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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
New England Windsor Style Deacon’s Bench, 19th Century
Located in Doylestown, PA
A large painted and stenciled deacon’s bench in the Windsor style with parcel gild decoration, spindle back and scroll arms, early to mid 19th century.
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Beech

New England Windsor Style Deacon’s Bench, 19th Century
New England Windsor Style Deacon’s Bench, 19th Century

New England Windsor Style Deacon’s Bench, 19th Century

$1,650 Sale Price
37% Off
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

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

$2,246 Sale Price
25% Off
Neoclassic Adam Federal Style Window Bench as Found
Located in New York, NY
Nice Adam (Federal) style bench with tapestry fabric top (worn). This example will need to be reupholstered, it is structurally sound and sturdy, a...
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Benches

Neoclassic Adam Federal Style Window Bench as Found
Neoclassic Adam Federal Style Window Bench as Found

Neoclassic Adam Federal Style Window Bench as Found

$1,200
Upholstered Window Seat Bench for Restoration
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

Upholstered Window Seat Bench for Restoration
Upholstered Window Seat Bench for Restoration

Upholstered Window Seat Bench for Restoration

$1,295
Antique Federal Style Carved Gilt Swan And Eagle Carousel Mohair Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Federal Style Carved Gold Gilt Swan and Eagle Carousel Bench Newly Reupholstered in a Blue Mohair Seat Antique Federal Style carved wood gold gilt swan and eagle carousel be...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Giltwood

Antique Federal Style Carved Gilt Swan And Eagle Carousel Mohair Bench
Antique Federal Style Carved Gilt Swan And Eagle Carousel Mohair Bench

Antique Federal Style Carved Gilt Swan And Eagle Carousel Mohair Bench

$8,999
Vintage Federal Style Extra Long Hall Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Federal Style Extra Long Hall Bench An elegant vintage federal style carved wood frame triple hall bench with 10 legs. This hall bench is being sold in its original conditi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage Federal Style Extra Long Hall Bench
Vintage Federal Style Extra Long Hall Bench

Vintage Federal Style Extra Long Hall Bench

$2,350
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

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

19th Century Federal Painted Bench

$1,750
Related Items
Hand carved swans necks bench, France, 1940s
Located in amstelveen, NL
Graceful French bench from the 1940s with hand-carved swan necks, made in ivory lacquered wood. The cushion seat is newly upholstered in a graphic fabric by Dedar Milano. It would ...
Category

1940s European Vintage Federal Benches

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood, Lacquer

Hand carved swans necks bench, France, 1940s
Hand carved swans necks bench, France, 1940s

Hand carved swans necks bench, France, 1940s

$1,432 Sale Price
20% Off
H 21.66 in W 28.75 in D 22.05 in
Antique French Hall Bench / Dining Bench
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this stunning antique French hall bench / dining bench with a beautiful patina. For lovers of a charming and warm interior, it's long been known that a bench is alw...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Wood

Antique French Hall Bench / Dining Bench
Antique French Hall Bench / Dining Bench

Antique French Hall Bench / Dining Bench

$441
H 19.3 in W 67.33 in D 13 in
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

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

19th Century Federal Painted Bench

$1,750
H 32 in W 128 in D 15 in
20th Century Spanish Renaissance Carved Walnut Bench Banquette "Escaño"
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning antique Spanish Renaissance walnut bench, called "escaño" in Spain, believed to date back to the early 19th century. Heavy pieces of solid walnut in back and seat with bevel...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Federal Benches

Materials

Walnut

20th Century Spanish Renaissance Carved Walnut Bench Banquette "Escaño"
20th Century Spanish Renaissance Carved Walnut Bench Banquette "Escaño"

20th Century Spanish Renaissance Carved Walnut Bench Banquette "Escaño"

$4,490
H 34.45 in W 74.41 in D 19.3 in
Pair of Iron Garden Benches England, 19th Century European White
Located in Epfach, DE
Pair of iron garden benches England, 19th century European white Pair of English strap iron garden seats, white painted, benches are very decorative and comfortable.  
Category

1890s English Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Iron

Pair of Iron Garden Benches England, 19th Century European White
Pair of Iron Garden Benches England, 19th Century European White

