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.
19th Century American Empire Mahogany and Gilt Ogee Wall Mirror.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th Century American Empire Mahogany and Gilt Ogee Wall Mirror. American Empire Period mahogany wood and gilt ogee wall mirror. The early 19th century mirror is in untouched condi...
Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood
Eagle Table Lamp in Federal Style, Gilt Metal & Wood, USA, 1950s
Located in Glasgow, GB
A Federal style eagle table lamp produced in the United States during the 1950s, combining gilt metal, brass, and turned wood in a sculptural and characterful composition. The design centres on a cast metal eagle...
Metal, Brass, Gold Leaf
Virginia MetalCrafters Federal Style Polished Brass and Steel Fire Tool Set
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite set of Federal Style Polished Brass and polished stee Fireplace Tool Set by Virginia MetalCrafters. Excellent vintage condition. Cast brass polished and polished steel....
Brass, Steel
Kindel Furniture Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of eight Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs By Kindel Furniture USA, Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Me...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Late 20th Century Bernhardt Maple and Cherry Upholstered Armchairs
By Bernhardt
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Late 20th Century Bernhardt Maple, Cherry and Upholstered Armchairs Measures 21" in width, 24" in depth and 32" in height. Seat height 18. Arm height 25.5". Seat Interior...
Upholstery, Cherry, Maple
19th Century American Federal Mahogany Flip Top Console Table
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal (19th Century) mahogany flip top console/card table with lyre base
Bronze
Vintage Biggs Old Sturbridge Village Federal Mahogany Spider Leg Candle Stand
Located in Dayton, OH
Biggs Furniture Old Sturbridge Village Collection Federal Candle or Sculpture Stand, circa last half 20th century. Made from mahogany with an Octagonal inlaid and crossbanded top ove...
Mahogany
Antique Federal Carved Mahogany Trumeau Pier Mantel Mirror 35"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Federal / empire style style pier / trumeau mirror - rectangular shape topped with a pediment over a foliate applique; divided mirror flanked leaf carved columns. Dimensions...
Mirror, Mahogany
1920s Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid Federal Style Fold-Top Console or Card Table
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th century Mahogany and satinwood Inlaid Federal style Fold-Top Console or Card Table in very good antique condition. Measures 36" in width, 17" in depth folded and 34" i...
Mahogany
Federal Style Inlaid Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
An elegant Federal-style mahogany chest of drawers, featuring a beautifully figured top centered by an oval satinwood and contrasting wood inlaid patera, framed by a crossbanded bord...
Mahogany
Baker Furniture Style Federal Inlaid Mahogany Side Chairs or Dining Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style side chairs or dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1940s Carved mahogany frames, with satinwood and ebony inl...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Satinwood
Vintage American Eagle Bookends by Baldwin Brass
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Offered is a set of vintage brass eagle bookends. Each bookend depicts a wingspread eagle clutching a bundle of arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in the right talon. When ...
Brass
Historic World War I Era Rare Three Star Service Flag, circa 1917
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Historic World War I Era Rare Three Star Service Flag, circa 1917, a linen flag having three blue stars hand-stitched onto a white canton on a red field. A World War I flag h...
Linen
American Federal Style Giltwood Eagle Crest Convex Mirror, Mid-20th Century
Located in Elkhart, IN
A Federal-style giltwood convex mirror crowned with a carved eagle, its wings outstretched above a laurel motif—an enduring symbol drawn from early American design. The circular fram...
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique American Federal Tiger Maple Narrow Drop Leaf Breakfast Dining Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique American Federal Tiger Maple Narrow Drop Leaf Breakfast Dining Table with Stu...
Maple
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...
Mahogany
Mid 20th Century Solid Mahogany Federal Kidney Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid 20th Century Solid Mahogany Federal Kidney Desk in great vintage condition. Top newly and professionally refinished and flawlessly working drawers Measures 46" in width x 22" in...
Brass
Monumental Philadelphia Federal Period Gilt & Mahogany Eagle Mirror
By John Pollard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Monumental American Federal Gilt and Mahogany Eagle Mirror with Oak Garland Swags, Possible the work of the Philadelphia Workshop of John Pollard, Circa 1800 A monumental and master...
Gesso, Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood
American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A Federal-style giltwood convex mirror crowned with a carved eagle, its wings outstretched above a laurel motif—an enduring symbol drawn from early American design. The circular fra...
Mirror, Giltwood
New England Cherry Pembroke Table
Located in East Aurora, NY
A nice early 19th century New England Cherry Pembroke table with a cross stretcher support on tapered chamfered legs. White Pine secondary case wood with Oak leaf supports. Old refi...
