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.
$396Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage American Federal Gold Brass Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style small convex bullseye wall mirror featuring an eagle with open wings standing on olive branches. USA, Mid 20th Century Brass frame, with origin...
Brass
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Mahogany Federal Chippendale Gilt Eagle Acanthus Wall Vanity Mirror 45"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Federal / Chippendale style wall / mantel / vanity / mirror. Rectangular form, framed in mahogany with scrolling fretwork at the top and bottom, gold gilt border around the m...
Mirror, Mahogany
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage American Federal Giltwood Eagle Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 colonies around ...
Mirror, Giltwood
Federal Gilt Over Mantle Mirror
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very attractive Federal gilt over mantle mirror in original condition. A classic traditional Neo Classical design with rope twist columns and a continuous row of gilt spheres as c...
Gold Leaf
$556Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage American Federal Gold Brass Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirrors, Pair
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Regency style small convex bullseye wall mirrors featuring an eagle with open wings and 13 balls representing the original 13 colonies USA, Mid 20th Ce...
Mirror, Giltwood
$796Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches. USA, Mid 20th Century Giltwood frame, with ori...
Mirror, Giltwood
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Federal Trumeau Reverse Painted Gilt Wood Mirror Unsigned 19thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Federal Trumeau Reverse Painted Gilt Wood Mirror 19thC Measures - 32.5"H x 16.5"W x 2"D This 19th-century Federal Trumeau mirror features a reverse-painted panel depicting a ...
Giltwood
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Federal Style Parcel Gilt Mahogany Wall Mirror C. 20th
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Federal Style Parcel Gilt Mahogany Wall Mirror C. 20th Measures - 50"h x 29"w x 2"d
Mirror, Mahogany
American Federal Style Tri-Panel Gold Leaf Wall Mirror
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal Revival style gilt wall mirror featuring fluted corinthian pilasters partitioning 3 beveled mirror panes under a pediment with decorative dentil moulding ending in v...
Mirror
$1,256Sale Price|30% Off
Early 20th Century Federal Style Cherry and Gilt Metal Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th Century Federal Style Cherry and Gilt Metal Wall Mirror. Measures 49" in width and 27" in height.
Mirror, Wood, Cherry
Antique Federalist style ornate Giltwood Mirror surmounted by an American Eagle
Located in Leesburg, VA
Antique Federalist style ornate Giltwood Mirror surmounted by an American Eagle Anonymous United States of America; probably early 20th century Giltwood, glass Approximate size: 55...
Giltwood
American Federal Gilt Wood Convex Mirror with Perched Eagle to Flee, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal gilt carved wood and gesso convex mirror with perched eagle to flee, flanking acanthus scrolled foliage, interior circular spheres, ebonized reeded ring, and termina...
Gesso, Mirror, Wood, Giltwood, Ebony
$1,396Sale Price|30% Off
19th Century Continental Style Giltwood Frame Wall Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Continental Style Giltwood Frame Wall Mirror. Measures 19" in width 34.5" in height.
Mahogany, Mirror, Giltwood
19th C. Federal Style Gilt Wood Mirror w/ Eagle & Cornucopias
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
19th century federal style mirror, hand carved and intact, two cornucopias filled flanking either side of the eagle. Classic design element of the federal period (much like the convex mirror but without the distorted mirror)
Plaster
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open outstretched wings standing on foliate branches and 13 small spheres representing t...
Mirror, Giltwood
American Federal Gilt Eagle Convex Mirror with Acanthus & Shell Pendant, C. 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
Monumental Period American Federal gilt wood and gesso convex mirror with a central spread winged Eagle perched to flee on rocky plinth, upper flanking scrolled acanthus foliage, in...
Gesso, Mirror, Pine, Giltwood, Ebony
American Federal Gilt Wood & Ebonized Acanthus Foliage Convex Wall Mirror C 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal gilt wood and gesso acanthus foliage convex mirror with central ebonized molded reeded ring, interior lambs tongue border, exterior gilt wood circular spheres, and d...
Ebony, Mirror, Gesso, Pine, Giltwood
$880Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Federal Carved Mahogany Trumeau Pier Mantel Mirror 35"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Federal / empire style style pier / trumeau mirror - rectangular shape topped with a pediment over a foliate applique; divided mirror flanked leaf carved columns. Dimensions...
