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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
Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany and Satinwood Demilune Sideboard Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet or sideboard By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Flame mahogany, with satinwood banding and inlay and original b...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Antique Federal Period Mahogany Three Drawer Stand with Embossed Pulls c. 1820
Located in Westfield, MA
This Antique Federal Period Mahogany Three Drawer Stand, dating to around 1820, exemplifies the refined elegance of Federal-period design. Crafted from rich mahogany, the piece displ...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

19th C. Carved And Gilt Convex Mirror for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Originally purchased in Boston. A classic deep convex mirror with multiple surrounds. The outer decorated with X shaped motifs on each side, a deep curved band with gilt spheres, an ...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

White Blue Color Pictorial Antique Chinese Oriental Rug
Located in New York, NY
A mid20th-century Chinese Peking carpet with an animal motif in white and blue circa 1950, measures: 3'1' x 5'8".
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Federal Furniture

Materials

Wool

19th Century Continental Style Giltwood Frame Wall Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Continental Style Giltwood Frame Wall Mirror. Measures 19" in width 34.5" in height.
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Mirror, Giltwood

c.1880s Fine One Drawer Inlayed Solid Crotch Mahogany Top Console Table MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
c.1880s Fine One Drawer Inlayed Solid Crotch Mahogany Top Console Table Server Petite Desk Sideboard w/ Backsplash MINT!
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

Assembled Set Of Six Federal Style Mahogany Upholstered Dining Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite set of Assembled Set Of Six Federal Style with fine carvings and inlays Mahogany Upholstered Dining Chairs. With quality orange and beige upholstery. Measurements: 1) 4 larger chairs are 21" in width x 22" in depth x 36" in height with Seat Height 18" 2) 2 smaller chairs...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, 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

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

Antique New York Federal Period Mahogany Paw Foot Drop Leaf Table c. 1830
Located in Westfield, MA
This Antique New York Federal Period Mahogany Paw Foot Drop Leaf Table, dating to around 1830, is a stunning example of early 19th-century American craftsmanship. The solid flame mah...
Category

1830s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

Federal Style Mahogany and Tooled Leather Top Lyre Base Coffee Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Federal Style Mahogany and Tooled Leather Top Lyre Base Coffee Table Measures 35.5" in width , 18" on depth, 16.5" in height.
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Pair of Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th Century Antique Pair of Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis with stylized form, caned seats, and splay legs, c1830...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Federal Style Carved Giltwood Wall / Console / Pier Mirror, Over Mantle , 1900s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Antique Federal Style Carved Giltwood Wall / console / Pier mirror, 1900s A finely carved versatile mirror that can be used on the floor or over the mantle, console or hanging on ...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Pair 1930s American Federal Mahogany Inlaid Large Console Tables or Dining Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of 1930s American Federal Mahogany Inlaid Large Console Tables. Join the two large console tables to make a solid and sturdy 8 legs sizable 48" in diameter dining table. Each ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Abalone, Mahogany

Vintage Federal Style Gold Eagle Arched Cherry Wood Narrow Frame Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Federal Style Gold Eagle Arched Cherry Wood Narrow Frame Wall Mirror. Item features a black painted wood crest, gold American Eagle & shield design. Circa Mid 20th Century. M...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, 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

Large Mahogany Credenza
Located in Annville, PA
Decorative and functional this great quality four part Large Mahogany Credenza from Niagara Furniture can solve a lot of your storage and display needs either at home or in the workp...
Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Set of 4 Elegant Tapered Legs Mahogany Federal Nesting Side End Tables MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of 4 Elegant Tapered Legs Mahogany Federal Nesting Side End Tables MINT
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Kittinger Double Pedestal SOLID Mahogany 1x24" Extension Board Leaf MINT!
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

1930s Federal Style Mahogany and Crewel Upholstered Settee
Located in Germantown, MD
1930s Federal Style Mahogany and Crewel Upholstered Settee in good condition. Measures 44" in width, 24" in depth 38" in height. Seat height is 17" and arm height is 27". Seat inte...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Late 20th-C. Federal Style Gilt Composition Wall Brackets For Plates - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of Federal style gilt composition wall brackets. They have an indentation for plates. They are unmarked and in very good condition.
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Composition

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

French Federal Style Antiqued Chandelier, 6 Bulbs
Located in Plainview, NY
A stylish French federal style chandelier made in antiqued fashion. The metal frame has a beautiful pewter antique finish. The chandelier is e...
Category

20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Metal

Pair of Late 20th Century Bernhardt Maple and Cherry Upholstered Armchairs
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...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Cherry, Maple

Antique Mahogany Tilt Top Federal Sheraton Pedestal Base Side Tea Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Mahogany Tilt Top Federal Sheraton Pedestal Base Side Tea Table. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: (Flat): 29.5" H x 24" W x 19.75" D (Top).
Category

19th Century Antique 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

Robert Springfels American Victorian style Portrait of a Union Soldier, 1941
By Robert Springfels
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian style oil painting portrait of an old Union Solider holding a cane with his arm crossed and a house in the background with smoke rising to the sky and a canon visi...
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Paint

