Federal Furniture
FEDERAL STYLE
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.
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Style: Federal
Period: 19th Century
American Federal Bostonian Game Table , circa 1815
Located in Miami, FL
A fine Boston Federal game table in mahogany with fire gilded bronze doré ormolu mounts in the corners of the apron and original brass paw foot casters. Carving is well articulated and form is reminiscent of Federal Boston cabinet maker Isaac Vose...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
Early American Federal Chest of Drawers in Bookmatched Mahogany
Located in Hopewell, NJ
From the Federal period, a very beautiful American Neoclassical chest of drawers in fine bookmatched mahogany with one overhanging drawer supported on the sides by two beautifully tu...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Mahogany Demilune Flip Top Console Game Table with Hidden Drawe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Mahogany Demilune Flip Top Console Game Table with Rear Drawer. Item features a hidden pull out rear drawer with hand dovetail, flip top, nicely carved details, beautiful woo...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century American Federal Eagle Bullseye Convex Rondel Wall Mirror
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 19th Century American Federal Bullseye convex mirror. Features a round hardwood ebonized and gilt frame with eagle crown and leaf foliate. Originally belonged to Frances Jaspe...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Antique 19th C. American Federal Crotch Walnut 2 Drawer Side Table Nightstand
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique American Federal Side Table. Made from walnut with two hand dovetailed drawers, turned drawer pulls and crotch walnut veneer front. The table is supported by long squared l...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Rare Antique American Federal Mahogany Inlaid Sofa Settee Boston Massachusetts
Located in Dayton, OH
A Very Fine American Federal Period Carved Mahogany Sofa, circa 1810. Features a bowback frame with cross banding. Sloped arms lead to reeded supports in front of remarkable three-di...
Category
1810s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Early 19th Century Cherry Hand-Planed Gate-Legged, Drop Leaf Dining Table
Located in Louisville, KY
Not your ordinary drop-leaf table, this early 19th century cherry gate-leg, drop-leaf table was hand-planed and hand-turned to create a wonderful dining table that doubles as a conso...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
1800s American Federal Mahogany Butler's Secretary Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
An early 19th Century Federal Mahogany Butler's Secretary Desk recently refinished.
Measure 45.75" in width, 21" in depth and 44" in height.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
An Interesting Account of the Voyages and Travels of Captains Lewis and Clarke
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Fisher, William. An Interesting Account of the Voyages and Travels of Captains Lewis and Clarke, in the Years 1804-5, & 6... Baltimore: P. Mauro, 1813. 12mo. Illustrated. Rebound in...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Paper
Federal Butlers Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
Very attractive Mahogany southern Federal Butlers Desk probably mid Atlantic states around 1820-30. Large bottle drawers on either side of a nicely fi...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Style Flame Mahogany Serpentine Hepplewhite Sideboard Marquetry Cabinet
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Stunning serpentine federal style sideboard, flame mahogany veneer and patterned marquetry inlay. Sold with unrestored with original patina and losses. Great bones for a complete res...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
American Federal Swirl Mahogany Butler's Desk New York, Circa 1800s
Located in Germantown, MD
An American Federal Swirl Mahogany Butler's Desk New York Circa late 18th Century to Early 19th Century , featuring three flawlessly working upper drawer, and A Abattant Door that o...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair Large 19th C. American Federal Empire Brass Curtain Tie Backs.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Pair Large 19th C. American Federal Empire Brass Curtain Tie Backs.
An elegant pair of American Empire floral motif curtain tie backs. Large, 5 Inc...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique American 4 Poster Acanthus Carved Southern Bed in Mahogany, c. 1820
Located in Miami, FL
Period Antique Federal American 4 poster bed in West Indies mahogany, c. 1820. A fine example of a Southern bed featuring carved tobacco and acanthus leaves in a fine tight grained C...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century 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 and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 colonies around the inside ...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
American 1800’s Federal Style Two Drawer Drop-leaf Side Table
Located in Louisville, KY
This lovely table is an example of an era of furniture long gone. Made in Burlington, Vermont in the mid 1800’s, this beautiful cherry, burled walnut and poplar as secondary, showcas...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Poplar, Walnut, Burl
Rare Antique Federal American Mahogany Secretary Writing Desk Gothic Bookcase
Located in Dayton, OH
A fine and impressive Federal Period Mahogany secretary and bookcase, circa 1830s. The bookcase features an eighteen pane gothic arched cabinet fro...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Philadelphia Federal Work or End Table in Mahogany, circa 1820
By Anthony Quervelle
Located in Miami, FL
A stunning American Federal table in mahogany with neoclassical form in the manner of renown Philadelphia cabinetmaker Anthony Quervelle. Top offers ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Style Mahogany Chest Of Drawers
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The chest in fine traditional form and having good graining with decorative line inlay. Raised on four carved feet with four long drawers with brass oval pulls and key escutcheons. ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Metal
Classical American Federal Gondola Sleigh Bed in Mahogany, Philadelphia, c. 1830
Located in Miami, FL
An exquisite classical American gondola sleigh bed in fine West Indies mahogany from the Federal period in Philadelphia, circa 1830. Inspired by the aesthetic ideals of ancient Greek & Roman furniture popularized during the Empire & Federal period, this sleigh bed features shaped sideboards with an out-scrolled headboard...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Federal Bow Front Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Bow Front Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table. Measures 30" in width, 19.5" in depth and 29" in height. Knee height 24.5"
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Early 19thC American Federal Period Convex Gilt Wood Eagle Mirror 1820
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique American Federal period convex gilt wood looking Glass/ mirror, circa 1820.
