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
American Federal Banquet Dining Table in Mahogany w/ Extension Leaves, Seats 18
Located in Miami, FL
From Malcolm Forbes' estate Timberfield, an elegant and long mahogany dining table with three sections, American, circa 1830. The rectangular top above ...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
American Philadelphia Empire Cheval Mirror, circa 1825
By Anthony Quervelle
Located in Dereham, GB
American Philadelphia Empire mahogany cheval mirror, circa 1825.
Certainly has the quality of top Philadelphia cabinet maker.
The oval mirror with ribbon moulding on front of frame,
fan carving on top and bottom of mirror frame,
mirror sitting in tapering reeded columns with flared petals and turnings on top.
Tulip carving at bottom,with the column square edges supporting the reeded cross stretcher,
medallion turnings on outside,
carved corbels each side,above
shaped reeded end supporting legs with scrolled ends,
turnings under with brown china wheels...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$3,862 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$1,125 Sale Price
55% Off
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
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
$1,600 / set
A Fine Highly Figured Federal Style Pier Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A more diminutive Federal style Pier Mirror with traditional form and particularly rich color and graining. Highly figured mahogany pier mirror with a dimensional crest and two facet...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany
Kindel Federal Style Eagle and Parcel Gilt Decorated Mahogany Frame Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
Kindel Furniture Federal Style Eagle and Parcel Gilt Decorated Mahogany Frame Mirror. Measures 20.75" in width and 45" in height.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Giltwood
Federal Partners' Desk in Mahogany, Philadelphia, circa 1820
Located in Miami, FL
A beautiful Philadelphia partners desk in mahogany with gadrooned top and apron resting on center pedestal with carved baluster and legs, and ending in brass casters with lions' paw ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Brass and Artistic Wire Work Fire Place Fender, New York, Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American brass and artistic wire work fire place fender, New York. Early 19th century.
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wire
George Washington Engraving by H. B. Hall, after William Birch
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a handsome engraved portrait of George Washington by artist H. B. Hall. This engraving was published in New York, in a limited edition of 125 impressions. The engraving is based on a painting by William Birch Gilbert Stuart, a small miniature in enamel, completed in 1796. Birch painted Washington from life in his office in Philadelphia, by the request of I. G. Van Staphorst, Esqr. of Amsterdam. In the small portrait, Washington is depicted in a head and shoulders pose, facing right. He wears a dark coat and vest and a white shirt and ruffled cravat.
The father of our country, George Washington was the commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War (1775-83) and served two terms as the first United States president...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
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...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Silver, Iron
American Brass and Artistic Wire Work Fire Place Fender, New York, Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American brass and artistic wire work fire place fender, New York. Early 19th century.
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wire
Burled Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
This beautiful burled partners desk by Niagara Furniture is crafted as an antique reproduction. The fine quality veneers in the drawer and door panels displays a rich color similar t...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
$4,675 / item
Antique English Federal Brass Branch Leg Cast Iron Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Federal Brass Branch Leg Cast Iron Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 19.5" H x 9" W x 18" D.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large Round Mid Century Metal Eagle Motif Serving Tray in Red White and Blue
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A very large round Americana metal serving tray. This piece will be great for serving drinks or hanging on a wall. It is created from metal and features an Americana Federal painted ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Metal
$200 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Chippendale Style Mahogany and Giltwood Mallard Duck Oval Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Chippendale Style Mahogany and Giltwood Mallard Duck Oval Wall Mirror. Item features very fine and detailed wood carvings, gold accents surrounding the frame, and classic Chi...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown 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
Turkish President Ataturk Rug
Located in New York, NY
A mid-20th century turkish sivas rug with the former president Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
Measures: 4'4'' x7'
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk;[b] c. 1881[c] – 1...
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
American-Market "Peace, Plenty and Independence" Liverpool Creamware Jug
Located in Downingtown, PA
"Peace, Plenty and Independence" Liverpool Transfer Decorated Creamware Jug,
Circa 1800
The "Peace, Plenty and Independence" Liverpool transfer decorated creamware jug has a black transfer print on one side depicting a spread wing eagle perched atop a cannon flanked by symbols of Peace and Plenty with the other side with the "Farmer's Arms," the front with "Samuel & Rachel Hayne.s" within a wreath above four lines of verse, inspired by Cupid's Lessons, reading, "My love is Fix'd, I cannot range,I like my choice,Too well to change". a second stanza not shown read " Long may we live, Happy may we be, Blest with content, And from misfortune be".
