How do I identify early American furniture?

To identify early American furniture, you can evaluate your piece on your own or seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. Although many pieces from the Colonial era are unmarked, double-checking your furniture for signatures, stamps and labels is still a good first step. Using trusted online resources, you can research any markings to determine if the maker was active in America during the 16th and early 17th centuries. When identifying unmarked furniture, it's generally necessary to consider the style and details of the piece. Due to its handcrafted origins, early American furniture tends to have visible tool marks and irregularities in its carvings. Early American furnishings tended to be simple in style but often had one or two refined details, such as cabriole legs. Looking at images of authentic early American furniture can be helpful when making an identification. On 1stDibs, find a collection of 18th-century American furniture.

What is the early American furniture style called?

The early American furniture style is often called the Colonial style. During the 17th century, American craftsmen drew inspiration from medieval and Renaissance furniture. By the 18th century, the William and Mary style that had emerged in England began to heavily influence the American Colonial style. Characteristics of Colonial-style furniture include turned legs, ornamental carvings and richly finished cherry, walnut and mahogany wood. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Colonial-style furniture.

Early American Nightstands

Conant Ball Midcentury

Colonial Nightstand

Primitive Nightstands

Antique American Side Tables

Colonial American Chest

Colonial Kitchen Table

American Federal Sheraton

Federal Nightstand

Great Early 19th Century American Federal Four Poster Bed and Nightstand

$12,760

H 81.89 in W 83.27 in D 56.7 in

Great Early 19th Century American Federal Four Poster Bed and Nightstand

Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR

Presenting a beautifully crafted early 19th-century American Federal Four Poster Bed, an exquisite

Category

Antique Early 19th Century North American Federal Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Stickley Brothers Antique Early American Green Lacquered Nightstand, Circa 1920s

$1,495

H 30.25 in W 14.25 in D 13 in

Stickley Brothers Antique Early American Green Lacquered Nightstand, Circa 1920s

By Stickley Brothers

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique American Colonial or Country Cottage style nightstand or occasional side table

Category

Vintage 1920s American American Colonial Night Stands

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Conant Ball Early American Style Maple Bedside Chest of Drawers Nightstand

$1,100

H 25.5 in W 15 in D 17 in

Conant Ball Early American Style Maple Bedside Chest of Drawers Nightstand

By Conant Ball

Located in Germantown, MD

A Mid Century Early American Style Solid Maple Bedside three-drawer Chest of Drawers Nightstand

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown American Colonial Night Stands

Materials

Maple

Mid Century Early American Style Maple Bedside Chest of Drawers Nightstand

$1,195

H 26 in W 16.5 in D 14 in

Mid Century Early American Style Maple Bedside Chest of Drawers Nightstand

By Conant Ball

Located in Germantown, MD

A Mid Century Early American Style Solid Maple Bedside three-drawer Chest of Drawers Nightstand

Category

Mid-20th Century American American Colonial Night Stands

Materials

Maple

Antique 19th Century Early American Primitive Cherry Accent Table Nightstand 29"

$490Sale Price|30% Off

H 29 in W 19.5 in D 19 in

Antique 19th Century Early American Primitive Cherry Accent Table Nightstand 29"

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique Early American 19th century side table. Made of cherry featuring rectangular form with two

Category

Antique 19th Century American Colonial Side Tables

Materials

Cherry

Antique American Classical Figured Mahogany Nightstand With Rope Carved Legs

$1,650

H 31 in W 20.5 in D 13.25 in

Antique American Classical Figured Mahogany Nightstand With Rope Carved Legs

Located in Morristown, NJ

Early 19th c. American Classical figured mahogany nightstand on turned legs. Two flame mahogany

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American American Classical Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Pair of Nightstands by Russel Wright for Conant Ball

$510Sale Price / set|84% Off

H 25 in W 14.25 in D 19 in

Pair of Nightstands by Russel Wright for Conant Ball

By Russel Wright, Conant Ball

Located in Dallas, TX

Iconic pair of early 20th century American modernist nightstands featuring drawers with wooden

