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.
Waterford Crystal Lamp Killarney Kinsale Bankers Table Lamp 1990s - 1stDibs
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage table lamp features sculptural cut crystal base with brass base and topper with an arm. Elongated cylinder-shaped crystal body is decorated with parallel bands of large cut d...
Crystal, Brass
1920's Caldwell Federal Style Bronze Sconces with Mirror
Located in New York, NY
1920 Caldwell bronze double light sconces federal style with convex mirror inset
Bronze
Vintage French Empire Federal Style Small Brass Bouillotte Tole Desk Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Federal Style Small Brass Bouillotte Tole Metal Table Lamp with Shade and Eagle Finial. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 20" H (to finial) x 12.5" H (to li...
Metal, Brass
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
$880Sale Price|20% Off
Large American Federal Style Eagle Wood Carved Two-Light Sconce
Located in Vero Beach, FL
This wood carved and gold gilded antique sconce features a majestic eagle with spread wings beneath a tied bow. The candle arms are of patinated scrolled brass and very finely detail...
Brass
$3,800 / item
1920's Silver Plated Caldwell Traditional Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell silver plates sconces, traditional style.
Bronze
Pair of Federal Eagle Carved Gilt Wall Sconces, Two Lights, 19th Century
Located in Manhasset, NY
A fine pair of two-light wall sconce. Each ribbon form in the Federal taste having gilt tassels and bow design with ebonized hi lights. Both depicting a winged eagle in flight. Hard...
Wood
French Federal Style Antiqued Chandelier, 6 Bulbs
Located in Plainview, NY
A stylish French federal style chandelier made in antiqued fashion. The metal frame has a beautiful pewter antique finish. The chandelier is e...
Metal
Pair of Fine Elegant Alabaster Marble Onion Shape Bases Table Lamps Clean!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Fine Elegant Alabaster Marble Onion Shape Bases Table Lamps Clean!
Marble
$3,900 / set
Pair of Mirrored Wall Sconces with Stars
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of antique raw metal Federal style wall sconces with classic convex mirrors and star burst tops all in a chic tight form. As seen in th...
Metal
Carved Alabaster Grapes Leaf Motive Urn Shape Square Mable Base Table Lamp MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Carved Alabaster Grapes Leaf Motive Urn Shape Square Mable Base Table Lamp MINT!
Alabaster, Marble
C. 1920s Solid Brass Deco Nouveau Floor Lamp
Located in Rockaway, NJ
C. 1920s Solid Brass Deco Nouveau Floor Lamp
Brass
Hand Painter Verre Églomisé Table Lamp with Federal Style Eagle Motif
Located in Houston, TX
Charming federal style verre églomisé American table lamp. Great for a classical or historic home. Newly re-wired for USA.
Glass
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
Vintage Federal Style Brass Candlestick Urn Form Table Lamps, Japan - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Federal Style Brass Candlestick Urn Form Table Lamps, Made in Japan - a Pair. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 35" H (to finial) x 30" H (to light socket) x 7" W x 7" D....
Brass
1900 Gilt Bronze Federal Style Large Sconces 3 Lights
Located in New York, NY
1900 Federal style Caldwell 3 lights bronze sconces unusual large size
Bronze
Pair of Antique Early 19th Century Federal Giltwood Wall Sconces with Eagles
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of antique early 19th century federal giltwood wall sconces with eagles.
Giltwood
Federal Style, Chandelier, Bronze, Ebony, Europe, 1960s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Federal Style, Bronze Angel Motif Chandelier, Bronze, Ebony, Europe, 1960s A nicely case bronze and ebony chandelier in the Federal taste. The body having a strong bronze form with ...
Bronze
Vintage Federal Style Polished Brass Candlestick Small Vanity Table Lamps a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Federal Style Polished Brass Candlestick Small Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 25.5" H (to finial) x 17" H (to light socket) x5" W x 5" D. {3-Way...