Pair of Iron Garden Benches England, 19th Century European White

$11,699 / set
H 36.62 in W 59.85 in D 25.2 in
19th Century French Bench
Located in Nashville, TN
This is an amazing early 19th century French rush seat bench with beautiful age and patina. The leg and arm rest have beautiful curves, as well as the slightly curved back this is tr...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Rush, Wood

19th Century French Bench
19th Century French Bench

19th Century French Bench

$3,975
H 39 in W 72 in D 20 in
19th Century Bench
Located in New York, NY
Early 19th century Chinese bench. A special black lacquered antique Elm wood bench circa 1800. A waisted (refers to specific Chinese furniture construction & joinery) raised top set on frame with hump back stretchers and struts. A most sensational patina of black lacquer worn through to the wood showcases the benches elegant presence and raw beauty. This is an original piece with a 200 plus year history. The raw top is worn silk like smooth from age and use. The reaming black lacquer is thick having an alligatored rustic patina. The construction is solid and strong. Feet having scroll key detail carved to faces with wear prevalent to the bottom of the feet. The humpback struts show ware from one side being more evident then on the other side, more lacquer remains covering one strut. A very significant Antique Chinese Bench...
Category

Early 1800s Chinese Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Elm

19th Century Bench
19th Century Bench

19th Century Bench

$4,800
H 19.5 in W 62.5 in D 12 in
19th Century Mahogany Bench
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant 19th century mahogany bench from England covered with charming fabric in the chesterfield buttoned style lovely unusual bench since it is smal...
Category

19th Century British Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Mahogany Bench
19th Century Mahogany Bench

19th Century Mahogany Bench

$1,551
H 18.9 in W 34.26 in D 18.9 in
Extra Long George Nelson Platform Bench by Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Highland, IN
Introduced in 1946, the slat platform bench was one of Nelson's first designs for Herman Miller after becoming their design director. Intended to serve as a table, a seat, or a base for case goods, its countless imitations over the years are a testament to its functionality and popularity. Herman Miller produced them in a range of sizes to meet a variety of needs. This exceptional vintage example is model 4693. At 102” in length, it’s the largest size slat bench Herman Miller...
Category

1950s American Vintage Federal Benches

Materials

Maple

Extra Long George Nelson Platform Bench by Herman Miller
Extra Long George Nelson Platform Bench by Herman Miller

Extra Long George Nelson Platform Bench by Herman Miller

$6,500
H 14 in W 102 in D 18.5 in
Antique Jacobean Style Oak Hall Bench
Located in Sheffield, MA
Simple yet stately, this classic Jacobean style English oak carved settle bench is what the English calls a wooden bench that has arms and a high back, l...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Oak

Antique Jacobean Style Oak Hall Bench
Antique Jacobean Style Oak Hall Bench

Antique Jacobean Style Oak Hall Bench

$3,500
H 36 in W 59 in D 20 in
Regency Ebonized Faux Bamboo High Arm Window Bench With Upholstered Seat c1810
Located in valatie, NY
English Regency Ebonized Faux Bamboo High Sided Arm Window Bench With Upholstered Seat c1810. The rectangular bow fronted upholstered seat is raised on the faux bamboo frame with 6 t...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Regency Ebonized Faux Bamboo High Arm Window Bench With Upholstered Seat c1810
Regency Ebonized Faux Bamboo High Arm Window Bench With Upholstered Seat c1810

Regency Ebonized Faux Bamboo High Arm Window Bench With Upholstered Seat c1810

$2,975
H 27.5 in W 34 in D 12 in
Long Vintage Italian Style Carved Wood Bench with Upholstered Seat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A well made carved wood bench from Italy. Fabric is original and very clean. Ready to use condition.
Category

1990s Italian Federal Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Long Vintage Italian Style Carved Wood Bench with Upholstered Seat
Long Vintage Italian Style Carved Wood Bench with Upholstered Seat

Long Vintage Italian Style Carved Wood Bench with Upholstered Seat

$2,800
H 20.5 in W 67.5 in D 19.5 in
Previously Available Items
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.
Category

