The Complete Guide to British Colonial Interiors
British Colonial style is relaxed, genteel and travelled.
It pairs dark-stained rattan, timber and bamboo furniture with pure white linens and an abundance of indoor greenery to cool and refresh the space.
At its height from the 16th to 18th centuries, the British Empire was 100 times the size of Great Britain itself, stretching from Africa to India to the Caribbean, known as the "age of discovery".
During this time, British Colonial style emerged, combining refined British interiors with exotic pieces and natural materials from Africa, India, Asia, and the Caribbean.
The travel-influenced interiors include leather trunks, dark-stained teak, mahogany or bamboo chairs, campaign chests and collapsible writing desks & trunks.
Accents of vibrant tropical, botanical, animal and floral prints in the soft furnishings, artwork and panoramic wallpapers create a fresh and stylish look.
Curious to learn more? Read our style guide below and shop the look.
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COLOUR PALETTE
Light neutrals and crisp whites form the foundation, creating a fresh and cooling feel suited to warmer climates.
Dark-stained timbers and rattan provide contrast, while blue and green accents are reflected in the soft furnishings and artworks.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
Architectural features in British Colonial interiors are designed to encourage openness and airflow.
In grander homes, this includes high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and marble pillars or arches that frame wide, generous porches.
Walls are often finished in soft white or chalky tones, creating a light backdrop that contrasts beautifully with dark timber panelling and rattan screens.
Ceiling fans in timber or rattan help circulate air while adding warmth and texture to the space.
Lighting & Window Treatments
Lighting and window treatments in British Colonial homes are layered to create both function and atmosphere.
A mix of wall, ceiling, and table lighting is used throughout the home. Materials such as brass, glass, bamboo, rattan, and woven grass bring warmth and texture while maintaining a light, airy feel.
Window treatments typically include timber plantation shutters, rattan blinds, and sheer curtains. These lightweight, adjustable options help filter light, encourage airflow, and provide comfort in warmer climates.
Furniture
British Colonial furniture is practical, elegant, and designed for a well-traveled lifestyle.
Dark-stained teak, mahogany, and bamboo are commonly used for chairs and tables, bringing richness and depth to the space.
Signature pieces include leather trunks, rattan bar carts, four-poster or canopy beds, cane bedheads, and relaxed daybeds.
Many pieces are portable and versatile, allowing them to move easily between rooms or out to alfresco areas for entertaining. Collapsible writing desks, folding directors' chairs, campaign furniture, and chests all reflect the style’s functional, travel-inspired nature.
Texture & Materials
Layering a variety of textures sits at the heart of British Colonial style.
Dark timber floorboards form the foundation, softened with lightweight Turkish or Persian rugs, animal hides, or natural fibre rugs such as seagrass and jute.
Soft furnishings introduce tropical, animal, and floral prints, adding depth and a sense of place.
Light, billowing cottons and muslins are often used on canopy beds and windows, creating an airy and relaxed feel.
Rattan, cane, and bamboo are used throughout furniture and decor, offering durability, movement, and comfort in warmer climates.
Artwork Choices
Artwork in British Colonial interiors reflects a sense of travel and discovery.
Framed botanical, floral, and animal prints are commonly used, along with vintage maps and panoramic wallpapers, to create a fresh and layered look.
Handwoven pieces, such as wall-mounted baskets and shell art, add texture and bring in a natural, collected feel that speaks to adventure and exploration.
Home Decor
Decorating in the British Colonial style is an opportunity to tell a story through your travels, family history, and personal interests, with thoughtfully collected pieces on display.
A nod to bar carts and high tea traditions, decorative trays are often used to style glassware and bar accessories.
Collected elements may include leather-bound books, magnifying glasses, coral and shells, ceramic jars, glass votives, picture frames, vintage trophies, and framed botanical specimens.
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This style is not complete without the addition of tropical greenery. Palm leaves, fig trees, and gathered foliage are styled on dining tables, sideboards, and consoles to bring life and freshness into the space.
TRANSFORM YOUR EXISTING LOOK
There are so many ways to re-purpose your furniture and decor & update your existing look with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®.
See how customers are transforming their Furniture, Interiors and Decor to create a British Colonial Style Look with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®.
Chalk Paint | British Colonial Style
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