Drexel Heritage Mahogany Federal
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Sideboards
Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Sideboards
Brass
20th Century American Federal Credenzas
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
20th Century American Federal Shelves
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century American Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
People Also Browsed
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Chippendale Chairs
Mahogany
Early 20th Century English Country Windsor Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century American Modern Night Stands
Metal, Brass
Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Sideboards
Brass
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Carts and Bar Carts
Glass, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Dressers
Wood, Mahogany
Vintage 1970s North American Chinoiserie Cabinets
Mahogany
20th Century American Campaign Buffets
Copper
Antique 1780s American Hepplewhite Sideboards
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Armchairs
Upholstery, Rattan, Bamboo
21st Century and Contemporary British Georgian Chairs
Oak, Rush
2010s American Regency Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century American Sheraton Sideboards
Mahogany, Walnut, Satinwood, Birch
Recent Sales
Vintage 1960s Federal Loveseats
Upholstery, Mahogany
Vintage 1960s Federal Loveseats
Upholstery, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
A Close Look at federal Furniture
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.