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.
2
657
18
2
to
88
648
657
657
657
173,274
34,999
26,860
20,789
14,836
10,298
9,909
9,628
9,007
8,305
6,980
5,831
5,700
5,415
4,901
4,443
4,369
3,395
51
286
320
87
104
69
5
5
7
5
7
7
3
5
8
4
501
293
216
168
100
498
478
33
17
14
21
8
5
5
4
Item type: Antique and Vintage
Style: Federal
Antique Brass Federal Branch Leg Urn Finial Cast Iron Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Brass Federal Branch Leg Urn Finial Cast Iron Andirons - a Pair. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: 24" H x 12" W x 19" D.
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Iron
19th Century Folding Sewing Table with Yardstick Top
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A unique and charming piece of sewing history, this antique wood folding sewing or tailor’s table from the 1800s is perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate the nostalgia and functionality of vintage sewing furniture...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Banded and Pencil Inlayed Mahogany Bow Front Federal Sideboard Brass Hardware
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Banded and Pencil Inlayed Mahogany Bow Front Federal Sideboard Brass Hardware
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early American Federal Period Flame Mahogany Antique Wash Stand
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and stunning Federal period (1789-1823) early American flame mahogany wash stand. circa 1810
Exquisitely hand-crafted in the Northeastern United States in the early 19th cent...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Neoclassical Gilded Eagle Lamp in the style of Maison Charles, 1970s.
Located in Lille, FR
Gilded Eagle Lamp in the style of Maison Charles, 1970s.
Category
1970s French Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Marble, Metal
American Federal Brass Lemon Top Andirons with Cabriole Legs and Slipper Feet
Located in Wells, ME
American Federal cast brass seamed 20 inch high lemon top andirons with slipper feet and iron log holders. This pair of quite substantial andirons retain their original lemon top l...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Circa 1800-1805 Mahogany Federal Hepplewhite Tambour Desk, Massachusetts
Located in Louisville, KY
This stunning inlaid Mahogany Federal Hepplewhite Tambour Desk, most likely originated in the Massachusetts area between 1800-1805 time period...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Style Large Size Round Beveled Wall Mirror with Eagle
Located in Savannah, GA
This classic Federal style American giltwood mirror is finely carved and
features an eagle with widely spread wings perched on a pedestal ato...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
Antique Federal Style Turned Brass & Cast Iron Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Federal Style Turned Brass & Cast Iron Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 18" H x 13" W x 18.25" D.
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Kindel Furniture Federal Banded Mahogany Dining Table, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Federal or Regency style extension dining table
By Kindel Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Gorgeous book-matched mahogany, with satinwood string inlay.
Measures: 38"W x 44"...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Satinwood, Mahogany
19th Century Federal Eagle Gilt Wood Bullseye Mirror
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Federal Eagle Round Gilt Wood Frame Mirror. The frame consists of 15 round balls framed by garlands and flowers with an eagle with wide spread wings atop of frame.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Sheraton Giltwood Mirror, c.1830
Located in Savannah, GA
A Sheraton giltwood mirror, circa 1830.
Antique plate; original gilding with some early retouching.
23 inches wide by 34 inches tall by 3 inches deep
Category
1830s Unknown Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Limner Portrait of Young Gentleman, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
A limner portrait of a young gentleman, early 19th Century.
Oil on canvas in egg and dart frame.
Canvas: 8 ½ by 10 ½ inches
Frame: 13 ½ by 15 ¾ inches
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
American Federal Style Mahogany Inlaid Decorated Credenzas / Sideboard
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your dining area with this Beautiful Mahogany Wood Server, exquisitely crafted in the American Federal style. This server is not just a functional piece; it's a work of art, ...
Category
Early 20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Kindel Furniture Federal Banded Mahogany Extension Dining Table, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Regency style extension dining table
By Kindel Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Gorgeous book-matched mahogany, with satinwood string inlay.
Measures: 38"W x ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique Mahogany Tilt Top Federal Sheraton Pedestal Base Side Tea Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Mahogany Tilt Top Federal Sheraton Pedestal Base Side Tea Table. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: (Flat): 29.5" H x 24" W x 19.75" D (Top).
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
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...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Early 20th C Federal Style Hand Carved Mahogany Piecrust Edge Tilt-top Tea Table
Located in Charleston, SC
This is a magnificent Federal Style (or Federal Revival) early 20th century bench made solid mahogany Piecrust Edge Tilt-Top Tea Table with birdcage action. The top is exceptionally...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Biggs Furniture Federal Style Mahogany Banded Petite Corner Cabinet
Located in Parkesburg, PA
Biggs Furniture Federal Style Mahogany Banded Petite Corner Cabinet
1 Piece Design Cabinet. Signed Biggs which Kittinger acquired later
Antique Solid Mahogany, Satinwood Inlay Band...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Baker Mahogany Satinwood Bow Front Sideboard Historic Charleston Collection MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker Mahogany Satinwood Bow Front Sideboard Historic Charleston Collection MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique Classical Italian Giltwood Figural Bullseye Wall Mirror with Eagle 1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Classical Italian figural bullseye mirror offers giltwood construction with eagle or phoenix crest over convex mirror having double scroll form arms terminating in candle ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mirror
Italian Federal Style Silver Gilt Convex Wall Mirror
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian Federal Style Silver Gilt Convex Wall Mirror. Vintage mirror with stunning detail and quality.
