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.
to
74
777
768
18
5
198,787
114,169
43,898
33,661
16,143
12,299
10,839
10,824
9,987
8,932
7,321
6,853
6,610
6,401
6,133
5,981
4,938
3,822
40
336
392
23
93
114
68
4
5
3
4
8
6
6
4
14
1
621
388
259
214
114
595
583
45
30
20
791
784
785
28
9
5
5
4
Style: Federal
Antique Mahogany Federal Chippendale Gilt Eagle Acanthus Wall Vanity Mirror 45"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Federal / Chippendale style wall / mantel / vanity / mirror. Rectangular form, framed in mahogany with scrolling fretwork at the top and bottom, gold gilt border around the m...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany
$1,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Union National Mid Century Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid-20th Century Union National Duncan Phyfe Style Drop Leaf Extendable Dining Table. Made from American mahogany with a banded top. Features a harp or lyre carved pedestal base ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Federal Style Flame Mahogany Secretary Desk / Display Cabinet & Brass Eagle
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a beautiful inlaid flame mahogany Federal style secretary desk with tambour doors. It has two glass shelves. The body has several areas with inlaid satinwood designs. It date...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
$2,621 Sale Price
25% Off
Baker Furniture Style Federal Green Lacquered Mahogany Dresser Chest, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Georgian style bow front four-drawer dresser or chest of drawers
In the manner of Baker Furniture
By Finch Fine Furniture ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair Federal Mahogany Upholstered Armchairs Attrib. to Ephraim Haines, C. 1805s
Located in Germantown, MD
A Fine and Rare Pair of Federal Carved Mahogany Armchairs. Finely carved, stained and Upholstered. Newer upholstery. Attributed to Ephraim Haines (1775-1837) and Henry Connelly (1770...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany, Hardwood
Federal Style Mahogany Dining Table by Kindel, 20th Century. Includes 4 leaves
Located in Savannah, GA
Federal inlaid mahogany dining table with 4 leaves of 12.5" wide each for a total of 131" long
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Councill Federal Inlaid Flame Mahogany and Satinwood Sideboard Credenza
By Councill
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style serpentine front sideboard buffet or credenza
By Councill Furniture
USA, Late 20th Century
Gorgeous book-matched flame mahogany, with satin...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century American Federal Convex Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
Few objects embody the drama of the Federal period quite like the bullseye mirror. This early 19th-century American example carries all the hallmarks: a convex mirror at its center, ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Rare Antique American Federal Mahogany Inlaid Sofa Settee Boston Massachusetts
Located in Dayton, OH
A Very Fine American Federal Period Carved Mahogany Sofa, circa 1810. Features a bowback frame with cross banding. Sloped arms lead to reeded supports in front of remarkable three-di...
Category
1810s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
$4,704 Sale Price
20% Off
Baker Furniture Federal Mahogany Serpentine Front Buffet Server, Circa 1920
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Georgian style serpentine front sideboard, credenza, or buffet server
In the manner of Baker Furniture
Retailed by Hathaway's of New York
USA, Circa 1920s
C...
Category
1920s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
20th Century American Federal Giltwood Overmantel Mirror.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
20th Century American Federal Giltwood Overmantel Mirror.
This American Federal antique mirror dates to the 20th Century. The symmetrical giltwood frame is rectangular in form and ...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
American 1800’s Federal Style Two Drawer Drop-leaf Side Table
Located in Louisville, KY
This lovely table is an example of an era of furniture long gone. Made in Burlington, Vermont in the mid 1800’s, this beautiful cherry, burled walnut and poplar as secondary, showcas...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Poplar, Walnut, Burl
Federal Style Mahogany Glazed Double Door China Bookcase Display Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
An early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Double Glazed Door China bookcase, display Cabinet. Measures 34.5" in width, 16" in depth and 70" in height.
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Early 19th Century Cherry Hand-Planed Gate-Legged, Drop Leaf Dining Table
Located in Louisville, KY
Not your ordinary drop-leaf table, this early 19th century cherry gate-leg, drop-leaf table was hand-planed and hand-turned to create a wonderful dining table that doubles as a conso...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Classical American Federal Gondola Sleigh Bed in Mahogany, Philadelphia, c. 1830
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
An exquisite classical American gondola sleigh bed in fine West Indies mahogany from the Federal period in Philadelphia, circa 1830. Inspired by the aesthetic ideals of ancient Greek & Roman furniture popularized during the Empire & Federal period, this sleigh bed features shaped sideboards with an out-scrolled headboard...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
1800s American Federal Mahogany Butler's Secretary Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
An early 19th Century Federal Mahogany Butler's Secretary Desk recently refinished.
Measure 45.75" in width, 21" in depth and 44" in height.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of 2 Hitchcock Black Federal Side Chairs, Rush Seats.