Mirror, Mahogany
American Federal Rectangular Giltwood Eagle Pediment Wall Mirror
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal (19th Century) rectangular giltwood wall mirror surmounted on a stepped platform with a carved gilt eagle holding metal chain swags over an an egg and dart design f...
Giltwood
Antique Late 19th Century American "Federal" Style Convex Mirror.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Late 19th Century American "Federal" Style Convex Mirror. Carved Wood with Gold and an Eagle Perched on Top.
Mirror, Wood
Federal Style Gilded Carved Wood Mirror, 19th Century
Located in Southampton, NY
Federal Style Gilded Carved Wood Mirror, 19th Century Carved wood American Federal style parcel-gilt wall mirror featuring a broken scroll ...
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Broyhill USA Federal Style Broken Arch & Finial Cherry Wood Wall Dresser Mirror
By Broyhill
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pre-owned Broyhill Federal Style Broken Arch & Finial Wall Dresser Mirror. Item feature a solid wood frame, beautiful wood grain, nicely carved details, quality American craftsmanshi...
Mirror, Wood
Early 19th Century American Giltwood Convex Girandole Mirror
Located in Essex, MA
Period American Federal convex girandole mirror of monumental size. Giltwood with original gilding and mirror. New York.
Giltwood
$1,756Sale Price|20% Off
American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 ...
Mirror, Giltwood
Large Federal Carved Giltwood and Eglomise Overmantel Mirror
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Large and Rare Federal Carved Giltwood and Eglomise Overmantel Mirror. Mirror is flanked by double gilded columns on each side, with mirrored inserts that enhance the sense of dept...
Mirror, Giltwood
19th C. Carved And Gilt Convex Mirror for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Originally purchased in Boston. A classic deep convex mirror with multiple surrounds. The outer decorated with X shaped motifs on each side, a deep curved band with gilt spheres, an ...
Mirror, Wood
Vintage Regency Gilt Federal Convex Eagle Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a grand statement with this stunning Vintage Regency Gilt Federal Convex Eagle Mirror. A true masterpiece of Federal-style design, this mirror features a convex glass center fra...
Mirror, Wood
Italian Hand-Made American Federal Style Eagle Mirror Style Friedman Brothers
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Italian hand-made American Federal Style eagle mirror, in the manner of Friedman Brothers, is a striking example of neoclassical elegance and timeless craftsmanship. Topped with...
Gesso, Mahogany
Antique Early American Federal Mahogany & Gilt Mirror
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Antique Federal deep mahogany framed wall mirror with stunning carved frame with reeding, and original gold gilt fillet insert. Beautiful mahogany wood grain, quality American crafts...
Mahogany, Giltwood
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
$1,756Sale Price|20% Off
American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 ...
Mirror, Giltwood
$542Sale Price|30% Off
Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Trumeau Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Trumeau Mirror with hand painted on board perched eagle with yellow background. Measures 21.5" tall and 11" in width.
Mirror, Mahogany, Paint
Antique Centennial American Federal Gilded Carved Eagle and Mahogany Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Celebrate American heritage with this Antique Centennial American Federal Wall Mirror, featuring a majestic carved giltwood eagle crest and elegant mahogany frame. Crafted around the...
Gesso, Mahogany
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Federal Chippendale Mahogany Inlaid Beveled Glass Mirror 37"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage 20th century Federal / Chippendale style wall mirror - rectangular beveled glass mirror with carved mahogany frame with oval patera fan inlay. 5 0 1 2187. Dimensions: 23" ...
Mirror, Mahogany
American Federal Gilt Wood Ebonized Eagle Girandole Convex Mirror, Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal gilt wood girandole convex mirror with perched spread wing eagle, connecting chains with hanging gilt balls, oak leaves with acorns, scrolled foliage medallion candle arms, circular brass bobeches, original ebonized reeded mirror with sphere mounted surround, and terminating with a lower foliage pendant...
Brass, Gold Leaf
$1,396Sale Price|30% Off
Federal Style Parcel Gilt Decorated Mahogany Frame Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
A Federal Style Parcel Gilt Decorated Mahogany Frame Mirror in great vintage condition. Measures 21" in width and 44" in height
Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood
Admiral Eagle Federal Round Bull’s-Eye Wall Mirror
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Beautiful round mirror with eagle surmount. In a bronze hue. A great example of the American federal style.
Resin, Plastic
$1,756Sale Price|20% Off
American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 ...
Mirror, Giltwood
$1,756Sale Price|20% Off
American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 ...
