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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
Waldorf Astoria Morgan Suite Federal White Wood Mantel
Located in New York, NY
Federal style mantel in a contemporary production of white painted wood and decorated with floral bouquets and swags. This mantel was acquired from the Morgan Suite of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. This mantel is one of the available matching pairs. The matching mantel was acquired from the Carnegie Suite of the Waldorf Astoria NYC...
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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

Stickley Federal Solid Cherry Wood Pembroke Tea Tables, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal style Pembroke nightstands, end tables, or tea tables By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, late 20th century Solid cherry wood, with original brass hardware...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Mirrored Wall Sconces with Stars
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of antique raw metal Federal style wall sconces with classic convex mirrors and star burst tops all in a chic tight form. As seen in th...
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Metal

Painted Chinoiserie Two Doors Server Cabinet by Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Double door chinoiserie style small credenza server cabinet by Drexel Heritage.
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

The Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence by N. Dwight, 1860
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Dwight, Nathaniel. The Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. New York: A. S. Barnes & Burr, 1860. Later printing. Octavo. Rebound in ¼ leather and cloth boards, wi...
Category

1860s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather, Paper

Lovely Federal Mahogany and Marble Vanity with Bronze Details
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant mahogany Federal style antique vanity table having gorgeous bronze details and white marble top. There's a single drawer and two mini si...
Category

19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Marble

Henkel Harris Federal Cherry Extension Dining Table with Three Leaves
Located in Germantown, MD
Henkel Harris Federal Style Solid Cherry Extension Dining Table with Three Leaves Excellent Vintage Condition with crafty inlaid legs. Each leaf is 12" wide. Leaves are securely stor...
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Satinwood

Antique Federal Style Mahogany Two Drawer Work Stand
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique Federal style mahogany end table with two shallow working drawers on front and faux drawers on verso, each with two brass kno...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Matched Pair Of Federal Mahogany Servers
Located in Essex, MA
Each with a rectangular top over a long drawer and a pair of small drawers all with wood knobs surrounding an arched apron. All flanked by reeded carving and each with circular taper...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

Antique Flame Mahogany Secretary Breakfront Display Hutch by Robert W Irwin Co
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Federal Style Flame Mahogany Flip Down Secretary Breakfront Display Hutch by The Robert W. Irwin Co. This gorgeous Antique Federal Style Flame Mahogany Flip Down Secretary B...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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 ...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Maple

Federal Lyre Base Card Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very nice Federal Mahogany Lyre / harp base card table 1800-1815. Original surface with an excellent color and patina on the nicely figured solid Cuban Mahogany one board canted ...
Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Federal Style Carved Gilt Swan And Eagle Carousel Mohair Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Federal Style Carved Gold Gilt Swan and Eagle Carousel Bench Newly Reupholstered in a Blue Mohair Seat Antique Federal Style carved wood gold gilt swan and eagle carousel be...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Kittinger Tripple Tripod Base 2x24" Extensions Leaves Oval Dining Banquet Table
Located in Rockaway, NJ
MINT Kittinger Tripple Tripod Base 2x24" Extensions Leaves Oval Dining Banquet Table 2x24” leaves with an extended table length of 146"
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Style Flag with Brass Pole and Stand
Located in Queens, NY
"American Federal-style (19/20th Century) bronze eagle base flag pole with eagle finial and flag. The fringed army flag has been replaced with a sta...
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Federal Style Mahogany Chest of Drawers with Lift Top
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal style 19th century mahogany chest of drawers with 2 lower drawers above dummy drawers having a lift top with replaced brass...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Mahogany Églomisé Barley Twist and Acorn Wall Mirror, C. 1815
Located in Charleston, SC
American federal mahogany églomisé wall mirror with decorative carved acorn and barley twist motif. Mirror retains the original looking glass and wood backing, Early 19th century.
Category

1810s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Paint, Pine, Mahogany, Mirror

