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.
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Gold Leaf, Brass
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Composition
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Wood
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Hardwood, Paint
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Wood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Giltwood
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Glass, Mahogany
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Velvet, Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Glass, Walnut
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Maple
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Cherry
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
1950s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Brass, Iron
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Hickory, Pine
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Mirror, Giltwood
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Wool
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Gold Leaf
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Glass, Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany, Maple
1960s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Gold Leaf
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Maple
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Canvas
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass, Iron
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Porcelain
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass, Wire
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Giltwood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Silver
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Satinwood, Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Bronze
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany, Giltwood
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Walnut
20th Century Federal Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Lead
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Burl
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Rush, Chestnut
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Birch, Mahogany, Rosewood
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass, Wrought Iron
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Cherry, Mahogany, Poplar
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Bronze
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Brass, Wrought Iron
1940s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Brass, Nickel
19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
1790s American Antique Federal Furniture
Poplar
20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Mahogany