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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Style: Federal
Petit English Multi Drawer Compartment Mahogany Leather Top Desk
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Beautiful English petit mahogany desk console entry lobby table with leather top.
Category
20th Century English Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
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
Pair of American Federal Brass Flanking Urn Finial Engraved Andirons Phil C 1800
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of American Federal brass andirons with flanking urn finials, matching urn finial log stops, engraved swags on skirt, and resting on banded...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Good Federal Domed Top Box with Shell and Banded Inlay
Located in San Francisco, CA
with domed lid centering an inlaid shell medallion; all resting on a rectangular body raised on brass ball and claw feet; later velvet-lined interior.
Category
Early 19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Federal Style Mahogany Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mahogany and figured mahogany veneered dresser, the reeded edge top with protruding corners and a central bowfront with leaf carved and reede...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Style Hand Painted Tole Tinder Wood Box
Located in Nashville, TN
A handsome Federal style hand painted tole tinder wood box. Ebonized lacquer paint overpainted with a federal eagle holding olive branches and arrows and crested with a Union shield. The Eagle is surrounded with nautical stars above and below. The sides are hand painted with a border of vines and berries...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pair of American Double Lemon Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of American double lemon andirons, having beaded bands around both lemon finials, with turned collars over octagonal shafts, standing on arche...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Iron, Brass
19th Century Federal Guild Gold Framed Wall Mirror
Located in Stamford, CT
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
Vintage American Mahogany Federal Style Broken Pediment Wall Hanging Mirror
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage American mahogany federal style broken pediment wall hanging mirror 48",
Federal style wall mirror, circa 1950s. Made from mahogany with scrolled ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Antique Terra Cotta Federal Eagles 'Pair'
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Early antique federal eagles [pair] beautiful glaze. ca 1900, came from an antique collectors personal collection, you can see a repair on one of the eag...
Category
Early 20th Century French Federal Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
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
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
Pair of American Federal Brass Urn Finial Shield Engraved Andirons. Phil. C 1800
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of American Federal brass andirons with shield engraved urn finials, shield engraved plinths, incised checkering lines, engraved swags on s...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Antique Persian Bakhtiari Rug with Federal American Colonial Style
Located in Dallas, TX
73283, antique Persian Bakhtiari rug with Federal American Colonial style. With a timeless botanical pattern and naturalistic design elements, this han...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
American 18th Century Federal Period Tripod Tilt-Top Table in Apple Wood
Located in Wells, ME
American federal tripod tilt-top table in apple wood, probably of Connecticut origin. The graceful scalloped edge of the top and cabriole legs along with the well proportioned vase t...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Heirloom Weiman Crotch Flame Mahogany Federal One-Drawer Coffee Table
By Weiman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Heirloom Weiman crotch flame mahogany federal one-drawer coffee table. Listing includes a custom glass top, brass rolling casters, inlay and banded top, finished back, 1-drawer, tape...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Leather Covered Box with a Domed Lid, Brass Handle and Hinges
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This small box for personal possessions (perhaps papers or letters), is covered in black leather and decorated with borders of brass tacks, including the letters A.T. on its lid, and...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Persian Shiraz Afghani Rug with Modern Colonial and Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
76878, vintage Persian Shiraz Afghani rug with modern colonial and federal style 11'09 x 16'03. Traditional and regal with brilliant color, this hand-knott...
Category
Late 20th Century Afghan Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Federal New York Pier Mirror, Late 18th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
This Classic Greek and Egyptian motif mirror has vertical pillars flanking mirror panels framing the central split looking glass. The cornice of the mirror has a Classic Adams Urn...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Armorial Service of Samson Chinese Export Porcelain for the American Market
By Edmé Samson
Located in Essex, MA
Partial set of Samson hand painted Chinese Export style porcelain for the American Market.
In beautiful orange trim with hand printed gilt motif. American eagle in centre with Shi...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
New Contemporary Transitional Oushak Accent Rug with Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
80388 Contemporary Transitional Oushak Accent Rug with Federal Style. Blending a Federal style and elements from the modern world, this hand knotted wool contemporary transitional Ou...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Neoclassical Federal Pedestal Sideboard in Mahogany, circa 1815
Located in Miami, FL
A very long and elegant American Federal, pedestal sideboard in mahogany with mahogany inlaid bandings along the borders. Inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Mahogany Bow Front Floral Satinwood Inlaid Sideboard Circa 1770
Located in Hollywood, SC
American federal mahogany bow front sideboard with satinwood sunburst floral inlaid outset corners, centered baized lined drawer with two flanking baiz...
Category
1770s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Mahogany Bow Front One-Drawer Server with Brass Pulls. C.1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal mahogany bow front one-drawer server with a one board top, original brass floral pulls and escutcheon, and resting on the original turned bulbous ringed legs, Early ...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Miniature 4 Drawers Jewelry Letter Campaign Chest Dresser with Brass Drop Pulls
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mahogany miniature jewelry letter miscellanies chest with brass drop pulls.
