Federal Furniture
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
Elegant Satinwood Display Cabinet On Stand
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A delicate and light colored Cabinet with decorative Federal elements. The cabinet in fine satinwood with broken bonnet crest and carved cornice. The double doors with cross-banded m...
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Satinwood
Mid-Century American Federal Style Brass Fireplace Tools Set of 6
Located in Germantown, MD
Six piece set Mid-Century American Federal Style Brass Fireplace Tools, include a 46.5' Blo Poke tool.
Stand is 32" tall.
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Rare Early 19th Century American Porcelain Pitcher by Tucker & Hemphill
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine and rare, early 19th century Tucker and Hemphill porcelain pitcher.
Of classic form with typical polychrome floral sprays to both sides and gilt decoration.
Tucker and Hemphill was the important first large-scale producer of porcelain in America. They operated in Philadelphia from 1826-1838, and pieces are extraordinarily hard to find and highly coveted by American collectors.
For comparable examples, visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art's online collection.
Simply a wonderful piece of early American porcelain...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
American Federal Drop Leaf Dining Table in West Indies Mahogany New York, c 1820
Located in Miami, FL
A handsome American Federal or Empire Pembroke table in fine West Indies mahogany with two drop leaves. This period breakfast table is supported by a reeded, vase-turned column on a ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Giltwood Mirror with Rosette Corners and Fruit Panel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An antique carved giltwood wall mirror from the 1800s featuring a rectangular frame with rosette corners and a basket of fruit panel at the top. It is made of wood and gilded with g...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror
Versatile Early American Federal Harvest Dining Table or Space Saving Demilunes
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Early 19th century American Federal extending harvest dining table comprising two demilunes and two attached leaves. This rich walnut table is a versatile piece: it may be used as an...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Oval Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
One of the most complicated items that we produce at Niagara furniture our Oval Partners Desk is also one of the most popular. The top section of the desk consists of a three-paneled...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage Brass Urn & Marble Federal Style Branch Leg Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Brass Urn & Marble Federal Style Branch Leg Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Circa Mid to Late 20th Century. Measurements: 25.25" H x 12.5" W x 8.75" D.
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
1930's Half-Moon Drop-Leaf Federal Coffee Table
Located in Burbank, CA
Antique coffee table for sale. Special table that has a half-moon shape and has leaves on either side that extend out. Great design, and in great vintage condition. Made of mahogany ...
Category
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Drexel Heritage Cambridge Cherry Wood Four Drawer Dresser Chest
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Drexel Heritage Cambridge Cherry Wood Four Drawer Dresser Chest. Item featured is a nice larger size, distressed finish, solid cherry wood construction, faux keyholes, quality Americ...
Category
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
American Federal Gilt Wood Convex Mirror with Perched Eagle to Flee, Circa 1820
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal gilt carved wood and gesso convex mirror with perched eagle to flee, flanking acanthus scrolled foliage, interior circular spheres, ebonized reeded ring, and termina...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Ebony, Giltwood, Wood, Mirror, Gesso
Mahogany Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
A fine quality Mahogany Partners Desk from Niagara Furniture with raised door panels and a rich brown color finish similar to that found in English antiques. The three-paneled writin...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
1930s American Federal Inlaid Mahogany 3-Part Banquet Table
Located in Germantown, MD
An amazing 1930s American Federal Inlaid Mahogany Three Part, 14 legs Banquet Dining Table . Measures 126" in width, 48" in depth and stands 30.5" tall. Detach this table to have two large demilune...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
Banded Mahogany Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
This beautiful Banded Mahogany Partners Desk is crafted as an antique reproduction. The figural mahogany in the drawer and door panels displays a rich color and a fine grain that are...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Architectural White Paint Decorated Pediment Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and very Architectural form Pediment mirror in white paint with fluted panels flanking the mirror and decorated with egg and dart and craved ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Monumental Giltwood Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
A truly, exceptional and most fine example of the neoclassical mastery. This monumental mirror will make a truly shows-stopping statement in any parlor it is displayed.
