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
American Federal Mahogany & Satinwood Butler's Desk with Paw Feet. NY, C. 1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal mahogany butler's desk with a carved molded edge, three upper drawers with original brass knobs, sliding fall front interior desk with Satinwood drawers and pigeon h...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Two Tier Barley Twist Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid century Federal style Mahogany two tier barley twist side table in very good vintage condition. Measures 18.25" square and stand 27.5" tall.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Polished Brass Mail Slot and Door Knocker
Located in Sheffield, MA
Add a touch of vintage antique charm to your entry front door with this "Two-in-One" brass mail slot and door knocker. Ready to mount. Screws not inclu...
Category
20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Style Carved Giltwood Wall / Console / Pier Mirror, Over Mantle , 1900s
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique Federal Style Carved Giltwood Wall / console / Pier mirror, 1900s
A finely carved versatile mirror that can be used on the floor or over the mantle, console or hanging on ...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique American Federal Broken Arch Mahogany Mirror with Urn Inlay
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Federal broken arch Mahogany mirror with urn Inlay. Item features pencil inlay to frame, satinwood urn inlay to crest, carved mahogany frame...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
American Federal Breakfast Table in Mahogany with Drop-Leaves, circa 1815
Located in Miami, FL
A Federal breakfast table in mahogany with a rectangular top and drop-leaves whose corners end in cyma curves, with inverted turned wooden fini...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Mahogany Dining Table with Leaves with Brass Clips
Located in New York, NY
Table has 2 end sections and 2 leaves and brass clips. The table can be used as a pair
of side table against the wall. Great color and patina
Dimensions with leaves: Width 50 1/2...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of 10 Federal Style Dining Chairs Attributed to Nathan Margolis, Hartford CT
Located in Milford, NH
A fine set of ten Federal style mahogany dining chairs attributed to Lithuanian / American well known furniture maker Nathan Margolis, of Hartford CT, two ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Kittinger Colonial Williamsburg Federal Mahogany Tilt Top Table Candle Stand
Located in Dayton, OH
A Federal style mahogany candlestand by Kittinger, circa 1970s. Williamburg Restoration Line. Features a rectangular top with serpentine edge over a baluster turned base with cabriol...
Category
1970s Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Mahogany Two-Drawer Stand with Original Gilt Brasses, C. 1810
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal figured mahogany two-drawer stand with carved molded edge top, original gilt floral ringed brasses, interior locks, and resting on turned bulbous pineapple legs...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Gilt Wood Ebonized Eagle Girandole Convex Mirror, Circa 1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal gilt wood girandole convex mirror with perched spread wing eagle, connecting chains with hanging gilt balls, oak leaves with acorns, scrolled foliage medallion candle arms, circular brass bobeches, original ebonized reeded mirror with sphere mounted surround, and terminating with a lower foliage pendant...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf, Brass
Kindel Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style bow front sideboard buffet or credenza
By Kindel Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Mahogany, with satinwood banding and original brass hardw...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Ca. 1820 Federal Era Trompe L'oeil Painted Chest
Located in Peabody, MA
American Federal era chest of drawers in its original trompe l’oeil mustard painted finish, ca. 1820.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large Cast New England Bank Patriotic Eagle and Clipper Ship Plaque
Located in Nantucket, MA
Cast and Gilded Patriotic Eagle with Clipper Ship Plaque, with a Clutch of Arrows and an Olive Branch in it's Talons, mid 20th Century, from a Boston Bank...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Composition
Federal Mahogany Tall Gentleman's Chest
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Federal style mahogany and figured mahogany Gentleman's chest of drawers, the bowfront reeded edge top with protruding corners above leaf carved capital and reeded column supports,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of 18th Century American Federal Period Carved Fan Shaped Lintels
Located in Stamford, CT
Wonderful pair of fan shaped late 18th century American Federal period lintels or over doors with exquisitely detailed carving. The distressed painted surface adds a lot of character...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Primitive Antique Green Painted Barrel Back Windsor Caboose Tavern Arm Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique barrel back windsor style chair finished in apple green enamel paint.
