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Federal Benches

FEDERAL STYLE

Following the Revolutionary War, the American republic referenced the Roman Republic in its designs to celebrate its independence and declare itself a powerful new country. Imbued with neoclassical elements like those being promoted by architect Robert Adam in Great Britain, antique Federal-style furniture was the first distinctly American style in its melding of ancient influences, European aesthetics and national pride.

Dating roughly from 1790 to 1830, the style featured angular furniture with saber legs and smooth surfaces that contrasted with the curvy Rococo style that was previously in fashion. Eagles were common ornamental motifs on Federal-period furniture, as were cornucopia, lyres, garlands and scrolls, adding subtle flair to pieces characterized by clean lines, geometric symmetry, balanced shapes and a sense of grandeur.

Instead of sculptural carvings, authentic Federal-style furniture was adorned with inlays and patterned veneers that showcased the rich character of different grains and types of wood. As social life tended to be informal in the young country, furniture was often lightweight, so it could be easily rearranged in a drawing room or bedroom. Pieces like dining tables with drop leaves and sideboards became popular, replacing larger chests of drawers.

The Federal style varied by region: Artisans in Charleston, South Carolina, decorated chairs with carved backs, for instance, while those in Baltimore, Maryland, preferred painted details. Its major proponents included father-and-son cabinetmakers John and Thomas Seymour in Boston, Duncan Phyfe and Charles-Honoré Lannuier in New York and Samuel McIntire in Salem, Massachusetts.

Find antique Federal tables, mirrors, storage cabinets and other Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

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Style: Federal
19th C. American Federal Floral Painted Bench
Located in Southampton, NJ
An Antique American Federal hand painted floral & fruits solid wood bench with rolled crest rail & scroll arms; most likely originating in Baltimore mid 19th c. Scarcely seen in thi...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th C. American Federal Floral Painted Bench
19th C. American Federal Floral Painted Bench

19th C. American Federal Floral Painted Bench

Vintage Federal Style Extra Long Hall Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Federal Style Extra Long Hall Bench An elegant vintage federal style carved wood frame triple hall bench with 10 legs. This hall bench is being sold in its original conditi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage Federal Style Extra Long Hall Bench
Vintage Federal Style Extra Long Hall Bench

Vintage Federal Style Extra Long Hall Bench

Early 20th Century Regency Carved Mahogany And Upholstered Settee
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th Century Regency Carved mahogany and Upholstered settee. It measures 40.75" in width, 23" in depth and stands 37.5" tall, with a seat height of 16". Arm height is 24", seat...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Early 20th Century Regency Carved Mahogany And Upholstered Settee
Early 20th Century Regency Carved Mahogany And Upholstered Settee

Early 20th Century Regency Carved Mahogany And Upholstered Settee

Late 19th Century Federal Walnut And Upholstered Window Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 19th Century Federal Walnut and Upholstered Window bench with Yellowish gold color upholstery and burl walnut front panel. It measures 40" in width...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Late 19th Century Federal Walnut And Upholstered Window Bench
Late 19th Century Federal Walnut And Upholstered Window Bench

Late 19th Century Federal Walnut And Upholstered Window Bench

Neoclassic Adam Federal Style Window Bench as Found
Located in New York, NY
Nice Adam (Federal) style bench with tapestry fabric top (worn). This example will need to be reupholstered, it is structurally sound and sturdy, and in original finish (missing one ...
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Benches

Neoclassic Adam Federal Style Window Bench as Found
Neoclassic Adam Federal Style Window Bench as Found

Neoclassic Adam Federal Style Window Bench as Found

19th Century Federal Painted Bench
Located in Nashville, TN
Bench has arrow shaped splats. Slightly reduced in length. Original condition.
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Wood

19th Century Federal Painted Bench
19th Century Federal Painted Bench

19th Century Federal Painted Bench

Related Items
Neoclassical Revival Style Giltwood Bench
Located in New York, NY
Neoclassical Revival style carved giltwood bench with swung legs and upholstery. In great vintage condition with age-appropriate wear and use.
Category

Early 20th Century French Federal Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Neoclassical Revival Style Giltwood Bench
Neoclassical Revival Style Giltwood Bench

Neoclassical Revival Style Giltwood Bench

H 20 in W 24 in D 16 in
19th Century Swedish Painted Hall Bench, Trundle Bed
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Swedish painted hall bench ~ trundle bed is the perfect selection for the active family! By day, a handsome, country style hall bench ~ by nig...
Category

1880s Swedish Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Painted Hall Bench, Trundle Bed
19th Century Swedish Painted Hall Bench, Trundle Bed