By Hitchcock
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Pair of 2 Hitchcock Black Federal Side Chairs, Rush Seats.
These vintage Hitchcock chairs are black lacquer painted and embellished with ochr...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Rush, Wood
Vintage American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches.
USA, Mid 20th Century
Giltwood frame, with ori...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Pembroke Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Pembroke Table . Measures 17.5" in width close, 34" in width open, 24.5" in depth and stands 26" tall.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Century Furniture Carved Mahogany Posters Queen Bed
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 20th century Furniture Company Federal Style poster queen size bed in very good vintage condition.
Measures 64"in width, 87.5" in depth and stands 90" to the top of the poste...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Dixie Furniture Federal Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers with Glass Top
Located in Germantown, MD
Dixie Furniture Federal Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers with
protective Glass Top. Dovetail Drawers functioning flawlessly. Mea...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
4-Piece Federal Bedroom Set: Vanity, End Table, Dresser, Chest of Drawers
Located in Soquel, CA
4-Piece Federal Bedroom Set: Vanity, End Table, Dresser, Check of Drawers
Elegant bedroom set from the Royal furniture Line by Robert W. Irwin and Ro...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
$3,412 Sale Price / set
35% Off
19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Poster Three Quater Size Bedframe
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Poster Three Quater Size Bedframe
Measures 55" in width , 80.5" in Height to the top of the posters, Headboard is 50" in height, footboard is 1...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Transitional Monumental Mahogany Demilune Console Table Black Painted Finish
Located in Topeka, KS
Magnificent vintage Transitional Monumental mahogany demilune console table with a black painted finish, square tapered legs with stretchers, and 2 inch patinated brass feet. Beautif...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rare Antique Federal American Mahogany Secretary Writing Desk Gothic Bookcase
Located in Dayton, OH
A fine and impressive Federal Period Mahogany secretary and bookcase, circa 1830s. The bookcase features an eighteen pane gothic arched cabinet fro...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
$5,500 Sale Price
38% Off
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
19th Century American 42 Star Flag, circa 1889
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century American 42 Star Flag, circa 1889, printed on linen period flag in the "Dancing Star" pattern. This was never an official U.S. flag sanctioned b y congress, but was made...
Category
1880s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Linen
Dixie Furniture Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Chest on Chest of Drawers
By Dixie
Located in Germantown, MD
A Dixie Furniture Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Chest on Chest of Drawers with the protective Glass top in great vintage condit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Tiered Bedside Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Tiered Bedside Table. Measures 16" in width, 13" in depth and 27" in height.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Single Drawer Side Tables, Refinished
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Newly refinished Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Single Drawer Side Tables, Refinished
Newly refinihed.
Measures 16" in width , 13" in width, 27" in height.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Ca. 1820 Federal Era Trompe L'oeil Painted Chest
Located in Peabody, MA
American Federal era chest of drawers in its original trompe l’oeil mustard painted finish, ca. 1820.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
$2,275 Sale Price
30% Off
Federal Style Mahogany Circular Reeded Pedestal
Located in Astoria, NY
Federal Style Mahogany Circular Reeded Pedestal, with black slate top. 44" H x 12" Diameter. Provenance: From a Park Avenue Collection.
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Vintage Regency Federal Mahogany Linen Press
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your interior with this exceptional Vintage Regency Federal Mahogany Linen Press, a true testament to early 19th-century craftsmanship. This stately piece embodies the refine...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
20th Century Suters Reproductions Federal Style Solid Cherry Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 20th Century Suters Reproductions Federal Style Solid Cherry Single Drawer Side Table. Measures 24" in width, 24" in depth and 28.25" in height.
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Late 20th Century Bombay Furniture Federal Style Mahogany Console Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 20th Century Bombay Furniture Federal Style Mahogany Console Table in very good vintage condition.
Measures 35" in width, 15" in depth and stands 29.5" tall.
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Vintage Federal Trumeau Gilt Mirror 20thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote***
Vintage Federal Trumeau Gilt Mirror 20thC
Measures - 39.75"H x 23.25"W x 4"D
A vintage Federal-style ...
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
$960 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Beacon Hill Old Colony Federal Mahogany Tambour Door Secretary Desk
By Beacon Hill
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Beacon Hill Old Colony Federal Mahogany Tambour Door Secretary Desk. Item features a 3 part construction, working lock and key, flip top...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Style Mahogany Chest Of Drawers
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The chest in fine traditional form and having good graining with decorative line inlay. Raised on four carved feet with four long drawers with brass oval pulls and key escutcheons. ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Metal
Monumental Philadelphia Federal Period Gilt & Mahogany Eagle Mirror
By John Pollard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Monumental American Federal Gilt and Mahogany Eagle Mirror with Oak Garland Swags, Attributed to a Philadelphia Workshop of John Pollard, Circa 1800
A monumental and masterfully car...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gesso, Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood
1920s Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid Federal Style Fold-Top Console or Game Table
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th century Mahogany and satinwood Inlaid Federal style Fold-Top Console or Card Table in very good antique condition.
