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
19th Century Federal Eglomise Decorated Wall or Table Mirror
Located in Manhasset, NY
19th century federal eglomise decorated wall or table mirror having a wonderfully gilt decorated frame under an eglomise glass panel depicting a baske...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Bonnet Top Highboy with Pinwheel Carvings & Impressive Size
Located in Milford, NH
A Queen Anne style bonnet top highboy with swan’s neck split pediment with urn form finials surmounting an upper case with three pinwheel carvings over three fitted drawers, the cent...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Pine
Handcrafted Federal Solid Black Walnut and Satinwood Silver Smith Chest
Located in Germantown, MD
A Handcrafted Solid Black Walnut Silver Chest in the Federal style. This piece is designed for storing silverware and features a lockable top section and a drawer for additional sto...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid 20th Century Harvin Company Federal Style Brass Andirons with Claw Feet
Located in Middleburg, VA
Mid 20th century harvin company federal style brass andirons with claw feet.
Heavy duty brass and iron fireplace dogs. United States, 1950s.
Measures: 23" H, 13" W, 20" D.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
1829 "Declaration of Independence" Draft, Engraved by Charles Toppan
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This historical and rare item celebrates one of the most influential writers, politicians, and American Revolutionary figures, Thomas Jefferson. Featured is a four-page facsimile ste...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
Antique Italian Federal Style Carved Gold Gilded Candle Wall Sconce - Pair
By Palladio
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Italian Federal Style Figural Carved Gold Gilded Candle Wall Sconce - Pair
Decorate your wall with these ornate gilt wood sconces. E...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
1930's Antique Federal Duncan Phyfe Style Sideboard
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Burbank, CA
Antique 1930's credenza for sale. Made of mahogany in a mahogany finish, and has the original solid brass hardware. It's very solidly constructed, and in great vintage condition with...
Category
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Broyhyll Bow Front Crotch Mahogany Banded Top Sideboard Buffet Console MINT!
By Broyhill
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Broyhyll Bow Front Crotch Mahogany Banded Top Sideboard Buffet Console MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
MINT Brass Gallery Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard Thomasvill
Located in Rockaway, NJ
MINT Brass Gallery Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard Thomasville
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Card Table Attributed to Anthony Quervelle, Philadelphia
By Anthony Gabriel Quervelle
Located in New York, NY
American federal games table in carved mahogany. Flip top with concertina movement. Attributed to the workshop of Philadelphia cabinet maker, Anthony Quervelle...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Gilt Eagle Figure
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal (19th Cent) life size gilt carved eagle figure standing on serpent and round painted base
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Antique Heriringbone folding Table
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
This is a beautiful example of a master furniture maker. The inlay is on both sides of this table that opens up to a 38 inch round table with a sli...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Low Profile Kidney Shape Burl Wood Compact Desk Writing Table Vanity MINT Italy
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Banded Inlayed Top Carved Legs Low Profile Kidney Shape Burl Wood Compact Desk Writing Table Vanity Made in Italy Italy.
Category
20th Century Italian Federal Furniture
Materials
Burl, Walnut
Stickley Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs
By L. & J.G. Stickley
USA, Circa Late 20th Century
Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seat...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
American Federal Mahogany Pembroke Table
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal (Mid-19th Century) mahogany Pembroke table with re-entrant cornered top above a frieze drawer, an acanthus-carved stem & legs with lions paw feet & casters.
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Mahogany 2-Drawer Work Table W/ Original Cup Casters, C. 1800
Located in Germantown, MD
American Federal Mahogany Two-Drawer Stand / Work Table.
Features Two large drawers over four carved and turned bulbous pineapple legs with the original brass cupped casters. F8nish...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Gilt Carved Wall, Console or Table Mirror with High Open Fleur-de-Lis Pediment
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gilt carved mirror with high open Fleur-de-Lis pediment and oval etched mirror panel of a young lady in full dress.
