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.
19th Century Federal Style Gilded Eglomise Trumeau Mirror with Mother & Child
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a sweet gilded trumeau mirror with Federal styling. The eglomise panel depicts a mother and child. The mirror portion does show age wear.
Glass, 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
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 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
Early 19th-C. Federal Style Faux Tortoise Eglomise Trumeau Mirror
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a wonderful piece! Firstly, it should be noted that it may even be as early as the later part of the 18th century. Note the simplicity of the trumeau that depicts a single pi...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Antique American Federal Carved Giltwood Pier Mirror Églomisé Panel NY 1810
Located in Portland, OR
A good antique American Federal period, Classical giltwood eglomise pier mirror, New York, circa 1815. The mirror with a stepped cornice and applied gilt spheres, below are bands of ...
Mirror, Giltwood
American Federal Mahogany Églomisé Barley Twist and Acorn Wall Mirror, C. 1815
Located in Charleston, SC
American federal mahogany églomisé wall mirror with decorative carved acorn and barley twist motif. Mirror retains the original looking glass and wood backing, Early 19th century.
Mirror, Mahogany, Pine, Paint
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Trumeau Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
19th century French Louis XVI style trumeau mirror. Stunning large 19th century French Louis XVI style painted and giltwood trumeau mirror. This fabulous full-length Neoclassical st...
Giltwood, Wood
Early 19th Century Swedish Gold Gilt Trumeau Mirror
Located in Round Top, TX
Lovely decorative trumeau mirror with applied carved accents including pair of griffins, decorative garland, floral medallions and more. Note how the gold giltwood frame is enhanced ...
Mirror, Giltwood, Paint
19th Century French Petite Trumeau Mirror, Gilt Wood, Neoclassical
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite 19th century French trumeau mirror that is relatively compact in its proportions yet sophisticated in the Neoclassical decorative elements that project a respect for history...
Gold Leaf
$1,879Sale Price|34% Off
H 91 in W 50 in D 17 in
Early 20th Century Italian Trumeau Mirror with Planter Stand
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Early 20th century Italian Trumeau mirror with plant stand A medium walnut color, that has been sanded to show a two-tone finish. This is 2 pieces, the mirror separates from the b...
Mirror, Walnut
$1,592Sale Price|20% Off
H 38.78 in W 18.31 in D 1.19 in
19th Century Gilded Trumeau Mirror with Maritime Painting
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite late 19th-century trumeau mirror is a stunning example of classical French craftsmanship, combining functionality and artistry. The elegant rectangular frame is adorne...
Mirror, Giltwood, Paint
Massive Timeworn Antique Italian Trumeau Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Magnificent late 18th-Early 19th Century Baroque Style Trumeau Mirror In green paint with gilt details. A carved top with a surround with paintted scenes of a castle, lake and figure...
Canvas, Mirror, Wood
$12,000
H 48.75 in W 64.25 in D 4.25 in
19th Century Italian Neoclassic Giltwood Wall Mirror with Glass Panels
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Neoclassic-style (19th Century) carved giltwood wall mirror with black and gold decorated reverse glass panels with urns, griffins, and lyre designs. One glass panel is crac...
Gold Leaf
19th Century French Gilt and Painted Trumeau Mirror, Carved Wood
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A unique trumeau mirror from circa 1800 century France featuring an assortment of gilded, low-relief carvings in the panel above the glass. This amalgamation consists of a satin ribb...
Gold
19th Century Trumeau Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
19th century fragments made into a trumeau mirror with antique mercury mirror. This mirror has been manufactured recently to look old. From bot...
Wood
Large French 19th Century LXVI Style Gilt Wood Trumeau Mirror
Located in London, Park Royal
This large Louis XVI style trumeau mirror, circa late 1800's from France, has generous proportions which make it a commanding presence. The fine, decorative carving,at the top secti...
Hardwood
Early 19th Century Gold Gilt Swedish Trumeau Mirror
Located in Round Top, TX
Lovely narrow gold gilt trumeau mirror with carved ribbon design crowning the upper top, carved trim, beaded detail and more. Beautiful shades of gold, blue/teal (upper section), and...
Mirror, Wood, Paint
Early 19th C French Gold Trumeau Mirror
Located in Hastings, GB
Early 19th c French gilt Trumeau mirror Fantastic example of a French Trumeau mirror with elegant proportions. The carved wooden frame is overlaid with gesso and gilt, finished in g...
Wood
Vintage Federal Trumeau Gilt Mirror 20thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Vintage Federal Trumeau Gilt Mirror 20thC Measures - 39.75"H x 23.25"W x 4"D A vintage Federal-style ...
Giltwood
Federal Style Gilt Eglomise Mirror
Located in Savannah, GA
A Federal style gilt eglomise mirror with neoclassical scene, 20th century. plate: 23 ½ by 33 ½ inches overall: 31 ½ by 47 ¼ inches
Mirror, Giltwood
Floral Paint Decorated Mahogany Trumeau Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood
Georgian Style Reverse Painted Glass Historical House Trumeau Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
Beautiful early 20th century Georgian style reverse painted glass historical house Trumeau mirror. Measures 24.75" in width, 40.5" tall and 3" in depth.
Mirror, Wood, Mahogany, Paint
Sold
H 37.5 in W 21 in D 3.75 in
19th Century Continental Federal Trumeau Eglonise Mirror with Colonial Motif
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Exquisite 19th century Federal style eglonise mirror. Trumeau that shows an American Eagle surrounded my 13 stars as an homage to the original colonies of America. Has vibrant gold, ...
Foil
19th-C Continental Federal Style Water Gilt Eglomise Trumeau Mirror
Located in Kennesaw, GA
A personal favorite! This is a 19th century Federal style carved and water gilt mirror with eglomise sunburst trumeau. It is incredible with it’s vibrant blue, sunburst and pastoral ...
Mirror, Giltwood
Sold
H 40.25 in W 24 in D 4 in
Vintage Federal Style Églomise Gilt Trumeau Mirror with Ship by Beacon Hill
By Kaplan Furniture
Located in Big Flats, NY
Vintage Federal style gilt églomisé Beacon Hill Collection (Piece Number 6263) trumeau mirror by Kaplan Furniture Company of Boston, MA features hand-painted maritime...
Glass, Mirror, Giltwood
Charming Federal Giltwood Trumeau Mirror
Located in Buchanan, MI
Charming Federal giltwood trumeau mirror. Great size for accent or powder room mirror. Original glass.
Giltwood, Mirror
19th century Giltwood and Églomisé American Federal Mirror
Located in Savannah, GA
Detailed early 19th century American federal églomisé, or reverse painted giltwood mirror featuring a primitive house with three chimneys. It came fro...
Giltwood