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Davis Cabinet Co. Chippendale Solid Cherry Wood Nightstand, Circa 1960s

$995

H 27.75 in W 22 in D 17 in

Davis Cabinet Co. Chippendale Solid Cherry Wood Nightstand, Circa 1960s

By Davis Cabinet Company

Located in South Bend, IN

A beautiful Early American or Colonial Chippendale style nightstand or end table By Davis Cabinet

Category

Vintage 1960s American Chippendale Night Stands

Materials

Brass

Recent Sales

Early American Nightstand End Table Single Drawer Oak

Sold

H 30 in W 28 in D 16 in

Early American Nightstand End Table Single Drawer Oak

Located in Manhasset, NY

Antique American oak small table, end table or nightstand or ladies desk. This strong and masculine

Category

Vintage 1920s American Colonial End Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Primitive Early American Cherry Side Accent Table Nightstand 30"

Sold

H 28.5 in W 21.5 in D 18.5 in

Antique Primitive Early American Cherry Side Accent Table Nightstand 30"

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique Early American side table. Made of cherry featuring rectangular form with one dovetailed

Category

Early 20th Century American Classical Night Stands

Materials

Cherry

Antique Early American Primitve Flame Mahogany Side Accent Table Nightstand

Sold

H 29 in W 17 in D 22 in

Antique Early American Primitve Flame Mahogany Side Accent Table Nightstand

Located in Dayton, OH

"Antique Early American side accent or bedside table. Made of flamed mahogany featuring square form

Category

Early 20th Century American Colonial End Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Cassady Furniture Early American Cherry 3-Drawer Dresser Chest Nightstand

Sold

H 30 in W 18 in D 30 in

Cassady Furniture Early American Cherry 3-Drawer Dresser Chest Nightstand

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage Cassady Furniture Co solid cherry dresser, chest or nightstand. An Early American

Category

Vintage 1980s American Colonial Night Stands

Materials

Cherry

Antique Early American Soid Cherry Side Accent Table Nightstand

Sold

H 27.25 in W 21.75 in D 21.75 in

Antique Early American Soid Cherry Side Accent Table Nightstand

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique American side or accent table. Made of cherry featuring square form, one upper drawer and

Category

Antique 19th Century American Colonial End Tables

Materials

Cherry

Cassady Furniture Early American Cherry Side End Accent Table Nightstand

Sold

H 27 in W 22 in D 18 in

Cassady Furniture Early American Cherry Side End Accent Table Nightstand

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage Cassady Furniture Co solid cherry side table. An early American reproduction featuring one

Category

Vintage 1980s American Colonial Night Stands

Materials

Cherry

Vintage McMahan Furniture Co. Early American Cherry Side Table Nightstand 28"

Sold

H 28 in W 18.375 in D 18.375 in

Vintage McMahan Furniture Co. Early American Cherry Side Table Nightstand 28"

Located in Dayton, OH

McMahan Furniture Co. Early American side table. Made of cherry featuring rectangular form with

Category

20th Century American Colonial Night Stands

Materials

Cherry

Antique Early American Walnut 2 Tier Ribbed Side Accent Parlor Table Nightstand

Sold

H 28 in W 22 in L 28 in

Antique Early American Walnut 2 Tier Ribbed Side Accent Parlor Table Nightstand

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique early American two tier side accent table. Made of walnut featuring ribbed legs, serpentine

Category

Antique 19th Century American Colonial End Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-20th Century Early American Style Dropleaf Side End Accent Table Nightstand

Sold

H 30.5 in W 16.25 in D 24.5 in

Mid-20th Century Early American Style Dropleaf Side End Accent Table Nightstand

Located in Dayton, OH

Mid-20th century Early American style dropleaf side table. Made from mahogany with a cherry stain

Category

Mid-20th Century American Colonial Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-20th Century Early American Style Dropleaf Side End Accent Table Nightstand

Sold

H 30.5 in W 16.25 in D 24.5 in

Mid-20th Century Early American Style Dropleaf Side End Accent Table Nightstand

Located in Dayton, OH

Mid-20th century Early American style drop-leaf side table. Made from mahogany with a cherry stain

