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
19th century Giltwood and Églomisé American Federal Mirror
Located in Savannah, GA
Detailed early 19th century American federal églomisé, or reverse painted giltwood mirror featuring a primitive house with three chimneys. It came fro...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
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
Pair of Chabby Chic White Painted Three Drawers Nightstands Lamp Tables
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of distressed vintage weathered look nightstands. Brass pulls.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
Early 19th Century American Federal Gilt Wood Mirror
Located in Charleston, SC
This magnificent carved and gilt wood, circa 1820-1840, Federal Mirror has foliage in a Classical urn finial between opposing Cornucopias. The Cornucopias frame an ovoid shaped mirro...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
19th C. Mirror American Wood Carved Federal
Located in Wallkill, NY
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
Set of 12 American Federal Gilt Eagle Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 12 American Federal style (20th Cent) ebonized side chairs with fluted sides and a gilt carved eagle back with an upholstered seat.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
Neoclassical American Empire Side or Lamp Table in Mahogany, circa 1820
Located in Miami, FL
A neoclassical American Empire work table in mahogany and crotch mahogany with two drawers with convex fronts. Top rests on cylindrical column over a quatre-from base and terminating...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Leather Bound Ledger Magazine Holder Italian, 1950s
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Large footed leather bound "Ledger" magazine holder.
Holds a dozen or so of your favorite design magazines while looking fabulous as a decor object.
Plywood construction wrapped in p...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Furniture
Materials
Plywood
Antique Miniature Portrait on Bone with Fitted Case 14-Karat Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Dating from the late 17th century and done in the Federalist style, this finely detailed and well executed hand painted miniature portrait on bone of a period nobleman can be worn as...
Category
Late 17th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold
New Contemporary Turkish Oushak Rug with Modern American Colonial Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
52429 New Contemporary Turkish Oushak rug with Modern American Colonial Federal style. Blending a Federal style and elements from the modern world, this hand knotted wool contemporar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Carved Wood American Federal Parcel Gilt Wall Mirror by Decorative Crafts Inc.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Carved wood American Federal style parcel-gilt wall mirror by Decorative Crafts Inc. Item features Gold gilt and brown distress painted finish, c...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Paint
American Federal Bostonian Game Table , circa 1815
Located in Miami, FL
A fine Boston Federal game table in mahogany with fire gilded bronze doré ormolu mounts in the corners of the apron and original brass paw foot casters. Carving is well articulated and form is reminiscent of Federal Boston cabinet maker Isaac Vose...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
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
American Federal Relief Carved Mahogany Card Table, New York, circa 1810
Located in Stockton, NJ
American Federal relief carved mahogany card table. The double-elliptical crotch mahogany book-matched veneered hinged top above a central pedestal with foliate and swag carved detail terminating on four fluted cabriole legs and brass lion paw cups on casters.
This card table is illustrated in "Four Centuries of American Furniture" Oscar P. Fitzgerald, pp.93
" The richly grained mahogany top takes a double-elliptic shape. The top rotates to rest on the skirt, which encloses a storage space for game equipment...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Mahogany Pillar and Scroll Mantel Clock, Eli Terry, Circa 1825
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal mahogany pillar and scroll mantel clock with a broken arch pediment, three urn wood finials, flanking ringed columns, hinged glass d...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century American Federal Mahogany Flip Top Console Table
Located in New York, NY
American Federal-style (19th Century) mahogany flip top console/card table with lyre base
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
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
American Federal Floral Painted Settee
Located in New York, NY
American Federal floral painted Hitchcock style settee with roll back
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Pair of Regency Style Brass Inlaid Rosewood Parcel-Gilt and Marble Consoles
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of Regency style brass inlaid rosewood parcel-gilt and marble consoles. Each green marble rectangular top above an egg-and-dart-carved e...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
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 Designer, Federal Consoles, Mahogany, Marble, Gold Gilt, Mirror, 1940s
Located in Stamford, CT
A fine pair of monumental Federal style console tables each having boule inlays and carved opposing eagles wings spread sitting on a rock b...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Marble
19th-20th Century Federal Style Crest Mirror
Located in Stamford, CT
19th-20th century Federal style crest mirror. In a very fine water gilt bamboo form frame. The reflection from a hanging chandelier is what is appearing a...
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror
Late 19th Century Regency Carved and Ebonized Giltwood Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Stamford, CT
Late 19th or very early 20th century Regency carved and ebonized giltwood bullseye mirror. The convex mirror framed in a spectacular ebony and gilt decorated frame with a lower carvi...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
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, and in original finish (missing one ...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
American Federal Gilt Carved Convex Eagle Pediment Wall Mirror
Located in New York, NY
American Federal convex giltwood wall mirror with ball design, fluted ebonized border, and eagle pediment top.
