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.
American Ebonized Captain's Chair with Federal Style Eagle and Stars
Located in Austin, TX
A fine American captain's chair featuring the traditional Federal-style stenciled details on a Windsor chair style frame - a low-back armchair with a curved, horseshoe-shaped crest r...
Wood, Paint
American Ebonized Captain's Chair with Federal Style Fruitful Bounty Basket
Located in Austin, TX
A fine American captain's chair featuring the traditional Federal-style stenciled details on a Windsor chair style frame - a low-back armchair with a curved, horseshoe-shaped crest r...
Wood, Paint
George Nakashima Captain's Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nakashima Captain's Chair Beautiful original Dark Surface wonderful spline details Clients name to underside of the chair
Walnut
$1,950 / item
H 29.25 in W 25.75 in D 21.5 in
Studio-Made Captain’s Chairs in American Black Walnut, Winged Foot-2020
By Montaperto Studios, Angelo Montaperto, Justinian Montaperto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Four remaining examples of a set of 90 handmade solid walnut Windsor captain’s chairs executed for Winged Foot Golf Club ahead of the 2020 U.S Open. The rest of the set is currently ...
Walnut
19th Century English Captain's Chair
Located in High Point, NC
19th century captain's chair from England. The chair is made from oak and has a seat made from elm. This type of chair was made for sitting for long periods of time and is very com...
Elm, Oak
Vintage Thonet Ebonized Bentwood and Rattan Rocking Chair
By Thonet-Mundus, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic, ca. 1920s Thonet rocking chair Model #10 (in 1923, Thonet was forced to merge with Kohn-Mundus to form Mundus-Allgemeine- Handels-und Industrie-Gesellschaft, and production w...
Cane, Beech, Bentwood
$575
H 42 in W 28 in D 29 in
Vintage Sikes Co Maple Wood American Colonial Style Rocker Rocking Chair (B)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Sikes Co Maple Wood American Colonial Style Rocker Rocking Chair (B). Item fe...
Maple
American Designer, Rocking Chair, Pine, Cord, USA, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and cord rocking chair designed and produced in the US, c. 1970s. Seat Height (inches): 17.25” Arm Height (inches): 22.5" All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Cord, Pine
American Art Deco Mesh and Flat Steel Springer Chair, Garden
By Kem Weber
Located in Buffalo, NY
American Art Deco mesh and flat steel springer chair, indoor of outdoor, garden, wonderful design, springy mesh seat and back, recently restored.
Metal, Steel
American Twig Adirondack Rocking Chair
Located in Water Mill, NY
Vintage American twig Adirondack painted rocking chair.
Wood
$5,665 / set
H 32.29 in W 29.93 in D 29.93 in
1930s Pair of Chestnut Chiavari Rocking Chairs with Springs, old America style
By Fratelli Levaggi/Guiseppe Gaetano Descalzi
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Sturdy style old America 1930s chestnut Chiavari rocking chairs with springs, restored new upholster Measures cm: D 76, W 76, H 40/82.
Upholstery, Chestnut
Classic Rocking Chair in Ebonized Ash by Mel Smilow
By Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1960 and officially reintroduced by his daughter Judy Smilow in 2016, the Classic rocking chair was featured...
Ash
$185Sale Price|53% Off
H 42.75 in W 19.25 in D 22 in
Antique Rush Seat Child Rocking Chair, American Colonial Style, 1960s
Located in Trenton, NJ
This antique rush seat child rocking chair is a charming piece that combines nostalgic style and timeless functionality. This exquisite ...
Textile, Rush, Wood
Earl Ebonized Oak, Black Leather Moresby Rocking Chair
By Chris Earl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Solid wood construction with hand-cut joinery and custom upholstered seat and seat back. This Rocker shown in ebonized oak and black leather. In stock leather choice: black, olive...
Leather, Oak, Walnut
Late 19th Century Carved Walnut and Upholstered Rocker
Located in Germantown, MD
An impresive Late 19th century hand Carved Walnut and Upholstered Rocker. Reupholtered and sold by Alvin Simons. Come with pillow.
Upholstery, Walnut