Federal Home Accents
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.
Mid-20th Century American Federal Home Accents
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Federal Home Accents
Bronze
1820s American Antique Federal Home Accents
Silver, Iron
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Home Accents
Mahogany, Maple
1970s American Vintage Federal Home Accents
Brass
1950s American Vintage Federal Home Accents
Brass
1950s American Vintage Federal Home Accents
Brass
1980s American Vintage Federal Home Accents
Brass
1960s American Vintage Federal Home Accents
Brass
Early 19th Century English Antique Federal Home Accents
Tapestry, Rosewood
Late 20th Century American Federal Home Accents
Wood
Early 19th Century British Antique Federal Home Accents
Wood
Mid-20th Century Mexican Federal Home Accents
Limestone, Marble
Early 1800s European Antique Federal Home Accents
Pine
21st Century and Contemporary English Federal Home Accents
Metal
1950s American Vintage Federal Home Accents
Brass
18th Century Spanish Antique Federal Home Accents
Wood
Early 20th Century North American Federal Home Accents
Iron
Mid-20th Century European Federal Home Accents
Teak
1970s American Vintage Federal Home Accents
Brass
1950s American Vintage Federal Home Accents
Brass
1950s American Vintage Federal Home Accents
Brass
20th Century Italian Federal Home Accents
Plaster
20th Century American Federal Home Accents
Iron
1970s American Vintage Federal Home Accents
Brass
20th Century American Federal Home Accents
Brass
20th Century American Federal Home Accents
Brass
1920s American Vintage Federal Home Accents
Iron
20th Century American Federal Home Accents
Iron
1950s American Vintage Federal Home Accents
Brass
20th Century American Federal Home Accents
Brass