British Colonial Collection - Chairs

In manufacturing chairs in the British Colonial style of furniture, hardwoods such as teak and mahogany were used as they were particularly suited to the humid climates of the British Empire.  Unlike softer woods, like pine, that tended to warp in the tropical humidity, these woods stood up to the most extreme conditions. 

The British Colonial chairs were commonly made of hardwood frames with cane and rattan seats and backs.  The cane allowed breezes to flow through, circulating around the room helping to keep temperatures cooler.   The gracious plantation chair, a very common type of British Colonial chair, with its low seat, sloping back and scrolled arms has come to symbolize the colonial West Indies style.