sheffield, MA

The large sculptural antique rustic Anglo-Indian candleholder made from architectural element. Carved hardwood with an indented metal disk and spike or pricket for candles with extra...

Category

Late 19th Century Indian Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

The Stick has CANFORD SCHOOL O.T.C. Crest on the Round Head

$308

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

Very Rare West Riding Constabulary Cast Iron Wall Plaque

$2,743

Very Rare West Riding Constabulary Cast Iron Wall Plaque

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Very rare west riding constabulary cast iron wall plaque This branch of the British police force was established in 1825, Yorkshire was divided into ...

Category

1890s Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair of Eclectic 20th Century British Colonial Terracotta Elephants in Pale Pink

$3,675 / set

Pair of Eclectic 20th Century British Colonial Terracotta Elephants in Pale Pink

Located in Atlanta, GA

A pair of British colonial terracotta elephants from the early 20th century, India, with nicely rendered details. These eclectic statues have a very subtle, nicely aged, layer of pal...

Category

20th Century Indian British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of Canvas Flamingo Throw Pillows, Priced Individually

$300 / item

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

Mid-20th Century British Colonial Bright Red Wool Rugs, 66” x 48” Pair

$987

Mid-20th Century British Colonial Bright Red Wool Rugs, 66” x 48” Pair

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

Console Carved, England Mahogany, XIXth

$2,099

Console Carved, England Mahogany, XIXth

Located in Nice, FR

Console carved in English mahogany, XIX th, carved base, with two drawers in front.

Category

19th Century English Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Anglo-Indian Trunk

$2,332

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

19th Century Framed Photograph of English Country Lady with Umbrella

$800

19th Century Framed Photograph of English Country Lady with Umbrella

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, 19th Century, Walnut Framed Print

$800

English Country Scene of Musicians, 19th Century, Walnut Framed Print

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

19th Century English Country Photograph of Horse and Carriages

$800

19th Century English Country Photograph of Horse and Carriages

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 Style Brass and Iron Ladle

$900

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 Copper Cauldron

$900

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

American Country Brass and Iron Ladle

$900

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

English Country Brick House Acrylic Painting, 20th Century, Framed

$1,200

English Country Brick House Acrylic Painting, 20th Century, Framed

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: 057835B, 057835C, 057835D, 057835E, 057...

Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

20th Century Hand-Painted English Country Brick House Acrylic Art

$1,200

20th Century Hand-Painted English Country Brick House Acrylic Art

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, 20th Century, Framed

$1,200

English Country Brick House Acrylic Painting, 20th Century, Framed

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, 20th Century, Framed

$1,200

English Country Brick House Acrylic Painting, 20th Century, Framed

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, 20th Century, Framed

$1,200

English Country Brick House Acrylic Painting, 20th Century, Framed

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 Brown Leather Valise

$975

English Brown Leather Valise

Located in Queens, NY

English brown leather valise

Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Leather

19th century portrait of a Māori, with indigenous artefacts on reverse

$2,057

19th century portrait of a Māori, with indigenous artefacts on reverse

Located in York, GB

A striking portrait of a ‘New Zealand Man’ by Captain James Williams (in New Zealand c. 1851 - 1853). This ‘New Zealand Man’ is of Māori descent, with further drawings of indigenous ...

Category

Mid-19th Century New Zealand Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Crayon

Ensemble de salon en bois sculpté – Circa 1880

$7,582

Ensemble de salon en bois sculpté – Circa 1880

Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR

Ensemble de salon en bois sculpté – Circa 1880 Superbe ensemble de mobilier de salon en bois patiné, finement sculpté de masques grotesques, comprenant : Un canapé Une paire de fau...

Category

1880s Antique British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large Hammered Copper and Steel English Bucket

$1,150

Large Hammered Copper and Steel English Bucket

Located in Bellport, NY

Hammered copper English bucket with steel handle, good for logs, magazines or plants. The shape narrows nicely at the base.

Category

20th Century British British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Steel, Copper

Set of Four Hand Colored Humming Bird Prints

$3,950 / set

Set of Four Hand Colored Humming Bird Prints

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Here are four framed hand colored humming bird species published in the early 20th century representing the original 19th century work of Scottish naturalist, Sir William Jardine. Presented under glass with marbleized mating...

Category

20th Century English British Colonial Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Vintage Boho Hand Painted Ceramic Military Figure

$175

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

Trench Art

$373Sale Price|20% Off

Trench Art

By British Colonial

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

Black and White Chest of Drawers Cow Hide Checkerboard Antique Country House

$6,516

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

Original Framed Jacobs Cream Crackers Card Poster, from Dublin

$1,714

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

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.