Brass
1920's Eagle Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces Federal Style
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell federal style silver plated sconces with eagles
Bronze
960'sPair of Crystal & Square Brass Bases Ornate Shades 25" Tall Table Lamps
Located in Rockaway, NJ
960'sPair of Crystal & Square Brass Bases Ornate Shades 25" Tall Table Lamps
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Antique Louis XVI Style Giltwood Wall Sconces with Eagles
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Antique Louis XVI Style giltwood wall sconces Additional information: Materials: Wood Color: Gold Period: early 19th century Place of Origin: France Styles: Federal ...
Wood
Monumental Traditional Brass Curved Glass 12 Light Foyer Cylindrical Chandelier
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
A monumental mansion size solid brass and curved glass cylindrical foyer chandelier. This light fixture is extremely large with a striking presence. The photographs truly do not do it justice. It features 12 candelabra sockets with black accents around the top and bottom rim and gold metal decorative filigree decorations. . The fixture comes with a heavy duty chain and ceiling cap. The glass curves around the perimeter and adds a touch of elegance. (Chain and wire measure 37 inches long) What an elegant traditional chandelier...
Brass
Eagle Design Gilt Bronze Sconces With Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930's Eagle design gilt bronze sconces with convex mirrored backplate, one light
Bronze
Pair Early 20th C. Hand Carved Continental Parcel Gilt Eagle Motif Wall Sconces
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pair of early 20th century hand carved eagle motif gilt wood wall sconces. Nicely carved and made, will fit in with any traditional American decor.
Giltwood
1940s Federal Style 6-Arm Brass Chandelier Nickel Plated with Original Patina
Located in New York, NY
This federal style 6 light chandelier is original to the 1940's and is nickel pated over brass with the original patina. It has elegant arms surrounding an urn shaped body and featur...
Brass, Nickel
$1,575 / item
Pair of Hollywood Regency Tole Lamps
Located in Nashville, TN
This is a beautiful pair of Hollywood Regency style Italian tole lamps! The bases are black marble with gold gilt leaves rising up from them to the ...
Crystal
$949
H 20.87 in W 12.21 in D 5.71 in
Louis XVI Style Bronze Girandole Wall Mirror with Candle Sconces, ca 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
This Louis XVI-style girandole wall mirror has a bronze frame surrounding a beveled oval mirror plate. The frame is decorated with leaves, flowers, scrolls, and a boy’s face. Beneath...
Bronze
Vintage Happylight Table Lamp 1990s
Located in Amstelveen, NL
Vintage Table Lamp 1990s by Happy Light A beautiful mid-century table lamp by the Happylight brand, made in the 1990s, with a marble base and chrome stand and a frosted glass shade...
Marble, Metal
$495
H 18 in W 12.5 in D 12.5 in
Waterford “Lismore” Round Cut Crystal Table Lamp-Customized Shade, Brass Base
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
“Lismore” pattern cut crystal round shaped lamp marked Waterford on the socket. It has an off white shade with customized trim by Blanche Fields of Boston. The brass base is marke...
Crystal, Brass
$4,600 / set
H 20 in W 13 in D 6 in
Pair of E. F. Caldwell Silvered Bronze Two-Light Georgian Style Sconces
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of signed Caldwell sconces feature Classical motifs including foliate swags, and acanthus leaves.
Bronze
$1,795
H 26 in Dm 13 in
French Empire Neoclassical Bronze Three Candelabras Bouillotte Lamp Tole Shade
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French Empire / neoclassical bronze three candelabras Bouillotte lamp with two Edison sockets and dark forest green tole shade.
Bronze
$4,569
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
$2,450 / set
H 19 in W 13 in D 5 in
Wonderful Pair E.F. Caldwell Silvered Bronze Neoclassical 2-Light Wall Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful pair of stamped E.F. Caldwell silvered bronze neoclassical 2-light sconces
Bronze
$1,250Sale Price|47% Off
H 29 in W 40 in D 6 in
Vintage Italian Gilt Metal and Wood 7-Light Candle Sconce, 1960s
By Palladio
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
8-157 Italian gilt metal and wood 7-light candle sconce with foil details. Large size lends itself as an elaborate wall sculpture.
