Federal Seating
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
Pair Federal Mahogany Upholstered Armchairs Attrib. to Ephraim Haines, C. 1805s
Located in Germantown, MD
A Fine and Rare Pair of Federal Carved Mahogany Armchairs. Finely carved, stained and Upholstered. Newer upholstery. Attributed to Ephraim Haines (1775-1837) and Henry Connelly (1770...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany, Hardwood
Rare Antique American Federal Mahogany Inlaid Sofa Settee Boston Massachusetts
Located in Dayton, OH
A Very Fine American Federal Period Carved Mahogany Sofa, circa 1810. Features a bowback frame with cross banding. Sloped arms lead to reeded supports in front of remarkable three-di...
Category
1810s Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
$4,116 Sale Price
30% Off
Vintage Leather Wingback Lounge Chair & Ottoman, 1970s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This beautiful vintage wingback lounge chair and matching ottoman are upholstered in rich, warm brown leather that has developed a stunning natural patina over time. The classic wing...
Category
1970s American Vintage Federal Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Pair of 2 Hitchcock Black Federal Side Chairs, Rush Seats.
By Hitchcock
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Pair of 2 Hitchcock Black Federal Side Chairs, Rush Seats.
These vintage Hitchcock chairs are black lacquer painted and embellished with ochr...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Rush, Wood
Pair of Deep Profile Antique Wing Arm Chairs Mahogany Legs Federal Style
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Deep Profile Antique Wing arm chairs mahogany legs Federal Style.
Category
20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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 Seating
Materials
Maple
19th Century Mahogany and Needlepoint Upholstered Footstool.
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Mahogany and Blue Needlepoint Upholstered Footstool.
Measures 19" in width, 14" in depth and 11" in height.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
Pair of Kittinger Style Tall Wingback Chairs Mint Frames as is Upholstery
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Kittinger Style Tall Wingback Chairs Mint Frames as is Upholstery
Category
20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
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...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Federal Style Mahogany Three-Seat Bench
Located in Astoria, NY
Federal Style Mahogany Three-Seat Bench, the back splats with X and column form spindles, with blue and red checkered cushion on fluted tapered feet.
32" H x 53" W x 18" D; seat: 18...
Category
20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
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...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Four Federal Style Drexel Travis Court Dining Chairs, 1940s
By Drexel
Located in Harlingen, 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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Fabric, Chenille, 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...
Category
1940s Vintage Federal Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Fine 19th Century American Federal Period Mahogany Sofa
Located in Richmond, VA
Fine 19th century American federal period mahogany sofa on 6 turned and carved legs. Beautifully done, the arms and back rails are reeded and there are little rosettes carved where t...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Mahogany
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...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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 Seating
Materials
Mahogany
$3,185 Sale Price
35% Off
Federal Mahogany Inlaid Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
A fine Federal mahogany inlaid sofa with an arched camel back, with scroll arms on six legs, the beautifully upholstered cushion backrest, seat, and arms ...
Category
1790s North American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Mahogany
$2,655 Sale Price
70% Off
Federal Style Upholstered Settee
Located in Dallas, TX
Federal Style Upholstered Settee, Reeded Mahogany Frame with Gilded Acanthus Leaf & Swans. Federal style is characterized by bold patriotic symbols such as eagles, shield-shaped chai...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Mahogany
An Exceptional Philadelphia Federal Sofa, Circa 1820–1830
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
An Exceptional Philadelphia Federal Sofa, Circa 1820–1830 — With Magnificent Cornucopia Arms
This grand Philadelphia Federal sofa, crafted circa 1820–1830, stands as a striking testa...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Wood
Upholstered Window Seat Bench for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
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 ...
Category
20th Century Unknown Federal Seating
Materials
Brass
Pair of Tall Tan Leather Wing Chairs on Solid Mahogany Stretcher Base Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of tall tan leather wing chairs on solid mahogany stretcher base mint!
Category
20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
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...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Neoclassic Adam Federal Style Window Bench as Found
Located in New York, NY
Nice Adam (Federal) style bench with tapestry fabric top (worn). This example will need to be reupholstered, it is structurally sound and sturdy, a...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Seating
Federal Wing Chair
Located in New York, NY
Federal Wing Chair
Massachusetts Circa 1790
Primary Wood: Mahogany
Secondary Woods: Maple, Birch, White Pine
Height: 45 1/2 inches
Wid...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Mahogany, Maple, Pine
$10,500
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.
