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.
Federal Bronze Clear Pebbled Glass Lantern Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This early 20th Century hanging lantern exudes timeless charm. Its bronze frame and clear pebbled glass showcase a classic design, capturing the essence of the Federal style, making ...
Bronze
19th Century American Federal Emerald Green Blown Glass Bell Jar Hall Lantern
Located in Litchfield, CT
Large antique 19th century American Federal emerald green blown glass bell jar hall lantern with tall witch's hat smoke shade. Wonderful deep green color. The lantern and smoke shade...
Blown Glass
$4,521
H 57 in Dm 15.6 in
Wonderful Late Victorian Bronze and Stain Leaded Glass Pendant Light / Lantern
Located in Lisse, NL
Kindly note that we arrange the shipping ourselves to ensure a smooth, secure, and reliable delivery. This allows us to provide the best possible service and care for your purchase. Stunning design and amazing colors Victorian pendant light...
Bronze
Hand-Crafted Moroccan Moorish Lantern Pendant with Clear Glass, 1980
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Elegant and stylish clear glass hand-crafted Moroccan lantern with intricate filigree work in the Moorish style. Will add elegance in any room. Could be used as a wall sconces or cha...
Metal
19th Century French Bronze and Etched Frosted Glass Hall Lantern
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Late 19th/Early 20th Century French Bronze and Etched Frosted Glass Hall Lantern Of ovoid shape with four sunburst etched glass panels, b...
Bronze, Ormolu
Wonderful Brass Etched Greek Key Blown Glass Bell Jar Lantern Light Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Brass & Etched Greek Key Glass Bell Jar Lantern Light Fixture Come With 4 Candelabra Sockets.
Brass
$2,236
H 22 in Dm 13 in
Large Bell Jar Lantern Hand Blown Glass Etched Grapevines Motifs, England, 1830s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A good size vintage hand-blown glass bell jar lantern with central three-bulb candelabra cluster. England, 1930-1939. Glass bell with etched engraved grapevines motifs hold by a burn...
Brass
$1,350
H 24 in Dm 12 in
Wonderful Brass Blown Etched Glass Star Bell Jar Lantern Vaughan Light Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Brass & Blown Etched Glass Star Pattern Bell Jar With 3 Candelabra Lights Lantern Light Fixture, Ready To Install With Chain And Canopy In The Manner Of Vaughan Designs
Brass
Mercury Glass Bell Jar Hurricane Lantern
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Pair of mercury glass bell jar pendant, with embossed brass details. Made to order. Sold individually. Antique silver finish on glass may present variat...
Silver, Brass
Wonderful Vintage Vaughan Petite Bell Jar Blown Glass Lantern Pendent Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Vintage Vaughan Designs Style Petite Clear Glass Bell Jar Blown Glass Lantern Pendent Fixture With 3 Candelabra Lights, Completely Rewired With Chain Canopy And Mounting ...
Brass
French Art Deco Bronze and Clear Glass Four-Light Lantern, 1930s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A Art Deco bronze and clear glass cylindrical lantern with a central four-light candelabra cluster, France, 1930-1939. This lantern is in very good condition, no damages, rewired. Fo...
Bronze
$2,950
H 18 in Dm 8.5 in
Wonderful Pair Brass Blown Glass Star Bell Jar Lantern Vaughan Light Fixtures
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Gilt Brass & Blown Etched Glass Star Pattern Bell Jar Lanterns Each With A 3 Candelabra Light Cluster In The Manner Of Vaughan Each Fixture Comes Ready To Hang W...
Brass
French Vintage Lantern, 1960s Bronze & Glass lantern
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage Five Sided Forged Bronze and glass ceiling lantern. France, Circa 1960s. Decorate your ceiling with Bronze Pentagonal Lantern of Mid 20th century. This lantern is fully bronze with gilt decor and would be perfect for a hallway or staircase, but also as a chandelier. The 5 sides have 5 transparent glass windows. There 2 Light bulbs in the form of faux candlestick. Lamps in the form of a lantern always look interesting in the interior and create a romantic and mysterious atmosphere. Beautiful Vintage Lantern...
Bronze
Moroccan Square Tole and Clear Glass Candle Lantern
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Small handcrafted Moroccan clear glass lantern adorned with open metal work Moorish filigree design. Hurricane tole candle lamp with open metal work d...
Metal
Urban Electric Co. SmokeBell Mirrored Pendant Light Chandelier
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Large handcrafted modern Federal inspired bell jar pendant light by The Urban Electric Company. This high-quality custom 'Urban Smokebell' light fixture features a stunning reflecti...
Metal
Wonderful Pluribus Unum Eagle Star Brass Glass Bell Jar 3-Light Lantern Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful "Pluribus Unum" Eagle & Star Brass With Blown Glass Bell Jar 3-Candelabra Light Lantern Fixture
Brass, Bronze
Monumental Over 4 FT Tall 12 Light Brass & Glass Chandelier Lantern
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Monumental Over 4 FT Tall 12 Light Brass & Glass Chandelier Lantern Dimensions : 56" Tall X 28.5" Wide X 28.5" Deep This lantern is monumental perfect for an entry way!
Brass
Early 20th Century Federal Style Continental Brass Lanterns, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a wonderful pair of Federal style brass lanterns with eagle pediment. They have a made in Holland label. They are not wired and were likely operated via oil.
Brass
Federal Glass Bell Jar Lantern
Located in Westwood, NJ
Federal glass bell jar hall lantern with brass drapery band and base with a three-light cluster.
19th Century Federal Style Hanging Lantern
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This blown glass and brass lantern is suspended by three chains, and surmounted by a glass smoke ring.
Brass