Metal
$5,800 / set
H 12 in W 14.5 in D 7 in
Set of Four E. F. Caldwell Silver-Plated Bronze Georgian Style Sconces
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This set of four silver sconces by Caldwell feature classic early Georgian style details, including acanthus leaves and floral rosettes.
Bronze
$1,800Sale Price / set|68% Off
H 16 in W 9 in D 4 in
Pair E. F. Caldwell Silver Plated Bronze Two-Light Sconces
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
These handsome sconces feature cast rosettes, acanthus leaves, and tassel from finials.
Bronze
$3,250 / set
H 42 in W 13.5 in D 4 in
Pair of Federal Eagle Carved Gilt Wall Sconces, Two Lights, 19th Century
Located in Manhasset, NY
A fine pair of two-light wall sconce. Each ribbon form in the Federal taste having gilt tassels and bow design with ebonized hi lights. Both depicting a winged eagle in flight. Hard...
Wood
$2,770Sale Price|20% Off
H 33 in Dm 12.5 in
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
Vintage Chapman Solid Brass Bouillotte Pendent Light
By Chapman Manufacturing Company
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gorgeous Solid brass Three light Bouillotte Pendent Light by Chapman Lighting. Mint condition. Black solid brass shade, 8" solid brass chain with original brass ceiling canopy. ready...
Brass
1920 Caldwell Federal Style Eagle Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s gilt bronze federal style double arm sconces. Available in silver plate
Bronze
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
Pair of Two Candle Federalist Style Wall Sconces
Located in Leesburg, VA
Pair of Two Candle Federalist Style Wall Sconces Anonymous USA; Probably early-to-mid 20th century Wood, iron Approximate size: 30.25 (h) x 12.5 (w) x 7 (d) in. ea. A pair of wood...
Wood
Vintage Federal Style Brass Metal Table Lamp With Shield and Wreath Design
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Federal Style Brass Metal Table Lamp With Shield and Wreath Design. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 26" H (to finial) x 16.6" H (to light socket) x 8" W x 8" D. (Locat...
Metal
Federalist Eagle Motif Wood and Iron Gilt Pair of Wall sconces
Located in Leesburg, VA
Anonymous United States of America; 20th century Giltwood and gilt iron, glass Approximate size: 44 (h) x 14 (w) x 10 (d) in. A beautiful pair of Federalist style giltwood wall sco...
Iron
Large Brass Hexagon Shape Lantern Chandelier 9 Light Beveled Glass
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Gorgeous Large Brass Hexagon Shape Lantern Chandelier 9 Light Beveled Glass Dimensions : 44" Tall X 22" Wide X 22" Deep This lantern has beveled glass and is stunning! It has 9 lig...
Brass
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
Pair of Compatible Bronze Bouillotte Table, Desk Lamps, Tole
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pair of Compatible Bronze Bouillotte Table Lamps, Tole The set having matching shades and finials with compatible bases, one urn form and one column form. Both are bronze having bro...
Bronze
Large Courthouse Eagle Globe Lamp
Located in Peekskill, NY
This lamp features a 16 inch diameter milk glass globe. I think thats the largest globe we have ever offered and it does make a statement. The decorative elements definitely say muni...
Glass
Neoclassical Gilded Eagle Lamp in the style of Maison Charles, 1970s.
By Maison Jansen, Maison Baguès, Maison Charles
Located in Lille, FR
Gilded Eagle Lamp in the style of Maison Charles, 1970s.
Marble, Metal
1920 Caldwell Federal Style Eagle Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s gilt bronze federal style double arm sconces. Available in silver plate
Bronze