Very forma...
Category
17th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold, Gold Leaf
Large Mahogany Secretary Desk
Located in Annville, PA
Inspired by an antique desk and bookcase this Large Mahogany Secretary Desk from Niagara Furniture is impressive in both it’s design and scal...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century American cherry one drawer stand with turned legs and feet
Located in Charleston, SC
Great little 19th Century American cherry one drawer stand with turned legs, feet and 2 board top
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Burled Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
This beautiful burled partners desk by Niagara Furniture is crafted as an antique reproduction. The fine quality veneers in the drawer and door panels displays a rich color similar t...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Caldwell Federal Style Eagle Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s gilt bronze federal style double arm sconces. Available in silver plate
Category
1920s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mahogany Credenza
Located in Annville, PA
This Mahogany Credenza matches a number of other items in the Niagara Furniture office collection. The credenza utilizes three part construction, the top and two pedestals separate f...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Chippendale Federal Mahogany And Parcel Gilt Constitution Mirror
Located in Free Union, VA
A fine ca. 1780’s American Chippendale Federal wall mirror with a scrolling “broken pediment” which flanks a central pedestal holding a Ho Ho bird with outstretched wings standing on...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Giltwood
Rare Antique late 18th C. Federal Period Brass & Wirework Bowfront Nursery Guard
Located in Charleston, SC
This is a marvelous period, late 18th century "Adam" style wirework and brass trim bowfront Fireplace Fender with original blackened wire work hand woven in Adam swags. The wirework...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel, Wire
Walnut Round Drum Center Side Table Stand w/ Drawers Johnson Furniture Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Walnut Round Drum Center Side Table Stand w/ Drawers Johnson Furniture Mint!
Amazing burl walnut wood pattern top!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mahogany Tall Bookcase
Located in Annville, PA
A highly functional and decorative two part Mahogany Tall Bookcase cabinet resting on shaped bracket feet. Large doors without lattice work allow for fu...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Large Mahogany Credenza
Located in Annville, PA
Decorative and functional this great quality four part Large Mahogany Credenza from Niagara Furniture can solve a lot of your storage and display needs either at home or in the workp...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Banded Oval Racetrack Shape Carved Double Pedestal Burl Walnut 13' Long Dining
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Banded Oval Racetrack Shape Carved Double Pedestal Burl Walnut 13' Long Dining Conference Table MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Very fine early 19th center Portsmouth, NH federal inlaid sideboard
Located in Charleston, SC
Very fine early 19th century Portsmouth, NH federal inlaid sideboard. Impressive inlays , fine quality crotch veneers, inlaid turrets with sand shading, beautifully turned legs.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Semi-Post Pale Mahogany Federal Full Size Bed
Located in Germantown, MD
A Semi-Post Pale Mahogany Federal Full Size Bed in very good co dition.
Measurs 54"W x 80"D x 67"H
Headboard height is 47.5" and 67" to the top of the posters, footboard height is...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
"The Battle of Bunker's Hill, Near Boston" Engraving by James Mitan, 1801
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This dramatic Revolutionary War engraving of the Battle of Bunker Hill is after the famous 1785 oil-on-canvas by John Trumbull. Capturing the intensity of the battle, the engraving centers on Major John Small restraining a “lobster-back” from bayoneting Major General Joseph Warren. Warren lies mortally wounded in the midst of chaos around him. In the background, British forces are seen cresting the last defenses of the brave, yet green army of Colonial soldiers.
The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought on June 17, 1775, in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. The battle is named after Bunker Hill in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Although it was the original objective of both the Colonial and British troops, the area was only peripherally involved in the battle. Rather, the majority of the combat took place on the adjacent Breed’s Hill. The battle pitted a more organized British force against a young and inexperienced American militia.