Category
20th Century Italian Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Drexel Heritage Cambridge Cherry Wood Four Drawer Dresser Chest
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Drexel Heritage Cambridge Cherry Wood Four Drawer Dresser Chest. Item featured is a nice larger size, distressed finish, solid cherry wood construction, faux keyholes, quality Americ...
Category
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Federal Tennessee Cherry Huntboard
Located in Bradenton, FL
American federal Cherry Huntboard or 1800-1820 on carved concave fluted legs. One center door storage compartment between two large deep drawers on ...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Mid-Century American Federal Style Brass Fireplace Tools Set of 6
Located in Germantown, MD
Six piece set Mid-Century American Federal Style Brass Fireplace Tools, include a 46.5' Blo Poke tool.
Stand is 32" tall.
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
19th Century Carved and Painted Ship's Billethead
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Carved and Painted Ship's Billethead, second half 19th Century, a scroll carved and painted wooden ornament from the bow of a ship.
A billethead was a smaller carving used in place of a figurehead, mounted under the bowsprit of a ship. As the 19th Century progressed and the age of clipper ships saw a move towards ever more extreme clipper bows, there was a need to eliminate unnecessary weight aboard ship, especially in the bow (to avoid burying the nose into every wave), so billet heads...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Federal Style Convex Mirror Carved Eagle By LA Barge
By LaBarge
Located in Toledo, OH
Federal style wood with a convex mirror by La Barge. Gold and black finish with carved eagle adorning the top. Mirror measures 14.5" in diameter. Overall size is 23" wide x 42" tall.
Category
20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Federal Style Mahogany Mirror With Carved Giltwood Grouse
Located in Sheridan, CO
Antique mahogany frame federal mirror wall gold gilt carved bird. Item features gold gilt carved bird, carved and shaped frame, wood frame, beautiful wood gr...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood, Mirror, Mahogany
Rare Early 19th Century American Porcelain Pitcher by Tucker & Hemphill
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine and rare, early 19th century Tucker and Hemphill porcelain pitcher.
Of classic form with typical polychrome floral sprays to both sides and gilt decoration.
Tucker and Hemphill was the important first large-scale producer of porcelain in America. They operated in Philadelphia from 1826-1838, and pieces are extraordinarily hard to find and highly coveted by American collectors.
For comparable examples, visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art's online collection.
Simply a wonderful piece of early American porcelain...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Brass Urn & Marble Federal Style Branch Leg Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Brass Urn & Marble Federal Style Branch Leg Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Circa Mid to Late 20th Century. Measurements: 25.25" H x 12.5" W x 8.75" D.
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Century Furniture Carved Mahogany Posters Queen Bed
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 20th century Furniture Company Federal Style poster queen size bed in very good vintage condition.
Measures 64"in width, 87.5" in depth and stands 90" to the top of the poste...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Satinwood Inlaid Carved Mahogany Parcel Gilt And Eglomise Painted Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautiful Federal style Satinwood Inlaid in Carved Mahogany Parcel Gilt And Eglomise Painted scroll ear wall Mirror. Measures 24" in width and 56" tall. Wood backing.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany, Satinwood, Giltwood
American Federal Girandole Ebonized Eagle Gilt Wood Foliage Convex Mirror C 1800
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal girandole gilt wood and gesso convex mirror with a central ebonized eagle perched to flee with ball and chain, flanking double acanthus foliage medallion candle arms...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gesso, Mirror, Ebony, Giltwood
Mahogany Federal Philadelphia Work Table, Circa 1810
Located in Alexandria, VA
This handsome unique sewing/work stand is quintessentially the work of a master Philadelphia cabinetmaker. It has 2 drawers with replaced hand-cast solid brass pulls and original bra...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Giltwood Mirror with Rosette Corners and Fruit Panel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An antique carved giltwood wall mirror from the 1800s featuring a rectangular frame with rosette corners and a basket of fruit panel at the top. It is made of wood and gilded with g...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror
Monumental Giltwood Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
A truly, exceptional and most fine example of the neoclassical mastery. This monumental mirror will make a truly shows-stopping statement in any parlor it is displayed.
Very forma...
Category
17th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold, Gold Leaf
New York Mahogany Federal Butlers Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A New York flame mahogany federal butler's desk with drop down (side snap operation) door revealing a green leatherette tooled work surface. The interior with a center door concealing storage and an inside drawer that is flanked by two "secret" panels with string inlay and further enhanced by pigeon holes and short and long drawers.
The overall desk presents with string inlay decorated deep top desk over three long drawers in rich flame mahogany veneers. The drawers with embossed brass hardware and the whole resting on bracket feet. Lacking a key.
