Federal Decorative Objects
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.
Late 20th Century American Federal Decorative Objects
Plaster
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Glass, Rosewood
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
1790s Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Maple, Wood
Early 1900s American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Walnut
19th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
Early 19th Century North American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 20th Century French Federal Decorative Objects
Terracotta
1820s American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Brass
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Oak
Early 20th Century American Federal Decorative Objects
Brass
1820s American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Brass
19th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Giltwood
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Federal Decorative Objects
Giltwood
20th Century Federal Decorative Objects
Wood
1970s American Vintage Federal Decorative Objects
Brass
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Brass
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Brass
Early 1800s French Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Marble
Early 1900s Unknown Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Brass
1870s French Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Bronze
Early 20th Century American Federal Decorative Objects
Brass, Enamel
20th Century Federal Decorative Objects
Silver
1940s American Vintage Federal Decorative Objects
Brass
19th Century French Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Gesso
1880s French Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Brass, Bronze
1910s American Vintage Federal Decorative Objects
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Italian Federal Decorative Objects
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Federal Decorative Objects
Brass
Mid-20th Century Federal Decorative Objects
Mahogany
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Boxwood, Mahogany, Satinwood, Walnut
1970s American Vintage Federal Decorative Objects
Brass
19th Century English Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Brass
20th Century American Federal Decorative Objects
Oak
Early 20th Century American Federal Decorative Objects
Gesso, Softwood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Metal, Brass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Decorative Objects
Cherry
Early 20th Century American Federal Decorative Objects
Mirror, Wood