Federal Bookcases
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.
2010s Federal Bookcases
Wood
2010s Federal Bookcases
Leather, Mahogany
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Bookcases
Leather, Glass, Mahogany
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Bookcases
Glass, Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Bookcases
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Federal Bookcases
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Federal Bookcases
Steel
1880s Swiss Antique Federal Bookcases
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Federal Bookcases
Steel
1960s American Vintage Federal Bookcases
Brass
1770s English Antique Federal Bookcases
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Bookcases
Mahogany
1780s English Antique Federal Bookcases
Mahogany
Late 18th Century British Antique Federal Bookcases
Wood
1790s British Antique Federal Bookcases
Mahogany
1780s English Antique Federal Bookcases
Brass
Mid-19th Century French Antique Federal Bookcases
Mahogany
1940s Vintage Federal Bookcases
Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Bookcases
Pearwood, Hardwood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Bookcases
Mahogany, Satinwood
1950s American Vintage Federal Bookcases
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Bookcases
Wood
1940s American Vintage Federal Bookcases
Mahogany, Walnut
19th Century American Antique Federal Bookcases
Brass
1920s American Vintage Federal Bookcases
Mahogany
Late 19th Century English Antique Federal Bookcases
Brass
20th Century American Federal Bookcases
Mother-of-Pearl, Satinwood, Glass, Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Bookcases
Mahogany, Satinwood
19th Century American Antique Federal Bookcases
Mahogany