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.
Set Eight Federal Style Japanned & Gilded Dining Arm Chairs Kittinger Furniture
By Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Portland, OR
A fine set of eight Federal style gilded & japanned dining chairs by Kittinger Furniture Co., Kittinger was founded in NY in 1866, they have made furniture for the White House and Co...
Upholstery, Cane, 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...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Henredon Butter Upholstered Wingback Club Chairs
By Henredon
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An exceptional pair of bespoke wingback club armchairs from Henredon's Upholstery Collection. The chairs feature towering wingback silhouettes with gracefully curved wings that exten...
Brass
$4,328Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Federal Mahogany Upholstered Armchairs Attrib. to Ephraim Haines, C. 1805s
By Ephraim Haines and Henry Connelly
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...
Hardwood, 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
Pair Hickory Chair Federal Style Mahogany & Inlay Upholstered Mahogany Armchairs
By Hickory Chair Furniture Company
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...
Upholstery, Mahogany
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"
Oak
Early 19th Century American Sheraton Federal Sofa
Located in Essex, MA
American Federal Sofa in the Sheraton Style. Early 19th Century with Scroll arms and turned legs. New England --upholstery is usable but not new. minor staining
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
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...
Mahogany
Pair of Kittinger Style Tall Wingback Chairs Mint Frames as is Upholstery
By Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Kittinger Style Tall Wingback Chairs Mint Frames as is Upholstery
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
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.
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 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...
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...
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...
Wood
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
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.
Mahogany, Upholstery
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...
Wood
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...
Wood
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
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
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...
Wood
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!
Rush, Chestnut
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...
Upholstery, 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". ...
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
$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
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
Upholstered Window Seat Bench
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 ...
Brass
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 ...
Mahogany
Hitchcock Style Pair of Maple & Rush Saddle Seat Benches - U.S. - Circa 1950's
By Hitchcock
Located in Chatham, ON
Hitchcock style pair of twin-handled saddle seat benches with stained maple frames and rush seats - satin varnish to both the frames and the rush seats - featuring turned spindles fo...
Rush, Maple
American Federal Floral Painted Settee
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal floral painted Hitchcock style settee with roll back
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
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...
Maple
Pair of Tall Tan Leather Wing Chairs on Solid Mahogany Stretcher Base Mint!
By Baker Furniture Company, Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of tall tan leather wing chairs on solid mahogany stretcher base mint!
Brass
$3,995 / set
Kindel Dining Chairs Shield Back Model 76-082
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 6 Kindel Hepplewhite...
Mahogany
Pair of Late 20th Century Bernhardt Maple and Cherry Upholstered Armchairs
By Bernhardt
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Late 20th Century Bernhardt Maple, Cherry and Upholstered Armchairs Measures 21" in width, 24" in depth and 32" in height. Seat height 18. Arm height 25.5". Seat Interior...
Upholstery, Cherry, Maple
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...
Wrought Iron
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
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
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"
Mahogany, Maple
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 ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
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
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
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...
Wood
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
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...
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
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...
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...
$1,575Sale Price|25% Off
Neoclassical Revival Mahogany Lyre-Back Settee, Kittinger Style
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...
Upholstery, 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...
Upholstery, 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
$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.
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...
Maple, Paint
Very Fine Carved Bleached Mahogany Camel Back Compact Sofa Stretcher Base 1960s
By J. Horner, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Custom Designed Floral Pattern Carved Bleached Mahogany Camel Back Compact Sofa Stretcher Base 1960s
Mahogany