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Vintage Brandt Flip Top Piano Style Small Wooden Writing Desk Table
By Brandt
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
Nathaniel Bowditch American Federal Giltwood Convex Mirror of Monumental Size
Located in Essex, MA
Monumental and historically important Salem Massachusetts giltwood convex mirror. Purchased by Nathaniel Bowditch for his Salem House around 1810-15. Carved a...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany and Satinwood Demilune Sideboard Cabinet
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 b...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
S373 Late 20th Century Cast Brass Two Arm Sconces, a Pair
Located in Canton, MA
Solid cast brass sconces with an oval detailed backplate. Two arms. Ready to install. UL listed. 40 watt max in each socket.
Dimensions:
8.5” Width x 4.5” Depth x 9” Height
C. ...
Category
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Baker Drop Leaf Mahogany Banded Inlay Tea Cart Server Cart with Glass Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Baker drop leaf mahoganybanded inlay tea cart server cart with pull out glass tray. Item features satinwood banded inlay top, lower removable glass she...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
"Martha Washington" Mahogany Upholstered Lolling Chair, circa 1930s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early vintage "Martha Washington" mahogany upholstered lolling chair, circa 1930s, having a large rose velvet upholstered back and generous seat, wit...
Category
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Federal Mahogany Inlaid and Stinciled Top Accent Table
Located in Germantown, MD
X legs American Federal style side table with inlays and gold stenciling top. Good vintage condition.
Measures 22" x 22" x 28"H.
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Philadelphia Federal Mahogany Work Table
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular top with rounded hinged ends opening to compartments over two drawers that open from both sides over a hinged door with tambour front and ends and back raised on turned t...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Walnut George III Open Pediment Wall Curio Cabinet Federal Eagle Shelf
Located in Dayton, OH
George III style wall curio or display cabinet, circa mid 20th century. Made of walnut featuring a broken pediment top, interior shelves with optional inser...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Walnut
19th Century New England Tilt-Top Tripod Table
Located in Vero Beach, FL
New England Federal tilt-top tripod table tiger maple, circa 1810
Beautiful American tripod tilt-top candle stand table. It was created during the Federal era...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
Stickley Solid Cherry Panels Full Size Headboard
Located in Germantown, MD
A federal style, solid cherry full size Headboard in very good condition by Stickley. Measures 56.5" in width and stands 42.25 inches tall.
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Demilune Sideboard, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet or sideboard
By Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Mahogany, with satinwood string inlay, original brass hardware,...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Tall Solid Brass Harvin Co. Federal Style Andirons
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Federal style andirons made from high quality cast brass pieces assembled. Tall and elegant in excellent vintage condition with...
Category
1950s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Early 19th Century American Windsor Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An handsome rod back Windsor chair. Splats turned with bamboo hip detail. Hickory and pine with solid plank seats, American, circa 1830.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Hickory, Pine
Antique Federal Mahogany Work Table/ Nightstand Attributed to Isaac Vose, Boston
By Isaac Vose
Located in Miami, FL
A very handsome Federal work table in fine West Indies mahogany with fold-down leaves. There are two drawers with two rounded columns flanking each side. Drawers have the original turned pulls. Top rests on a square column that gradually widens ending with ogee moldings and rests on quatre-form base with concave arches. Table rests on foliate-carved scrolls that end in carved lions' paw feet with original porcelain casters. Attributed to highly regarded cabinetmaker, Isaac Vose...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Mid-Century Italian Carved Eagle Giltwood Federal Style Mirrors, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of carved giltwood eagle mirrors with Federal styling in very good condition. They are Italian and most likely date to the 60s. The pair are unmarked.
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
American "French Sideboard" Attributable to Duncan Phyfe, New York, circa 1815
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptionally fine and rare "French Sideboard Table" in mahogany, attributable to the workshop of the eminent New York cabinetmaker, Duncan Phyfe, circa 1810-1818.
This exquisit...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century American Federal 19x22 Picture Frame
Located in Hallowell, US
12.5 x 22.5 19th century American Federal picture frame circa 1825
Rabbet dimensions: 12.5" x 22.5"
Frame profile: 3.5"
Depth: 3...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Antique Kindel Oxford Mahogany Frame Federal Mirror Wall Gold Gilt Carved Eagle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Kindel oxford mahogany frame federal mirror wall gold gilt carved eagle. Item features gold gilt carved eag...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Extraordinary Pair of Fine Period Federal Inlaid Mahogany Console Tables
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very rare and extraordinary Pair of Antique Inlaid Consoles from New England and saiid to be from the Boston area.
