Federal Furniture
FEDERAL STYLE
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.
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Style: Federal
Vintage Pine Mantelpiece, 1900-50
Located in Kenilworth, IL
American Federal style mantelpiece with a projecting mantle shelf over an entablature of triglyphs and metopes supported by flanking pilasters and a central tablet. The upper mantle ...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Pine
Handsome Versatile Mahogany Night Stand with Two Drawers & Slide
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant vintage mahogany night stand having wonderful shape with top and bottom drawer, slider that pulls out under the top drawer, and open storage area above the lower drawer. Bra...
Category
1950s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique Early 19thC American Federal Period Convex Gilt Wood Eagle Mirror 1820
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique American Federal period convex gilt wood looking Glass/ mirror, circa 1820.
The mirror sumounted with a carved eagle on a plinth, the eagle with a chain suspended from...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Aaron Willard Boston Federal Shelf Clock Arched & Inlaid Pediment/ Mahogany Case
Located in Savannah, GA
This magnificent shelf clock has an arched and inlaid pediment over a painted dial that is signed "Aaron Willard, Boston," fancifully painted within cartouche with laurel wreath and ...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Tin
Virginia Metal Crafters Federal Style Polished Brass Dolphin Fireplace Tool Set
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite set of Federal Style Polished Brass Dolphin Fireplace Tool Set by Virginia Metal Crafters. Excellent vintage condition.
Vir...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American 45 Star Flag, circa 1896
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique American 45 Star Flag, circa 1896, marking the admission of Utah into the Union as the 45th state in 1896. This was an official flag of the United States for only twelve yea...
Category
1890s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Muslin
Mahogany Banded Inlay Drop Leaf Silver Drawer 5 Drawers Server Cart on Wheels
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mahogany Banded Inlay drop leaf silver drawer 5 drawers Expandable server cart cabinet on wheels MINT!.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large Honey Dark Amber Brown Burl Walnut Square Two Tier Coffee Table Wheel MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large Honey Dark Amber Brown Burl Walnut Square Two Tier Coffee Table Wheel MINT
Category
20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Trestle Drop Leaf Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Trestle two drawer Drop Leaf Table. Measures 56.25" in width with leaves open, 36.25" in width with leaves closed, 25" in depth and 27.25" in hei...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Night Stands
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Two Tier single drawer Night Stands in good vintage condition.
Measures 18" in width, 15.25" in depth and stand 27.25" tall.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Federalist Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Freehold, NJ
This vintage federalist style chest of drawers features hardwood construction, original cherry finish, brass accented hardware and one locking top drawer.
Dimensions: 37.75w 22.25d ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Large Brass Hexagon Shape Lantern Chandelier 9 Light Beveled Glass
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Gorgeous Large Brass Hexagon Shape Lantern Chandelier 9 Light Beveled Glass
Dimensions : 44" Tall X 22" Wide X 22" Deep
This lantern has beveled glass and is stunning! It has 9 lig...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Fantastic American Centennial Solid Walnut Philadelphia Carved Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
From Slatoff Estate. Walnut. 2piece. Top has 2 glass doors containing 2 shelves. Bottom has 5 dovetail drawers and drop down door with fitted interior. 98 3/4" h x 41 7/8" w x 22 1/2...
Category
1870s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Early 19th Century Store Display American Crca 1800-1810
Located in Hudson, NY
This is an incredibly rare piece. Made from Pine with the original dark green paint. Originally used as a store display in the early 19th century. With swollen baluster turnings, cup...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
BAKER Bow Front Banded Top & 4 Drawers Pull Out Desk Bachelor Chest Dresser MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
BAKER Bow Front Banded Top & 4 Drawers Pull Out Desk Bachelor Chest Dresser MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century American "Federal" Style Convex Mirror.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Late 19th Century American "Federal" Style Convex Mirror.
Carved Wood with Gold and an Eagle Perched on Top.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
American Cherry Tilt-Top Candle Stand
Located in Savannah, GA
An American cherry spider leg tilt-top candle stand, early 19th century.
top measures 17 by 22 inches
28 ¼ inches tall; 40 inches tall upright
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Smith & Watson Flame Mahogany Federal Style Sideboard Credenza
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Hepplewhite or Federal style sideboard buffet or credenza
By Smith & Watson
USA, Late 20th Century
Gorgeous flame mahogany, with satinwood string inlay, and original br...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Queen Anne Curly Maple Drop Leaf Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very attractive early Federal Queen Anne Curly Maple Drop leaf table with a great aged color and patina on an older refinished surface. Looks to possibly be a very early marriage ...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
Federal Style Gilt Eglomise Mirror
Located in Savannah, GA
A Federal style gilt eglomise mirror with neoclassical scene, 20th century.