Vintage Boho Brass Cuff Pediment Mirror
Located in west palm beach, FL
Embrace boho-chic charm with this vintage brass cuff pediment mirror. Its striking brass frame, featuring a unique cuffed pediment design, adds a bold, eclectic vibe to your decor. P...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Rothermel “The United States Senate, A.D. 1850” Henry Clay Compromise Engraving
Located in Savannah, GA
Peter F. Rothermel (American, 1817-1895) A steel engraving depicting the United States Senate and Henry Clay’s Compromise of 1850. Published in Philadelphia in 1855 by John M. Butl...
Category

1850s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome late 19th century drop-leaf dining table made in the Georgian influenced federal style. The mahogany table features a delicate satinwood thread inlay decorating the legs and...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

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

American Regency-Style Perched Eagle Acanthus Giltwood Wall Mirror
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Substantial Federal-Style mirror featuring inset glass (not convex) within a deep, gilt resin frame adorned by an eagle perched on laurel at the top and acanthus detail below (ca. Mi...
Category

1960s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

American Federal Mahogany Hunt Board with Flanking Hinged Cupboards, Circa 1800
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany hunt board with a carved molded edge one board top, single lined interior drawer over chamfered arch, flanking hinged cup...
Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Marble Top Red Serpentine Chests, a Pair
Located in Hudson, NY
Be bold with this pair of bright red lacquered chests of drawers. Three serpentine drawer fronts open with a central metal bail handle. Tops are serpentine cut Carrara marble.
Category

1940s Unknown Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble

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

Antique American Federal Gilt Carved Overmantle Triple Mirror with Gold Eagle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Federal gilt carved overmantle triple mirror with gold eagle. Item featured is an Impressive item, gold gold gilt carved eagle pedim...
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

American 38 Star Parade Flag, circa 1877
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique American 38 Star Parade Flag, circa 1877, a fine woven linen small parade flag with 38 stars in a bold "Dancing Star" pattern, enacted in 1877 upon the admission of Colorado....
Category

1870s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Linen

c.1880s Fine One Drawer Inlayed Solid Crotch Mahogany Top Console Table MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
c.1880s Fine One Drawer Inlayed Solid Crotch Mahogany Top Console Table Server Petite Desk Sideboard w/ Backsplash MINT!
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

19th c Vermont Mahogany Tall Chest with Birds Eye & Tiger Maple Drawer Fronts
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of an early 19th century tall chest of drawers in a two over four configuration with a mahogany case and birds eye and tiger maple drawer fronts with mahogany veneer b...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of American Federal Style Tiger Maple Side Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of Beautiful Custom American Federal Tiger Maple Side Tables. One drawer. Tapered legs. Pinwheel Inlay to top.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Maple

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. Shape...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Gilded Gold Wood Floor Mirror by John Richard
Located in Toledo, OH
Gilded floor mirror by John Richard. Mirror features a serpentine arched top with a paneled boarder throughout. Each section has a distressed mirror with a thin beveled edge. Carved ...
Category

20th Century North American Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique American Federal Pointed Finial Brass Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Federal Pointed Finial Brass Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Item features solid brass and cast iron construction, and remarkable patina. Circa 19th Century. Measuremen...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of 2 American Federal Gold Stenciling Settees
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Federal painted Hitchcock design spindle back settees with gold stenciling and (new) rush seat
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Gold

C1930s Era English Made Federal Style Mahogany Breakfront China Cabinet Bookcase
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Federal style breakfront with 3 doors with 3 shelves over 3 doors each containing 1 shelf.
Category

20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Custom Hand Crafted Federal Style Mahogany Triple Pedestal 15 Ft. Dining Table
Located in West Hartford, CT
Elevate your dining experience with this extraordinary custom 15-foot mahogany dining table that was commissioned 25 years ago for $48,000 and masterfully handcrafted by renowned Con...
Category

