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British Colonial Corner Cupboards

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
Mahogany Corner Cabinet/Étagère From the Early 20th Century With Openwork Sides
Mahogany Corner Cabinet/Étagère From the Early 20th Century With Openwork Sides

Mahogany Corner Cabinet/Étagère From the Early 20th Century With Openwork Sides

$1,842Sale Price|20% Off

Mahogany Corner Cabinet/Étagère From the Early 20th Century With Openwork Sides

Located in Opole, PL

Mahogany Corner Cabinet/Étagère From the Early 20th Century With Openwork Sides An original corner cabinet/étagère with openwork sides, richly decorated with woodcarving. A single-l...

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Early 20th Century English British Colonial Corner Cupboards

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Antique Corner Cupboard with Lock and Key
Antique Corner Cupboard with Lock and Key

Antique Corner Cupboard with Lock and Key

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Antique Corner Cupboard with Lock and Key

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English wooden corner tea cabinet Beautiful rich patina. features multiple shelves and a brass key lock closure. Simple, elegant inlay design.

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19th Century English Antique British Colonial Corner Cupboards

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Wood

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British Colonial corner cupboards for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique British Colonial corner cupboards for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage corner cupboards created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with glass, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial corner cupboards made in a specific country, there are Asia, India, and South Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 corner cupboards differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $4,200 and tops out at $4,200 while the average work can sell for $4,200.