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British Colonial Shelves

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
Vintage rustic classical style bookcase/cabinet
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a large late 20th century rustic classical style bookcase/cabinet. This bookcase has a classical form with fluted style columns on oth...
Category

1980s Indonesian Vintage British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Wood

British Colonial Style Faux Bamboo Grasscloth 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 Shelves

Materials

Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo, Glass

Solid Teak Hand Carved Colonial Whatnot Rack with Shelves & Drawers
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
British Colonial solid Teak whatnot stand with shelves in good condition. Hand carved fluted vase columns with crown moulding and drawers. Brass ha...
Category

Early 1900s British Indian Ocean Territory Antique British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Teak

19th Century English Open Library Caddy, Bookshelf
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century English Open Library Caddy ~ Bookshelf is a charming piece that can serve in a variety of roles throughout the home! Originally designed to b...
Category

1890s English Antique British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Sycamore

Antique English Walnut Storage Cabinet or Entryway Bookcase Shelf Stained Glass
Located in Seattle, WA
Antique English walnut storage cabinet or entryway bookcase shelf stand with original stained glass.
Category

1850s Antique British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Stained Glass, Walnut

19th Century British Colonial Shelf
Located in High Point, NC
19th century British Colonial shelf made from teak. There are tall hand turned finials on the top over three shelves, all with scalloped galleries...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Teak

Spindle Sided Mahogany Bookcase Shelves, 1970's
Located in Nantucket, MA
Three-tiered mahogany bookcase shelving with bobbin or spindle sides and finial tops. The shelves all have a scalloped-edged lip. 1950's Colonial British.
Category

Mid-20th Century British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Mahogany

Related Items
Bookcase, partially closed cabinet, separator cabinet for environments, storage
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Bookcase made of a series of solid wood poles with circular section, veneered shelves with solid wood edging, all made of Canaletto walnut finished with transparent paint. The head of the poles is coated with a blue protective paint. The system is completed by two storage compartments that feature sliding doors with integrated handle. The library is shipped semi assembled. Libreria costituita da pali continui a sezione circolare in legno massello. Ripiani impiallacciati con bordatura in massello. Il tutto realizzato in noce canaletto finito con vernice trasparente. La testa...
Category

2010s Italian British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Contemporary Crafted Bookcase, shelves, shelf sideboard wood Medulum Cabinet
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Bookcase made of a series of solid wood poles with circular section, veneered shelves with solid wood edging, all made of Canaletto walnut finished with transparent paint. The head of the poles is coated with a blue protective paint. The system is completed by two storage compartments that feature sliding doors with integrated handle. The library is shipped semi assembled. Design by Accardi Buccheri for Medulum Libreria costituita da pali continui a sezione circolare in legno massello. Ripiani impiallacciati con bordatura in massello. Il tutto realizzato in noce Canaletto finito con vernice trasparente. La testa...
Category

2010s Italian British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Campaign Style Bookcase
Located in Westwood, NJ
A pair of Campaign office bookcases, each with four pigeonholes, eight shelf sections and one drawer with brass fittings. The original Victorian. Di...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Wood

Campaign Style Bookcase
Campaign Style Bookcase
H 82 in W 24 in D 12 in
Bespoke Industrial Shelving and Storage Unit or Bookcase
Located in Oakville, CT
Industrial hand-finished plywood, steel and cast iron shelving / storage / bookcase unit is hand-built in our Connecticut workshop using all America...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Steel, Iron

19th Century English Chinoiserie Style Bamboo Bookcase with Lacquered Decoration
Located in Marbella, ES
19th century English Chinoiserie style bamboo bookcase with Lacquered decoration.
Category

19th Century English Antique British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Bamboo

English Oak Pigeon Hole Haberdashery Cabinet Shelves or Bookcase
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Early 20th century English haberdashery style cabinet of shelves or bookcase having 42 pigeon hole bin style cubbies. Each cubbie opening measures 20 inches wide, 20 inches deep, and...
Category

20th Century English British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Brass

Vintage 4 Tier Freestanding Corner Whatnot Shelves Bookcase Display Stand
Located in GB
Here we have for sale this vintage 4 tier freestanding corner Whatnot bookcase, shelves, display stand. Perfect for the corner of any room to stand book...
Category

20th Century English British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Bamboo, Pine

Quality Antique Victorian Mahogany Carved Mirror Back Whatnot
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality antique Victorian mahogany carved mirror back whatnot having a lovely carved mahogany mirror back, quality mahogany top supported by 4 turned columns, 4 fret work supports, 2...
Category

1850s English Antique British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Other

19th Century Substantial English Display Cabinet
Located in Hook, Hampshire
19th Century substantial English display cabinet 19th Century substantial English display cabinet. Exceptional original Victorian display cabinet from...
Category

19th Century English Antique British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Substantial English Display Cabinet
19th Century Substantial English Display Cabinet
H 90.56 in W 78.75 in D 15.75 in
Midcentury Blonde Oak Barrister's Bookcase Display Cabinet
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Well constructed blonde oak barrister in good condition with brass knobs and sound mechanism. Dismantles easily on raised base, nice size. Shows beautifu...
Category

1950s Canadian Vintage British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Oak

