Federal Sofas
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.
1810s Antique Federal Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
1830s Antique Federal Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Federal Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany, Down
20th Century American Federal Sofas
Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Federal Sofas
Rush, Chestnut
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Sofas
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Federal Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany, Paint
19th Century Antique Federal Sofas
Fabric, Wood
20th Century English Federal Sofas
Upholstery, Beech
1920s American Vintage Federal Sofas
Foam, Mahogany, Fabric
19th Century English Antique Federal Sofas
Brass
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Sofas
Upholstery
2010s English Federal Sofas
Upholstery
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Federal Sofas
Pine
1940s American Vintage Federal Sofas
Upholstery, Wood, Cherry
1940s Danish Vintage Federal Sofas
Fabric, Wood
19th Century English Antique Federal Sofas
Walnut
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century Federal Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Early 20th Century American Federal Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany, Paint
Mid-20th Century English Federal Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
1810s American Antique Federal Sofas
Velvet, Mahogany
Early 2000s Federal Sofas
Brass
Early 20th Century Federal Sofas
Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Sofas
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century American Federal Sofas
Fabric, Textile, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Federal Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
19th Century Antique Federal Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Sofas
20th Century American Federal Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Sofas
Fabric, Mahogany