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.
Baker Furniture Federal Carved Mahogany Shield Back Side Chairs or Dining Chairs
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back side chairs or dining chairs By Baker Furniture USA, Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered s...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Four Federal Style Drexel Travis Court Dining Chairs, 1940s
By Drexel
Located in Raymondville, TX
A vintage set of four federal style dining side chairs from Drexel's New Travis Court collection circa 1946. These klismos style chairs feature an x-form and scrolled back, saber leg...
Fabric, Chenille, Mahogany
$11,450Sale Price|21% Off
Set Eight (6+2) 19thc. American "Gothic Chippendale" Carved Mahog, Dining Chairs
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Exceptional Quality set of Eight (six sides, two arms) Antique American hand carved and pierced mahogany "Gothic Chippendale" style Dining Chairs with chamfered straight, moulded leg...
Mahogany
Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany Striped Upholstered Chairs, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany chairs with striped Upholstery. Very good vintage condition. Chairs have been reupholstered down the road. Measure 17" in width, 20" in depth and ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Baker Furniture Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston" Collection USA, circa Late 20th century Solid carved m...
Velvet, Mahogany
Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs USA, Circa 1970s Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Measures: Side chairs - 21.25"W...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Kindel Furniture Federal Carved Mahogany Arm Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style armchairs or dining captain chairs By Kindel Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Measures: ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Federal Mahogany Armchairs or Dining Captain Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back arm chairs or dining captain chairs USA, Circa 1970s Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Measures: 23...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of 6 Reupholstered Mahogany Carved Rose Back Dining Chairs
Located in Medina, OH
Set of 6 Reupholstered Mahogany Carved Rose Back Dining Chairs. Reupholstered in an abstract luxurious gold velvet by Manuel Canovas from Colef...
Fabric, Wood
Set of Four Federal Style Solid Mahogany Upholstered Dining Chairs, Refinished
Located in Germantown, MD
Set of Four mid-century Century Federal Style Mahogany Reupholstered Dining Chairs. Recently refinished and Reupholstered. Great vintage condition Measures 17" in width, 18" in dept...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Baker Furniture Style Federal Carved Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Four
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seat...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Federal Mahogany Shield Back Side Chairs or Dining Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back side chairs or dining chairs USA, Circa 1970s Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Measures: 21.25"W x...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Baker Furniture Style Federal Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Four
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstere...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Kindel Furniture Federal Carved Mahogany Side Chairs or Dining Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style side chairs or dining chairs By Kindel Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Measures: 20"W x...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$3,450 / set
Vintage Baker Harvest Dining Chairs - Set of 6
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional set of six dining chairs from the renowned Baker Furniture "Harvest" collection represents the pinnacle of American craftsmanship and Neoclassical design. Each chair...
Fabric, Mahogany
Baker Furniture Style Federal Carved Mahogany Shield Back Side Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back side chairs or dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Baker Furniture Style Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered se...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Stickley Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seat...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs USA, Circa 1970s Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Measures: Side chairs - 21.25"...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Kindel Furniture Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of eight Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs By Kindel Furniture USA, Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Me...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Great set of 6 19th century federal style shield back mahogany dining chairs
Located in Richmond, VA
Great set of 6 19th century federal style shield back mahogany dining chairs, recently reupholstered. Great quality carving througho...
Mahogany
Assembled Set Of Six Federal Style Mahogany Upholstered Dining Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite set of Assembled Set Of Six Federal Style with fine carvings and inlays Mahogany Upholstered Dining Chairs. With quality orange and beige upholstery. Measurements: 1) 4 larger chairs are 21" in width x 22" in depth x 36" in height with Seat Height 18" 2) 2 smaller chairs...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Baker Furniture Style Federal Carved Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set Of Eight Antique American Federal Dining Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
For restoration. Fine set of eight Period Federal side chairs, mahogany with serpentine crest rails, pierced vase form splat backs, serpentine seats upholstered in old horse hair wit...
Brass, Other
$9,000 / set
Set of 6 American Federal Hitchcock Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 6 American Federal Hitchcock style black painted side chairs with floral decoration on back.
Sold|$7,450
H 33 in W 23 in D 21.75 in
Set of 6 Modern Windsor Dining Chairs by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture
By Michael Taylor, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1960s Set of 6 modern Windsor Dining Chairs designed by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture. Two armchairs and four side chairs. This set comes with seat cushions that tie on to ...
Cane, Hardwood, Lacquer
Custom Set of Eight Baker Furniture Ebonized Dining Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Two arm and six side chairs in a midcentury style with curved and open X form backs. The frames were custom ebonized, raised on square tapering legs, splayed in the back. The seats u...
Fabric, Wood
$1,200Sale Price / set|33% Off
H 37 in W 19 in D 18 in
Versatile Set of 4 Louis XVI Style Natural Wood and Upholstered Dining Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A set of 4 custom Louis XVI style carved wood dining chairs upholstered in lovely neutral ivory material with beige flecks.