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Vintage Persian Mashhad Palace Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75597 Vintage Persian Mashhad Palace Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style. This hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Mashhad palace rug features a central medallion in midnig...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
American Federal Style Flag with Brass Pole and Stand
Located in New York, NY
American Federal-style (19/20th Century) bronze eagle base flag pole with eagle finial and flag.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Rare Mahogany Cumberland Action Dining Table Possibly Duncan Phyfe Workshop
Located in Sheffield, MA
A Rare Mahogany Cumberland action
Dining Table
Possibly Duncan Phyfe workshop
18th century
Measures:
Height 28 ½ in. Width 47 ½ in. Depth 15 ½ “Closed”
Depth 47 ½ in. by 58 in.
Pro...
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Pine Chest
Located in New York, NY
American Federal pine chest with 4 drawers and carved column sides.
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Pine
Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75511 Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style. This hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Tabriz rug features an allover pattern with geometric motifs...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
American Federal Mahogany Pembroke Table
Located in New York, 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
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 Federal Gilt Eagle Figure
Located in New York, NY
American Federal (19th Cent) life size gilt carved eagle figure standing on serpent and round painted base
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Federal Rosewood Roll Top Secretary
Located in New York, NY
American Federal rosewood and maple interior roll top secretary with bronze and ebonized trim (Attributed to Leon Marcotte, N.Y.)
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
1920s Acid Etched Frosted Glass Federal Style Globe Pendant Light
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1920s, Federal style, acid etched, frosted glass, globe pendant light depicting American eagle and stars and stripes with brass fitter, chain and canopy. The pendant is newly wired a...
Category
Early 20th Century American 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
Pair of Federal Eagle Carved Gilt Wall Sconces, Two Lights, 19th Century
Located in Stamford, CT
A fine pair of two-light wall sconce. Each ribbon form in the Federal taste having gilt tassels and bow design with ebonized hi lights. Both depicting a winged eagle in flight. Hard...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Jewel Tone Fine Quality Antique Persian Malayer Narrow Horizontal Woven Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century horizontally handwoven Persian Malayer rug with a green field, accents in red and gold
Measures: 1'7" x 4'3".
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
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
Antique Brass Hunneman Andirons with Tapered Bodies and Ball Finials, Circa 1880
Located in New York, NY
AFP0561
A pair of andirons in their original aged brass and blackened iron finish, after a pattern by the Boston maker William Hunneman having tapered bodies topped with ball finials...
Category
1880s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Blackened Wrought Iron Knife Blade Andirons with Brass Urn Finials, Circa 1900s
Located in New York, NY
AFP0535
A pair of antique 18th century style wrought iron andirons with full round brass urn form finials and brass details atop blackened iron knife blade...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Early 19th Century Fall-Front Desk
Located in Buchanan, MI
Handsome and functional Regency mahogany fall front desk, server, entry way piece, great inlay, elegant form. Exceptional exaggerated arched foot.
Category
19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satin
Brass Andirons with Urn Finials and Pad Feet, Circa 1920s
Located in New York, NY
AFP0547
A pair of antique brass andirons topped with urn finials and having pad feet in their original soft polished finish. Circa 1920s.
Dimensions:
Overall: 24-1/2" H. x 11" W....
Category
1920s Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Iron, Brass
Adams Style Hand Painted Banded Leather Flip Top Demilune Console Game Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Lovely Vintage Federal Style Hand Painted Flip Top Demilune Console/Game Table. The table features delicately painted floral motifs on the skirt and ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany, Satinwood
Brass and Blackened Wrought Iron Knife Blade Andirons, Circa 1900s
Located in New York, NY
AFP0539
A pair of antique 18th century style wrought iron andirons with full round brass details atop knife blade bodies, circa 1900s.
Dimensions:
Overall...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Two Arm Shield Back Sconces in Silver Plate by Bradley & Hubbard, Circa 1910s
Located in New York, NY
AIS2736
A pair of double light sconces in silverplate over brass having shield form backplates. Signed by the maker Bradley and Hubbard. Circa 1910s.
Dimensions:
Overall: 13-1/4" h....
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate, Brass
American 19th Century Brass Fender
Located in Southampton, NY
American 19th Century Brass Fender
Category
Early 19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
American Mahogany and Cherry Stenciled Gilt Hinged Game Table, PA. Circa 1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal mahogany and cherry hinged game table with a one board top, central carved floral basket, stenciled gilt turned ringed center column, and resting on scrolled acanthu...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early American Stenciled 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
Mahogany, Maple
Stunning Room Size Traditional Rust Abrash Antique Persian Sarouk Ferehan Rug
Located in New York, NY
Beautifl abrashes highlight this early 20th century Antique Persian Sarouk Ferehan. Rust Background with pretty shades in predominant blue and brown accents
Measures: 8'7'' x 11'7...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Early 19th C American Dolphin Giltwood Sconces
Located in Charleston, SC
A pair of dolphin sconces made of carved wood gilt featuring two candle arms. Dolphin-form items are rare and highly demanded among collector's.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
American Federal Gilt and Ebonized Dolphin Foliage Convex Mirror. Circa 1800
By A. Belokopytoff
Located in Hollywood, 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
A Federal Mahogany Mirror with Eagle Motif, American ca. 1820
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Federal Mahogany Mirror with Gilt Eagle Crest and Bronze Dore Accents.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood
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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