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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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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Federal
Early 20th Century Federal Mahogany Pedestal Trifid Demilune Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th Century Federal Mahogany Pedestal Trifid Demilune Table with brass paw feet. Measures 25" in width, 13" in depth and stands 22.5" tall.
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

Huge Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
This is the Huge Partners Desk in the Niagara Furniture collection. This desk behemoth matches a number of other pieces which we produce. The fantastic solid mahogany top frame is in...
Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

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

Oval Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
One of the most complicated items that we produce at Niagara furniture our Oval Partners Desk is also one of the most popular. The top section of the desk consists of a three-paneled...
Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Federal Style Convex Mirror Carved Eagle By LA Barge
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

Federal Mahogany Sideboard
Located in Annville, PA
An ideal sideboard for use in smaller spaces in the dining room the Federal Mahogany Sideboard is also designed to work with almost any deco...
Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

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

Mahogany Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
A fine quality Mahogany Partners Desk from Niagara Furniture with raised door panels and a rich brown color finish similar to that found in English antiques. The three-paneled writin...
Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

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

Banded Mahogany Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
This beautiful Banded Mahogany Partners Desk is crafted as an antique reproduction. The figural mahogany in the drawer and door panels displays a rich color and a fine grain that are...
Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Large Mahogany Secretary Desk
Located in Annville, PA
Inspired by an antique desk and bookcase this Large Mahogany Secretary Desk from Niagara Furniture is impressive in both it’s design and scal...
Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

Burled Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
This beautiful burled partners desk by Niagara Furniture is crafted as an antique reproduction. The fine quality veneers in the drawer and door panels displays a rich color similar t...
Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

Mahogany Tall Bookcase
Located in Annville, PA
A highly functional and decorative two part Mahogany Tall Bookcase cabinet resting on shaped bracket feet. Large doors without lattice work allow for fu...
Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Very Fine Carved Bleached Mahogany Camel Back Compact Sofa Stretcher Base 1960s
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

Large Mahogany Credenza
Located in Annville, PA
Decorative and functional this great quality four part Large Mahogany Credenza from Niagara Furniture can solve a lot of your storage and display needs either at home or in the workp...
Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany Credenza
Located in Annville, PA
This Mahogany Credenza matches a number of other items in the Niagara Furniture office collection. The credenza utilizes three part construction, the top and two pedestals separate f...
Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

Pair of Federal Style Mahogany Bedside Chests
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mahogany and figured mahogany nightstand, the reeded edge bowfront top with protruding corners with leaf carved and reeded uprights, with three graduated drawers with verdigris bra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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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