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 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
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
Rare Antique 19th Century American Federal Mahogany Carved Sofa Settee
Located in Dayton, OH
A Very Fine American Federal Period Carved Mahogany Sofa, circa 1830. Features a bowfront frame with sloped arms leading to reeded supports. The sofa is supported by turned and reede...
Category
1830s Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Very Fine Quality Tufted Wingback Chair From Charles Stewart
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very well made and large Tuft Back Wing Chair with fine form and great comfort. Upholstered in a handsome striped Velvet with a nice soft hand and having flat-panel arms bearing Co...
Category
20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Fabric, 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 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
Md-Century Federal / Sheraton Style Carved Mahogany Sofa
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a vintage Federal or Sheraton style carved mahogany sofa attributed to Hickory White Furniture. Note the tapered legs and arm supports. The upholstery is a cotton-linen ble...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany, Down
Vintage Theodore Alexander Sheraton Style Mahogany Brown Leather Side Desk Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
An exquisite late 20th century side chair by Theodore Alexander. Designed in the manner of Sheraton / Federal styling with a sculptural back and large seat over square tapered legs ...
Category
Late 20th Century Federal Seating
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
American Federal Mahogany “Martha Washington” Lolling Armchair ca. 1800
Located in Shippensburg, PA
AMERICAN FEDERAL INLAID-MAHOGANY LOLLING "MARTHA WASHINGTON" ARMCHAIR
Massachusetts, ca. 1780-1800 purchased from Bernard and S. Dean Levy, Inc. of New York in 1966
Item # 401JNI25P...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
19th C. American Federal Floral Painted Bench
Located in Southampton, NJ
An Antique American Federal hand painted floral & fruits solid wood bench with rolled crest rail & scroll arms; most likely originating in Baltimore mid 19th c. Scarcely seen in thi...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
Antique Period American Federal Highly Carved Mahogany Sofa Circa 1800
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Circa 1800 American Federal highly carved mahogany sofa with scrolled carved headrest, curvelinear arms and outswept hairy paw feet upholstered in a vintage old striated velvet fabric
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Cotton, Velvet, Mahogany
Period Antique American Massachusetts Federal Carved Mahogany Sofa Circa 1800
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Period Antique American Massachusetts Federal Carved Mahogany Sofa. Curved and scrolled crest rail, with the arm rests terminating in carved pineapples and bulbs, set on fluted legs with brass casters, vertical stripe upholstery. Circa 1800. Solid Hardwood Construction and Hand Doweled Joinery. Eight way...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Fabric, Hardwood, Mahogany
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 Seating
Materials
Maple, Paint
Barbara Barry Style Mahogany Dining Chairs by Hickory Chair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome set of six mahogany dining chairs featuring a generous seat and round back in the style of Barbara Barry. Made by Hickory Chair with fluted or reeded legs in the front. The ...
Category
20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Brass
Classic Antique American Wing Chair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fine Antique American Wing Chair with Classic form and great comfort. The Chair has flat-panel arms, sinuous leg with pad foot and a fiber wrapped down seat cushion. The chair is cus...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Very Fine Carved Bleached Mahogany Camel Back Compact Sofa Stretcher Base 1960s
By Baker Furniture Company, J. Horner
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Custom Designed Floral Pattern Carved Bleached Mahogany Camel Back Compact Sofa Stretcher Base 1960s
Category
20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Mahogany
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
Down Filled Tassels Blue & Gold Upholstery Turned Legs Chaise Lounge MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Down Filled Tassels Blue & Gold Upholstery Turned Legs Chaise Lounge MINT!
All redone like new c.1920s
Category
20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage Federal Style Extra Long Hall Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Federal Style Extra Long Hall Bench
An elegant vintage federal style carved wood frame triple hall bench with 10 legs.
This hall bench is being sold in its original conditi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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
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.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
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
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 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
Antique 2 Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th century Antique 2 Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis #3 with stylized scroll form rail over slat back, caned seat...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Wood
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
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
Fine Antique Upholstered Armchair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A particularly refined Antique Armchair with soft honey tone wood and elegant form. With a tall shaped crest rail and carved sloping arm supports. Raised ...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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
"Martha Washington" Mahogany Upholstered Lolling Chair, circa 1930s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early vintage "Martha Washington" mahogany upholstered lolling chair, circa 1930s, having a large rose velvet upholstered back and generous seat, wit...
