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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.

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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

Kittinger Federal Inlaid Mahogany Serpentine Front Sideboard Credenza
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

Councill Federal Inlaid Flame Mahogany and Satinwood Sideboard Credenza
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

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

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

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

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

Pair of Federal Style Inlaid Mahogany Single Drawer Side Tables, Circa 1900s
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Federal Style Inlaid Mahogany Single Drawer Side Tables. Exquisite satinwood and ebony wood inlays on front, sides and top. Circa 1900s Measures 23.75" in width, 18" in depth...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Ebony, Mahogany, Satinwood

Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Collection Federal Mahogany Game Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style game table or tea table By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston Collection" USA, Circa 1980s Mahogany, with inlaid satinwood marquetry. M...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Antique George Washington Plaster Bust After Jean Antoine Houdon
Located in New York, NY
Fine antique molded plaster bust sculpture of President George Washington after the original model by Jean-Antoine Houdon created in 1785, cast by the widely admired P.P. Caproni of ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Plaster

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

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

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

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

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 of 2 Hitchcock Black Federal Side Chairs, Rush Seats.
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

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

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

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

Henredon Style Georgian Carved Mahogany Queen Size Poster Bed
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Federal style four poster queen size bed In the manner of Henredon USA, Circa 1980s Carved solid mahogany, with brass accents. Measures: 65.25"W x 89"D x 8...
Category

1980s American Vintage 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

Antique Two Tier Wash Stand in Original Green Paint
Located in Southampton, NJ
A single drawer two tier wash stand with dovetail joinery & original green paint. Circa mid 19th century. Additional dimensions: lower shelf: 7" H / table top: 29.25" H.
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Pine

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

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

Dixie Furniture Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Chest on Chest of Drawers
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

Antique Federal Flame Mahogany Secretary Unsigned 19thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique Federal Flame Mahogany Secretary 19thC. Measures - 93"H x 48.5"W x 23.5"D An example of 19th-...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Mahogany Card table
Located in Huntington, NY
American Federal Mahogany Inlaid & Figural 5-legged Games Table Card table with gate leg on The shaped rectangular top above an Oval Inlaid Frieze with Flower medallions on square t...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

Antique Semi-Post American Federal Twin Beds, Circa 1910s
Located in Southampton, NJ
An impressive pair of Antique Tiger Maple semi four post twin size beds with striking hand carved details on head & foot boards with turnings on posts & legs. American made, circa 1...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

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

MINT Brass Gallery Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard Thomasvill
Located in Rockaway, NJ
MINT Brass Gallery Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard Thomasville
Category

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

Vintage Beacon Hill Old Colony Federal Mahogany Tambour Door Secretary Desk
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 Southern Walnut Hinged Two Drawer Inlaid Sugar Chest, VA C 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal Southern walnut hinged top sugar chest with oval string inlays, two flanking drawers with brass pulls, central diamond escutcheons, and resting on the original turne...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage Ferguson Bros Federal Curved Glass Mahogany Wall Hanging Curio Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
A Vintage wall hanging Federal style display cabinet with a rounded curved glass front, mirrored interior and three shelves, topped with a scrolled pediment and three trophy shaped f...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood, 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. USA, Mid 20th Century Giltwood frame, with ori...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

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 Style Two-Drawer Cherry Work Table Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Federal Style Two-Drawer Cherry Work Table Side Table with brass drawer knows. Measures 23.75" in width, 16.5" in depth and 26.75" in height.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Romweber Federal Flame Mahogany Demilune Console Table, Circa 1920s
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet, chest of drawers, or console table By Romweber USA, Circa 1920s Stunning book-matched flame mahogany, with original b...
Category

1920s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Pair of Federal Cannonball Iron and Brass Andirons, Circa 1800s
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair Early 19th Century Federal iron and Brass Large Cannon Ball Andirons. Measures 13.5" in width, 21.5" in depth and 21" in height.
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique Early American Federal Mahogany & Gilt Mirror
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Antique Federal deep mahogany framed wall mirror with stunning carved frame with reeding, and original gold gilt fillet insert. Beautiful mahogany wood grain, quality American crafts...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Giltwood

18th Century Continental Mahogany Ten-Drawers Tall Lingery Chest of Drawers
Located in Germantown, MD
A rare 18th Century Continental Mahogany Narrow Ten-Drawers Tall Chest of Drawers, very appropriate for hosiery or Jewel with proper lining. Measures 54" in height, 16" in width and ...
Category

18th 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

Antique 19th Century 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 and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 colonies around the inside ...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Oversized Lexington Palmer Home Federal Style Mahogany China Cabinet 20thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Oversized Palmer Home Collection Federal Style Mahogany Step Back China Cabinet with Filigree Crest b...
Category

20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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 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

Federal Mahogany Card Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
American mahogany inlaid Hepplewhite fold top card table Circa 1790-1800. Tapered straight legs terminating at the feet in simple cuff inlay. Shape...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century American Four Post Bed Salem Massachusetts
Located in Hudson, NY
Beautiful American 18th century four poster bed retaining original red finish. Likely from Salem Massachusetts, this early Survivor is in...
Category

1790s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Federal Inlaid Mahogany Demilune Fold Top Console / Card Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Inlaid Mahogany Demilune Fold Top Console / Card Table in clean antique Condition. Measures 36" in width, 17.5" in depth folded, 35" in depth unfolded and 29.5...
Category

19th Century American Antique 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

Pull Out Tray Desk Table 6 Inlayed Drawers Federal Style High Chest Dresser MINT
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 Vintage Mahogany Sideboard Buffet with Tapered Legs
Located in Elkton, MD
Vintage mahogany inlaid tapered leg buffet with original finish and gorgeous brass details, dovetail construction.
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

1920s Federal Style Satinwood Inlaid Flame Mahogany Serpentine Card Table
Located in Germantown, MD
1920s Federal style satinwood inlaid flame mahogany serpentine card table in good antique condition. Very sturday. Measures 36" in width, 17" in depth when closed and 34" open and st...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Hickory White American Masterpiece Collection Demilune Sideboard for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Hickory White American Masterpiece Collection mahogany Demi Lune Sideboard. The sideboard with cross banding, felted center silver drawer above cabinet doors flanked by opposing door...
Category

20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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.

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