Copper Jugs Made In Greece

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.

Antique, new and vintage area rugs and carpets are a simple way to add warmth and style to any space. Area rugs can be seasonal or changed with other decorative objects to refresh an interior. Carpet piles materials can vary from wool and cotton to silk and synthetic fibers, and the purpose of a floor covering can range from reducing noise to offering a place to sit.

Vintage rugs can ground a space, and arranging furniture around them creates a measured focal point. Key furniture pieces can be placed on the rug or just the legs, such as with furniture like coffee tables in your living room.

So, how can you tell if a rug is high quality or vintage?

The three main components that determine the quality of a piece are the dyes, the wool and the number of knots per square inch. Ultimately, however, if you want to be sure the rug you’re buying is truly an antique, it is best to consult an expert.

If you want a creative design that stands out, area rugs or carpets can provide layers of color. Rugs and carpets reflect a global heritage of textiles and weaving, such as ornately patterned Persian and Indian designs. Visually striking Chinese rugs can add a delicate touch of color, while modern rugs make a statement with their geometric patterns.

Turkish rugs, with their ruby reds and misted blues, their entwined botanical designs and rhythmic geometries, are as beloved today as they were in the 13th century. The West’s current infatuation with Moroccan and North African tribal rugs stretches to the mid-20th century, when modern furniture designers embraced bold geometric patterns and even bolder palettes as counterpoints to form-follows-function interiors. Alvar Aalto, Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier were among the designers who used these rustic, natural rugs to offset austere interiors.

If you properly maintain your antique and vintage rugs, they will last for many years. When you’re thinking about how to clean a rug, it is important to keep in mind that your vacuum is not too harsh for your favorite floor covering. Frequent vacuuming is in fact necessary to remove everyday dirt that otherwise wears down the pile. Omri Schwartz of Nazmiyal does, however, stipulate that “it’s best to use an ordinary suction vacuum without bristles, as the bristles can damage the rug’s pile.” Rotating the carpet every couple of years is also recommended — it ensures that the rug gets even foot traffic.

On 1stDibs, find a vintage rug or carpet to add a layer of beauty and function to your room.