Mirror, Giltwood
$1,756Sale Price|20% Off
American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 ...
Mirror, Giltwood
$1,756Sale Price|20% Off
American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 ...
Mirror, Giltwood
Mid-Century Italian Carved Eagle Giltwood Federal Style Mirrors, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of carved giltwood eagle mirrors with Federal styling in very good condition. They are Italian and most likely date to the 60s. The pair are unmarked.
Mirror, 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
19th Century American Federal Eglomise Mirror
Located in Essex, MA
Period American Federal Mirror. Giltwood and Eglomise in Neoclassical Style. Original gilding. Wonderful Urn Pediment. Ex New England Colle...
Glass, Giltwood
19th Century Federal Eglomise Decorated Wall or Table Mirror
Located in Manhasset, NY
19th century federal eglomise decorated wall or table mirror having a wonderfully gilt decorated frame under an eglomise glass panel depicting a baske...
Mirror, Wood
American Federal Gilt Carved Convex Eagle Pediment Wall Mirror
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal convex giltwood wall mirror with ball design, fluted ebonized border, and eagle pediment top.
Mirror, Giltwood
Vintage American Federal Mahogany Beveled Glass Broken Arch Fretwork Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage American Federal Style Mahogany Beveled Glass Broken Arch Fretwork Wall Mirror. Item features beveled glass, beautiful wood grain, carved fretwork, quality American craftsman...
Glass, Mahogany
La Barge Large 33x48 Shield Shape Gold Leaf Gilt Wall Mirror MINT
By La Barge
Located in Rockaway, NJ
La Barge Large 33x48 Shield Shape Gold Leaf Gilt Wall Mirror MINT
Mirror
Antique Chippendale Style Mahogany and Giltwood Mallard Duck Oval Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Chippendale Style Mahogany and Giltwood Mallard Duck Oval Wall Mirror. Item features very fine and detailed wood carvings, gold accents surrounding the frame, and classic Chi...
Mahogany
American Regency-Style Perched Eagle Acanthus Giltwood Wall Mirror
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Substantial Federal-Style mirror featuring inset glass (not convex) within a deep, gilt resin frame adorned by an eagle perched on laurel at the top and acanthus detail below (ca. Mi...
Gold Leaf
Vintage Decorative Crafts Inc American Federal Carved Wood Gold Gilt Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Decorative Crafts Inc American Federal Carved Wood Gold Gilt Wall Mirror. Item features gold gilt and brown distress painted finish, carved finials, solid wood frame, nicely ...
Mirror, Wood
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
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 ...
Mirror, Giltwood
Federal Style, Giltwood, Convex Mirror, Regency Wall Mirrors, England, 19th C.
Located in Manhasset, NY
Federal Style, Giltwood, Convex Mirror, Wall, Console, or Pier Mirrors, England, 19th C. Rare pair of federal style mirrors designed and produced in England in the later half of the...
Mirror, Giltwood
$1,756Sale Price|20% Off
American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 ...
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique Federal Bow Front Three Drawer Shaving Mirror c. 1830
Located in Westfield, MA
This elegant Federal period bow front shaving mirror, dating to around 1830, is a fine example of early 19th century American craftsmanship. Made in richly figured mahogany, the mirr...
Mahogany
Federal Style Circular Mirror, Giltwood Wall / Pier / Vanity
Located in Manhasset, NY
Federal style circular mirror, giltwood wall / Pier / vanity A Petite Federal style mirror that would compliment any Hollywood Regency or Mid-Century Modern décor. fine giltwood c...
Mirror, Giltwood
Federal Style Carved Giltwood Wall / Console / Pier Mirror, Over Mantle , 1900s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Antique Federal Style Carved Giltwood Wall / console / Pier mirror, 1900s A finely carved versatile mirror that can be used on the floor or over the mantle, console or hanging on ...
Mirror, Giltwood
Pair of Early 19th Century Federal Hepplewhite Mirrors with Pineapple Finals
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of American Federal Hepplewhite Mirrors with Pineapple Finials. Wonderful pediment shaped eglomise panels with floral gilt. Gilded balls and columns. A true pair. Possibly Al...
Giltwood
Vintage Boho Brass Cuff Pediment Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace boho-chic charm with this vintage brass cuff pediment mirror. Its striking brass frame, featuring a unique cuffed pediment design, adds a bold, eclectic vibe to your decor. P...
Mirror, Wood