Contemporary Handcrafted Bookcase, Shelf Sideboard, Cabinet Oak Wood Frommedulum
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Bookcase made of a series of solid wood poles with circular section, veneered shelves with solid wood edging, all made of Oak wood finished with transparent paint. The head of the poles is coated with a brick red protective paint. The system is completed by two storage compartments that feature sliding doors with integrated handle. The library is shipped semi assembled. Cod. e DIM: — PON bookcase W200 x H200 x D40 cm MATERIALS: oak wood COLORS: colors head poles Design by Accardi Buccheri for Medulum Libreria costituita da pali continui a sezione circolare in legno massello. Ripiani impiallacciati con bordatura in massello. Il tutto realizzato in legno di rovere finito con vernice trasparente. La testa...
Category

2010s Italian British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Oak, Wood

Sheraton Revival Burr Elm Walnut Inlay Dwarf Library Open Bookcase Bookshelf
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for this lovely Burr Elm, Walnut inlaid, Sheraton Revival style dwarf open library bookcase A very good looking well made and decorative piece, the shelf is height adjustable and or removable so it can be adjusted to take any size books/ Each piece is in light mahogany with lovely walnut Sheraton inlay...
Category

20th Century English British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Elm, Walnut

Previously Available Items
Carved Teak Wall Bracket Shelves with Original Paint
Located in Nantucket, MA
Lovely hand carved teak wall brackets with an acanthus leaf and scroll design. With the original pewter paint. The teak shelves on top have been added, circa 1940s, Colonial British....
Category

Early 20th Century British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Teak

Spindle Sided Mahogany Bookcase Shelves, 1970's
Located in Nantucket, MA
Three-tiered mahogany bookcase shelving with bobbin or spindle sides and finial tops. The shelves all have a scalloped-edged lip. 1950's Colonial British.
Category

Mid-20th Century British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Anglo Japanese Tiger Bamboo Shelving Cabinet
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A very decorative 19th century, Anglo Japanese style tiger bamboo shelving cabinet. Rectangular top with three internal fixed shelves. This beautiful and unusual cabinet has lacquered and hand decorated painted designs to each shelf. Good condition rattan sides and a solid wooden back. in Very good condition. The dimensions are: Height: 135cm (53.1in) Width: 69cm (27.2in) Depth: 34cm (13.4in) This Victorian period Anglo Japanese bamboo shelving unit...
Category

19th Century British Antique British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Bamboo, Lacquer

Maitland Smith Tooled Leather Library Books Hanging Corner Shelf Cabinet
Located in Dayton, OH
A rare vintage Maitland Smith hanging cabinet, Circa 1980s. Features a beautiful tooled leather brown and gold trimmed case with faux library books for cabinet doors. Opens to a colo...
Category

1980s Vintage British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Pair of Regency Style Etageres
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of tall mid century etageres crafted in walnut with a desirable slim profile in classic form with contrived aging. The six shelves are caned under glass.
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Pair of Regency Style Etageres
Pair of Regency Style Etageres
H 77.5 in W 30 in D 13 in
Three Tiered Rolling Server or Etagere
Located in Palm Beach, FL
19th century English three tiered server or etagere crafted in well grained mahogany with two drawers in the center, four turned and beaded support columns with matching beaded finia...
Category

19th Century English Antique British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Mahogany

Early 20th Century, Mahogany Three-Tier Shelf Étagère, Bobbin Spindle Bookcase
Located in Nantucket, MA
A large, three-tiered shelf, mahogany bookcase or étagère with hand turned bobbin spindles. Also carved fronts with a slight lip along all the edges kee...
Category

Early 20th Century British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Mahogany

Rosewood and Mahogany Three-Tier Shelf Étagère Bookcase, 1940s
Located in Nantucket, MA
A rosewood bookcase shelf or étagère with mahogany raised borders which create a secure lip around the edges. Features include iron strap corners, beveled side supports and turned fe...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Mahogany, Rosewood

19th Century Set of Colonial Hardwood Hanging Shelves
Located in London, GB
An unusual late 19th century set of hardwood hanging shelves, with eight compartments and two drawers, with brass stringing throughout.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Brass

Antique William IV Style Three-Tiered Étagère or Server or Set of Shelves
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A superb English étagère, server or set of shelves, crafted in the 19th century in the William IV style, with mahogany featuring a serpentine back splash with center carving, three s...
Category

19th Century English Antique British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Mahogany

Three-Tiered Faux Bamboo Étagère or Shelf
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Three-tiered faux bamboo étagère with turned finial and splayed feet. The shelves and backsplash are decorated with decoupage whimsical birds, trees and flowers.
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Faux Bamboo

Antique English Carved Walnut Barley Twist Glass Front Bookcase, circa 1900
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique English solid walnut glass front bookcase, circa 1900. The bookcase features beautiful walnut wood grain and nice carved wood details, including barley twist c...
Category

Early 20th Century English British Colonial Shelves

Materials

Glass, Walnut

British Colonial shelves for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique British Colonial shelves for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage shelves created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial shelves made in a specific country, there are England, Europe, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original shelves, popular names associated with this style include and Bloomingdale's. 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 shelves differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,695 and tops out at $6,575 while the average work can sell for $2,600.

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