Although considered a tactical victory for the British, it came at the cost of considerable casualties, including a large number of officers. The battle demonstrated that the inexperienced American militia was able to stand up to the British army troops in battle. The battle results discouraged the British from any further frontal attacks against well-defended front lines. American casualties were comparatively fewer, although their losses included Gen. Joseph Warren.
During the battle, the patriot-turned-painter John Trumbull (1756-1843) was stationed in Roxbury on the far side of Boston, where he could hear the sounds of fighting. In late 1785, Trumbull decided to devote himself to the depiction of Revolutionary War scenes, a series of eight epic pictures. From the beginning, Trumbull intended for the paintings to be later engraved for sale. Trumbull began the oil-on-canvas of The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker’s Hill and The Death of General Montgomery in the Attack of Quebec, in the studio of Benjamin West in London. Bunker’s Hill was completed in March 1786; Trumbull started Attack of Quebec in February 1785 and finished it before he brought it to Paris in 1786. He then started The Declaration of Independence at Thomas Jefferson's house in Paris.
As soon as Bunker’s Hill was completed, Trumbull searched for a suitable engraver in London. He was unsuccessful, as many British engravers were nervous about engraving an American battle...
Category
Early 1800s English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
Solid Cherry Multi Compartment Drop Front Secretary Desk w/ Drawer File Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Cherry Multi Compartment Drop Front Secretary Desk w/ Drawer File Cabinet
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
19th Century Mahogany Dining Table with Leaves with Brass Clips
Located in New York, NY
Table has 2 end sections and 2 leaves and brass clips. The table can be used as a pair
of side table against the wall. Great color and patina
Dimensions with leaves: Width 50 1/2...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Birch Slant Front Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very nice early 19th century Federal Birch New England Slant Lid Desk likely New Hampshire in origin around 1800-1830. Made of solid Birch with four large graduated inlaid drawers ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Birch
2 Antique Chelsea Porcelain Staffordshire Miniature Confetti Spaniel Dog Anchor
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of antique Chelsea Porcelain miniature 18th century Staffordshire figurines in the shape of brown spotted King Charles Spaniels or poodles....
Category
18th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Federal Mahogany Sideboard
Located in Annville, PA
An ideal sideboard for use in smaller spaces in the dining room the Federal Mahogany Sideboard is also designed to work with almost any deco...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Chest of Drawers in West Indies Mahogany, Baltimore, circa 1835
Located in Miami, FL
From the Federal period, a very beautiful American Neoclassical chest of drawers in fine West Indies mahogany with two overhanging small drawers supported by turned and reeded column...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Federal Style Gilt Decorated Eagle Pediment Frame Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th Century Federal Style Gilt Decorated Eagle Pediment Frame Mirror. Measures 20.5" in width, and stands 45" tall.
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood, Wood, Mirror
Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Nightstand or Side Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style side table or nightstand
By Baker Furniture, "Colonial Williamsburg" Collection
USA, circa ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
Eagle Design Gilt Bronze Sconces With Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930's Eagle design gilt bronze sconces with convex mirrored backplate, one light
Category
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Virginia MetalCrafters Federal Style Polished Brass and Steel Fire Tool Set
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite set of Federal Style Polished Brass and polished stee Fireplace Tool Set by Virginia MetalCrafters. Excellent vintage condition. Cast brass polished and polished steel....
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Antique Baltimore Federal Classical Silver Ladle by Gould & Ward
Located in New York, NY
Federal Classical silver ladle. Made by Gould & Ward in Baltimore, ca 1820. Upturned fiddle terminal engraved with script monogram. Marked “Gould & Ward Baltimore” with “11-12”, whic...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Silver
20th Century Federal Style Carved Mahogany Poster Full Side Bed
Located in Germantown, MD
Federal Style Carved Mahogany Poster Full Side Bed in good vintage condition.
