Skip to main content

Federal Chairs

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
9
9
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
2
5
1
1
7,611
5,518
1,108
610
296
244
193
183
167
149
147
146
133
117
107
86
67
67
1
7
1
1
1
9
2
2
1
7
7
9
9
9
1
Style: Federal
Antique Pair of Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis #2
Antique Pair of Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis #2

Antique Pair of Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis #2

Located in Norton, MA

Early 19th Century Antique Pair of Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis with stylized scroll form rail over slat back, caned seats, and splay legs, c1830. Mea...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Chairs

Materials

Wood

Antique 18th Century American New England Fan Back Maple Windsor Arm Chair 1780
Antique 18th Century American New England Fan Back Maple Windsor Arm Chair 1780

Antique 18th Century American New England Fan Back Maple Windsor Arm Chair 1780

Located in Portland, OR

A good antique 18th century American fan/comb back New England maple Windsor armchair, Massachussetts, circa 1780. A very handsome late 1700s maple windsor armchair from the Federal period, the chair having a fan shaped back with plain spindles connecting to the seat through a continuous armrail, and terminating to 'paw' shaped handrests. The armrail is supported at the front with a pair of turned spindled supports, the shaped seat is raised on four finely turned legs joined by a 'H' frame turned stretcher. These early American Windsor chairs...

Category

1780s American Antique Federal Chairs

Materials

Maple

Kindel Dining Chairs Shield Back Model 76-082
Kindel Dining Chairs Shield Back Model 76-082

Kindel Dining Chairs Shield Back Model 76-082

$3,196Sale Price / set|20% Off

Kindel Dining Chairs Shield Back Model 76-082

By Kindel Furniture

Located in Lake Worth, FL

For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Set of 6 Kindel Hepplewhite...

Category

1980s Vintage Federal Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Pair of Federal Birch Wood Dinning Charis
Antique Pair of Federal Birch Wood Dinning Charis

Antique Pair of Federal Birch Wood Dinning Charis

Located in Norton, MA

Early 19th Century Antique Pair of Federal Biech Wood Dinning Charis with stylized scroll form rail over slat back, caned seats, and splay legs, c1830. Measures- 33.5''H x 17.5''W...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Chairs

Materials

Wood

Windsor Highchair In Original Paint Circa 1820
Windsor Highchair In Original Paint Circa 1820

Windsor Highchair In Original Paint Circa 1820

Located in Hudson, NY

Beautiful American, windsor, arrow-back high chair in original surface. Circa 1820, this chair is in excellent condition with an incredible surface history. The splayed legs are much...

Category

1820s American Antique Federal Chairs

Materials

Maple, Paint

Related Items
18th Century Balloon Back Original Red Painted Windsor Chairs-Pair
18th Century Balloon Back Original Red Painted Windsor Chairs-Pair

18th Century Balloon Back Original Red Painted Windsor Chairs-Pair

$2,600Sale Price|20% Off

H 36.5 in W 17 in D 16 in

18th Century Balloon Back Original Red Painted Windsor Chairs-Pair

Located in Los Angeles, CA

18th century original red painted bow back Windsor chairs from New England in fine condition. These chairs have a nice deep red painted surface and wonderful patina. Found in Pennsyl...

Category

1790s American Antique Federal Chairs

Materials

Wood

Unusual Set of 8 Quality Antique Decorated Faux Bird’s-Eye Maple Dining Chairs
Unusual Set of 8 Quality Antique Decorated Faux Bird’s-Eye Maple Dining Chairs

Unusual Set of 8 Quality Antique Decorated Faux Bird’s-Eye Maple Dining Chairs

Located in Suffolk, GB

Unusual set of 8 quality antique decorated faux bird’s-eye maple dining chairs containing two elbow chairs and six single chairs with a lovely carved top rail and shaped carved centr...

Category

Early 20th Century English Federal Chairs

Materials

Maple

Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair, model Grand Prix model 3130
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair, model Grand Prix model 3130

Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair, model Grand Prix model 3130

$703 / item

H 31.89 in W 18.9 in D 18.9 in

Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair, model Grand Prix model 3130

By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with black aniline leather. Base of chrome steel tube. Model 3130 Grand Prix, made by Fritz Hansen.