The mirror sumounted with a carved eagle on a plinth, the eagle with a chain suspended from...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Pair Of Federal Style Mahogany Bedside Tables
Located in Essex, MA
In the style of Seymour of Boston with square tops and cookie corners. Two drawers with turned tapered reeded legs.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Neoclassical Federal Pedestal Sideboard in Mahogany, circa 1815
Located in Miami, FL
A very long and elegant American Federal, pedestal sideboard in mahogany with mahogany inlaid bandings along the borders. Inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique American Federal Flame Mahogany Secretary Writing Desk Gothic Bookcase
Located in Dayton, OH
A fine and impressive antique early 19th century Federal Period flame Mahogany secretary and bookcase. The bookcase features an eighteen pane Gothic arched cabinet...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
1818 Declaration of Independence Broadside Engraved by Benjamin Owen Tyler
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a stunning 1818 engraving of the Declaration of Independence, the first engraved broadside of our nation’s founding document. The year 1815 saw the conclusion of the United S...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
American Federal Mahogany Child's Four-Post Bed
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal-style (19th Century) small mahogany child's four poster bed with pineapple finials (includes: headboard, footboard, does not include rails.) (Irregular size, check m...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century American 39 Star Flag, circa 1889
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century American 39 Star Flag, circa 1889, a period printed silk parade flag with a wavy pattern of dancing stars. This was never an official flag of the United States but was m...
Category
1880s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Silk
Antique American Federal Empire Mahogany Fold Over Pedestal Tea Game Card Table
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique American late Federal/Empire carved mahogany fold-over tea/games/card table, circa 1830.
The table having a fold-over & swivel top, below is a carved and gadrooned ap...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gesso, Mirror, Wood, Giltwood, Ebony
1850 Butternut and Oak Side Table with Two Stacked Drawers with Hobnail Beading
Located in Louisville, KY
The 1850's produced some of the most beautiful furniture pieces of the time. From simple elegance to ornately adorned, tables were indeed an art form of this period. But, this piece ...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Oak
19th Century Giltwood Mirror with Rosette Corners and Fruit Panel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An antique carved giltwood wall mirror from the 1800s featuring a rectangular frame with rosette corners and a basket of fruit panel at the top. It is made of wood and gilded with g...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror
Philadelphia Federal Wardrobe / Armoire in West Indies Mahogany c. !820
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional American Federal wardrobe from Philadelphia in fine West Indies mahogany. Features split cylindrical columns with elaborate acanthus-carved Corinthian capitals flanking doors with book matched, crotch-mahogany panels. The stepped ogee-style crown molding, too, is expertly book matched, along with the concave base board...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
A late 19th Century Walnut inlaid Sewing Table
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Stately walnut inlaid sewing, work table with turned legs, single drawer and fabric covered slide out storage for sewing necessities. The top with a rare inlay in the form of a ship...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Satinwood, Walnut
Federal Giltwood Banjo Clock
Located in Essex, MA
Typical form with white enamel dial and reverse painted waist and pendulum door. With key and pendulum.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Federal Style Wooden Fireplace Mantel
Located in Sheffield, MA
A handsome example of an unusually large American Federal Period wooden fireplace mantel. The wood does show aged wear. Use it as is for added charact...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique 19th Century Dovetail Joints Secretary Drop Front Desk w Drawers Dresser
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Antique 19th Century Dovetail Joints Secretary Drop Front desk w drawers dresser.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
The Life of George Washington by Jared Sparks, Later Printing, 1854
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Sparks, Jared. The Life of George Washington. Auburn and Buffalo: Miller Orton & Mulligan, 1854. Later printing. Two volumes in one. Octavo. Rebound in 1/4 brown leather and cloth boards, with gilt titles, tooling, and raised bands. New archival cloth slipcase.
Presented is a later edition of Jared Sparks’ esteemed biography, The Life of George Washington. First published in 1839, Sparks’ The Life of George Washington is one of the earliest and most intimate biographies of our first President. This printing was published in Auburn and Buffalo by Miller Orton & Mulligan, in 1854. Impressively detailed, the biography is embellished with 14 engraved plates of portraits, views, and battle plans...
Category
1850s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Paper
19th Century American Federal Wall Mirror with Eagle Crest
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning and rare antique American Federal giltwood wall mirror dating to the first half of the 19th century. The fine quality example surmounted by a large carved figural eagle cr...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood, Paint
Antique Pair of Federal Birch Wood Dinning Charis
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th Century Antique Pair of Federal Biech Wood Dinning Charis with stylized scroll form rail over slat back, caned seats, and splay legs, c1830.