Measures 36" in width, 17.5" in depth folded and 35" ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Kittinger Federal Inlaid Mahogany Serpentine Front Sideboard Credenza
By Kittinger
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style serpentine front sideboard buffet or credenza
By Kittinger
USA, Circa 1980s
Carved mahogany, with satinwood inlay, and original brass hardw...
Category
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Figured Maple Chest
Located in Acton, MA
Federal figured Maple Chest with a flame birch case. This elegant chest sits high ups up on a figured bracket for base. The four cock-beaded drawers feature inlayed cherry shield sha...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
Pair Mid-20th Century Federal Style Canon Ball Brass Fireplace Low Andirons
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of Mid-20th Century Federal Style Canon Ball Brass Fireplace Andirons
Please inquire about the Matching Fireplace Fender and fire place tools set available in our inventory in...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th C. Federal Style Gilt Wood Mirror w/ Eagle & Cornucopias
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
19th century federal style mirror, hand carved and intact, two cornucopias filled flanking either side of the eagle.
Classic design element of the federal period (much like the convex mirror but without the distorted mirror)
Category
1880s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Plaster
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
$1,550 / item
American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Pull Out Tray Desk Table 6 Inlayed Drawers Federal Style High Chest Dresser MINT
By Beacon Hill
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pull Out Tray Desk Table 6 Inlayed Drawers Federal Style High Chest Dresser MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal-Style Banded Mahogany Sideboard With Tapered Legs
Located in Elkton, MD
Federal-style mahogany sideboard features a gently bowed front and finely banded veneer work, showcasing craftsmanship from a classic American furniture tradition. It stands on taper...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Gilt Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 colonies around the inside ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Composition
Antique Federal Style Bow Front Figured Mahogany Chest for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The fine chest with four graduated drawers each with fine string inlay and with a pair of brass oval bales decorated with a classical columned rotunda and brass key holes. All drawer...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Baker Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard Credenza Cabinet MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard Credenza Cabinet MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Mahogany Dining Table with Leaves with Brass Clips
Located in Huntington, 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
Dimension...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
$4,320 Sale Price
20% Off
Thomas Jefferson and James Madison Ship's Passport Signed, November 5, 1804
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This rare official document, dated November 5, 1804, is signed by both Thomas Jefferson as the nation's third President and James Madison as Secretary of State. The document, partial...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
Round 20" in Diameter Inlayed One Drawer Burl Wood Tapered Legs Stand End Table
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Round 20" in Diameter Inlayed One Drawer Burl Wood Tapered Legs Stand End Side Occasional Lamp Table MINT!
Category
20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Burl
Henkel Harris Federal Cherry Extension Dining Table with Three Leaves
Located in Germantown, MD
Henkel Harris Federal Style Solid Cherry Extension Dining Table with Three Leaves
Excellent Vintage Condition with crafty inlaid legs. Each leaf is 12" wide. Leaves are securely stor...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Satinwood
An Interesting Account of the Voyages and Travels of Captains Lewis and Clarke
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Fisher, William. An Interesting Account of the Voyages and Travels of Captains Lewis and Clarke, in the Years 1804-5, & 6... Baltimore: P. Mauro, 1813. 12mo. Illustrated. Rebound in...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Paper
Federal Gilt Over Mantle Mirror
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very attractive Federal gilt over mantle mirror in original condition. A classic traditional Neo Classical design with rope twist columns and a continuous row of gilt spheres as c...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Admiral Eagle Federal Round Bull’s-Eye Wall Mirror
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Beautiful round mirror with eagle surmount. In a bronze hue. A great example of the American federal style.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Resin, Plastic
$720 Sale Price
20% Off
Mahogany Pedestal Scrolled Tripod Floor Candle Stand Pedestal
Located in Germantown, MD
A Federal Style Mahogany Pedestal Scrolled Tripod Floor Candle Stand Pedestal
MEASUREMENTS: 18″ wide x 18" Dx 35.5″ in height . Top is 11" W x 11" D
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Burled Walnut Desk
Burnished Bamboo
Butter Table
Cabinet Dowel
Cabinets With Metal Inlay
Cameo Glass Bowl
Campaign Chest 1970
Campaign Chest Camphor
Canopic Jars
Canton Chinese Bowl
Cardinal Sculpture
Carrera Marble Dining Table
Carved Boar
Cast Grape Vine
Ceramic Cheetah
Ceramic Giraffe
Ceramic Pagoda
Ceramic Spanish Jug