plate: 23 ½ by 33 ½ inches
overall: 31 ½ by 47 ¼ inches
Category
Late 20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Federal Mahogany Card Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
American mahogany inlaid Hepplewhite fold top card table Circa 1790-1800. Tapered straight legs terminating at the feet in simple cuff inlay. Shaped skirt and conforming ovolo shaped...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage American Brass Federal Eagle Door Knocker
Located in Pearland, TX
A fine vintage American Federal eagle brass door knocker, circa 1950. This regal door knocker is nicely cast, solid and heavy, in the form of a stately eagle with a center shield des...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Hekman Federal Style Mahogany Bookcase Cabinet Breakfront
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Hekman Federal Style Mahogany Bookcase Cabinet Breakfront
Dimensions : 88" Tall X 68.5" Wide X 16" Deep
This breakfront was made by Hekman and is in a gorgeous federal style. The s...
Category
1990s American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Monumental Over 4 FT Tall 12 Light Brass & Glass Chandelier Lantern
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Monumental Over 4 FT Tall 12 Light Brass & Glass Chandelier Lantern
Dimensions : 56" Tall X 28.5" Wide X 28.5" Deep
This lantern is monumental perfect for an entry way!
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
High Quality Bronze Patina 6 Light Chandelier Lantern 38 X 24 X 24
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Gorgeous High Quality Bronze Patina 6 Light Chandelier Lantern 38 X 24 X 24
Dimensions : 38 X 24 X 24
This lantern has a gorgeous bronze patina and is well cast! The lantern is in ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair Hickory Chair Federal Style Mahogany & Inlay Upholstered Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Hickory Chair Furniture Federal Style Upholstered Mahogany Armchairs in great vintage condition.
Measures 25" in width, 25" in depth, 36" in height, 18" seat height. Arm heig...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pembroke Drop Leaf Mahogany Satinwood Side Table
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Classic small scale Pembroke mahogany table with a satinwood banded top and one drawer. This piece is raised on tall square tapering legs and the sides are flanked with two oval sati...
Category
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
1890s Era Solid Mahogany Chippendale Corner Cabinet Cupboard Hand Blown Glass
Located in Long Branch, NJ
1890s Era Solid Mahogany Chippendale Corner Cabinet Cupboard Hand Blown Glass
Measures 44 wide x 93 tall x 22 deep
sides 30 inches against wall
This 2 piece corner cabinet is de...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage American Bald Eagle Brass Bookends a Pair
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage American Bald Eagle Brass Bookends a Pair
Beautiful detail on this 1950s pair of American Bald eagle head bookends.
Nice set of large brass American Bald Eagle bookends.
This...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Late 19th Century King Size American Mahogany Four Poster Bed
Located in Charleston, SC
This wonderful New York Four Poster bed has a simple poplar headboard and tester for draping. The mahogany foot post have a block spade foot below the bed bolts. The post continue up...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Poplar
Early 20th Century Flame Mahogany Cabinet Bookcase Breakfront By Warsaw
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Gorgeous Early 20th Century Flame Mahogany Cabinet Bookcase Breakfront By Warsaw
Dimensions : 88" Tall X 66" Wide X 18" Deep
This breakfront was made by Warsaw furniture company in...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Federal Style Sewing Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original Vintage Condition
Category
1950s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Rare Antique American Federal Mahogany Inlaid Sofa Settee Boston Massachusetts
Located in Dayton, OH
A Very Fine American Federal Period Carved Mahogany Sofa, circa 1810. Features a bowback frame with cross banding. Sloped arms lead to reeded supports in front of remarkable three-di...
Category
1810s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Rare Antique 19th Century American Federal Mahogany Carved Sofa Settee
Located in Dayton, OH
A Very Fine American Federal Period Carved Mahogany Sofa, circa 1830. Features a bowfront frame with sloped arms leading to reeded supports. The sofa is supported by turned and reede...
Category
1830s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Cast Iron & Brass Federal Eagle Door Knocker
Located in Pearland, TX
A fine antique early 20th Century American Federal eagle black cast iron and brass door knocker. This regal door knocker is nicely cast, solid and heavy, with a lovely patina. It wou...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
William Cummens Federal Mahogany Tall Clock with Moon Phase Dial circa 1820
Located in Milford, NH
An exceptional Federal mahogany tall case clock with a delicate fretwork crest, adorned with three ball and spire brass finials, surmounting an arched form glass door, opening to a h...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pair Antique Federal Carved Mahogany Night Stands
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Shows Patina from Age & Use
Dimensions: 29.50”H x 18”W x 14.50”D
Category
1920s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Demilune Console Tables with Marquetry Inlay
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Elegant pair of demi-lune console tables or center table made in the federal style. The tables feature veneered tops with amazing marquetry inlay on the frieze. Each table has an inl...