Category

1960s Danish Vintage Federal Chairs

Materials

Steel

19th Century American Walnut Fan Back Windsor Chair
19th Century American Walnut Fan Back Windsor Chair

19th Century American Walnut Fan Back Windsor Chair

Located in High Point, NC

Early 19th century American fan back Windsor chair made from walnu. There are traces of original gold paint on the comb back, which are pictured. The comb has lovely simple spindle...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Dos Gallos Custom Caned Seat Bobbin Chair
Dos Gallos Custom Caned Seat Bobbin Chair

Dos Gallos Custom Caned Seat Bobbin Chair

$5,745 / item

H 27 in W 22 in D 18 in

Dos Gallos Custom Caned Seat Bobbin Chair

By Dos Gallos Studio

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Our custom bobbin chair, as shown as armchair. Can also be made as a side chair. Can be made with a caned seat or an upholstered seat. Custom finishes. Made in Los Angeles by Dos Gal...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Federal Chairs

Materials

Cane

Pair of Mid Century Modern Bentwood Chairs with Caned Seat & Back
Pair of Mid Century Modern Bentwood Chairs with Caned Seat & Back

Pair of Mid Century Modern Bentwood Chairs with Caned Seat & Back

By Thonet

Located in Freehold, NJ

This pair of mid century modern accent chairs feature bentwood frames with caned seat and back. 

Matching end table available separately. Dimensions:21.25w 21.25d 29h 17sh 25ah Co...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Chairs

Materials

Cane, Bentwood

Antique Theater Seats
Antique Theater Seats

Antique Theater Seats

$600

H 32.25 in W 42.5 in D 20 in

Antique Theater Seats

Located in Oakville, CT

Antique Cast Iron & Wood Theater Seats Overall Dimensions: 42 1/2" x 20" x 32 1/4" high Seat Height: 17 1/2" Materials: Plywood & Cast Iron

Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Chairs

Materials

Iron

Antique Pair of Victorian Bird's Eye Maple with Cane Seat Chairs
Antique Pair of Victorian Bird's Eye Maple with Cane Seat Chairs

Antique Pair of Victorian Bird's Eye Maple with Cane Seat Chairs

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

The antique pair of dining or side chairs features the elegant, traditional form with detailed carved feet. The choice of bird's eye maple with its distinct, pronounced free flowing ...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Chairs

Materials

Cane, Birdseye Maple, Maple

Mid Century Modern Cesca Style Chair with Caned Seat
Mid Century Modern Cesca Style Chair with Caned Seat

Mid Century Modern Cesca Style Chair with Caned Seat

$297Sale Price|40% Off

H 32.25 in W 18.5 in D 22 in

Mid Century Modern Cesca Style Chair with Caned Seat

By Marcel Breuer

Located in Freehold, NJ

This mid century modern accent chair in the style of Marcel Breuer features beautifully caned seat and back atop a chrome finished cantilever base. 
Dimensions: 18.5w 22d 32.25h 17.5...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Chairs

Materials

Chrome

18th Century Bentwood Windsor Chair
18th Century Bentwood Windsor Chair

18th Century Bentwood Windsor Chair

$1,500

H 33 in W 25.5 in D 26 in

18th Century Bentwood Windsor Chair

Located in Stockton, NJ

An interesting late 18th century elm Windsor chair. Interesting and rare continuous bentwood hoop back construction.

Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Chairs

Materials

Wood

Previously Available Items
American Parcel-Gilt Ebonized Hitchcock Chair
American Parcel-Gilt Ebonized Hitchcock Chair

American Parcel-Gilt Ebonized Hitchcock Chair

Located in Astoria, NY

American Parcel-Gilt Ebonized Hitchcock Chair, early 20th century, with a rush seat. 31" H x 20" W x 19" D.

Category

20th Century American Federal Chairs

Materials

Wood

Federal Mahogany Upholstered Lolling Chair, circa 1785
Federal Mahogany Upholstered Lolling Chair, circa 1785

Federal Mahogany Upholstered Lolling Chair, circa 1785

Located in Milford, NH

A fine Federal mahogany lolling chair with fresh red satin upholstery featuring gold wheat accent pattern, circa 1785. Provenance: Bernard & S. Dean Levy...

