Federal Architectural Elements
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.
20th Century American Federal Architectural Elements
Pine
Early 20th Century American Federal Architectural Elements
Wood
20th Century North American Federal Architectural Elements
Brass
Late 20th Century American Federal Architectural Elements
Plaster
Late 20th Century American Federal Architectural Elements
Plaster
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Architectural Elements
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Federal Architectural Elements
Composition
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Architectural Elements
Wood
1790s American Antique Federal Architectural Elements
Poplar
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Architectural Elements
Wood
1930s English Vintage Federal Architectural Elements
Brass
19th Century French Antique Federal Architectural Elements
Carrara Marble
19th Century British Antique Federal Architectural Elements
Oak, Pine
18th Century French Antique Federal Architectural Elements
Limestone
18th Century French Antique Federal Architectural Elements
Stone
19th Century British Antique Federal Architectural Elements
Pine
Mid-20th Century Danish Federal Architectural Elements
Brass
18th Century Italian Antique Federal Architectural Elements
Carrara Marble
2010s Australian Federal Architectural Elements
Brass
2010s American Federal Architectural Elements
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century European Federal Architectural Elements
Brass
Late 19th Century English Antique Federal Architectural Elements
Brass
20th Century American Federal Architectural Elements
Pine
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Architectural Elements
Pine
1860s American Antique Federal Architectural Elements
Wood
1820s American Antique Federal Architectural Elements
Wood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Architectural Elements
Glass, Mirror, Wood
19th Century American Antique Federal Architectural Elements
Wood
1920s American Vintage Federal Architectural Elements
Brass
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Architectural Elements
Pine
19th Century American Antique Federal Architectural Elements
Wood
19th Century American Antique Federal Architectural Elements
19th Century American Antique Federal Architectural Elements
Pine