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Federal Benches

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
Upholstered Window Seat Bench
Upholstered Window Seat Bench

Upholstered Window Seat Bench

$1,165

Upholstered Window Seat Bench

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A delightful small bench with wonderful transitional, Federal, and Louis XVI charm. The bench is upholstered in woven fabric with gently rolled arms, piped trims, and a brass tacked ...

Category

20th Century Unknown Federal Benches

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Regency Carved Mahogany And Upholstered Settee
Early 20th Century Regency Carved Mahogany And Upholstered Settee

Early 20th Century Regency Carved Mahogany And Upholstered Settee

$2,995

Early 20th Century Regency Carved Mahogany And Upholstered Settee

Located in Germantown, MD

Early 20th Century Regency Carved mahogany and Upholstered settee. It measures 40.75" in width, 23" in depth and stands 37.5" tall, with a seat height of 16". Arm height is 24", seat...

Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

19th Century Federal Painted Bench
19th Century Federal Painted Bench

19th Century Federal Painted Bench

$1,750

19th Century Federal Painted Bench

Located in Nashville, TN

Bench has arrow shaped splats. Slightly reduced in length. Original condition.

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Wood

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English Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Upholstered Bench Seat
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Located in Rio Vista, CA

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Late 19th-Century Swedish Original Blue Painted Bench
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Late 19th-Century Swedish Original Blue Painted Bench

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A Hepplewhite Style Black and Ochre Painted Upholstered Window Bench
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$4,300

H 31.5 in W 53.875 in D 16.625 in

A Hepplewhite Style Black and Ochre Painted Upholstered Window Bench

Located in New York, NY

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Located in El Monte, CA

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Modern Gio Ponti Style Window Bench or Settee
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H 18.12 in W 59.06 in D 18.9 in

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Hollywood Regency Settee

$3,950

H 29 in W 58 in D 19 in

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Located in West Palm Beach, FL

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Previously Available Items
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Located in Astoria, NY

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20th Century American Federal Benches

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Located in Doylestown, PA

A large painted and stenciled deacon’s bench in the Hitchcock style with parcel gild decoration, spindle back and scroll arms, early to mid-19th century.

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American Painted Pine Deacons Bench
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American Painted Pine Deacons Bench

Located in Essex, MA

With brown paint. With rectangular crest rail over spindles and a conforming seat . Scroll arms. Turned legs. Very sturdy.

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1840s American Antique Federal Benches

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19th C. American Federal Floral Painted Bench
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Located in Southampton, NJ

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Located in Chicago, IL

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Upholstered Mahogany Bench with Roll over Arms
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H 23 in W 26.5 in D 13.75 in

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Located in Astoria, NY

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H 20 in W 40 in D 15 in

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Antique Early American Windsor Pine Spindle Back Colonial Deacons Bench Seat
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Antique Early American Windsor Pine Spindle Back Colonial Deacons Bench Seat

Located in Dayton, OH

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American Federal Painted Bench with Rush Seat
American Federal Painted Bench with Rush Seat

American Federal Painted Bench with Rush Seat

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H 32.5 in W 80 in L 32.5 in

American Federal Painted Bench with Rush Seat

Located in Queens, NY

American Federal (First half of the 19th century) dark brown painted and gold stencil decorated bench with ladder back and rush seat supported on eight turned legs connected with a s...

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Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Benches

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Federal benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Federal benches for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal benches made in a specific country, there are North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 benches differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,200 and tops out at $2,246 while the average work can sell for $1,862.

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