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
American Mahogany Drop Leaf Barley Twist Work Table with Orig. Brasses, C. 1815
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal Mahogany drop leaf three drawer work table with incised carvings, original circular foliage brasses, key hole escutcheons, and resting on bulbous ringed barley twist...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Late 20th Century Federal Style Mahohany Side Table Candle Stand
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 20th Federal Style Mahohany Side Table
Measures 14.75" in width, 14.75" in depth and stands 21.5" tall.
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Late 20th Century Four-Tier Mahohany Bookmatched Top Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 20th Century Federal Style Four-Tier Mahohany Bookmatched Top Side Table in great vintage condition. Measures 20" in width, 16" in depth and stands 27" tall.
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Henkel Harris Federal Inlaid Cherry Wood Flip Top Console Game Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style flip top demilune console game table
By Henkel Harris
USA, 1990s
Beautiful cherry wood, with inlaid ebony and satinwood marquetry.
Measure...
Category
1990s American Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Ebony, Satinwood
Mid 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Display Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Display Cabinet measuring 35.5" in width, 12" in depth and stands 42.5" tall. Lower
Cubes are 11.75" high, middle cubes are 10" and top cubes...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Early American Federal Chest of Drawers in Bookmatched Mahogany
Located in Hopewell, NJ
From the Federal period, a very beautiful American Neoclassical chest of drawers in fine bookmatched mahogany with one overhanging drawer supported on the sides by two beautifully tu...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Aaron Willard Boston Mahogany Shelf Clock w/ Eglomisé Painting & Eagle Finial
Located in Savannah, GA
Popularized at the turn of the 19th century in coastal Massachusetts, these handsome shelf clocks are subsequently referred to as Massachusetts shelf clocks. This decorated example ...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Mahogany Chest
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very nice Federal Mahogany chest 1820-30. This is a really pretty chest with beautiful carved and turned columns on tall turned legs. There is...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Circa Early 19th Century American Federal Chest on Bracket Feet
Located in Peabody, MA
Antique American Federal period chest of four drawers in cherry over bracket feet.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid 20th Century Hickory Chair Mahogany Traditional Console Table
Located in Elkton, MD
Small console table by Hickory chair company. Features two side compartments with doors and a central drawer. Brass details.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Fine Federal Period Sheraton Mahogany Card or Gaming Table circa 1800
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of a Federal Period, Sheraton mahogany card or gaming table with turret corners, checkered inlay around the folding top edge, a shaped frieze with an oval patera, all ...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Portrait of Naval Captain William Compton Bolton
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early 19th Century Portrait of Naval Captain William Compton Bolton (Anglo-American: 1799 - 1849), circa 1830s, an oil on canvas half-length portrait of a sea captain holding a spygl...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Antique American Federal Gold Giltwood Overmantle 66" Triple Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Federal Gold Giltwood Overmantle 66" Triple Mirror. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: 25" H x 66.5" W x 4.75" D.
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Kindel Winterthur Collection Mahogany Goddard Townsend Secretary Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
Kindel Winterthur Collection Mahogany Goddard Townsend Blockfront Secretary Writing Desk. Made from mahogany with a high sheen finish. This exception example of a late 18th century p...
Category
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique American Federal Carved Giltwood Pier Mirror Églomisé Panel NY 1810
Located in Portland, OR
A good antique American Federal period, Classical giltwood eglomise pier mirror, New York, circa 1815.
The mirror with a stepped cornice and applied gilt spheres, below are bands of ...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Federal Mahogany Demilune Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet or sideboard server
By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston" Collection
USA, Circa 1980s
Beautiful mahogany, with ori...
Category
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Early 19th Century Federal Hepplewhite Mirrors with Pineapple Finals
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of American Federal Hepplewhite Mirrors with Pineapple Finials. Wonderful pediment shaped eglomise panels with floral gilt. Gilded balls and columns. A true pair. Possibly Al...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Pair of 2 Hitchcock Black Federal Side Chairs, Rush Seats.
By Hitchcock
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Pair of 2 Hitchcock Black Federal Side Chairs, Rush Seats.
These vintage Hitchcock chairs are black lacquer painted and embellished with ochr...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Rush, Wood
Very Fine Quality Tufted Wingback Chair From Charles Stewart
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very well made and large Tuft Back Wing Chair with fine form and great comfort. Upholstered in a handsome striped Velvet with a nice soft hand and having flat-panel arms bearing Co...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal furniture made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, Kindel Furniture, Drexel, and Edward F. Caldwell & Co.. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $115,000 while the average work can sell for $2,800.
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