Federal Buffets
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 Buffets
Brass
1810s American Antique Federal Buffets
Brass
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Buffets
Brass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Buffets
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Federal Buffets
Brass
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Buffets
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Buffets
Nickel, Aluminum, Metal
Early 2000s American Federal Buffets
Brass
1960s American Vintage Federal Buffets
Brass
Early 19th Century English Antique Federal Buffets
Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Buffets
Brass
1940s French Vintage Federal Buffets
Macassar
1940s French Vintage Federal Buffets
Macassar
1970s Vintage Federal Buffets
Mahogany, Glass
Late 20th Century American Federal Buffets
Brass
Late 20th Century American Federal Buffets
Brass
Mid-20th Century Federal Buffets
Walnut
1970s Unknown Vintage Federal Buffets
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Federal Buffets
Brass
Late 20th Century American Federal Buffets
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Federal Buffets
Brass
Late 20th Century American Federal Buffets
Brass
Late 20th Century American Federal Buffets
Brass
Early 20th Century Federal Buffets
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Federal Buffets
Brass
20th Century American Federal Buffets
Brass
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Buffets
Brass
Late 20th Century American Federal Buffets
Walnut
Late 20th Century American Federal Buffets
Walnut
Late 20th Century American Federal Buffets
Walnut