Federal Inlay

Find many varieties of an authentic federal inlay available at 1stDibs. Each federal inlay for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, mahogany and hardwood. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer federal inlay, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. A federal inlay, designed in the style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Many designers have produced at least one well-made federal inlay over the years, but those crafted by Baker Furniture Company, Hekman Furniture and Maitland Smith are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

A federal inlay can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,750, while the lowest priced sells for $395 and the highest can go for as much as $100,000.

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.