Category

Mid-20th Century American Colonial Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Willett Maple Nightstand 2-Drawer Early American Country Side Table

Sold

H 28 in W 18 in D 21 in

Vintage Willett Maple Nightstand 2-Drawer Early American Country Side Table

By Willett Furniture Company

Located in Dayton, OH

H. Willett maple nightstand or side table, circa 1960s. Features early American styling with wood

Category

Vintage 1960s Country Side Tables

Materials

Maple

Antique American Federal Empire Mahogany Drop Leaf Side Table Nightstand Drawer

Sold

H 29 in W 20 in D 24 in

Antique American Federal Empire Mahogany Drop Leaf Side Table Nightstand Drawer

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique American Federal drop leaf side table. Made of Mahogany featuring two drawers with glass

Category

Early 20th Century American Empire Night Stands

Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany One Drawer Banded Inlay Sheraton Federal Nightstand Bedside Table

Sold

H 27.5 in W 20 in D 15 in

Mahogany One Drawer Banded Inlay Sheraton Federal Nightstand Bedside Table

By Stiehl Furniture

Located in Philadelphia, PA

American craftsmanship. Circa Early 1900s. Measurements: 27.5" H x 20" W x 15" D.

Category

Early 20th Century North American Sheraton Night Stands

Materials

Mahogany

A pair of antique craftsman nightstands in oak, circa 1900

Sold

H 25.75 in W 22 in D 16.25 in

A pair of antique craftsman nightstands in oak, circa 1900

Located in View Park, CA

An antique pair of early craftsman wooden nightstands, circa 1900. In a rich oak with impressive

Category

Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Night Stands

Materials

Iron

Pair of Paul Laszlo Elegant Nightstands or End Tables

Sold

H 25.25 in W 19.75 in D 19.25 in

Pair of Paul Laszlo Elegant Nightstands or End Tables

By Paul Laszlo

Located in Westport, CT

Paul Laszlo elegant dark walnut hand rub finish with honey colored long draw pull, double depth draw for storage and open compartment bottom shelf.

Category

Early 20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Walnut, Wood

Antique 19th C. Early American Primitive Walnut Side Accent Table Nightstand 29"

Sold

H 29 in W 22.5 in D 17 in

Antique 19th C. Early American Primitive Walnut Side Accent Table Nightstand 29"

Located in Dayton, OH

A beautiful antique early American mid 19th century walnut side table. Features a rectangular form

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian End Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique American Federal Sheraton Curly Tiger Maple Bed Side Table Nightstand

Sold

H 29.75 in W 21.25 in D 16.5 in

Antique American Federal Sheraton Curly Tiger Maple Bed Side Table Nightstand

Located in Dayton, OH

Early American curly maple side table with drawer. Features turned ribbed legs leading to toupie

Category

Early 20th Century Sheraton Side Tables

Materials

Maple

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Nightstands

Sold

H 22.5 in W 22 in D 17 in

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Nightstands

By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville

Located in Denton, TX

Early pair of American of Martinsville nightstands. Designed by Merton L. Gershun with ebonized top

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Wood

19th Century Brass Nightstand Candleholder

Sold

H 7.5 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in

19th Century Brass Nightstand Candleholder

Located in Los Angeles, CA

nightstand or to be carried around the house.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American American Colonial Primitives

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Sculptural Nightstands With Bookmatched Burl Veneer

Sold

H 23 in W 17.5 in D 13.75 in

Art Deco Sculptural Nightstands With Bookmatched Burl Veneer

Located in Philadelphia, PA

These Art Deco Sculptural Nightstands feature stunning bookmatched burl veneer, adding a touch of

Category

Early 20th Century North American Art Deco Night Stands

Materials

Burl

Pair Of Chinese Chippendale Nightstands Tables Or Cabinets

Sold

H 28.5 in W 16.5 in D 14.5 in

Pair Of Chinese Chippendale Nightstands Tables Or Cabinets

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Pair Of Solid Rosewood Chinese Chippendale Nightstands Tables

Category

Early 20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Commodes and Chest...