Early 2000s American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal Mahogany Tripod Table
Located in Astoria, NY
American Federal Mahogany Tripod Table, late 18th century, the circular top above a turned baluster column, issuing three splayed legs, on pad feet. 26.5" H x 23" Diameter.
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair Antique Brass Cannonball Andirons
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Bold form distinguish this pair of Antique Andirons. Large heavy andirons with cannonball tops mounted on thick square supports. The angled legs with flat feet, the back brass bars a...
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

American Federal Side Portrait of an Officer
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal print portrait in silhouette of a gentleman in a distressed gold frame
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Paper

Pair of Brass Ball Top Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of American early 19th brass ball top andirons having ring turned collar over balustrade turned shafts, standing on hoof-footed cabriole legs with spurred knees, the log st...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair Federal Cast Brass Sconces with Eagles and Hurricane Glass Shades, ca 1920s
Located in New York, NY
AIS2912 A pair of single light federal Revival period sconces with clear glass hurricane shades and slender backplates surmounted by eagles, circa 1920...
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Federal Cherrywood Desk and Glassdoor Bookcase
Located in Sheridan, CO
A Late Federal Cherrywood Desk and Bookcase, Circa 1830. This unique piece includes a folding desk and make a fabulous looking compact desk with plenty of storage in bookcase above. This was possibly a clerk's desk. Includes plenty of storage and desk...
Category

Early 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

American Federal Mahogany Tall Case Clock, Silas Hoadley, CT, Circa 1820
By Silas Hoadley
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany one day tall case clock with the original brass ball finials resting on three carved upper capitals, decorative intertwined fret work, arched hood with bras...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Federal Eglomise Wall or Table Mirror
Located in Manhasset, NY
A finely detailed Eglomise decorated wall or table mirror having a glass eglomise panel of a young girl in a wooded area flanked in a Fine gilt frame reminiscent of the time of manuf...
Category

1890s Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Blackened Wrought Iron Knife Blade Andirons with Brass Urn Finials, Circa 1900s
Located in New York, NY
AFP0535 A pair of antique 18th century style wrought iron andirons with full round brass urn form finials and brass details atop blackened iron knife blade...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron, Brass

Henredon Federal Flame Mahogany Bow Front Bookcase, Credenza, or Console Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style sideboard credenza, bookcase, console cabinet, or bar server By Henredon USA, Circa Late 20th Century Gorgeous book-matched flame mahog...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

American Federal Pine Chest
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal pine chest with 4 drawers and carved column sides.
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Pine

Kindel Furniture Federal Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid Marquetry Console Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style console table, sofa table, or serving table By Kindel Furniture, "Winterthur" Collection USA, Late 20th Century Mahogany, with inlaid satin...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal Mahogany Inlaid Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
A fine Federal mahogany inlaid sofa with an arched camel back, with scroll arms on six legs, the beautifully upholstered cushion backrest, seat, and arms ...
Category

1790s North American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of American Federal Male and Female Oil Painting Portraits
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of gilt framed oil painting portraits of a 19th Century man and lady.
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Canvas

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

Vintage Brandt Flip Top Piano Style Small Wooden Writing Desk Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage brandt flip top Piano style small wooden writing desk table. Item features rolling casters, flip top, lower shelf stand, original label, very nice vintage item, quality Ameri...
Category

Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Federal Guild Gold Framed Wall Mirror
Located in Manhasset, NY
A simply stunning and sweet 19th century Federal guild gold framed wall mirror. This finely gilt wall mirror has a reverse painting of two love...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Kindel Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Extension Dining Table, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Federal or Hepplewhite style extension dining table By Kindel Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Gorgeous book-matched mahogany, with inlaid satinwood marquetry. Measures: 80...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Reverse Painting on Glass of George and Martha Washington by W. M. Prior
By William Matthew Prior
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th century reverse painted on glass portrait of George and Martha Washington by William Matthew Prior (1806 - 1873), one of New England'...
Category

1830s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass

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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