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.
American Federal Églomisé and Giltwood Trapezoidal Pier Mirror
By John Doggett
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Federal Églomisé and Giltwood Trapezoidal Pier Mirror with Green Ground, Attributed to Doggett School, Boston, circa 1815 A rare and architecturally distinctive early 19th-century American Federal mirror...
Glass, Giltwood
A Fine Highly Figured Federal Style Pier Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A more diminutive Federal style Pier Mirror with traditional form and particularly rich color and graining. Highly figured mahogany pier mirror with a dimensional crest and two facet...
Mirror, Mahogany
A Federal Mahogany Mirror with Eagle Motif, American ca. 1820
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Federal Mahogany Mirror with Gilt Eagle Crest and Bronze Dore Accents.
Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood
Gilt Carved Wall, Console or Table Mirror with High Open Fleur-de-Lis Pediment
Located in Stamford, CT
Gilt carved mirror with high open Fleur-de-Lis pediment and oval etched mirror panel of a young lady in full dress.
Mirror, Giltwood
$2,080Sale Price|35% Off
H 49.5 in W 21.25 in D 0.75 in
Mid Century Brass Wall Mirror with Starburst Motif, 1960s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A 1960s mid-century modern wall mirror in rectangular form comprising a segmented brass frame with the top glass bearing a sunburst motif. Clean and understated, it works beautifully...
Brass
$1,500
H 47 in W 23.5 in D 3.5 in
Antique American Federal Mahogany Reverse Painted Eagle Trumeau Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique American Federal Mahogany Reverse Painted Eagle Trumeau Wall Mirror. Circa Mi...
Glass, Mahogany
18th Century Carved Giltwood Mirror with Eagle, Roses and Leaves
Located in Pembroke, MA
18th century Italian giltwood mirror with hand carved eagle, roses, leaves and other details. The carving around outer perimeter of the mirror to really highlight the details. Appear...
Gold Leaf
$3,985
H 44.5 in W 19 in D 3.5 in
Swedish Gilded Mirror, circa 1820 with Arched Crest and Flanking Half Columns
Located in Atlanta, GA
An early 19th century Swedish gilded mirror, circa 1820. This mirror features an arched crest and flanking fluted half columns. There are two li...
Wood
French Gilt Mirror with Doors
Located in Hudson, NY
French gilt mirror with doors, French mirror purchased in Japan, with doors that close and beautifully gilded framing. Includes original mirror with ...
Mirror, Giltwood
Neoclassical Pier Mirrors
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of completely original, hand-carved and gilded, Italian, c. 1800 pier mirrors. Each featuring a spectacular crown consisting of a pierced, flower c...
Mercury Glass, Wood
Italian Carved and Gilt Tall Console Mirror
Located in Rochester, NY
Antique carved and gilt paneled mirror. Side panels are smoked mirror glass. Great quality, early 20th century. Measures: 58.5" high. See our other...
Mirror, Giltwood
Adams Style Wall / Console / Pier Mirror, Giltwood, Floral Motif
Located in Stamford, CT
Adams Style Wall / Console / Pier Mirror, Giltwood, Floral Motif Most likely Freidman Brothers. This fine decorative wall or console mirror is remin...
Mirror, Giltwood
American Mahogany and Gilt Wood Ogee Wall Mirror, Circa 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany and gilt wood ogee wall mirror with the original glass and wood backing. Early 19th century.
Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood
$400Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.25 in W 13.75 in D 3.5 in
Antique Federal Mahogany Mirror With Eglomise Panel C1820
Located in Big Flats, NY
A fine example of early 19th-century craftsmanship, this Federal-style mahogany mirror features an églomisé panel depicting a pastoral scene with a house and trees. The mirror is fra...
Mirror
Victorian Walnut Pier Mirror
Located in Morristown, NJ
19th/20th C., large handsome Victorian walnut pier mirror. Open pediment top with central spire, carved baluster frame, beveled glass, no ...
