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.
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
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
Large 4 Light Court House Lantern
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is the type of early lamp used to light government and bank buildings in the early 20th Century. At 12 x 19 inches its one of the largest lamp globes we have offered. The lamp f...
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
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
$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
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
$960Sale Price|41% Off
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
$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
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
Pair of Federal Eagle Carved Gilt Wall Sconces, Two Lights, 19th Century
Located in Stamford, CT
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
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
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
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
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
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
C. 1920s Solid Brass Deco Nouveau Floor Lamp
Located in Rockaway, NJ
C. 1920s Solid Brass Deco Nouveau Floor Lamp
Brass
Federal Style, Chandelier, Bronze, Ebony, Europe, 1960s
Located in Stamford, CT
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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