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.
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
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
$5,605Sale Price|26% Off
H 37 in W 41 in D 41 in
Henredon for Ralph Lauren Thick Leather Wingback Writer's Club Chair, Signed
By Ralph Lauren, Henredon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous 'Writers' wingback club chair by Henredon for Ralph Lauren has such incredible leather, very thick and quality natural hides were used in it's making. The original Writ...
Leather, Wood
$9,800
H 50.5 in W 38 in D 34 in
English Chippendale Mahogany Upholstered Ball & Claw Wing Back Chair, Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
English Chippendale mahogany upholstered wing back chair with serpentine back, flared wings, flanking scrolled arms, removable seat cushion, shell and floral carved knees, and termin...
Suede, Cotton, Upholstery, Mahogany
$960Sale Price|20% Off
H 45 in W 32.25 in D 32 in
Queen Anne Mahogany Fireside Upholstered Wingback Chair, 20th Century
Located in Big Flats, NY
A Queen Anne style fireside wingback chair offers upholstered chair with scroll form arms and raised on mahogany cabriole legs terminating in pad feet, 20th Century. Measures- 45''H...
Mahogany, Upholstery
Pair of Georgian Style Wingback Chairs Upholstered in Linen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Wing Back Chairs in the Style of Georgian. Newly upholstered in Linen with a cord welt to the cushions. A wonderful pair and very c...
Linen, Upholstery, Cord, Wood
$6,800Sale Price|21% Off
H 37 in W 41 in D 41 in
Henredon for Ralph Lauren Thick Leather Wingback Writer's Club Chair, Signed
By Henredon, Ralph Lauren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous 'Writers' wingback club chair by Henredon for Ralph Lauren has such incredible leather, very thick and quality natural hides were used in it's making. The original Writ...
Leather, Wood
$3,995 / set
H 46 in W 46 in D 30 in
Pair of English Queen Anne Style Wingback Loveseats Upholstered in Plaid Fabric
Located in Morristown, NJ
A stylish and exceptionally comfortable pair of English Queen Anne style wingback loveseats, raised on carved mahogany cabriole legs terminating in pad feet. The shapely frames featu...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
$2,495 / set
H 40.75 in W 27 in D 29.25 in
Antique French Carved Mahogany Wing Chairs in Schumacher Fabric, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of antique French carved mahogany wing chairs in a vintage Schumacher red and white fabric. They have brass trimmed nailheads and car...
Brass
$32,000
H 47.75 in W 38.5 in D 29 in
American Southern Chippendale Mahogany Upholstered Wing Back Chair, Circa 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
American Southern Chippendale mahogany wing back chair with serpentine back, flared wings, flanking scrolled arms, removable seat cushion, and terminating on claw and ball feet. Secondary wood consist of bald cypress...
Muslin, Mahogany, Poplar, Cypress
Pair of Wingback Chairs with Grey Upholstery
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of wingback chairs is a 1950's Hungarian interpretation of the classic form. Wingbacks were originally created to block the air in drafty rooms. These chairs are modernized...
Chenille, Walnut
$6,000 / set
H 40 in W 31 in D 26 in
Exceptional Pair Of Antique Chippendale Style Leather Wing Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of incredibly comfortable antique leather Wing Chairs in distressed condition. Carved ball and claw form feet with green leather upholstery with tufted seat back with camel b...
Leather, Wood
$5,800 / set
H 41.5 in W 34 in D 34 in
Pair of English Georgian Style Ruby Red Leather Wingback Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stunning pair of mid-century leather wingback chairs or wing chairs featuring a dramatic ruby red leather upholstery. Made in the grand English Georgian taste with a mahogany hardwoo...
Brass
$4,350 / set
H 46 in W 31.5 in D 30 in
Pair Of Custom Upholstered Chippendale-Style Wingback Armchairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of Chippendale style wingback armchairs featuring a classic serpentine crest rail, flared wings, and distinctive carved ball-and-claw feet on the front legs and gently splayed s...
Other
1960's Hollywood Regency Federal Style Wingback Chairs - a Pair
Located in Burbank, CA
Pair of vintage wing chairs for sale. From the 1960's, and very high-quality chairs. The seats have coil springs, and the seat cushions are down filled. Incredibly solid construction...
Fabric, Walnut
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...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 52 in W 77 in D 33 in
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...
Leather, Wood
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...
Mahogany
Antique Federal Sheraton Mahogany Wing Arm Chair circa 1820
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Sheraton Federal style wing back fire side chair offers shaped back, scroll form arms and is raised on turned mahogany legs, c1820 Measures- 44.5''H x 29.25''W x 27''D;...
Mahogany, Upholstery
Sold
H 50.5 in W 33 in D 27 in
Vintage Tall Wingback Reading Chair with Elegant Scalamandre Paisley Upholstery
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning vintage tall wingback chair as it stands taller than most. Recently upholstered in a luxurious Scalamandre paisley fabric which is a showstopper. A great chair to read in or...
Fabric, Textile, Mahogany
Mahogany Wingback Chair Newly Upholstered with Ralph Lauren Tartan Wool
Located in West Hartford, CT
Handsome Classic wingback chair with mahogany legs and cross stretcher has been newly reupholstered in a luxurious Ralph Lauren tartan wool plaid f...
Wool, Mahogany
Vintage Mid Century Fireside Wing Back Chair Mustard Yellow
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a vintage wing back chair with textured yellow upholstery and wood legs. It is in good condition with usable upholstery, only showin...
Upholstery, Wood
Perfectly Patinated Black Leather Wing Chair
Located in Atlanta, GA
Perfectly patinated black leather wing back lounge chair, American, circa 1950s. The original black leather upholstery is perfectly broken in, ...
Brass
Pair of Regal Federal Style Wing Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant pair of wingback chairs on mahogany legs, upholstered in Fortuny style fabric with a gold camel background and slightly raised chenille like soft green pattern. Measures: 25....
Pair of 1940's Black Leather Wingback Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of 1940's Black Leather Wingback Chairs, designed for Bloomingdale's of New York City, "Beekman Place" Collection, American, circa 19...
Leather