Exquisite construction with D shaped tops and fine string inlays on the apron panels and Curly Maple inlaid panels in the center and diamond shapes on the tops of the legs. Raised on square tapering legs with string inlays.
Provenance: The Table Pair were previously owned by the American Actress Dina Merrill...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Maple
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
Federal Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Small Drop Leaf Table
Located in Hudson, NY
Made in Vermont circa 1820 this fine old country drop leaf table retains if not its original surface a very old one. Constructed by a craftsmen using pegs and hand plained local tige...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
Federal Style Mahogany Bedside Chest
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
Pair of American Federal Male and Female Oil Painting Portraits
Located in New York, NY
Pair of gilt framed oil painting portraits of a 19th Century man and lady.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Canvas
19th Century Federal Style Pedestal Side Table
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th Century Federal Style Pedestal Side Table
This antique American square shaped top wood pedestal side table stands on three legs. The legs ...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Harvin Co Brass Federal Style Branch Leg Ball and Claw Andirons, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Harvin Co brass federal style branch leg ball and claw andirons - a pair. Item features branch legs, ball and claw feet, original stamp, quality Amer...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Dome Shape Top Glass Shelves Two Drawer Compartment Curio Display Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Lovely vintage curio display cabinet with glass shelves and 2 bottom drawers compartment. Has built in light.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique English Copeland Late Spode Toby Jug Pitcher Colonial Englishman
Located in Dayton, OH
19th century Copland Late Spode English Staffordshire rare porcelain toby jug in the shape of asdeated colonial Englishman holding a cup and pitcher. 180288...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Federal American Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Breakfast Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 19th century Federal drop leaf dining table. Made from mahogany with a rectangular form featuring shaped corners over turned and reeded legs le...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Rare 19th Century New York Mahogany One-Drawer Étagère with Four Shelves
Located in Milford, NH
A rare form mahogany one drawer four shelf étagère with hinged top shelf for displaying books, prints or photographs, reverse acorn finials, nicely turned shelf supports, punched bra...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Brass and Artistic Wire Work Fire Place Fender, New York, Circa 1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
American brass and artistic wire work fire place fender, New York. Early 19th century.
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wire
19th Century American Hand Carved Gilded Pediment Eagle
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th century American hand carved gilded pediment eagle.
Antique decorative hand carved and gilded wooden pediment eagle. The expressive sculpture w...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
New York Federal Classical Coin Silver Flagon by Nicholas James Bogert
By Nicholas James Bogert
Located in New York, NY
Federal classical coin silver flagon. Made by Nicholas James Bogert in New York, ca 1820. Upward tapering cylinder on spread and stepped base. S-scroll handle with ribbed thumb rest ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Silver
Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Console or Entry Table, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style console or entry table
By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston" Collection
USA, Circa 1980s
Mahogany, with inlaid satinwood marquetr...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Satinwood, Mahogany
Federal Mahogany Four Drawer Server, circa 1810
Located in Milford, NH
A fine Federal mahogany server with rectangular top with front turret corners surmounting a case with three fitted drawers over one long drawer...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Biggs Federal Style Parcel Gilt Mahogany Three Panel Overmantel Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A horizontally oriented three-panel mahogany overmantel mirror with scrolling pediment centred with a mounted eagle finial with open wings and accented with a gold giltwood and gesso...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Giltwood
J&R Furniture Federal Walnut Hexagon Candle Stand Pedestal Table Kettle Plant
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid 20th century Federal inspired candle Stand by J&R Furniture Mfg Co of Salt Lake City Utah. Made from walnut with an inset hexagon top over turned column and tripod bade.
Meas...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Green Persian Mahal Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from a 20th century Persian Mahal rug.
15'' x 18''
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Early 20th Century E.F. Caldwell Leaded Glass Lantern
Located in Canton, MA
A hexagonal leaded glass lantern. The glass panels are wheel engraved with a curved foliate flower basket design. The top panels slant to the top and have clear round glass pieces. T...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Lead
Set of Burl Wood Oval Nesting Tables by Baker
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of oval Baker nesting stacking side end lamp tables stands.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Burl
American Federal Hepplewhite One Drawer Mahogany Sidetable Tapered Legs
Located in Wells, ME
American Federal period Hepplewhite one drawer mahogany sidetable. This classic form has tapered mahogany legs, elegant thin solid mahogany top and one dovetailed drawer. It can free...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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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