About British Interior Design

The British Empire had a major influence upon what is now known as British Interior design.  At the height of their empire, they spanned across several continents, from India to East African and the West Indies.  They brought more traditional styles with them then intermingled these styles with some of the more whimsical local designs.

• British interior design blends together traditional British furniture with island and Asian accents.  For instance, you may have a mahogany canopy bed that has intricately designed posts and cane panels or a heavy wood table whose legs are carved with motifs that reflect the region and area of that time.


• Faux leather is oftentimes used for accents on the backrest of furniture.  


• Cane and shuttered panels are found on many of the home's furnishings.


• Dark, strong wood such as mahogany, teak and ebony is used.  These are the types of wood that was available in the colonies.  Oftentimes they were stained in darker colors.


• Wall paint is light and reflective in color.  Earth tones, as well as blues and greens from the sea are also typical. 


• Carpet is not used.  Instead wood floors are covered with rugs that were made of either sisal or reed.  These natural colors look good against the dark wood.


• Hand woven, light colored rugs with prints were also popular.  They would blend in with a room's color scheme.


• Drapes should be neutral colored and flowing.  Exotic prints can also be used where appropriate. 


• Linens should be cool and light. Pastels that blend with your room are best. 


• Mosquito netting and light silks hanging over the bed are common. 


• Shutters were often added to windows inside of a room to keep out the sun and thus keep the room cooler.


• Accessories play an important role.  They include potted ferns or palms in large Asian vases.  Porcelain and wood candlesticks and figurines were oftentimes placed on top of tables along side of hurricane lamps.


• Wicker tables and trunk-style tables were often placed by the bed.


• Screens were used in every bedroom.  These are what women would use to get changed behind.