Cherry
American Federal Mahogany and Spanish Cedra Sugar Chest on Stand, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany and Spanish cedra one drawer hinged sugar chest on stand with carved molded edge, exposed dovetails, wooden knobs, silver escutch...
Silver, Iron
Antique Federal Sheraton Mahogany Drop Leaf Breakfast Dining Table w/ Drawer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique 19th C. Federal Sheraton Crotch Mahogany Drop Leaf Breakfast Dining Table w/ ...
Mahogany
The Harvin Co Vintage Brass Federal Style Branch Foot Fireplace Andirons - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Harvin Co. Vintage Brass Federal Style Branch Foot Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 18.5" H x 10" W x 8" D.
Brass
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...
Wood
Amber Yew Wood 4 Drawers Door Compartments c1979s Federal Style Sideboards MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Amber Yew Wood 4 Drawers Door Compartments c1979s Federal Style Sideboards MINT
Yew
Romweber Antique Federal Inlaid Flame Mahogany Sideboard Credenza, Circa 1920s
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style sideboard, buffet, or credenza By Romweber USA, Circa 1920s Gorgeous inlaid flame mahogany, with original brass hardware. Measures: 66...
Brass
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
Cherry
Kittinger Federal Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard Credenza or Buffet
By Kittinger
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style bow front sideboard, credenza, or buffet server By Kittinger, “Williamsburg Adaptation” Collection USA, Circa 1980s Carved mahogany, with o...
Brass
1960 Baker Furniture Mahogany Federal Style Chest On Stand Ornate Brass Hardware
By Baker Furniture Company, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Miami, FL
1960s charming Chest on Stand manufactured by Baker Furniture Company, one of America's most respected traditional Furniture Makers. Stunning crafted in figured flame mahogany with 4...
Brass
Solid Cherry Raised Panel Doors Liquor Bar Serving Flip Top Cabinet MINT
By Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Cherry Raised Panel Doors Liquor Bar Serving Flip Top Cabinet MINT!
Brass
Federal Style Oak Side Table With Walnut Banded Edge
Located in Astoria, NY
Federal Style Oak Side Table, with walnut banded edge and single drawer on four tapered legs. 28.25" H x 27" W x 18.75" D. Provenance: From a Central Park West Collection.
Oak, Walnut
1930s American Federal Mahogany And Satinwood Inlay Drop-Leaf Dining Table
Located in Germantown, MD
For your consideration is this large drop-leaf dining table measuring 78" in width, 48" in depth and 30.5" in height. This unusual drop leaf table with comfortably accomodate 10+ peo...
Mahogany, Satinwood
$3,575 / item
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...
Leather, Mahogany
Antique Federal Sheraton Style Mahogany Sofa with Eagle Carving, circa 1870
Located in Perkasie, PA
Description A handsome late 19th century Federal / Sheraton style mahogany sofa, dating to approximately the 1870s, featuring refined classical proportions, finely carved details, a...
Mahogany
Brass Urn & Wrought Iron Federal Style Branch Leg Fireplace Andirons
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Add a touch of classic American elegance to your hearth with this striking pair of 20th-century Federal-style fireplace andirons. Each andiron features a beautifully detailed engrave...
Brass, Wrought Iron
Refinished Federal Style Mahogany Side Table with Sheet Music Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th Century Federal style Satinwood Inlaid mahogany side table with sheet music cabinet. Freshly Refinished Measures 22" in with, 16" in depth and 27.25" in height. Sheet Mus...
Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique Colonial Mfg Co Beige Painted Tall Case Federal Style Grandfather Clock
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Colonial Mfg. Co Beige Painted Tall Case Federal Style Grandfather Clock. Item features a working lock and key, includes all parts pictured. Very ...
Wood
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...
Cherry, Satinwood
Early 20th Century Federal Style Cherry and Gilt Metal Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th Century Federal Style Cherry and Gilt Metal Wall Mirror. Measures 49" in width and 27" in height.
Mirror, Wood, Cherry
Federal Style Brass Inlaid Rosewood Chest
Located in Germantown, MD
Beautiful hand crafted Federal Style Brass Inlaid Mahogany Chest. Great brass inlays. Measures 24" in with, 17" in depth and stands 18" tall.
Brass
Vintage Hand Painted Hitchcock Rush Seat Chairs - Set of 2
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite pair of antique Hitchcock-style side chairs is a masterwork of 19th-century American craftsmanship. Featuring the iconic Federal silhouette, each chair is finished in ...
Gold Leaf
American Federal Games/Card Table with Tobacco Leaf Carvings, Baltimore, c. 1820
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A lovely Federal card table in fine mahogany with hinged rectangular top pivoting and opening to a square supported by a turned column with tobacco leaf carvings over a round base with carved knurling reminiscent of pineapples. Four "C" shaped legs are reeded and rest on brass lion claw...