Dimensions: 10 1/8 inch height x 9 inches wide x 6 1/4 inches deep.
The print of an eagle with its wings spread standing on a cannon above a medallion containing the words, “PEACE, PLENTY, and INDEPENDENCE.” This is flanked by two allegorical figures. The figure on the left represents “plenty” holding a cornucopia, while the one on the right represents “peace” using her torch to set fire to instruments of war.
The New York Historical...
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Creamware, Pottery
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
Mahogany Credenza
Located in Annville, PA
This Mahogany Credenza matches a number of other items in the Niagara Furniture office collection. The credenza utilizes three part construction, the top and two pedestals separate f...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$3,245 / item
Fine Quality Italian Made Federal Style Tall Gilded Carved Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb mirror made in Italy in the Federal style. The mirror was carved of walnut and gilded in an antiqued distressed finish. The mirror will show minor signs of age and u...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Federal Satinwood Inlaid Carved Mahogany Parcel Gilt And Eglomise Painted Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautiful Federal style Satinwood Inlaid in Carved Mahogany Parcel Gilt And Eglomise Painted scroll ear wall Mirror. Measures 24" in width and 56" tall. Wood backing.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany, Satinwood, Giltwood
Vintage Federal Style Figured Mahogany Huntboard with Brass Hardware
Located in Morristown, NJ
Early 20th c., Federal Style huntboard made from rich mahogany and featuring classic design elements that reflect high-quality craftsmanship.
The table is crafted from solid mahogan...
Category
1910s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Center Pedestal Games Table, circa 1815
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptionally handsome and very well crafted classical Philadelphia Federal games table in premium mahogany with turned and finely carved pedes...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Style Mahogany Chest of Drawers with Lift Top
Located in Queens, 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
Large American Federal Style Eagle Wood Carved Two-Light Sconce
Located in Vero Beach, FL
This wood carved and gold gilded antique sconce features a majestic eagle with spread wings beneath a tied bow. The candle arms are of patinated scrolled brass and very finely detail...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
$880 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Banded Oval Racetrack Shape Carved Double Pedestal Burl Walnut 13' Long Dining
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Banded Oval Racetrack Shape Carved Double Pedestal Burl Walnut 13' Long Dining Conference Table MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
1920's Eagle Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces Federal Style
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell federal style silver plated sconces with eagles
Category
1910s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Federal Tiger Maple Tripod Table, American, Early 19th Century
Located in Huntington, NY
Tiger Maple Tripod table, top with chamfered corners also inlaid with mother of pearl, circles, hearts & triangles. Turned standard raised on down swept legs terminating in spade feet.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
$2,360 Sale Price
20% Off
Charak Lacquered Mahogany Banded Round Dining Table w/ 2 Leaves Inlaid Legs Mint
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern solid teak pull out roll top desk drawers chair mint.
Two table leaves measuring 18''.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
American Federal Mahogany Marble Top Satinwood & Ebony Inlaid Console, C. 1790
By Thomas Seymour
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany marble top console table with a molded edge top, carved floral corner medallions, ebony and satinwood banding, and resting on ebony inlaid tapered legs with the original brass barrel cupped casters. Console table retains the original marble top, Late 18th century. Attributed to Thomas Seymour...
Category
1790s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Marble
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 eagle s...
Category
20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Kittinger Double Pedestal SOLID Mahogany 1x24" Extension Board Leaf MINT!
By Kittinger
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Kittinger Double Pedestal Solid Mahogany 1x24" Extension Board Leaf MINT!
1x 24" leaf with an extended table length of 104".