Category
1930s American Vintage Federal Seating
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
American Federal Painted Child's Windsor Chair, Early 19th Century
Located in Hallowell, US
New England rod back Child's Windsor side chair, with original surface.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Ash, Maple
19th C Crotch Mahogany Federal Drop Leaf Breakfast Dining Table with Drawer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique 19th century Crotch Mahogany federal drop leaf breakfast dining table w/ drawer. Item Drop leaf sides, twin carved legs, (1) faux drawer, (1) dovetailed drawer, rolling caste...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Style Carved Ornate Tufted Parlor Set Newly Upholstered, Set of 4
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Federal Style carved ornate tufted parlor set newly upholstered in a cabernet leather - 4 piece set
Absolutely exquisite and rare antique, intricately detailed hand carved American Eagle topped 4 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 His & Hers wingback, scrolled armchairs, sofa and loveseat, each with an exquisite hand carved American Eagle top. Beautifully curved and scrolled wingback...
Category
1920s American Vintage Federal Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Late 19th Century Federal Walnut And Upholstered Window Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 19th Century Federal Walnut and Upholstered Window bench with Yellowish gold color upholstery and burl walnut front panel. It measures 40" in width...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
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
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
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
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
Primitive Antique Green Painted Barrel Back Windsor Caboose Tavern Arm Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique barrel back windsor style chair finished in apple green enamel paint.
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Set of 10 Federal Style Dining Chairs Attributed to Nathan Margolis, Hartford CT
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 Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Academic Revival Federal Mahogany Heart Back Side Chairs, 1900-25
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Pair of Academic Revival heart back mahogany side chairs with half rail upholstered boxed seats in indigo fabric with brass nail head tacks. The front le...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century American Windsor Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An handsome rod back Windsor chair. Splats turned with bamboo hip detail. Hickory and pine with solid plank seats, American, circa 1830.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Hickory, Pine
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
Early 19th Century New York Sofa, Probably by Duncan Phyfe
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Charleston, SC
Great example of an early 19th century New York sofa from the federal period. Probably by Duncan Phyfe. Not marked or signed, but the quality and pattern are indicative of his shop. ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Set of 6 American Federal Hitchcock Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 American Federal Hitchcock style black painted side chairs with floral decoration on back.
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Set of 4 American Federal Tiger Maple Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 American Country Federal style (19th Cent) tiger maple side chairs with a stretcher and rush seat
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Maple
Pair of Antique Federal Style Chairs, circa 1890-1910
Located in New Orleans, LA
Set of antique Federal style chairs, circa 1890-1910
EDC016.
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Floral Painted Settee
Located in New York, NY
American Federal floral painted Hitchcock style settee with roll back
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Seating
American Mahogany & Gilt Dolphin Upholstered Harp Stool with Paw Feet, NY C 1815
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Hollywood, 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
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 of 12 American Federal Gilt Eagle Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 12 American Federal style (20th Cent) ebonized side chairs with fluted sides and a gilt carved eagle back with an upholstered seat.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
Pair of 2 American Federal Gold Stenciling Settees
Located in New York, NY
Pair of American Federal painted Hitchcock design spindle back settees with gold stenciling and (new) rush seat
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
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, and in original finish (missing one ...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Seating
Pair of Lewis Barnes Hand Painted Cane Seat Fancy Chairs, Portsmouth NH c 1820
Located in Milford, NH
A nice pair of hand painted golden yellow cane seat fancy chairs, branded “L. Barnes” on the underside, circa 1820. Paint decorated in a musical motif crest , the shaped back splat f...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Seating
Materials
Wood
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, ...
Category
20th Century Federal Seating
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Early 20th-C. Federal Style Sofa W/ Painted Gustavian Finish & White Upholstery
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an early Federal style sofa that has been given a fresh update with a Swedish / Gustavian antique finish. The white upholstery is in very go...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany, Paint
Sheridan Style Sofa / Settee with Silk Scalamandre Upholstery, Mahogany
Located in Stamford, CT
Traditional Sheridan Style Sofa / Settee, Silk Scalamandre Upholstery, Mahogany
Having a lovely hump back with an all over wooded frame displaying maple square inlays on the top of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Federal Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair Hickory Chair Federal Style 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
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.
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