Brass
American Mahogany & Gilt Dolphin Upholstered Harp Stool with Paw Feet, NY C 1815
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany harp stool with a carved molded back, flanking gilt dolphin supports, adjustable upholstered seat with a turned bulbous shaft, and resting...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Antiquities by Stickley Cherry and Marble Top Side Tables Nightstands
Located in Germantown, MD
An extremely rare Pair of Antiquities Collection by Stickley Handcrafted Carved Cherry and Marble Top Side Tables Nightstands Measures 25" in width, 39" in height and 19" in depth.
Marble
Federal Style Shield Back Chairs with Faux Tortoise Leather Seats, pair
Located in Wichita, KS
A refined pair of Federal style shield back armchairs featuring elegant proportions and classic neoclassical detailing. Each chair is crafted in richly toned wood with delicately car...
Leather, Wood
Antique English Federal Brass Urn Finial Fireplace Tool Set with Stand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Federal Brass Urn Finial Fireplace Tool Set with Stand. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 28" H x 9.5" W x 7.5" D.
Brass
Crotch Mahogany Pie Crust Turned Tripod Base Brass Claw Feet Lamp Table MINT
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Crotch Mahogany Pie Crust Turned Tripod Base Brass Claw Feet Lamp Side Center Occasional Table MINT!
Mahogany
Clore Furniture Federal Style Solid Mahogany 2 Tier Bedside Nightstand
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Federal Style 2 Tier Bedside Nightstand by Clore Furniture. The stand features a classic square top with a subtly molded edge, crafted from beautifully full grained Mahogany with a w...
Mahogany
Fine Olive Green Leather Top Faux Bamboo Legs Flip Game Dining Table MINT
By Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Fine Olive Green Leather Top Faux Bamboo Legs Flip Game Dining Table MINT
Leather, Faux Bamboo
American Cherry Candle Stand
Located in Buchanan, MI
Exceptional American cherry candle stand with exaggerated spider arched legs giving it a contemporary feel. Lovely Color And Patina.
Cherry
Hand Painter Verre Églomisé Table Lamp with Federal Style Eagle Motif
Located in Houston, TX
Charming federal style verre églomisé American table lamp. Great for a classical or historic home. Newly re-wired for USA.
Glass
"Th. Jefferson" Engraved Portrait, after Alonzo Chappel
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an engraved portrait of Thomas Jefferson, after the painting by Alonzo Chappel. This seated portrait depicts our third president in his coat, suit, and cravat, with a qu...
Paper
Early 20th Century Federal Style Iron and Brass Fireplace Insert
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th Century Federal Style Iron and Brass Fireplace Insert. Measures 22.5" in width, 11.5" in depth and 20.75" in height.
Brass, Iron
Nest of Three Biggs Virginia Federal Style Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid
Located in Germantown, MD
A Nest of three Biggs Virginia federal style mahogany and satinwood inlaid. Tables measure: Largest table: 22"w x 15"D x 28"H, larger table 18"W x 14.5"D x 27.5"H, Smaller table meas...
Mahogany, Satinwood
Basse Cour by Pierre Frey set of 4 Demitasse Cups and Saucers, Limoges Porcelain
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Demitasse cups and saucers in Basse Cour pattern by Pierre Frey were made in France by Porcelaine de Limoges. The set consists of 4 cups and 4 saucers; at the time of the listing we ...
Porcelain, Ceramic
Neoclassic Adam Federal Style Window Bench as Found
Located in New York, NY
Nice Adam (Federal) style bench with tapestry fabric top (worn). This example will need to be reupholstered, it is structurally sound and sturdy, a...
Zabihi Collection White Blue Color Vintage Chinese Rug
Located in New York, NY
A 3rd quarter of the 20th century Chinese rug in white and blue Details rug no. j3396 size 5' 6" x 7' 10" (168 x 239 cm)
Wool
Light Walnut Chest on Chest Dresser High Boy Brass Pulls by Thomasville MINT!
By Thomasville, Thomas Chippendale
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Bracket Feet Chippendale Style Light Walnut Chest on Chest Dresser High Boy Brass Pulls by Thomasville MINT!
Oak
Brandt Regency Style Fruitwood Faux Bamboo Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Brandt Furniture Regency Style Fruitwood Faux Bamboo Side Table with Stretcher and Scalloped tray top. Measures 28" in width", 22" in depth and 21" in height.
Faux Bamboo, Fruitwood
American Mahogany Card table
Located in Huntington, NY
American Federal Mahogany Inlaid & Figural 5-legged Games Table Card table with gate leg on The shaped rectangular top above an Oval Inlaid Frieze with Flower medallions on square t...
Brass