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Early American Stenciled Tiger Maple Pole Screen
Located in Savannah, GA
Mahogany and maple pole screen on a tripod base featuring a center urn, adjustable brass slide and a lead weighted bottom. Stenciled floral motif on screen...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
$1,002 Sale Price
56% Off
American Mahogany Federal Work Table with Barley Twist Legs on Casters, C. 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany Federal two drawer hinged work table with a ratcheted white pine writing surface, fitted interior for ink wells, original brass sandwich glass knobs, lower connecti...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Federal Stained Cherry Candlestand
Located in Southampton, NY
19th Century Federal Stained Cherry Candlestand
The warm, reddish-brown finish on the wood suggests it may be cherry, common choices during that period. The table features a simple,...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Federal Mahogany Work Table for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An antique Federal mahogany worktable with lower tier, two drawers with later brass pulls with Lion motif, well carved spiral twist legs and the whole resting upon brass casters. Lac...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Mahogany Tripod Pedestal - Gueridon - Side Table
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
19th Century Mahogany Tripod Pedestal - Gueridon - Side Table
Elegant American Federal Style tripod table.
Showcases refined neoclassical sensibilities of the post-Revolutionary p...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Federal Bold Tiger Maple Drop Leaf Dining Table
Located in Milford, NH
A Federal tiger maple drop leaf dining table with bold wood grain, tapered square legs terminating with brass casters, and dovetailed construction. Very good overall condition, with...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
18th Century American Two Over Three Chest of Drawers
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of an 18th American chest of drawers in a two over three configuration, possibly a converted highboy top of Boston origin, with added finished molded top, original bra...
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Compact 14x18 Turned Poster Style 4 tier Etagere Shelving Unit w/ Finials MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Compact 14x18 Turned Poster Style 4 tier Etagere Shelving Unit w/ Finials on Wheels MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Pair of Early 20th Century Federal Brass and Iron Andirrons
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair Early 20th Century Federal Brass and Iron Andirrons. Measuring 8" in width, 18" in width and 21.5" in height.
Recently repolished
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
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
19th C. Mirror American Wood Carved Federal
Located in Newfoundland, PA
Early wood carved Federal mirror. This would be a wonderful addition to your decor. Please be sure to check our storefront for more wonderful decorating pieces that range from Primit...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
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
960'sPair of Crystal & Square Brass Bases Ornate Shades 25" Tall Table Lamps
Located in Rockaway, NJ
960'sPair of Crystal & Square Brass Bases Ornate Shades 25" Tall Table Lamps
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Rare Early 19th Century American Baltimore Federal Parcel Gilt Writing Desk
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine and rare early 19th century American Baltimore Federal painted writing table with fabulous parcel gilt detail throughout. The moulded to...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Decorative Crafts Inc American Federal Carved Wood Gold Gilt Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Decorative Crafts Inc American Federal Carved Wood Gold Gilt Wall Mirror. Item features gold gilt and brown distress painted finish, carved finials, solid wood frame, nicely ...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
19th Century American Federal Mahogany Flip Top Console Table
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal-style (19th Century) mahogany flip top console/card table with lyre base
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Quality Pair Antique Brass Cannonball Andirons
Located in Bridgeport, CT
With cannonball tops on ring shaped supports mounted on scrolled legs with ball feet. The curved back long iron stand with ball finials.
Dimensions: H. 21", W. 12 3/4", Depth 19"
C...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
The Pennsylvania Journal and The Weekly Advertiser, Issued June 16, 1787
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an June 16, 1787 issue of Philadelphia's "The Pennsylvania Journal, and The Weekly Advertiser," containing coverage of the Constitutional Convention. The magazine period...
Category
1780s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Paper
19th Century Federal Style Gilded Mahogany Wall Mirror With Phoenix Crest
Located in Los Angeles, CA
True antique Federal style gilded wall mirror, circa 19th century. A carved Phoenix crest surmounts the mahogany frame. The original glazed mirror is flanked by foliate garlands and ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany
Broyhill USA Federal Style Broken Arch & Finial Cherry Wood Wall Dresser Mirror
By Broyhill
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pre-owned Broyhill Federal Style Broken Arch & Finial Wall Dresser Mirror. Item feature a solid wood frame, beautiful wood grain, nicely carved details, quality American craftsmanshi...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
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
$3,120 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Classical Federal Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine pair of American classical Federal andirons, having urn finials over Doric column shafts standing on square plinths with scalloped base, over shaped legs having spurred knees an...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
$3,900 / set
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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