Materials

Brass

Early 1900's American Nightstand (replaced feet)

Sold

H 28.5 in W 17.5 in D 16 in

Early 1900's American Nightstand (replaced feet)

Located in San Francisco, CA

Early 1900's American Nightstand (replaced feet) 17.5"W x 16"D x 28.5"H

Category

Early 20th Century American Night Stands

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Mahogany Neoclassical Bed Frame, 19th Century

$2,583

H 59.85 in W 85.83 in D 50.4 in

Mahogany Neoclassical Bed Frame, 19th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

"Boat" bed in carved mahogany wood, 19th century. Head and feet of the same height, are decorated with a circular molding, while the rear, by harmony, follows the lines of the front...

Category

Antique 19th Century European Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Antique Pennsylvania Shaker Style Tall Ladderback & Rush Dining Chair Set

$1,480Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 46 in W 17.5 in D 18.75 in

Antique Pennsylvania Shaker Style Tall Ladderback & Rush Dining Chair Set

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Set of 4 solid Oak ladderback Shaker era style chairs. We believe these to be early 1900s version. Woven rush seating have nice warm aged patina but no signs of use. These are al...

Category

Early 20th Century Shaker Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Oak, Rush

Rosace Bed, US King Hand Carved in the Louis XVI Style by La Maison London

$19,302

H 66.15 in W 80.71 in D 84.65 in

Rosace Bed, US King Hand Carved in the Louis XVI Style by La Maison London

By La Maison London

Located in London, Park Royal

The Rosace bed is an elegant example of the French LXVI style, with its classic columns and restrained ornamentation the bedstead stands tall and exudes a noble confidence. The apex ...

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2010s English Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames

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Cane, Wood

Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé

$12,000 / set

H 29 in W 36 in D 33 in

Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in Saint Louis, MO

Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, these Nautilus swivel lounge chairs are sculptural, comfortable and fun, and were recently professionally reupholstered in cozy Ivory...

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Late 20th Century American Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Bouclé

Vintage Sofa in Fabric, 1970s

$721

H 31.5 in W 37.41 in D 60.63 in

Vintage Sofa in Fabric, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

Vintage Sofa realized by an italian manufacture in 1970s. Padded fabric. Signs of time, especially a discoloration on the back.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

19th Century, Baroque Full Bed, Original Four Fluted Poster Spanish Bed

$6,890

H 66.15 in W 54.73 in D 78.75 in

19th Century, Baroque Full Bed, Original Four Fluted Poster Spanish Bed

Located in Miami, FL

19th Century baroque bed, original Spanish bed. This queen size 4-poster bed is hand carved with elaborate details, fluted turned post, 3D open spiral twist spindles, and moorish de...

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Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Baroque Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Italian Empire Giltwood Queen Bed, Frame Only

$12,000

H 81.5 in W 63 in D 88 in

19th Century Italian Empire Giltwood Queen Bed, Frame Only

Located in Houston, TX

This listing is for bed frame only. Mattressm bedding and pillows not included and shown only for decorative purposes. A period Italian Empire queen bed beautifully carved with Neoc...

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Antique Early 19th Century Italian Empire Beds and Bed Frames

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Mahogany

Victorian Nécessaire de Voyage

$19,850

H 6 in W 12 in D 9 in

Victorian Nécessaire de Voyage

Located in New Orleans, LA

A work of extraordinary craftsmanship, this exquisite English vanity case is as much an item of luxury as it is of necessity. Known as a nécessaire de voyage, the case features a lux...

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Antique 19th Century English Victorian Jewelry Boxes

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Velvet, Glass, Wood

Lane Museum of American Folk Art, Authentic Reproduction Pine Cabinet Armoire

$4,995

H 54 in W 20 in D 47 in

Lane Museum of American Folk Art, Authentic Reproduction Pine Cabinet Armoire

By Lane Furniture

Located in Germantown, MD

Lane Furniture Museum of American Folk Art, Authentic Reproduction Pine Cabinet Armoire. Measures 47" in width, 20" in depth and 54". Lower cabinet is 9.5" height and upper cabinet i...