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

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

Mid Century Federal Gray Enamel Mahogany Bedside Chest of Drawers
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid Century Federal Style Gray Enamel Mahogany Bedside Chest of Drawers. Drawers open and close very smoothly. Measures 21.5" in width, 16.5" in depth and 30" in height.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Enamel

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

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

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

Carved Alabaster Grapes Leaf Motive Urn Shape Square Mable Base Table Lamp MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Carved Alabaster Grapes Leaf Motive Urn Shape Square Mable Base Table Lamp MINT!
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

Antique Biggs Federal Parcel Gilt Mahogany Three Panel Overmantel Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Biggs Federal Style Parcel Gilt Mahogany Three Panel Over mantel Wall Mirror. Item features a horizontally oriented three-panel mahogany over mantel mirror with scrolling ped...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

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

Pair Mid-20th Century Federal Style Canon Ball Brass Fireplace Low Andirons
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of Mid-20th Century Federal Style Canon Ball Brass Fireplace Andirons Please inquire about the Matching Fireplace Fender and fire place tools set available in our inventory in...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th century American Tripod Table
Located in Savannah, GA
Unusual rectangular shaped. American tripod table with original working mechanism. The exquisitely grained top is one piece of mahogany and shape...
Category

1810s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

19th century American Tripod Table
19th century American Tripod Table
$1,259 Sale Price
49% Off
Eagle Design Gilt Bronze Sconces With Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930's Eagle design gilt bronze sconces with convex mirrored backplate, one light
Category

1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

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

Pair of Philadelphia Brass Andirons with Roman Columns and Ball Finials
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A GORGEOUS Pair of Early 19C Philadelphia Brass Andirons with Roman Columns and Ball Finials. Made in Philadelphia, circa 1800 ...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Distressed Antique Persian Joshegan Rug, 10'11 x 12'10
Located in Dallas, TX
52558 Antique Persian Joshegan Rug, 10'11 x 12'10. Antique-washed Persian Joshegan rugs refer to rugs that have undergone a washing process to give them an aged or antique appearance...
Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Federal Furniture

Materials

Wool

Distressed Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Relaxed Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77216, Distressed Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Relaxed Federal Style. Regal hues, intricate details, and all-over symmetry create a neocl...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture

Materials

Wool

Pair Of Federal Mahogany Side Chairs
Located in Essex, MA
With arched backs with pierced splats with small carved rosettes. Drop in seats and raised on square tapered legs with H form stretchers.
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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...
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Furniture

Extraordinary Pair of Fine Period Federal Inlaid Mahogany Console Tables
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very rare and extraordinary Pair of Antique Inlaid Consoles from New England and saiid to be from the Boston area. Exquisite construction with D shaped tops and fine string inlays on the apron panels and Curly Maple inlaid panels in the center and diamond shapes on the tops of the legs. Raised on square tapering legs with string inlays. Provenance: The Table Pair were previously owned by the American Actress Dina Merrill...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Maple

Pair of American Federal Painted Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of American Federal faux bamboo painted side chairs with spindle back and rush seat with cushion
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

American Federal Tiger Maple One Drawer Stand with Turned Ringed Legs C. 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal tiger maple one drawer stand with original wood knob, turned bulbous ringed legs, and the original pointed feet. Secondary wood co...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Maple, Poplar

American Federal Gilt and Ebonized Dolphin Foliage Convex Mirror. Circa 1800
By A. Belokopytoff
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal gilt carved wood convex mirror with a perched intertwined dolphin on a rocky ledge, ebonized reeded banding, circular ball m...
Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Gesso, Glass, Wood, Ebony, Giltwood

Early 19th Century Rosewood Domed Top Bookcase With Brass Ormula
Located in Pueblo, CO
This is a very rare stately Rosewood cabinet with brass ormula fittings. Base section has full drawer with carved pulls above a two door cabinet with shelf, upper section is a dome ...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal Tilt-Top Candlestand Table
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
Federal walnut tilt-top candlestand. The rectangular cut-corner top on vase and ring-turned support and tripod base of shaped legs.
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Duncan Phyfe Style Twin Pedestal Dining Table with Faux Marble Hand Painted Top
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An elegant twin pedestal Duncan Phyfe/Sheraton style dining table, the pedestals in mahogany with original brass castors, the 'D' shaped top expertly painted in a faux green veined m...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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 Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
74331 Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style. This hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Tabriz rug features an all-over geometric floral pattern com...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture

Materials

Wool

Boston State House Staffordshire Blue & White Pottery Pair of Plates
Located in Downingtown, PA
Boston State House Staffordshirepair of pottery plates John Rogers & Son, 1825 This Rogers underglaze blue printed plate of the Boston State Ho...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Pearlware, Pottery

Set of 4 Spaulding Federal-Style Sterling Silver Mint Julep Cups
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 Federal-style sterling silver mint julep cups. Made by Spaulding & Co. (part of Gorham) in Chicago, ca 1920. Each: Straight and gently tapering sides and molded rims. A wond...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

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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