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.
Ralph Lauren British Colonial Style Mahogany Server / Plantation Sideboard
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Peabody, MA
A solid mahogany British Colonial inspired server or plantation sideboard designed by Ralph Lauren. For decades, before he was knighted with an OBE by Queen Elizabeth in 2019, Lauren...
Mahogany
Vintage British Colonial Style Credenza or Chest by Theodore Alexander
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome vintage campaign style chest crafted in mahogany with plenty of storage, having six drawers with brass hardware and two doors with shelves behind on turned feet. Tagged Theo...
Brass
$7,400
H 66 in W 54 in D 22 in
Ralph Lauren Home Art Deco-Style Gentleman's Wardrobe / Bar Cabinet in Mahogany
By Ralph Lauren, Theodore Alexander
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Maker: Ralph Lauren Home (confirmed by manufacturer's nameplate affixed to interior) Style: Art Deco Revival / Waterfall Moderne Materials: Bookmatched flame/swirl mahogany veneer, h...
Chrome
$3,495
H 29.5 in W 76 in D 19 in
Modern Art Deco Form Faux Bamboo Maple & Brass Modern Credenza Or Chest
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 1970s Art Deco modern style brass and maple veneered credenza with applied faux bamboo door fronts. It has six interior drawers, and the body rests on a brass plinth. The b...
Brass
$1,795
H 45.5 in W 60 in D 17.5 in
Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak British Tall Credenza Buffet by S Form
By S Form
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning credenza from Sutcliffe of Todmorden’s S Form range, this exquisite piece exemplifies the high-quality workmanship for which Sutcliffe is renowned. The imposing design mak...
Teak
Vintage British Colonial Style Chest of Drawers by Henry Link
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage British Colonial style chest of drawers by Henry Link. This chest has three large drawers finished with a diamond pattern over raffia.
Raffia, Wood
$2,545Sale Price|32% Off
H 29.53 in W 59.85 in D 18.9 in
Vintage 1960 Retro Teak Sideboard or Credenza by Tom Robertson for McIntosh
By A.H. McIntosh Furniture, Tom Robertson
Located in Markington, GB
Sought after small sized vintage sideboard or credenza by Tom Robertson for McIntosh, 1960s. It has three drawers and a cupboard space. M...
Teak
$3,850
H 32.75 in W 72 in D 20 in
Mid Century Modern Marble Top Credenza or Chest by Bert England for Johnson
By Bert England, Johnson Furniture Company, John Stuart Inc.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mid Century Modern Marble Top Credenza or Chest, designed by Bert England for Johnson Furniture and retailed by John Stuart Furniture of NYC, American, circa 1960s. It offers a volum...
Marble, Brass
Theodore Alexander English Style Demilune Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 36 in W: 54 in D: 24 in Elevate your interior with the timeless elegance of this Theodore Alexander English Style Commode or Chest of Drawers—a luxurious blend of classic design, superior craftsmanship, and practical storage. Expertly handcrafted, this exquisite piece reflects the rich heritage of English furniture, making it a standout addition to any traditional, transitional, or vintage-inspired space. This heirloom-quality commode features a single upper drawer, ideal for storing smaller essentials such as keys, cutlery, or accessories. Below, three doored storage compartments offer generous space for organizing larger items like linens, books, or household necessities—perfect for enhancing organization in your living room, dining room, bedroom, or entryway. The piece is adorned with solid brass hardware, elegantly aged for an authentic antique look. The brass pulls and hinges not only add a refined touch but also ensure long-lasting durability and smooth functionality. Adding to its unique versatility, the commode includes convenient side pullout trays—perfect for use as additional serving space, a writing surface, or for displaying décor when needed. These trays slide neatly back into the body of the chest, preserving its sleek, classic silhouette when not in use. Crafted from the finest materials and finished in a hand-rubbed wood tone that highlights its natural grain, this Theodore Alexander chest...
Brass
$12,300 / set
H 38 in W 53 in D 24 in
Vintage Art Deco Style Flame Mahogany Drawers by Ralph Lauren - Pair
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Art Deco Style Flame Mahogany Chests of Drawers, Timeless Elegance by Ralph Lauren - Pair Offering a pair of exquisite, classic and timeless Polo Ralph Lauren (American) Art Deco style flame mahogany chest drawers...
Mahogany
$9,000
H 37 in W 65 in D 26 in
Full Size Pencil Inlaid Mahogany Federal SideBoard Server Buffet by Baker MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Full Size Pencil Inlaid Mahogany Federal SideBoard Server Buffet by Baker MINT!
Brass
Mid-Century British Teak Credenza by Avalon Yatton
By Avalon Yatton
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A sleek and timeless mid-century teak credenza by renowned British maker Avalon Yatton. Featuring clean lines, sculpted drawer pulls, and ample storage, this piece embodies classic m...