Dimensions: 23 1/4" D, 47" W, 44 3/4" H
Condition: Please see all detail photos. Various age related wear include one missing tiny...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century American cherry one drawer stand with turned legs and feet
Located in Charleston, SC
Great little 19th Century American cherry one drawer stand with turned legs, feet and 2 board top
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Rare Antique late 18th C. Federal Period Brass & Wirework Bowfront Nursery Guard
Located in Charleston, SC
This is a marvelous period, late 18th century "Adam" style wirework and brass trim bowfront Fireplace Fender with original blackened wire work hand woven in Adam swags. The wirework...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel, Wire
Very Fine Carved Bleached Mahogany Camel Back Compact Sofa Stretcher Base 1960s
By J. Horner, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Custom Designed Floral Pattern Carved Bleached Mahogany Camel Back Compact Sofa Stretcher Base 1960s
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Silver Pewter Metal Federal Style Urn Finial Fireplace Tool Set - 4 Pcs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Silver Pewter Metal Federal Style Urn Finial Fireplace Tool Set - 4 Pc Set. Item featured set includes 3 tools and 1 stand, pewter finish, very nice vintage set. Circa Mid 20...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Corner Etagere with Drawer
Located in Germantown, MD
An early 20th century four-tier Federal Style corner shelf with one drawer measuring 22" in width, 16" in depth and standing 57.75" in height. Shelf clearances are 10.25".
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Birch Slant Front Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very nice early 19th century Federal Birch New England Slant Lid Desk likely New Hampshire in origin around 1800-1830. Made of solid Birch with four large graduated inlaid drawers ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Birch
American Federal Gilt Wood Convex Mirror with Perched Eagle to Flee, Circa 1820
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal gilt carved wood and gesso convex mirror with perched eagle to flee, flanking acanthus scrolled foliage, interior circular spheres, ebonized reeded ring, and termina...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Ebony, Giltwood, Wood, Mirror, Gesso
American Gilt Wood and Ebonized Foliage Convex Wall Mirror, Circa 1825
Located in Hollywood, SC
American gilt wood and ebonized foliage convex mirror. Early 19th century. Mirror retains the original silvered glass and wood backing.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Early 19th Century Federal Fireplace Mantel Found in Maine
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Crafted in the Federal style with a striking paneled frieze and light cream paint finish, this antique fireplace mantel brings elegance, and also adds some Arts and Crafts era touche...
Category
19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique 19th Century 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 and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 colonies around the inside ...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood, Mirror
Banded Oval Racetrack Shape Carved Double Pedestal Burl Walnut 13' Long Dining
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Banded Oval Racetrack Shape Carved Double Pedestal Burl Walnut 13' Long Dining Conference Table MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Virginia MetalCrafters Federal Style Polished Brass and Steel Fire Tool Set
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite set of Federal Style Polished Brass and polished stee Fireplace Tool Set by Virginia MetalCrafters. Excellent vintage condition. Cast brass polished and polished steel....
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Very Fine Antique Secretary Bookcase with Brass Eagle Crest
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Well constructed with fine mahogany veneer with Federal style brass eagle finial on a pedestal. The carved cornice with urn form finials over a carv...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Glass, Mahogany
Antique Baltimore Federal Classical Silver Ladle by Gould & Ward
Located in New York, NY
Federal Classical silver ladle. Made by Gould & Ward in Baltimore, ca 1820. Upturned fiddle terminal engraved with script monogram. Marked “Gould & Ward Baltimore” with “11-12”, whic...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Silver
Federal Style Inlaid Mahogany Fold-Top Console Table, Circa 1920s
Located in Germantown, MD
An early 20th Century fold-top mahogany console table with satinwood inlays.
Measures 36" in width, 17" in depth and stands 29".
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Caldwell Federal Style Eagle Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s gilt bronze federal style double arm sconces. Available in silver plate
Category
1920s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Baker Furniture Federal Mahogany and Satinwood Demilune Cabinet, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet or sideboard
By Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Flame mahogany, with satinwood banding and inlay, and original brass ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Solid Cherry Multi Compartment Drop Front Secretary Desk w/ Drawer File Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Cherry Multi Compartment Drop Front Secretary Desk w/ Drawer File Cabinet
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
1930's Half-Moon Drop-Leaf Federal Coffee Table
Located in Burbank, CA
Antique coffee table for sale. Special table that has a half-moon shape and has leaves on either side that extend out. Great design, and in great vintage condition. Made of mahogany ...
Category
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Kindel Furniture Federal Satinwood and Mahogany Inlaid Marquetry Tea Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal style occasional side table or tea table
By Kindel Furniture
USA, Late 20th Century
Satinwood and mahogany, with inlaid marquetry.
Measures: 29"W x 22"D x 29"H...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Brass Filing
Yellow Wood Cabinet
Mid Century Knoll Office Chair
United Furniture Company Chest Of Drawers
Bedside Cabinets Modern
Bedside Modern Cabinets
Wood Shop Sign
Blue Commodes And Chest Of Drawers
Wood Dutch Cabinet
Wood Fluted Column
Yellow Neoclassical
Cabinet 1930 Vintage
Carved Wood Black Cabinet
Ebonized Display
Vintage House Keys
Vintage House Key
Case Pieces And Storage With Paw Feet
Vintage English Cottage