Category

1780s American Antique Federal Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Set of 8 Mahogany Federal Style Upholstered Dining Chairs with Satinwood Inlay
Set of 8 Mahogany Federal Style Upholstered Dining Chairs with Satinwood Inlay

Set of 8 Mahogany Federal Style Upholstered Dining Chairs with Satinwood Inlay

Located in Milford, NH

A fine set of eight mahogany Federal style upholstered dining chairs including two arm chairs and six side chairs, with stepped crest rail on each chair with inlaid panel, reticulate...

Category

20th Century American Federal Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

8 Mid Century Windsor Farmhouse Walnut Bow Sack Back Dining Arm & Side Chairs
8 Mid Century Windsor Farmhouse Walnut Bow Sack Back Dining Arm & Side Chairs

8 Mid Century Windsor Farmhouse Walnut Bow Sack Back Dining Arm & Side Chairs

Located in Dayton, OH

"Eight handmade 18th century inspired windsor dining chairs, circa 1950s. Made from walnut featuring bentwood slatted back and saddle seat. Features 6 bow back chairs and 2 sack back...

Category

Mid-20th Century Federal Chairs

Materials

Walnut

American Federal Wingback Chair with Blue Upholstery
American Federal Wingback Chair with Blue Upholstery

American Federal Wingback Chair with Blue Upholstery

Located in Wiscasset, ME

Federal period mahogany American wingback armchair in blue upholstery. In very good condition and nicely re-upholstered. Structurally sound and comfort...

Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Set of 10 Federal Style Dining Chairs Attributed to Nathan Margolis, Hartford CT
Set of 10 Federal Style Dining Chairs Attributed to Nathan Margolis, Hartford CT

Set of 10 Federal Style Dining Chairs Attributed to Nathan Margolis, Hartford CT

By Nathan Margolis Shop

Located in Milford, NH

A fine set of ten Federal style mahogany dining chairs attributed to Lithuanian / American well known furniture maker Nathan Margolis, of Hartford CT, two ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

6 Vintage L. Hitchcock Harvest Stenciled Fan Back Windsor Maple Dining Chairs
6 Vintage L. Hitchcock Harvest Stenciled Fan Back Windsor Maple Dining Chairs

6 Vintage L. Hitchcock Harvest Stenciled Fan Back Windsor Maple Dining Chairs

By Lambert Hitchcock

Located in Dayton, OH

Six L. Hitchcock Harvest Windsor dining chairs. Made from maple with a stenciled fan back, contoured seat and gold trim. The story of L. Hitcock begain in 1814 when 19-year-old Lambert Hitchcock of Chesire, Connecticut was apprenticed to Silas Cheney (1776-1821) of Litchfield as a novice woodworker. Cheney was the typical cabinetmaker of the period turning out well made examples of Federal sideboards and fancy painted chairs that caught young Hitchcock’s attention. While apprenticed to Cheney he became familiar with the work of Eli Terry, the famous clock maker and inventor. Terry had formed a partnership with Seth Thomas and his son, also named Seth Thomas, to produce the components of wooden clock works in an assembly line fashion. This little trick stuck in Hitchcock’s mind as he mapped his future. In 1818 Hitchcock completed his apprenticeship and moved to a tiny sawmill community in the township of Barkhamsted known as Fork-of-the-Rivers at the junction of the Farmington and Still Rivers. He found employment in the local sawmill which was owned by some family friends and settled in. He “homesteaded” a small room at the back of the mill and after tapping into the mill’s power source from the river he began to manufacture a small number of unfinished individual chair components. He sold these components to Yankee traders who sold them to mercantile stores as replacement parts for broken chairs. Business was good and demand soon outstripped his ability to meet it by himself. He hired some help to make the parts and began to expand his market, shipping chair components as far away as Charleston, South Carolina. He eventually graduated to making complete unfinished chairs...

Category

Late 20th Century Federal Chairs

Materials

Maple, Paint

Six American Federal Period Rush Seated Faux Bamboo Chairs
Six American Federal Period Rush Seated Faux Bamboo Chairs

Six American Federal Period Rush Seated Faux Bamboo Chairs

Located in Hudson, NY

This set of six chairs from America is of the federal period and were made circa 1820. An additional armchair that came along with the set is included since they were purchased from ...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Chairs

Materials

Rush, Wood

Federal chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Federal chairs for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal chairs 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 chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $275 and tops out at $8,900 while the average work can sell for $1,525.