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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
Hitchcock Style Pair of Maple & Rush Saddle Seat Benches - U.S. - Circa 1950's
Hitchcock Style Pair of Maple & Rush Saddle Seat Benches - U.S. - Circa 1950's

Hitchcock Style Pair of Maple & Rush Saddle Seat Benches - U.S. - Circa 1950's

$2,800Sale Price / set|30% Off

Hitchcock Style Pair of Maple & Rush Saddle Seat Benches - U.S. - Circa 1950's

By Hitchcock

Located in Chatham, ON

Hitchcock style pair of twin-handled saddle seat benches with stained maple frames and rush seats - satin varnish to both the frames and the rush seats - featuring turned spindles fo...

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Mid-20th Century American Federal Benches

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Rush, Maple

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Upholstered Window Seat Bench

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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 ...

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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

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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...

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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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