Upholstery, Wood
$2,396Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 38.74 in W 24 in D 24 in
Superbly Carved set 6 Mahogany Prince of Wales Plume Shield Back Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This superb set of six mahogany dining chairs exemplifies the grace and elegance of late 18th-century English design, with each chair featuring the iconic Prince of Wales plume motif...
Mahogany
1940s Set of Four Art Deco Dining Chairs
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - The chairs have been reupholstered some time ago.
Wood, Fabric
American Made Chippendale Dining Chairs Set of 8
Located in Malibu, CA
Stunning set of Georgian Chippendale style dining chairs with traditional carving with a pierced & carved cental splat. Newly upholstered seats in Italian burnout damask & fi...
Fruitwood
$636Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 33.5 in W 19 in D 17 in
Vintage Italian Duncan Phyfe Style Dining Chairs, Set of 5
By Duncan Phyfe
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 5 Vintage Italian Provincial...
Wood
$14,080Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 33.47 in W 20.48 in D 25.6 in
Set of 8 Contemporary Dining Chairs Upholstered in Brick Velvet
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Timeless design in combination with handmade couture techniques. The dining chairs features curved wooden upholstered back for greater comfort. Offere...
Fabric, Wood
$3,500 / set
H 35 in W 19.5 in D 21 in
Drexel Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Klismos Regency Style Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Drexel
Located in Germantown, MD
Set of Six Drexel Furniture Black Lacquered Chinoiserie Klismos Regency Style Dining Chairs. Four side chairs and two scroll arm captain chairs Measure 19.5" in width, 21" in depth...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Lacquer
Chippendale Gothic Dining Chair
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A fine gothic Chippendale design lattice back and carved dining chair with pointed arches and carved central paterae. Available as arms and singles in specialist paint finish, as in ...
Mahogany
$4,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32.5 in W 19 in D 18.5 in
Set of 4 Antique English Regency Dining Chairs in Mahogany w/ Upholstered Seat
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A fine set of four English Regency dining chairs in mahogany with carved bugles resting on back chair rail below the top slat which is line inlaid, with turned front legs and saber r...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$1,800
H 35 in W 21 in D 19 in
Set of Six Neo Regency Dining Chairs attributed to The Baker Furniture Company
Located in New York, NY
Set of six Neo Regency style X back dining chairs, having solid wood ( mahogany or walnut ) frames, with upholstered seats and backrests. The set includes four side, and two arm ch...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 38.5 in W 21 in D 23.5 in
Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back side chairs and a pair of Chippendale style armchairs By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston" Collection USA, Late...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 38.5 in W 21 in D 23.5 in
Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Federal Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Four
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston" Collection USA, Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany fra...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of Eight Stickley Shield Back Upholstered Dining Chairs in Mahogany
Located in Milford, NH
A fine set of eight Federal style shield back dining chairs, two arm chairs and six side chairs, in mahogany with yellow foliate upholstered seats made by L & JG Stickley. The s...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 39 in W 20.52 in D 24 in
Baker Furniture Federal Carved Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Four
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs By Baker Furniture USA, Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Meas...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 39 in W 22.5 in D 21.5 in
Baker Furniture Style Federal Carved Mahogany Side Chairs or Dining Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back side chairs or dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 39 in W 22.5 in D 21.5 in
Baker Furniture Style Federal Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Four
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back side chairs or dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany fr...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 39 in W 22.5 in D 21.5 in
Baker Furniture Style Federal Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames, with uphol...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of 11 Federal Style Mahogany Square Back Dining Chairs
Located in Milford, NH
A solid set of eleven Federal style square back mahogany dining chairs, including two armchairs and nine side chairs, each with delicately carved back spindles, H form stretchers, an...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 39.38 in W 24.02 in D 22.84 in
Vintage Set of Twelve Federal Revival Shield Back Dining Chairs 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an absolutely fantastic vintage set of twelve Federal Revival shield back dining chairs, dating from the second half of the 20th century. These chairs have been masterfully ...
Mahogany
Sold
H 38 in W 24.5 in D 21 in
Fantastic Set of 8 Walnut CW Kittinger Williamsburg Chippendale Dining Chairs
By Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fantastic set of 8 dining chairs by Kittinger Furniture Company, crafted for the Colonial Williamsburg Collection, represents the finest in American reproduction furniture. Desi...
Walnut
Sold
H 38.5 in W 20 in D 21 in
Set Six Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs
Located in West Hartford, CT
Elevate your home with this exquisite set of six signed Baker Furniture, Historic Charleston chairs. Each chair features a beautifully shaped back, comfortable upholstered seat, and...
Brass
Exceptional Set Of 8 Federal Style Mahogany Dining Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Set of 8 Federal style mahogany dining chairs comprised of 2 armchairs and 6 side chairs with upholstered seats with web construction. The chairs with backrests displaying foliate, ...
Fabric, Mahogany