Federal Furniture
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.
1910s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Bronze
1790s Antique Federal Furniture
Silk
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
20th Century Chinese Federal Furniture
Wool
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany, Satinwood
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany, Giltwood
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Brass, Iron
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Bronze
20th Century Federal Furniture
Metal
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany, Mirror, Giltwood
1790s Antique Federal Furniture
Maple, Wood
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Paint
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Wood, Hardwood, Paint
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Resin, Plastic
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Wood
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Cherry
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany, Yew
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Wood
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany, Satinwood
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass, Iron
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Metal
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Glass, Yew
1940s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Glass, Wood
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Cherry
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Mirror, Giltwood
20th Century Federal Furniture
Wool
1950s Italian Vintage Federal Furniture
Alabaster
Early 19th Century French Antique Federal Furniture
Wood
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Chinese Federal Furniture
Wool
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Marble
1980s Vintage Federal Furniture
Mahogany
1810s Italian Antique Federal Furniture
Paper
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Bronze
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Wool
1880s American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass, Iron
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Upholstery, Mahogany
1870s European Antique Federal Furniture
Bronze
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Wood
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany, Satinwood
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Metal
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass, Wire
1840s Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Iron, Brass
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Abalone, Mahogany