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Seating
$9,000 / set
Pair Of Federal Mahogany Side Chairs
Located in Essex, MA
With arched backs with pierced splats with small carved rosettes. Drop in seats and raised on square tapered legs with H form stretchers.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Mahogany
$1,850 / set
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
American Mahogany & Gilt Dolphin Upholstered Harp Stool with Paw Feet, NY C 1815
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany harp stool with a carved molded back, flanking gilt dolphin supports, adjustable upholstered seat with a turned bulbous shaft, and resting...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair Mid-Century Century Red Oak Pressback Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair Mid-Century Century Red Oak Pressback Armchairs.
Great vintage condition
Measures 24" in width, 22" in depth and 43" in height. Seat height is 18"
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Seating
Materials
Oak
Antique Tripple Rush Seat Solid Linen Upholstery Cushion Bench Sattee Sofa Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very decorative antique tripple rush seat solid linen upholstery cushion bench sattee sofa mint!
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Rush, Chestnut
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...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
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...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Federal Style Carved Ornate Tufted Sofa and Loveseat Newly Reupholstered
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Federal Style Carved Ornate Tufted Parlor Set Newly Reupholstered in a Cabernet Leather - 2 Piece Set
Absolutely exquisite and rare antique, intricately detailed hand carved American Eagle topped 2 piece tufted leather library parlor set. This unique showstopper set is said to have been originally acquired from a former Illinois Governor’s Estate, consists of wingback, scrolled sofa and loveseat, each with an exquisite hand carved American Eagle top. Beautifully curved and scrolled wingback...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Seating
Materials
Leather
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...
Category
1970s American Vintage Federal Seating
Materials
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"...
Category
1970s American Vintage Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set Of Eight Antique American Federal Dining Chairs for Restoration
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...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Brass, Other
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...
Category
1970s American Vintage Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
19th Century Federal Painted Bench
Located in Nashville, TN
Bench has arrow shaped splats. Slightly reduced in length. Original condition.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Mahogany
$11,450 Sale Price
21% Off
Fine Set Of Seven Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A set of very well made and solid feeling Shield Back dining chairs with mahogany frames and custom upholstery. The frames have a graceful back splat with a feather crest and side ta...
Category
20th Century Federal Seating
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Late 18th Century Dutch Marquetry Mahogany and Upholstered Armchair Desk Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 18th Century Dutch Marquetry Mahogany and Upholstered Armchair Desk Chair
Measures 25.5" in width, 23" in depth and 44.5" in height. Seat height is 20" and arm height is 27.5". ...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
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...
Category
1970s American Vintage Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Neoclassical Revival Lyre-Back Settee
By Kittinger
Located in Trenton, NJ
This exquisite lyre-back settee reflects the enduring influence of the Federal and Neoclassical styles on early 20th-century American design. The double lyre splats form the focal po...
Category
20th Century Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Four Federal Tiger Maple Slat Back & Cane Seat Dinning Charis
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th Century Four Antique Federal Tiger Maple Slat Back & Cane Seat Dinning Charis with stylized scroll form rail over slat back, caned seats...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Wood
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 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Fantastic Set of 8 Walnut CW Kittinger Williamsburg Chippendale Dining Chairs
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...
Category
1960s American Vintage Federal Seating
Materials
Walnut
$3,116 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Antique Pair of Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th Century Antique Pair of Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis with stylized form, caned seats, and splay legs, c1830...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Baker Furniture Style Federal Carved Mahogany Shield Back Armchairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back armchairs or dining captain chairs
In the manner of Baker Furniture
USA, Circa Late 20th Century
Solid carved mahogany ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair Federal Style Mahogany and Maple with Cane Seat Side Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair Federal Style Mahogany back and Maple Frame with Cane Seat Side Chairs.
Measures 18" in width, 18" in depth and 33" in height. Seat height is 17"
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Mahogany, Maple
1930s Federal Style Mahogany and Crewel Upholstered Settee
Located in Germantown, MD
1930s Federal Style Mahogany and Crewel Upholstered Settee in good condition.
Measures 44" in width, 24" in depth 38" in height. Seat height is 17" and arm height is 27". Seat inte...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair Hickory Chair Federal Style Mahogany & Inlay Upholstered Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Hickory Chair Furniture Federal Style Upholstered Mahogany Armchairs in great vintage condition.
Measures 25" in width, 25" in depth, 36" in height, 18" seat height. Arm heig...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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 Seating
Materials
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Federal seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Federal seating for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, more furniture and collectibles, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal seating made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Hickory Chair Furniture Company, Baker Furniture Company, and Kindel Furniture. 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 seating 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 $22,500 while the average work can sell for $2,998.