1840s American Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Ash, Pine

American Painted Pine Deacons Bench
American Painted Pine Deacons Bench

American Painted Pine Deacons Bench

H 32.38 in W 90.38 in D 13.75 in
19th C. American Federal Floral Painted Bench
Located in Southampton, NJ
An Antique American Federal hand painted floral & fruits solid wood bench with rolled crest rail & scroll arms; most likely originating in Baltimore mid 19th c. Scarcely seen in thi...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th C. American Federal Floral Painted Bench
19th C. American Federal Floral Painted Bench

19th C. American Federal Floral Painted Bench

H 35 in W 80 in D 21 in
Late 19th Century Federal Walnut And Upholstered Window Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 19th Century Federal Walnut and Upholstered Window bench with Yellowish gold color upholstery and burl walnut front panel. It measures 40" in width...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Late 19th Century Federal Walnut And Upholstered Window Bench
Late 19th Century Federal Walnut And Upholstered Window Bench

Late 19th Century Federal Walnut And Upholstered Window Bench

H 26.5 in W 40 in D 17 in
Upholstered Mahogany Bench with Roll over Arms
Located in Astoria, NY
Upholstered mahogany bench with roll over arms on the ends, fabric with geometric pattern. Measures: 23" H x 26.5" x 13.75" D. In good vintage condition. Dealer: S138XX
Category

Late 20th Century Federal Benches

Materials

Chenille, Mahogany

Upholstered Mahogany Bench with Roll over Arms
Upholstered Mahogany Bench with Roll over Arms

Upholstered Mahogany Bench with Roll over Arms

H 23 in W 26.5 in D 13.75 in
American Federal Style Bench
Located in Astoria, NY
American Federal style bench, the white upholstered rectangular seat above mahogany turned columnar reeded legs. In very good vintage condition. ...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Reed, Mahogany

American Federal Style Bench
American Federal Style Bench

American Federal Style Bench

H 20 in W 40 in D 15 in
Large Oval Golden Upholstery Flame Inlaid Mahogany Frame Federal Bench Ottoman
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large oval golden upholstery flame inlaid mahogany frame federal bench ottoman.
Category

20th Century American Federal Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Large Oval Golden Upholstery Flame Inlaid Mahogany Frame Federal Bench Ottoman
Large Oval Golden Upholstery Flame Inlaid Mahogany Frame Federal Bench Ottoman

Large Oval Golden Upholstery Flame Inlaid Mahogany Frame Federal Bench Ottoman

H 19 in W 45 in D 23 in
Antique Early American Windsor Pine Spindle Back Colonial Deacons Bench Seat
Located in Dayton, OH
American pine colonial style 8 foot spindle bench, circa 1890s. Features a single back splat with turned spindles and curved arms over a plank seat the bench is supported by eight le...
Category

1890s Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Pine

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

Antique Early American Windsor Pine Spindle Back Colonial Deacons Bench Seat

H 32.5 in W 17.5 in D 95.5 in
Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Hand Painted Cane Seat Bench or Settee
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Hitchcock style bench, love seat, or settee By Baker Furniture "Historic Charleston" collection USA, late 20th century ha...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Benches

Materials

Cane, Wood, Paint

Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Hand Painted Cane Seat Bench or Settee
Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Hand Painted Cane Seat Bench or Settee

Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Hand Painted Cane Seat Bench or Settee

H 32.88 in W 54.13 in D 21.5 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...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Rush, Wood

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

American Federal Painted Bench with Rush Seat

H 32.5 in W 80 in L 32.5 in
Federal Style Banquette
Located in Houston, TX
A painted and giltwood Federal style banquette with brass feet and casters newly upholstered in a low pile ecru velvet. This banquette is also availab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Federal Benches

Materials

Brass

Federal Style Banquette
Federal Style Banquette

Federal Style Banquette

H 22 in W 92 in D 24 in
American Federal Antique Long Wooden Bench
Located in Austin, TX
American Federal antique of solid oak with a milk paint hand rubbed finish. This piece came from an old New England estate garden room. It...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Oak

American Federal Antique Long Wooden Bench
American Federal Antique Long Wooden Bench

American Federal Antique Long Wooden Bench

H 32.5 in W 93.5 in D 20 in
Federal Style Banquette
Located in Houston, TX
A painted and giltwood Federal style banquette.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Federal Benches

Materials

Brass

Federal Style Banquette
Federal Style Banquette

Federal Style Banquette

H 22 in W 76 in D 22.5 in

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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