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.
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
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...
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...
Wrought Iron
American Hand-Painted Bamboo Side Chairs with Rush Seat, 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of American Federal faux bamboo painted side chairs with spindle back and rush seat with cushion
Bamboo
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
Set of 4 American Federal Side Chairs, Tiger Maple, 19th Century
Located in Queens, NY
4 American Country Federal style (19th Cent) tiger maple side chairs with a stretcher and rush seat (PRICED EACH)
Maple
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
Upholstery, Walnut
$2,996Sale Price / set|25% Off
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
18th Century American Federal Faux Bamboo Side Chairs with Rush Seat
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Federal faux bamboo painted side chairs with spindle back and rush seat with cushion
Faux Bamboo
$1,850 / 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.
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...
Maple, Paint
19th Century Federal Painted Bench
Located in Nashville, TN
Bench has arrow shaped splats. Slightly reduced in length. Original condition.
Wood
Pair of Antique Federal Style Chairs, circa 1890-1910
Located in New Orleans, LA
Set of antique Federal style chairs, circa 1890-1910 EDC016.
Mahogany