Wood, Teak
Vintage Office Credenza by Founders
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This uniquely sized vintage credenza offers a stylish combination of cabinet and drawer storage. Low profile height makes this perfect for use in an office or business environment, w...
Wood
$3,500
H 80 in W 47.5 in D 18.5 in
Ceylonese British Colonial Style Satinwood Ebony Mahogany Hutch Cupboard Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Ceylonese British Colonial Style Satinwood Ebony Mahogany Hutch Cupboard Cabinet. Item features beautiful satinwood, ebony, and mahogany wood, 3 dovetail constructed drawers,...
Ebony, Mahogany, Satinwood
$2,995
H 38 in W 76.5 in D 22 in
Mid-Century Campaign Style Bamboo / Rattan / Wicker Credenza Or Cabinet Chest
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a striking credenza with quite a bit of family friendly storage! It is a large scale bamboo credenza with campaign styling. It is painted with a deep red frame and red birds....
Brass
Theodore Alexander Verre Eglomisé Chest of Drawers
Located in Miami, FL
Theodore Alexander Palazzo chest. A Venetian silvered and gilt verre églomisé paneled chest features two deep drawers with brass drop handles. Tapered square legs and the lustrous go...
Mirror, Wood
English Mahogany Bow Front Server/Credenza
Located in Woodbury, CT
Made for us in England, this mahogany bow front server/credenza features four drawers over four recessed panel doors. The top and front have a narrow ...
Mahogany, Satinwood
Mid Century Bamboo and Rattan Credenza / Sideboard
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
This Mid-Century credenza embodies natural materials and practical design with a coastal and British Colonial influence. The top, front, and sides feature basketweave cane veneer in ...
Hardwood
19th Century Anglo-Indian Colonial Carved Rosewood Dresser
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A mid 19th century, Victorian period, British colonial, Anglo-Indian carved and pierced serpentine sideboard in solid rosewood. The front is mounted with four hinged doors with dome shaped panelled doors enclosing shelves. All resting on six small, carved claw feet. Warm rich colour and patina! Exceptional quality!! The dimensions are: Height: 127cm (50.0in) Width: 142cm (55.9in) Depth: 42cm (16.5in) A good piece of carved solid rosewood antique furniture...
Rosewood
Baker Furniture Welsh Inlaid Oak Sideboard Credenza
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional welsh style sideboard, credenza, or console By Baker Furniture USA, 20th century Carved oak, with inlaid starburst marquetry and original brass hardware. M...
Brass
Sold
H 30.5 in W 84 in D 18 in
Midcentury Campaign Style Triple Dresser attrib to Kipp Stewart for Directional
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive midcentury Campaign style triple dresser or chest crafted with well grained mahogany in a chic asymmetrical form with six drawers and a cabinet with three drawers inside, ...
Mahogany
Midcentury Bamboo and Grasscloth Sideboard or Credenza
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Stand out five-door sideboard with a multi layer bamboo frame and grasscloth panels on the top, sides and front. The lush interior is mahogany with plenty of storage.
Grasscloth, Bamboo, Mahogany
Bernhardt Flame Mahogany Sideboard Buffet
By Bernhardt
Located in South Bend, IN
A stunning flame mahogany sideboard buffet by Bernhardt. The sideboard features gorgeous flame mahogany wood grain and nice carved deta...
Felt, Mahogany
Midcentury Solid Cherrywood Sideboard Credenza by Willet
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous midcentury cherrywood sideboard credenza by Willet. The sideboard features stunning wood grain and quality American construction in solid Elswick cherry. It offers ample s...
Brass
Burnt Bamboo and Grass Cloth British Colonial Style Dresser
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Midcentury burnt bamboo and grass cloth double dresser or chest of drawers, featuring six large drawers for plenty of storage, a faux tortoiseshell finish and inset brass campaign ha...
Sold
H 31.5 in W 63 in D 18.5 in
Mid Century British Colonial Burnt Bamboo and Grasscloth Dresser or Chest
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Midcentury British Colonial style burnt bamboo and grass cloth double dresser or chest of drawers with six drawers. The top, sides, and drawer fronts are grass cloth bordered and geo...
British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo Credenza or Sideboard
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome midcentury British Colonial style credenza or sideboard featuring a faux bamboo and grass cloth facade that gives this bow front serving piece an organic casual elegance. A rare form in bamboo, this pieces also works well in an Anglo Indian, West Indies and Tropical decor. Rattan, cane furniture...
Mid-Century Faux Bamboo Chest of Drawers
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Here is a six-drawer Mid-Century chest crafted with grass cloth and faux bamboo or rattan. The organic texture and materials blend well with the simple geometric lines and perfect pr...