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.
Pair of Early 20th Century Oval Painted Wooden Mullioned Windows
Located in Milford, NH
A fine pair of architectural wooden mullioned oval windows in mustard yellow paint on one side, white on the other, glazed with a wagon wheel or spoke design dating to the early 20th...
Glass, Wood
18th Century Antique Federal Arch Top Transom Window, Blown Glass
Located in Greenwich, CT
Rescued from an estate outside of Boston, MA this antique arch top transom window adds an architectural feast to your space. The window has its original...
Blown Glass, Wood
$2,650
H 19 in W 53 in D 1.75 in
Early 20th Century Antique Victorian Beveled Glass Window in Original Frame
Located in Stamford, CT
Early 20th century beveled glass transom window with amazing bevels and four jewels. This is a fantastic window from a turn of the century Victorian home in western Pennsylvania. The...
Glass, Wood
$1,880Sale Price|20% Off
H 17 in W 54 in D 1.75 in
Early 20th Century Antique Beveled Glass Transom Window in a Wood Frame
Located in Stamford, CT
Early 20th century leaded and beveled glass transom window in the original wood frame. The beveled glass window was salvaged from an estate in Pittsburgh PA. Nice clean straight line...
Glass, Wood
$1,650
H 34 in W 31.75 in D 1 in
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Stained Glass Window, Floral Motif and Jewels
Located in Stamford, CT
A beautiful Art Nouveau style stained glass window with floral motif and jewels. This is a top half of a double hung window in a newer frame. This particular panel, with its stylize...
Glass, Wood
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 60 in W 29 in D 2 in
Early 20th Century Stained Glass Window in a Wood Frame
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautiful Antique Early 20th Century leaded stained glass window with a Jeweled center and Fleur De Lis pattern on the top and bottom. It is in gr...
Lead
Stained Glass Transom Window 52"x19"
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stained glass transom window from the turn of the century. Beautiful leaded design with colored glass. Currently housed in a temporary wooden frame - the...
Stained Glass
Early 20th Century Transom Window 63" x 16"
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long transom window with Art Deco style designs in colored glass. Split into three sections with three roses in each pane. Currently housed in a wooden frame - the overall dimension...
Stained Glass
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.5 in W 24.5 in D 1.25 in
Early 20th Century Antique Stained Glass Window in a New Wood Frame
Located in Stamford, CT
Early 20th Century antique stained glass window in a new wood frame. Salvaged from a building in Pittsburgh Pa, the original frame was rotten and replaced wit...
Glass, Wood
Stained Glass Transom Window 46"x21"
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long stained glass transom window from the turn of the century. Decorative wreath and ribbon design. Currently housed in a temporary wooden frame - the o...
Stained Glass
Antique 19th Century Stained Glass Transom Window
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique stained glass transom window in its original wood frame. This is a beautiful antique stained glass window with colors that...
Glass, Wood
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
H 42.5 in W 34.75 in D 1.13 in
Early 20th Century Antique Stained Glass Window in a Wood Frame
Located in Stamford, CT
A nice large stained glass window with a central shield crest. It's a nice simple window from the late 19th to early 20th century salvaged f...
Glass, Wood
Early 20th Century Stained Glass Window 35" x 40"
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage stained glass window with leaded trim design. Beautiful scrolling artwork with colored and textured glass. Currently housed in a ...
Lead
Antique Stained Glass Window Transom 42"x22"
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long 3 1/2 foot transom window with stained glass designs. Textured clear glass keep your privacy, while the green hues create a soft border. In the center is a shield and floral emb...
Stained Glass
Vintage Federal Style Palladium Mirrored Window
Located in Redding, CT
Vintage Federal style Palladium mirrored window. Great piece for that shabby chic household. Great above a mantel or foyer table or above a bed. Chipp...
Glass, Mirror, Wood