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Pine

Ton Bentwood Armchair With Gold Velvet, Czechoslovakia 1930s, 40 Available

$372Sale Price / item|50% Off

H 32.29 in W 20.08 in D 22.45 in

Ton Bentwood Armchair With Gold Velvet, Czechoslovakia 1930s, 40 Available

By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet, TON a.s.

Located in Zohor, SK

Iconic and elegant armchair produced by TON in Czech republic in 1930s. This particular chair is a variation on the classic model '811' Thonet Hoffman chair. Produced in blond wood o...

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Vintage 1930s Czech Bauhaus Armchairs

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Unique and Monumental Late 19th Century German Meissen Porcelain Mirror

$257,500

H 105 in W 58 in D 5 in

Unique and Monumental Late 19th Century German Meissen Porcelain Mirror

By Meissen Porcelain

Located in Long Island City, NY

A Unique and Monumental Late 19th Century German Meissen Porcelain Mirror This palatial mirror is made up of around 12 wonderful individually hand crafted pieces of porcelain. The...

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Antique Late 19th Century German Belle Époque Porcelain

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Glass, Porcelain

Retrofuture Ceramic Chandelier by Olivia Cognet

$20,669 / item

H 15.75 in Dm 23.63 in

Retrofuture Ceramic Chandelier by Olivia Cognet

By Olivia Cognet

Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF

Ceramic chandelier by Olivia Cognet from the serie Retrofuture, taking classical shape and infusing them with modern (and futuristic) details and decors. Here is an example where the...

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Mid-Century Modern "Cubo" Sofa by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin

$53,200

H 25.2 in W 78.75 in D 34.26 in

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Viggo Boesen Attribution, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

$5,600

H 30.25 in W 49.25 in D 30 in

Viggo Boesen Attribution, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s

By Viggo Boesen

Located in High Point, NC

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Sculptural Light No. 68 by Milla Vaahtera

$6,032 / item

H 23.63 in W 33.47 in D 11.82 in

Sculptural Light No. 68 by Milla Vaahtera

By Milla Vaahtera

Located in Geneve, CH

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Pair of Lee Industries Contemporary Upholstered Ottomans

$2,495 / set

H 19 in W 21 in D 21 in

Pair of Lee Industries Contemporary Upholstered Ottomans

By Lee Industries

Located in Germantown, MD

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Upholstery

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Early American Nightstands For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of early American nightstands for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique early American nightstands was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, mahogany and brass. There are all kinds of early American nightstands available, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Mid-Century Modern early American nightstands are consistently popular styles. There have been many well-made early American nightstands over the years, but those made by Paul Laszlo, Stiehl Furniture and Willett Furniture Company are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Early American Nightstands?

Early American nightstands can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $640, while the lowest priced sells for $395 and the highest can go for as much as $5,400.

Questions About Early American Nightstands

How do I identify early American furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
To identify early American furniture, you can evaluate your piece on your own or seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. Although many pieces from the Colonial era are unmarked, double-checking your furniture for signatures, stamps and labels is still a good first step. Using trusted online resources, you can research any markings to determine if the maker was active in America during the 16th and early 17th centuries. When identifying unmarked furniture, it's generally necessary to consider the style and details of the piece. Due to its handcrafted origins, early American furniture tends to have visible tool marks and irregularities in its carvings. Early American furnishings tended to be simple in style but often had one or two refined details, such as cabriole legs. Looking at images of authentic early American furniture can be helpful when making an identification. On 1stDibs, find a collection of 18th-century American furniture.
What is the early American furniture style called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
The early American furniture style is often called the Colonial style. During the 17th century, American craftsmen drew inspiration from medieval and Renaissance furniture. By the 18th century, the William and Mary style that had emerged in England began to heavily influence the American Colonial style. Characteristics of Colonial-style furniture include turned legs, ornamental carvings and richly finished cherry, walnut and mahogany wood. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Colonial-style furniture.