Measures 58" in width, 83.5" in lenght and stands 85.5" tall to the top of the finials. Heandboard is ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
1930s American Federal Mahogany And Satinwood Inlay Drop-Leaf Dining Table
Located in Germantown, MD
For your consideration is this large drop-leaf dining table measuring 78" in width, 48" in depth and 30.5" in height. This unusual drop leaf table with comfortably accomodate 10+ peo...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
American Federal Grain Painted and Stenciled Tall Clock by Rufus Cole
Located in Essex, MA
A Rare and Complete American Federal Tall Case Clock. Riley Whiting Wooden Works, original. A Rufus Cole Grain-Painted and Stenciled Case. S...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Pine
Pair 1930s American Federal Mahogany Inlaid Large Console Tables or Dining Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of 1930s American Federal Mahogany Inlaid Large Console Tables. Join the two large console tables to make a solid and sturdy 8 legs sizable 48" in diameter dining table. Each ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Abalone, Mahogany
Antique Federal Eagle American 50 Star Flag with Brass Eagle Pole, 19th Century
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Monumental 50 star American Flag with antique Federal Eagle brass and wood pole. A patriotic piece suitable for any home. This set includes both ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Fine Norfolk, VA Federal mahogany sideboard
Located in Charleston, SC
Fine early 19th century American Federal period mahogany sideboard from Norfolk, Virginia. The sideboard features
carved leaf and rosette motifs over spiral turned legs and button f...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Kindel Furniture Federal Satinwood and Mahogany Inlaid Marquetry Tea Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal style occasional side table or tea table
By Kindel Furniture
USA, Late 20th Century
Satinwood and mahogany, with inlaid marquetry.
Measures: 29"W x 22"D x 29"H...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
1920's Eagle Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces Federal Style
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell federal style silver plated sconces with eagles
Category
1910s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
American Federal Games/Card Table with Tobacco Leaf Carvings, Baltimore, c. 1820
Located in Miami, FL
A lovely Federal card table in fine mahogany with hinged rectangular top pivoting and opening to a square supported by a turned column with tobacco leaf carvings over a round base with carved knurling reminiscent of pineapples. Four "C" shaped legs are reeded and rest on brass lion claw...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair Large 19th C. American Federal Empire Brass Curtain Tie Backs.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Pair Large 19th C. American Federal Empire Brass Curtain Tie Backs.
An elegant pair of American Empire floral motif curtain tie backs. Large, 5 Inc...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Federal Design Highball Cocktail Glasses, Set of 5
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful set of five (5) highball cocktail glasses in the Federal style, circa mid-20th century, USA. Gold eagle and shield are font/center, flanke...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass
American Federal Four Post Maple Bed
Located in New York, NY
American four post maple bed, with headboard 4 carved posts & 2 rails
mounted with brackets for Boxspring. Each post with mounting bolts & brass bed bolt co...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
Two American Mahogany Late Federal Style Side or End Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Two Late Federal Style Side Tables. Mahogany with beautiful New England carved and tapered legs. No drawers.
This similar pair were adapte...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
NYC Federal Full Tester Bed Attributable to Lannuier w Four Floral-Carved Posts
By Charles-Honoré Lannuier
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional American Federal sleigh bed with tester in fine West Indies/ Cuban mahogany with beautifully-articulated floral and acanthus-leaf carvings, along the crest of the headboard and footboard, and on the four posts, attributable to the French-born cabinetmaker Charles-Honoré Lannuier...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Down Filled Tassels Blue & Gold Upholstery Turned Legs Chaise Lounge MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Down Filled Tassels Blue & Gold Upholstery Turned Legs Chaise Lounge MINT!
All redone like new c.1920s
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Floral Paint Decorated Mahogany Trumeau Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category
1940s European Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood
New York Federal / Sheraton Pembroke or Drop-Leaf Table in Mahogany, circa 1810
Located in Miami, FL
A fine example of an American Federal drop-leaf table in West Indies mahogany, from New York, circa 1810. The solid rectangular top with curved drop-leaves features a beautiful figur...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal furniture made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, Kindel Furniture, Drexel, and Edward F. Caldwell & Co.. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $115,000 while the average work can sell for $2,800.
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