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Federal Painted 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
Windsor Highchair In Original Paint Circa 1820
Located in Hudson, NY
Beautiful American, windsor, arrow-back high chair in original surface. Circa 1820, this chair is in excellent condition with an incredible surface history. The splayed legs are much...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Painted Furniture

Materials

Maple, Paint

Windsor Highchair In Original Paint Circa 1820
Windsor Highchair In Original Paint Circa 1820

Windsor Highchair In Original Paint Circa 1820

$1,450
Federal Grain Painted and Stenciled Document Box 19th Century American
Located in Hudson, NY
A spectacular and fine, dovetailed poplar, rosewood grain painted and ebonized document box. The gold stenciling is of a very fine quality. Retains the original fire gilded steel bai...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Painted Furniture

Materials

Gold, Steel

Federal Grain Painted and Stenciled Document Box 19th Century American
Federal Grain Painted and Stenciled Document Box 19th Century American

Federal Grain Painted and Stenciled Document Box 19th Century American

Price Upon Request
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Federal painted furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Federal painted furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage painted furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal painted furniture made in a specific country, there are North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 painted furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $5,800 and tops out at $6,500 while the average work can sell for $6,150.

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