Federal Armchairs
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.
Late 20th Century American Federal Armchairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Armchairs
Brass
20th Century American Federal Armchairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Federal Armchairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century English Federal Armchairs
Leather
19th Century British Antique Federal Armchairs
Wood, Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Federal Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
1960s American Vintage Federal Armchairs
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany, Satinwood
20th Century American Federal Armchairs
Brass
Late 20th Century Federal Armchairs
Leather, Hardwood
Late 20th Century American Federal Armchairs
Metal
Late 20th Century American Federal Armchairs
Fabric, Mahogany
20th Century Unknown Federal Armchairs
Fabric
Mid-19th Century English Antique Federal Armchairs
Wood, Oak
1940s Spanish Vintage Federal Armchairs
Oak
1960s Italian Vintage Federal Armchairs
Bamboo, Rattan
Late 20th Century Federal Armchairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Federal Armchairs
Fabric, Textile, Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Federal Armchairs
Fabric, Mahogany
1950s American Vintage Federal Armchairs
Brass
1960s American Vintage Federal Armchairs
Mahogany, Fabric
Mid-20th Century American Federal Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century American Federal Armchairs
20th Century American Federal Armchairs
Brass
1940s American Vintage Federal Armchairs
Leather