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
$870Sale Price / set|40% Off
19th Century Mortar & Pestle with Original Surface
Located in New York, NY
American, late 18th century/early 19th century wooden mortar and pestle. The urn shaped mortar with rich patina has a wonderful ...
Maple, Wood
1970s Wire Basket Woven Aluminum Modern Waste Basket Container
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Wire Basket Woven Aluminum Modern Waste Basket Container Vintage Aluminum Unmarked Original vintage preowned unrestored condition. Presents firm and sturdy. Measures: 12.75...
Aluminum
19th Century Stone Mortar
Located in Houston, TX
19th century stone mortar from France. Hand-carved alabaster mortar in a conical shape with four handles. One handle notched with a channel for pouring. Beautiful as a sculptural acc...
Alabaster
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
$834
H 11.82 in Dm 9.06 in
Midcentury Pleated Leather Italian Decorative Waste Basket, Nova Tecno 1950s
By Gucci
Located in Roma, IT
Incredibly elegant Italian decorative waste basket or trash can fully made in sturdy pleated leather. This charming piece was produced in Italy during the 1950s by Nova Tecno, clear...
Leather
Fornasetti Waste Basket
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Piero Fornasetti Roman Coin Waste Basket Original surface exhibiting wear Decal Label
Metal
19th Century French White Marble Mortar
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful large white marble mortar, France, 19th century. Weathered. H:15cm W:27cm D:27cm
Marble
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
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 Leather Hide Jewelry Tray
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful French leather and animal hide vanity jewelry tray by designer Gilles Caffier, Paris, France. This monochromatic tray has a leather wrapped frame with a plush animal hide...
Hide, Leather
$987Sale Price|20% Off
H 5.91 in W 39.38 in D 16.54 in
Antique 19th century Dutch Rustic brown stained solid carved elm grain trough
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful rustic grain trough originates from the Netherlands and was crafted around 1880. Expertly carved from a single piece of elm wood, the trough bears many signs of wear a...
Steel
Small 19th Century French Bronze Mortar with Pestle
Located in Dallas, TX
This small bronze mortar and pestle are from 19th century France. The outside of the mortar has been adorned with mascarons and geometric patterns that rise from chased sides. The pe...
Bronze
Spanish 18th Century Mortar and Pestle
Located in Round Top, TX
A very handsome 18th century mortar and pestle hand carved from a solid block of wood. Sensational patina. A wonderful object for table top, bookca...
Wood
Sold
H 0.88 in W 4.75 in D 4.88 in
Federal Design Blue Gold White Porcelain Jewelry or Trinket Dish with Eagle Bird
Located in New York, NY
A white porcelain jewelry or trinket dish with blue and gold bird design in the Federal style, circa early to mid-20th century, Europe. A beautiful gold Eagle bird with a halo of sta...
Porcelain