Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
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.
Early 20th Century American Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mahogany, Giltwood
19th Century Antique Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Wood
19th Century American Antique Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Giltwood
Early 20th Century American Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mahogany, Paint, Mirror
Mid-20th Century European Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Giltwood
1830s American Antique Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Giltwood, Gesso
1810s American Antique Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Giltwood, Mirror
1950s British Vintage Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Giltwood
19th Century Antique Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Giltwood
19th Century Antique Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Glass
Mid-19th Century Antique Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Wood
19th Century English Antique Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mercury Glass, Giltwood
Early 20th Century Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Wood
Late 19th Century French Antique Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Wood
19th Century French Antique Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Giltwood, Mirror
19th Century French Antique Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Glass, Giltwood
19th Century English Antique Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Glass, Giltwood
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Giltwood
Late 20th Century American Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Composition
19th Century Antique Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Wood, Mirror
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Gold Leaf
Early 20th Century Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Wood
1810s American Antique Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Giltwood
Early 20th Century Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Wood
Late 19th Century French Antique Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Giltwood
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Giltwood
Mid-20th Century American Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Mahogany
19th Century French Antique Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Giltwood
Early 20th Century Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mid-20th Century American Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Mahogany
20th Century French Federal Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mahogany, Mirror