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Late Federal Fruitwood Single Drawer Dropleaf Pembroke Table, Circa 1800s
Located in Germantown, MD
Late Federal Mixed Fruitwood Single Drawer Dropleaf Pembroke Table on wheels. The back of the table look exactly as the front, fully finished with a faux drawer. Large enough to be u...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Pair of Large Gilt American Federalist Mirrors
Located in Hudson, NY
Mirrors are from circa 1825-1835 and were made in either New York or Boston. Both mirrors come with their original glass and wood backing. Sold as is, as a pair (one mirror panel has...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Federal-Style Banded Mahogany Sideboard With Tapered Legs
Located in Elkton, MD
Federal-style mahogany sideboard features a gently bowed front and finely banded veneer work, showcasing craftsmanship from a classic American furniture tradition. It stands on taper...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Regency Federal Cherry Corner Cabinet
Located in west palm beach, FL
A stunning American-style vintage Regency Federal cherry corner cabinet, expertly designed to enhance any room with its rich cherry wood and elegant Fed...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Antique Four Federal Tiger Maple Slat Back & Cane Seat Dinning Charis
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th Century Four Antique Federal Tiger Maple Slat Back & Cane Seat Dinning Charis with stylized scroll form rail over slat back, caned seats...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Brass George Washington Andirons
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage pair of brass George Washington Andirons, likely mid 20th century, cast brass shallow full length figure of George Washington standi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
1800's American Federal Period 2 Drawer Side Table
Located in Louisville, KY
This gorgeous American Federal period table is a beautiful reflection of the early 1800's. With hand turned legs, unique irregular lines ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
1940s Handley Johnson Handley Federal Mahogany Two-Drawer Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1940s Handley Johnson Handley Federal style Mahogany Two-Drawer Side Table
Measures 20" in width and 26.25" in height and 16" in depth.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
20th Century Suters Reproductions Federal Style Solid Cherry Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 20th Century Suters Reproductions Federal Style Solid Cherry Single Drawer Side Table. Measures 24" in width, 24" in depth and 28.25" in height.
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Rare Child's Camphor Wood Chest, Leather Bound and Brass Embellished
Located in Essex, MA
Early 19th century child's camphor wood chest
--Original black leather binding and brass tacks.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century American Federal Style Overmantel Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th Century American Federal style gilt wood mirror is a quintessential example of the elegance and symmetry that define the Federal design aesthetic. Its frame, adorned with s...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Charak Mahogany Inlaid Individual Bubble Glass Butlers Desk Breakfront Cupboard
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Charak Mahogany Inlaid Individual Bubble Glass Butlers Desk Breakfront Cupboard Mint.
Numbered and Dated cabinet by the manufacturer.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Very Fine Custom c1940s Bubble Glass Drop Front Butlers Desk Break Front MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Custom c1940s Bubble Glass Drop Front Butlers Desk Break Front MINT.
Phenomenal quality piece of furniture, fine detail low key inlay decorations.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Glass, Mahogany
Federal Style Two-Part Satin Mahogany Chest of Drawers Secretary, Circa 1900s
Located in Germantown, MD
A Federal Style Two-Part Satin Mahogany Chest of Drawers Secretary Desk, Circa 1900s. Functional key for the cabinets present.
Measures 41" in width, 18.75" in depth and " in height....
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Mahogany “Martha Washington” Lolling Armchair ca. 1800
Located in Shippensburg, PA
AMERICAN FEDERAL INLAID-MAHOGANY LOLLING "MARTHA WASHINGTON" ARMCHAIR
Massachusetts, ca. 1780-1800 purchased from Bernard and S. Dean Levy, Inc. of New York in 1966
Item # 401JNI25P...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Vintage U.S. Great Seal Bookends, Circa 1950s
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Offered is a vintage set of brass bookends featuring an eagle with widely spread wings. The eagle holds arrows and an olive branch in its talons and appears with a large shield again...
Category
1950s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
American Cherry Tilt-Top Candle Stand
Located in Savannah, GA
An American cherry spider leg tilt-top candle stand, early 19th century.
top measures 17 by 22 inches
28 ¼ inches tall; 40 inches tall upright
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Federal Mahogany and Birdseye Maple Lap Desk on Stand, Circa 1810s
Located in Germantown, MD
A Federal Era Mahogany and Birdseyes Maple Lap Desk on Stand, Circa 1810s
Measures 22.5" in width, 11.5" in depth and 22" in height. Without stand , 22" in width, 11" in depth and 8....
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple, Mahogany
Antique American Federal Eagle Walnut Side Table, Mid 19th Century
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautiful American colonial or Federal style walnut and giltwood candle stand or side table featuring a hand carved eagle
USA, Mid 19th Century
Measures: 24"W x 12"D x 22.25"H.
...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Giltwood
Late 20th Century Federal Style Mahohany Side Table Candle Stand
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 20th Federal Style Mahohany Side Table
Measures 14.75" in width, 14.75" in depth and stands 21.5" tall.
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair Of Federal Style Mahogany Side Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Each with shaped square tops and rounded corners. Two conforming drawers and raised on reeded tapered legs.
Category
1880s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Federal Eagle Carved Gilt Wall Sconces, Two Lights, 19th Century
Located in Manhasset, NY
A fine pair of two-light wall sconce. Each ribbon form in the Federal taste having gilt tassels and bow design with ebonized hi lights. Both depicting a winged eagle in flight. Hard...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 18thC Pembroke Drop Leaf Side Table/Drawer
Located in Malibu, CA
18thC antique New England Pembroke drop leaf table, beautifully constructed. Featuring a long drawer, the opposite side has a faux drawer with match...
