Federal Furniture
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.
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Bronze
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Thread, Linen
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Mirror
1950s Italian Vintage Federal Furniture
Alabaster
Late 18th Century English Antique Federal Furniture
Creamware, Pottery
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass, Wrought Iron
1980s Vintage Federal Furniture
Brass
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass, Iron
Early 1800s English Antique Federal Furniture
Creamware, Pottery
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Iron, Brass
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Blown Glass, Wood
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Early 20th Century Turkish Federal Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century Turkish Federal Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Federal Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Giltwood
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
1920s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Brass
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Silver
Mid-19th Century French Antique Federal Furniture
Pottery
19th Century French Antique Federal Furniture
Mirror, Giltwood
Late 18th Century English Antique Federal Furniture
Wool
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Onyx
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Giltwood
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Cast Stone
1910s Slovak Vintage Federal Furniture
Brass
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Cast Stone
1820s English Antique Federal Furniture
Pottery
21st Century and Contemporary English Federal Furniture
Pottery
2010s American Federal Furniture
Brass, Gold Leaf, Iron, Steel
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass, Steel, Wire
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Federal Furniture
Copper
Late 18th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Creamware
Early 1900s American Antique Federal Furniture
Muslin
1890s American Antique Federal Furniture
Muslin
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Composition
1890s American Antique Federal Furniture
Linen
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Mirror
Mid-20th Century French Federal Furniture
Porcelain
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass