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.
1970's American Heirloom Hand Stained Top Grain Hide Leather Waste Can
By Heirloom
Located in San Diego, CA
1970's American Leather wrapped over removable tin waste can . by Heirloom , nice worn patina with the inside tine shows marks due to normal wear and tear can be resprayed if desired.
Tin
Antique Hand Woven Rustic Karagumoy Filipino Two Toned Grain Basket
Located in Yonkers, NY
A hand woven karagumoy Filipino basket from the 19th century, with checkered two-toned structure, side opening and rustic character. Created in the Phi...
Natural Fiber, Wood
Vintage leather paper waste bin
Located in TILBURG, NL
Mid Century Modern full leather paper waste bucket. In used condition with nice 'Rock & Roll' patina. Oval shaped top, round bottom. Not sure about the country of origin but possibly...
Leather
Rare Mid-Century Modern Leather Waste Bin by Carl Auböck III
Located in Vienna, AT
This exceptional leather wastepaper bin is a quintessential example of the "tactile modernism" that defined the Werkstätte Auböck in Vienna during the mid-20th century. Designed by C...
Leather
Leather Waste Basket by Merit Los Angeles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful leather waste bin in the style of Jacques Adnet produced by Merit Los Angeles. Made entirely of a thick cowhide leather in a distressed sad...
Leather
Italian Hand-Crafted Willow Plant Holder/Waste Basket, 1960s Design
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-989 Italian hand grafted willow plant holder/waste basket.
Willow
Fornasetti Waste Basket
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Piero Fornasetti Roman Coin Waste Basket Original surface exhibiting wear Decal Label
Metal
Midcentury Leather Italian Decorative Waste Paper Basket, Nova Tecno 1980s
By Gucci
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Italian decorative waste basket or trash can fully made in thick curved brown full grain leather enriched with hand-knotted leather. This incredibly charming piece is in fa...
Leather
French Mid-Century Cognac Leather Waste Bin, 1960s
Located in Staffanstorp, SE
A refined waste bin crafted in richly patinated cognac-colored leather, produced in France during the 1960s. The cylindrical form is defined by clean, architectural lines and hand-s...
Leather
$520Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 13.25 in W 13.5 in D 10.75 in
1960's, Beni Mobler Danish Modern Rosewood Waste Basket Trash Can Denmark
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful rosewood waste basket/trash can made by Beni Mobler and dates from the 1960's. Made in Denmark and is marked on the bottom. Wonderful form and de...
Rosewood
Cork and Leather Waste Basket/ Umbrella Holder, 1970s USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome leather trimmed basket with cork center. Perfect as a waste basket or umbrella holder. Great condition. Located at our Los Angeles showroom.
Leather, Cork
$323
H 12.21 in Dm 10.24 in
Faux leather Basket or Trash can, Circa 1970 Black and Grey color Made in Italy
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This basket, or trash can, has been made in Italy in the 1970's. The Faux leather as a Black and grey color . It is in good condition.
Faux Leather, Plastic
NVIN0499 Vintage Faux Leather Waste Can
Located in Annville, PA
From Niagara Furniture a Vintage Faux Leather Waste Can. Cast from resin the planter has been given a super high end look by decorating it to appear as though it is wrapped in leather and painted with what looks like gold tooling. Ingeniously designed to resemble an antique waste basket...
Mahogany