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Cherry
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
Antique Late 19th Century American "Federal" Style Convex Mirror.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Late 19th Century American "Federal" Style Convex Mirror.
Carved Wood with Gold and an Eagle Perched on Top.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / Cupboard
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / cupboard.
Measures 26.75" in width, 14.75" in depth, 36.75" in height. Side is 17.5" in depth.
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Oak
Banded Double Pedestal Tripod Base Mahogany 72" Long Dining Table 2 Leaves MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Banded Double Pedestal Tripod Base Mahogany 72" Long Dining Table 2 Leaves MINT
2X22" Leaves.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Federal Mahogany Lift Top Writing Desk / Work Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Mahogany Lift Top Writing Desk or Work Table.
Features two drawers with working keys. One drawer without key. Top opens up...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Monumental Traditional Brass Curved Glass 12 Light Foyer Cylindrical Chandelier
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
A monumental mansion size solid brass and curved glass cylindrical foyer chandelier.
This light fixture is extremely large with a striking presence.
The photographs truly do not do it justice.
It features 12 candelabra sockets with black accents around the top and bottom rim and gold metal decorative filigree decorations. .
The fixture comes with a heavy duty chain and ceiling cap.
The glass curves around the perimeter and adds a touch of elegance.
(Chain and wire measure 37 inches long)
What an elegant traditional chandelier...
Category
1980s Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Ovoid Shaped Breche Violette Marble Federal Mahogany Coffee Table
Located in Lomita, CA
The novel shape and color of this Breccia marble coffee table will turn heads and transform a living or work space. This vintage Federal ovoid marble-top and inlaid mahogany or cherr...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Breccia Marble
Very Fine Bow Front Inlaid Mahogany 87" Tall Bookcase Shelfs Etagere MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Bow Front Inlaid Mahogany 87" Tall Bookcase Shelfs Etagere MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair Hickory Chair Federal Style Mahogany & Inlay Upholstered Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Hickory Chair Furniture Federal Style Upholstered Mahogany Armchairs in great vintage condition.
Measures 25" in width, 25" in depth, 36" in height, 18" seat height. Arm heig...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century Federal Style Carved Mahogany Poster Full Side Bed
Located in Germantown, MD
Federal Style Carved Mahogany Poster Full Side Bed in good vintage condition.
Measures 58" in width, 83.5" in lenght and stands 85.5" tall to the top of the finials. Heandboard is ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Style Parcel Gilt Mahogany Wall Mirror C. 20th
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote***
Federal Style Parcel Gilt Mahogany Wall Mirror C. 20th
Measures - 50"h x 29"w x 2"d
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany
Early 19th Century Fall-Front Desk
Located in Buchanan, MI
Handsome and functional Regency mahogany fall front desk, server, entry way piece, great inlay, elegant form. Exceptional exaggerated arched foot.
Category
19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satin
Vintage Cast-Iron Eagle Sculpture, Early 20th Century
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a cast-iron figural eagle doorstop, circa early 20th century. The eagle is depicted with wings spread wide, perched and mounted to a square marble base. The eagle retains traces of its original gilt surface and is embossed with “F.O.E.” at its midsection, possibly referring to the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
The eagle is both the national bird and the national animal of the United States. The eagle motif has been widely used throughout American history, most notably as part of our Great Seal. The founders of the United States were fond of comparing their new republic with the Roman Republic, in which eagle imagery, usually the golden eagle, was prominent. On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the design for the Great Seal of the United States...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Marble, Iron
Late 18th Century Dutch Marquetry Mahogany and Upholstered Armchair Desk Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 18th Century Dutch Marquetry Mahogany and Upholstered Armchair Desk Chair
Measures 25.5" in width, 23" in depth and 44.5" in height. Seat height is 20" and arm height is 27.5". ...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Style Upholstered Settee
Located in Dallas, TX
Federal Style Upholstered Settee, Reeded Mahogany Frame with Gilded Acanthus Leaf & Swans. Federal style is characterized by bold patriotic symbols such as eagles, shield-shaped chai...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Mortar & Pestle with Original Surface
Located in New York, NY
American, late 18th century/early 19th century wooden mortar and pestle. The urn shaped mortar with rich patina has a wonderful ...
Category
1790s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple, Wood
1920s Federal Style Satinwood Inlaid Flame Mahogany Serpentine Card Table
Located in Germantown, MD
1920s Federal style satinwood inlaid flame mahogany serpentine card table in good antique condition. Very sturday. Measures 36" in width, 17" in depth when closed and 34" open and st...
Category
Early 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.
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