Federal Seating
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.
Late 20th Century American Federal Seating
Upholstery, Mahogany
1810s Antique Federal Seating
Upholstery, Mahogany
1830s Antique Federal Seating
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Federal Seating
Upholstery, Mahogany, Down
Mid-20th Century American Federal Seating
Rush, Wood
20th Century American Federal Seating
Fabric, Wood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Federal Seating
Leather, Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Upholstery, Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Wood, Paint
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Cotton, Velvet, Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Fabric, Hardwood, Mahogany
1820s American Antique Federal Seating
Maple, Paint
20th Century American Federal Seating
Brass
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Seating
Fabric, Wood
20th Century American Federal Seating
Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Wood
20th Century American Federal Seating
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Federal Seating
Fabric, Wood
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Upholstery, Walnut
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Wood
Early 20th Century American Federal Seating
Upholstery, Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Wood
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Wood
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Wood
Late 20th Century American Federal Seating
Velvet, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Federal Seating
Upholstery, Mahogany
19th Century Antique Federal Seating
Fabric, Wood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Ash, Maple
19th Century Antique Federal Seating
Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Seating
Brass
1920s American Vintage Federal Seating
Leather, Wood
Early 20th Century American Federal Seating
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Seating
Upholstery, Mahogany
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Upholstery, Walnut
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Seating
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Federal Seating
Brass
Early 20th Century American Federal Seating
Upholstery, Mahogany
19th Century Antique Federal Seating
Hardwood, Paint
1930s American Vintage Federal Seating
Velvet, Mahogany
1820s American Antique Federal Seating
Hickory, Pine
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Rush, Chestnut
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Maple
1810s American Antique Federal Seating
Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Seating
Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Wood
18th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Mid-20th Century American Federal Seating
Wood, Upholstery
18th Century American Antique Federal Seating
Early 20th Century Federal Seating
19th Century American Antique Federal Seating
1820s American Antique Federal Seating
Wood
Early 20th Century American Federal Seating
Upholstery, Mahogany, Paint
Late 20th Century American Federal Seating
Upholstery, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Federal Seating
Upholstery, Mahogany