Mirror, Walnut, Pine
Vintage Regency Federal Gilt Eagle Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a commanding statement of historical elegance with this stunning vintage Regency Federal style gilt mirror, proudly dated "NOV 11 1958" on its reverse. Dominated by a proudly perched eagle, a quintessential symbol of strength and heritage, this piece features a circular frame adorned with classic ball detailing and ornate, flowing acanthus leaf carvings. The rich gilt finish exudes an old-world opulence, transforming this mirror from a mere reflective surface into a captivating work of mid-century artistry. It's an exceptional choice for gracing an entryway, becoming a focal point above a mantel in a distinguished living room, or adding a touch of gravitas to a traditional or Hollywood Regency inspired office. In great vintage condition, this authentic 1958 mirror...
Mirror, Giltwood
Sold
H 41.5 in W 24.5 in D 5 in
American Classical Carved Giltwood Pier Mirror with Floral and Shell Decoration
Located in Morristown, NJ
American, possibly New York or Philadelphia, circa 1820-1830. Federal giltwood classical tabernacle mirror, having a shaped cornice decorated with acorns, supported by rosette blocks...
Mirror, Giltwood
American Empire Pier Mirror, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
An early Empire giltwood pier mirror with rope twist split column, flower basket and leaf blocks with acorn spherules and original mercury glass, c.1815-1840. 29 inches wide by 5 ¼...
Mirror, Giltwood
Classical Gilt and Ebonized Federal Looking Glass
Located in Hudson, NY
Beautiful gold gilt and ebonized split column looking glass with rare form carved basket of fruit. Likely Massachusetts circa 1815, and in excellent condition, Retains original glass...
Gold Leaf
American Classical Mirror Circa 1820
Located in Hudson, NY
An American federal mirror of exceptional quality depth and design. With a perfect warm patina and retaining the original gold gilding and mirr...
Gold Leaf
Federal Arched Top Wood Beveled Pier Mirror Dark Stain
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th century Federal style arched top pier mirror featuring brass hardware in a dark stain beveled mirror. Please note, this item is located in our NYC store.
Mirror, Wood
Sold
H 52 in W 24 in D 2 in
Tall Rectangular Brown and Gold Wood Admiral Eagle Pier Mirror with Gilt Details
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A tall rectangular Federal admiral eagle mirror with gilt details. This wonderful wall mirror has a metal hanging wire at the back for easy installation. It is created from dark stai...
Mirror, Plaster, Wood
Sold
H 47.25 in W 21.25 in D 3 in
American Federal Carved Giltwood Pier Mirror w. Églomisé Panel, Boston 1800-1820
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This American Federal period giltwood pier mirror, Boston circa 1800-1820, is designed in the architectural or classical style. It features an impressing projecting crest molding wit...
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Federal Style Gilt Gold Convex Mirror, Wall, Console or Pier Mirror
Located in Stamford, CT
A Federal style gilt gold convex Wall mirror. Wall, console or pier mirror that is simply stunning. This large and impressive gilt gold mirror has a convex or bowed center clean mir...
Mirror, Giltwood
American Federal Carved Giltwood Pier Mirror with Églomisé Panel
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This Federal period giltwood pier mirror, dating to circa 1820, is designed in the architectural style. It features an elegant projecting crest molding with applied classical ornamen...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Federal Style Convex Eagle Carved Mirror, Wall, Console Mirror
Located in Stamford, CT
Federal style convex eagle carved mirror. Wall, console mirror having a finely carved frame terminating in a fully carved winged eagle with serpents on each side.
Mirror, Giltwood
Sold
H 43.75 in W 29 in D 5.5 in
19th Century American Federal Giltwood Antique Pier Wall Mirror, New England
Located in Shippensburg, PA
An inordinately fine and powerful presentation, this Federal period giltwood mirror is designed as an architectural representation of the home it would generally hang in. From the bo...
Mirror, Pine, Giltwood, Glass
Sold
H 49 in W 22 in D 1.75 in
Federal Style Mirror Featuring Églomisé of USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere
Located in Stamford, CT
A beautifully giltwood Federal style mirror featuring églomisé scenes of the USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere, a famous early naval battle in the war of 1812 won by USS Constitutio...
Mirror