Category
20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Silhouettes of Livingston Family Members
Located in New York, NY
Snipping a profile from paper with scissors, and mounting the result to a contrasting sheet of paper, became a popular diversion among the European and American upper classes in the ...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
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
Miniature Example Mahogany Bureau Bookcase
Located in New York, NY
Cabinet makers sample.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Mahogany & Gilt Dolphin Upholstered Harp Stool with Paw Feet, NY C 1815
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Hollywood, SC
American mahogany harp stool with a carved molded back, flanking gilt dolphin supports, adjustable upholstered seat with a turned bulbous shaft, and resting...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Admiral Eagle Federal Round Bull’s-Eye Wall Mirror
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Beautiful round mirror with eagle surmount. In a bronze hue. A great example of the American federal style.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Resin, Plastic
Antique Federal Eagle American 50 Star Flag with Brass Eagle Pole, 19th Century
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Monumental 50 star American Flag with antique Federal Eagle brass and wood pole. A patriotic piece suitable for any home. This set includes both ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Federal Style Mahogany Chest of Drawers with Lift Top
Located in New York, 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 Period China Cabinet
Located in Essex, MA
Period American Federal, Possibly Baltimore, library or China cabinet. Mahogany of Hepplewhite form with symmetrically divided drawers in base and upper case with paned glass and ori...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American 18th Century Federal Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Carmel, CA
Sheraton style chest with four graduated drawers with inlay banding and cock beading about the perimeter. The chest has a curvaceous apron and Fr...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Antique American Federal Mahogany Tilt-Top Supper Table, circa 1790
Located in Portland, OR
Antique American Federal mahogany tilt-top supper table, circa 1790. Very rare antique American supper table, most likely mid-Atlantic states, carved with a Native American head...
Category
1790s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique American Late Federal/Empire Mahogany Tea/Games/Card Table, circa 1830
Located in Portland, OR
American late federal/empire mahogany fold-over tea/games/card table, circa 1830. The table having a fold-over & swivel top, below is a carved and gadrooned skirt. The table standing...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Persian Tabriz Palace Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75593 vintage Persian Tabriz Palace rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal style. This hand knotted wool vintage Persian Tabriz rug features an all-over Shah Abbas design. It is e...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
1840s American Octagonal J Boardman New York Mineral Waters Soda Bottle New York
By John Boardman
Located in Hyattsville, MD
J. Boardman & Company New York Mineral Waters, this bottle is never sold. Soda water bottle, America, 1845-1860. Octagonal, bright, medium sapphire b...
Category
1840s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass
Country Federal Style Drop Leaf Table
Located in Stockton, NJ
A country Federal style stained walnut gate leg drop leaf table. Fourth quarter 19th century. Plain inset moulded frieze raised on baluster and ring turned legs on compressed ball feet.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of 2 American Federal Gold Stenciling Settees
Located in New York, 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
Pair of Antique Federal Style Chairs, circa 1890-1910
Located in New Orleans, LA
Set of antique Federal style chairs, circa 1890-1910
EDC016.
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
American Federal Mahogany Tilt-Top Scalloped Table
Located in New York, NY
American Federal mahogany rectangular scalloped tilt-top end table on a turned pedestal tripod base.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Pair of Antique Early 19th Century Federal Giltwood Wall Sconces with Eagles
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of antique early 19th century federal giltwood wall sconces with eagles.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Gilt Carved Wall, Console or Table Mirror with High Open Fleur-de-Lis Pediment
Located in Stamford, CT
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
Federal Tilt-Top Tripod Candlestand/Table in Cherrywood, New England, circa 1810
Located in Miami, FL
A lovely Federal tilt-top table in cherrywood with tripod base that historically doubled as a candlestand. The candlestick could rest on the ledge provided when the tabletop was tilt...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Bronze Federal Style "Liberty" Alabaster Dome Chandelier
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Wonderful bronze and slag glass Liberty chandelier. The Liberty chandelier is a very popular chandelier for commercial and residential use. It gives off an alabaster amber glow and s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Federal Furniture
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze
Carved and Painted Wooden Eagle with Shield Attributed to John Haley Bellamy
Located in Savannah, GA
In all original untouched condition including weathered paint, this wonderful Folk Art wall plaque speaks for itself. Substantial size. It looks to be made to be mounted on a ledge, ...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Persian Azerbaijan Runner with Modern Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75381, antique Persian Azerbaijan runner with Modern Federal style. With its clean lines and subtle use of ornament, this hand knotted wool antique Persian Azerbaijan runner beautifu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
American Federal Mahogany Tall Case Clock, Silas Hoadley, CT, Circa 1820
By Silas Hoadley
Located in Hollywood, 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
Outstanding Large Oak Carved Eagle Grasping Shield & Three Arrows
Located in Stamford, CT
Outstanding large oak carved eagle grasping shield with three arrows in his talons; most probably by a Philadelphia carver. Found in East Boothbay, Maine at collector's home. Arrows ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Oak
American Federal Mahogany Compartmentalized Hinged Work Table, VA Circa 1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal mahogany work table with a hinged top revealing two flanking compartments, deep centered reeded front drawer with original...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Chinese Persian Tabriz Design Rug with Colonial and Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77369 Vintage Chinese Persian Tabriz Design Rug with Colonial and Federal Style 08'10 x 11'09. This hand knotted vintage Chinese Persian Tabriz design rug features an all-over Shah A...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool, Silk
Distressed Antique Persian Mahal Design Rug with Relaxed Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
52616, distressed antique Persian Mahal design rug with Relaxed Federal style. Highlighting Persian design aesthetics and stylish levels of compl...
Category
Early 20th Century Turkish Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
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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