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.
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Bronze
1960s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Gold Leaf
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Bronze
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Federal Furniture
Alabaster, Bronze
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Late 17th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Gold
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Bronze
1910s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Bronze
1870s French Antique Federal Furniture
Bronze
1960s Vintage Federal Furniture
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Federal Furniture
Ormolu
Early 20th Century French Federal Furniture
Brass
1890s Antique Federal Furniture
Bronze
Early 20th Century European Federal Furniture
Mirror, Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Federal Furniture
Mirror
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Giltwood
Early 20th Century French Federal Furniture
Bronze
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Bronze
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Glass, Giltwood
20th Century French Federal Furniture
Alabaster, Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Bronze
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Gold Leaf
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Gold Leaf
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Gold Leaf
1950s Vintage Federal Furniture
Giltwood, Mirror
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Bronze
20th Century European Federal Furniture
Bronze
Early 2000s Italian Federal Furniture
Leather, Hardwood
1890s American Antique Federal Furniture
Mirror, Giltwood
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Bronze
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Gold Leaf