19th Century Swedish Painted Hall Bench, Trundle Bed

H 35 in W 71.5 in D 24.5 in
19th Century Bench
Located in New York, NY
Early 19th century Chinese bench. A special black lacquered antique Elm wood bench circa 1800. A waisted (refers to specific Chinese furniture construction & joinery) raised top set on frame with hump back stretchers and struts. A most sensational patina of black lacquer worn through to the wood showcases the benches elegant presence and raw beauty. This is an original piece with a 200 plus year history. The raw top is worn silk like smooth from age and use. The reaming black lacquer is thick having an alligatored rustic patina. The construction is solid and strong. Feet having scroll key detail carved to faces with wear prevalent to the bottom of the feet. The humpback struts show ware from one side being more evident then on the other side, more lacquer remains covering one strut. A very significant Antique Chinese Bench...
Category

Early 1800s Chinese Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Elm

19th Century Bench
19th Century Bench

19th Century Bench

H 19.5 in W 62.5 in D 12 in
Primitive 19th Century English Bench with Painted Legs
Located in Mckinney, TX
Typical 19th-century farmhouse bench handmade of pine with the seat having arched ends and the legs painted a pale peach color. The seat is a naturally weathered wood tone. Lovely as...
Category

19th Century English Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Wood

Primitive 19th Century English Bench with Painted Legs
Primitive 19th Century English Bench with Painted Legs

Primitive 19th Century English Bench with Painted Legs

H 17.5 in W 76.13 in D 8.88 in
19th Century French Empire Upholstered and Gilt Painted Stool Bench
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant painted wood bench was crafted in northern France, circa 1890. The antique seat stands on carved spiral etched legs decorated with brass flor...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Walnut, Upholstery

19th Century French Empire Upholstered and Gilt Painted Stool Bench
19th Century French Empire Upholstered and Gilt Painted Stool Bench

19th Century French Empire Upholstered and Gilt Painted Stool Bench

H 24 in W 29 in D 17.5 in
19th Century Wooden Bench in Brown Paint
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th century Pine bench with old brown paint. Boot jack ends.
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Wooden Bench in Brown Paint
19th Century Wooden Bench in Brown Paint

19th Century Wooden Bench in Brown Paint

H 17.5 in W 55.5 in D 13.25 in
Vintage Long Wooden Bench, 1950s
Located in Praha, CZ
Midcentury all-wood bench. Good vintage condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Federal Benches

Materials

Wood

Vintage Long Wooden Bench, 1950s
Vintage Long Wooden Bench, 1950s

Vintage Long Wooden Bench, 1950s

H 17.33 in W 118.12 in D 9.45 in
Upholstered Window Bench
Located in New York, NY
Upholstered window bench with angled sides and curvy front. In clean striped upholstery. Measures: 48" across front and 36.5" across back of bench.
Category

20th Century North American Federal Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Upholstered Window Bench
Upholstered Window Bench

Upholstered Window Bench

H 18 in W 48 in D 15.5 in
Early 20th C Moorish Intricately Carved Settee With Inlay
Located in Troy, MI
Found in Turkey, this hand-carved wood settee dates from approximately 1910. This backrest and sides of this settee feature an intricately carved lattice pattern with no breaks or re...
Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Federal Benches

Materials

Shell, Wood

Early 20th C Moorish Intricately Carved Settee With Inlay
Early 20th C Moorish Intricately Carved Settee With Inlay

Early 20th C Moorish Intricately Carved Settee With Inlay

H 31.25 in W 54 in D 23.5 in
English Regency Style Mahogany Caned Window Bench / Hall Bench ca. 1900
Located in Vero Beach, FL
English Regency Style mahogany caned window bench / hall bench ca. 1900 Elegant Regency style mahogany caned window bench in neoclassical taste. ...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Mahogany

English Regency Style Mahogany Caned Window Bench / Hall Bench ca. 1900
English Regency Style Mahogany Caned Window Bench / Hall Bench ca. 1900

English Regency Style Mahogany Caned Window Bench / Hall Bench ca. 1900

No Reserve
H 25 in W 49 in D 17.5 in
Fine late 19th Century French Wooden Bench
Located in Mjöhult, SE
fine late 19th century French wooden bench with an great original surface and shape. Ca 1890 France.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Wood

Fine late 19th Century French Wooden Bench
Fine late 19th Century French Wooden Bench

Fine late 19th Century French Wooden Bench

H 17.72 in W 79.93 in D 14.57 in
Antique Jacobean Style Oak Hall Bench
Located in Sheffield, MA
Simple yet stately, this classic Jacobean style English oak carved settle bench is what the English calls a wooden bench that has arms and a high back, l...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Oak

Antique Jacobean Style Oak Hall Bench
Antique Jacobean Style Oak Hall Bench

Antique Jacobean Style Oak Hall Bench

H 36 in W 59 in D 20 in
Previously Available Items
Upholstered Mahogany Bench with Roll over Arms
Located in New York, NY
Upholstered mahogany bench with roll over arms on the ends, fabric with geometric pattern. Measures: 23" H x 26.5" x 13.75" D. In good vintage condition. Dealer: S138XX
Category

Late 20th Century Federal Benches

Materials

Chenille, Mahogany

Upholstered Mahogany Bench with Roll over Arms
Upholstered Mahogany Bench with Roll over Arms

Upholstered Mahogany Bench with Roll over Arms

H 23 in W 26.5 in D 13.75 in
American Federal Style Bench
Located in New York, NY
American Federal style bench, the white upholstered rectangular seat above mahogany turned columnar reeded legs. In very good vintage condition. ...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Reed, Mahogany

American Federal Style Bench
American Federal Style Bench

American Federal Style Bench

H 20 in W 40 in D 15 in
Large Oval Golden Upholstery Flame Inlaid Mahogany Frame Federal Bench Ottoman
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large oval golden upholstery flame inlaid mahogany frame federal bench ottoman.
Category

20th Century American Federal Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Large Oval Golden Upholstery Flame Inlaid Mahogany Frame Federal Bench Ottoman
Large Oval Golden Upholstery Flame Inlaid Mahogany Frame Federal Bench Ottoman

Large Oval Golden Upholstery Flame Inlaid Mahogany Frame Federal Bench Ottoman

H 19 in W 45 in D 23 in
Antique Early American Windsor Pine Spindle Back Colonial Deacons Bench Seat
Located in Dayton, OH
American pine colonial style 8 foot spindle bench, circa 1890s. Features a single back splat with turned spindles and curved arms over a plank seat the bench is supported by eight le...
Category

1890s Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Pine, Upholstery

Antique Early American Windsor Pine Spindle Back Colonial Deacons Bench Seat
Antique Early American Windsor Pine Spindle Back Colonial Deacons Bench Seat

Antique Early American Windsor Pine Spindle Back Colonial Deacons Bench Seat

H 32.5 in W 17.5 in D 95.5 in
Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Hand Painted Cane Seat Bench or Settee
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Hitchcock style bench, love seat, or settee By Baker Furniture "Historic Charleston" collection USA, late 20th century ha...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Benches

Materials

Cane, Wood, Paint

Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Hand Painted Cane Seat Bench or Settee
Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Hand Painted Cane Seat Bench or Settee

Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Hand Painted Cane Seat Bench or Settee

H 32.88 in W 54.13 in D 21.5 in
American Federal Painted Bench with Rush Seat
Located in New York, NY
American Federal (First half of the 19th century) dark brown painted and gold stencil decorated bench with ladder back and rush seat supported on eight turned legs connected with a s...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Rush, Wood

American Federal Painted Bench with Rush Seat
American Federal Painted Bench with Rush Seat

American Federal Painted Bench with Rush Seat

H 32.5 in W 80 in L 32.5 in
Federal Style Banquette
Located in Houston, TX
A painted and giltwood Federal style banquette with brass feet and casters newly upholstered in a low pile ecru velvet. This banquette is also availab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Federal Benches

Materials

Brass

Federal Style Banquette
Federal Style Banquette

Federal Style Banquette

H 22 in W 92 in D 24 in
American Federal Antique Long Wooden Bench
Located in Austin, TX
American Federal antique of solid oak with a milk paint hand rubbed finish. This piece came from an old New England estate garden room. It...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Oak

American Federal Antique Long Wooden Bench
American Federal Antique Long Wooden Bench

American Federal Antique Long Wooden Bench

H 32.5 in W 93.5 in D 20 in
Federal Style Banquette
Located in Houston, TX
A painted and giltwood Federal style banquette.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Federal Benches

Materials

Brass

Federal Style Banquette
Federal Style Banquette

Federal Style Banquette

H 22 in W 76 in D 22.5 in
Early 19th Century Painted and Gilt Wood Federal Banquette
Located in Houston, TX
Elegant Period Federal Painted And Gilt Wood Canape/Bench, Newly Upholstered
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Early 19th Century Painted and Gilt Wood Federal Banquette
Early 19th Century Painted and Gilt Wood Federal Banquette

Early 19th Century Painted and Gilt Wood Federal Banquette

H 29.75 in W 89 in D 22.5 in

Federal benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Federal benches for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal benches made in a specific country, there are North America, and United States 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 benches differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,200 and tops out at $2,246 while the average work can sell for $1,862.

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