Measures- 33.5''H x 17.5''W...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
American Federal Four Poster Mahogany King-Size Bed, Early 19th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
This elegant New York poster bed has some of the finest hand carving and delicate details making it a very fine example of a Federal bed. The solid mah...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Poplar, Mahogany
Antique American Federal Style Drop Leaf Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique American federal style cherry wood drop leaf table, 19th century. With a 2 board top, a frieze drawer, square tapered legs and S shaped stretcher bars. Nice old cherry...
Category
19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
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...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany
19th Century Mahogany Dining Table with Leaves with Brass Clips
Located in Huntington, NY
Table has 2 end sections and 2 leaves and brass clips. The table can be used as a pair
of side table against the wall. Great color and patina
Dimension...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Mahogany Pillar and Scroll Mantel Clock, Eli Terry, Circa 1825
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany pillar and scroll mantel clock with a broken arch pediment, three urn wood finials, flanking ringed columns, hinged glass d...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Folding Sewing Table with Yardstick Top
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A unique and charming piece of sewing history, this antique wood folding sewing or tailor’s table from the 1800s is perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate the nostalgia and functionality of vintage sewing furniture...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique 19th Century 4 Drawers Pull Out Tray Flame Mahogany Bachelor Chest Brass
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Antique 19th Century Federal Style 4 Drawers pull out tray flame mahogany bachelor chest brass
Pulls Dovetail Drawers.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique American Federal Maple Wood Canopy Single Twin Poster Bed Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Federal Maple Wood Canopy Single Twin Poster Bed Frame with Carved Finials (Color indoors is more true to images 2 and 3). Buyer will...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
Early Federal Style Tiger Maple Dressing Mirror
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A handsome early 19th Century Tiger maple dressing mirror with drawers. The rectangular mirror with original silvering showing appropriate age to the silver with three small drawers...
Category
1820s North American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
NYC Federal Full Tester Bed Attributable to Lannuier w Four Floral-Carved Posts
By Charles-Honoré Lannuier
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional American Federal sleigh bed with tester in fine West Indies/ Cuban mahogany with beautifully-articulated floral and acanthus-leaf carvings, along the crest of the headboard and footboard, and on the four posts, attributable to the French-born cabinetmaker Charles-Honoré Lannuier...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Carved and Painted Wooden Eagle with Shield Attributed to John Haley Bellamy
Located in Savannah, GA
In all original untouched condition including weathered paint, this wonderful Folk Art wall plaque speaks for itself. Substantial size. It looks to be made to be mounted on a ledge, ...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Centennial American Federal Gilded Carved Eagle and Mahogany Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb 1876 era Centennial American mirror with a gorgeous gilded eagle on top and garlands and detail on the rest of the mahogany frame. The frame is in good antique condi...
Category
1870s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gesso, Mahogany
The Works of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, with His Life, Written by Himself, 1835
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Franklin, Benjamin. The Works of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Consisting of Essays, Humorous, Moral, and Literary, with His Life, Written by Himself. Exeter: J & B Williams, 1835. In origi...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Paper
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)
Category
1880s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Plaster
Antique Federal Mahogany Work Table/ Nightstand Attributed to Isaac Vose, Boston
By Isaac Vose
Located in Miami, FL
A very handsome Federal work table in fine West Indies mahogany with fold-down leaves. There are two drawers with two rounded columns flanking each side. Drawers have the original turned pulls. Top rests on a square column that gradually widens ending with ogee moldings and rests on quatre-form base with concave arches. Table rests on foliate-carved scrolls that end in carved lions' paw feet with original porcelain casters. Attributed to highly regarded cabinetmaker, Isaac Vose...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Drop-Leaf Table in Mahogany, circa 1825
Located in Miami, FL
A federal table in mahogany with drop-leaves, on turned legs with large leaf carvings and ending in casters. Offers one drawer with original wooden pull.
Note: You should always req...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Small Drop Leaf Table
Located in Hudson, NY
Made in Vermont circa 1820 this fine old country drop leaf table retains if not its original surface a very old one. Constructed by a craftsmen using pegs and hand plained local tige...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
New York Federal / Sheraton Pembroke or Drop-Leaf Table in Mahogany, circa 1810
Located in Miami, FL
A fine example of an American Federal drop-leaf table in West Indies mahogany, from New York, circa 1810. The solid rectangular top with curved drop-leaves features a beautiful figur...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Partners' Desk in Mahogany, Philadelphia, circa 1820
Located in Miami, FL
A beautiful Philadelphia partners desk in mahogany with gadrooned top and apron resting on center pedestal with carved baluster and legs, and ending in brass casters with lions' paw ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Mahogany & Satinwood Butler's Desk with Paw Feet. NY, C. 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany butler's desk with a carved molded edge, three upper drawers with original brass knobs, sliding fall front interior desk with Satinwood drawers and pigeon h...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Mahogany and Inlaid Sideboard
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a small, but sophisticated American Federal inlaid mahogany bow front breakfront sideboard. The top has a straight edge over a central drawer and central tambour cabinet door...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal furniture made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, Kindel Furniture, Drexel, and Edward F. Caldwell & Co.. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $115,000 while the average work can sell for $2,800.
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