Skip to main content

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.

to
1
6
6
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
6
1,593
1,494
256
188
141
120
105
99
99
92
77
62
61
60
45
43
39
27
3
3
2
1
5
2
1
1
1
4
4
1
6
6
6
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

$2,650
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

$9,375
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

$2,096 Sale Price
30% 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
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

$2,328
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
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

$11,788 / set
H 36.62 in W 59.85 in D 25.2 in
19th Century Swedish Painted Hall Bench, Trundle Bed
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Swedish painted hall bench ~ trundle bed is the perfect selection for the active family! By day, a handsome, country style hall bench ~ by nig...
Category

1880s Swedish Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Painted Hall Bench, Trundle Bed
19th Century Swedish Painted Hall Bench, Trundle Bed

19th Century Swedish Painted Hall Bench, Trundle Bed

$2,850
H 35 in W 71.5 in D 24.5 in
Antique English Jacobean Style Carved Oak Joint Bench Stool
Located in London, GB
Antique English Jacobean style carved oak joint bench stool circa 1920 A good size piece. Of good solid construction. Expected signs of wear to plank top, commensurate of age, ol...
Category

Early 20th Century English Federal Benches

Materials

Oak

Antique English Jacobean Style Carved Oak Joint Bench Stool
Antique English Jacobean Style Carved Oak Joint Bench Stool

Antique English Jacobean Style Carved Oak Joint Bench Stool

$1,800
H 12.21 in W 36.23 in D 11.82 in
Iron Window Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Double bench with strong metal frame and upholstered cushion seat. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category

20th Century Federal Benches

Materials

Iron

Iron Window Bench
Iron Window Bench

Iron Window Bench

$750
H 22.5 in W 66 in D 14 in
Hollywood Regency Settee
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Daybed style settee, upholstered in Joan Miró inspired fabric, having a long, button-tufted, drop-in center cushion, flanked by padded, outscrolled ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Federal Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Hollywood Regency Settee
Hollywood Regency Settee

Hollywood Regency Settee

$3,950
H 29 in W 58 in D 19 in
Neoclassical Style Narrow Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Neoclassical style narrow bench with cut blue velvet fabric.
Category

20th Century Italian Federal Benches

Materials

Velvet, Fruitwood

Neoclassical Style Narrow Bench
Neoclassical Style Narrow Bench

Neoclassical Style Narrow Bench

$1,450
H 28 in W 42.25 in D 12 in
19th Century Chinese Ming Style Walnut & Bamboo Bench
Located in Kastrup, DK
A 19th century Chinese Ming style bench with a walnut frame and a top composed of bamboo slats. Square legs joined with stretchers. In original good ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Bamboo, Walnut

19th Century Chinese Ming Style Walnut & Bamboo Bench
19th Century Chinese Ming Style Walnut & Bamboo Bench

19th Century Chinese Ming Style Walnut & Bamboo Bench

$1,070
H 22.84 in W 38.98 in D 17.72 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

$1,563
H 18.9 in W 34.26 in D 18.9 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
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

$1,443 Sale Price
20% Off
H 21.66 in W 28.75 in D 22.05 in
19th Century French Louis XV Style Giltwood Bench
Located in Houston, TX
19th century French Louis XV style giltwood bench. This stunning antique French gilt wood bench has excellent patina and has been profess...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Federal Benches

Materials

Giltwood

19th Century French Louis XV Style Giltwood Bench
19th Century French Louis XV Style Giltwood Bench

19th Century French Louis XV Style Giltwood Bench

$4,450 / set
H 19.5 in W 36.13 in D 14.75 in
Outstanding Gilded Swan Carved French Directoire Style Rectangular Window Bench
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a stunning French-made giltwood bench with super carving and gorgeous vintage upholstery that really compliments the gilded frames. The carved swans are very naturalistically...
Category

1950s French Vintage Federal Benches

Materials

Gold Leaf

Outstanding Gilded Swan Carved French Directoire Style Rectangular Window Bench
Outstanding Gilded Swan Carved French Directoire Style Rectangular Window Bench

Outstanding Gilded Swan Carved French Directoire Style Rectangular Window Bench

$3,995
H 22 in W 47.25 in D 22.75 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.

Recently Viewed

View All