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
Near-Pair Set of American Federal Card Tables
Located in New York, NY
A set of two Federal mahogany folding card tables. Handcrafted circa 1825. They are a near-identical pair with the legs varying slightly in...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Large American Federal Style Brass Ornate Andirons
Located in Germantown, MD
Amazingly decorated pair of large American Federal style brass ornate andirons.
This is very heavy and in polished brass ornate with carved brass flowers...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Large 88" Wide Beveled Glass Gold Leaf Back Paint Decorated Break Front Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large 88" Wide Beveled Glass Gold Leaf Back Paint Decorated Break Front Cabinet MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
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
19th Century French First Officer’s Uniform Red Epaulettes
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th Century French First Officer’s Uniform Red Epaulettes
Good pair of French Officers Epaulettes made in Red Silk and lined in black velvet, the f...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Mid-Century Federal Turned Legs Mahogany Low Side Table Tea Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A federal style turned legs Mahogany low Side Table. Table has been recently refinished and is in very good condition. Measures 26" W x 22" D x 15" H.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Gilt Wood and Ebonized Foliage Convex Wall Mirror, Circa 1825
Located in Charleston, SC
American gilt wood and ebonized foliage convex mirror. Early 19th century. Mirror retains the original silvered glass and wood backing.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
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
Large American Wire Fireplace Screen
Located in Essex, MA
Hard to find size removed from an early American house with walk in fireplace north of Boston. Curved back to cover fireplace .
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Iron
19th Century Federal Painted Bench
Located in Nashville, TN
Bench has arrow shaped splats. Slightly reduced in length. Original condition.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Beacon Hill Collection Federal Reproduction Mahogany Planter Table
By Beacon Hill
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A 1950s Federal reproduction planter table by Beacon Hill Collection. The table features a wonderful serpentine mahogany veneer top, elegant tape...
Category
1950s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Copper
Windsor Highchair In Original Paint Circa 1820
Located in Hudson, NY
Beautiful American, windsor, arrow-back high chair in original surface.
Circa 1820, this chair is in excellent condition with an incredible surface history.
The splayed legs are much...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple, Paint
Antique English Federal Brass Cannonball Fireplace Andirons With Patina - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Federal Brass Cannonball Fireplace Andirons With Patina - a Pair. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 20" H x 11" W x 32" D.
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
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
19th Century American cherry one drawer stand with turned legs and feet
Located in Richmond, VA
Great little 19th Century American cherry one drawer stand with turned legs, feet and 2 board top
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Federal Cherry One Drawer Stand With Inlay American
Located in Hudson, NY
Federal cherry, inlaid one drawer stand, first quarter 19th century likely Connecticut. The rectangular mahogany cross-banded and geometric inlaid top w...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Pine, Birdseye Maple, Cherry, Mahogany
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
Vintage Persian Tabriz with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
76262 Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style. This hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Tabriz rug features an allover pattern surrounded by a class...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
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
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
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
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
American Federal Mahogany Compartmentalized Hinged Work Table, VA Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, 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 Federal Style Brass Metal Table Lamp With Shield and Wreath Design
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Federal Style Brass Metal Table Lamp With Shield and Wreath Design. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 26" H (to finial) x 16.6" H (to light socket) x 8" W x 8" D. (Locat...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Metal
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
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
Antique Philadelphia Federal Coin Silver Ice Tongs
Located in New York, NY
Federal coin silver ice tongs, ca 1830. U-form with cast talon jaws. Marked “J. Peters & Co.”, for James Peters & Co., a Philadelphia silversmith active in the early years of the Rep...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Silver
American Federal Style Mirror With Mallard Duck
Located in Pasadena, CA
American Federal Style Mirror With Mallard Duck. Measures approx 5 deep x 32 wide x 58 high
Category
1920s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
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
Southampton Mahogany Gallery Top Brass Drop Pull One-Drawer End Table Stand
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mahogany brass hardware one shelf end table nightstand.
Category
20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Very Fine Carved Bleached Mahogany Camel Back Compact Sofa Stretcher Base 1960s
By J. Horner, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Custom Designed Floral Pattern Carved Bleached Mahogany Camel Back Compact Sofa Stretcher Base 1960s
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Round 20" in Diameter Inlayed One Drawer Burl Wood Tapered Legs Stand End Table
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Round 20" in Diameter Inlayed One Drawer Burl Wood Tapered Legs Stand End Side Occasional Lamp Table MINT!
Category
20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Burl
Vintage Polished Brass Mail Slot and Door Knocker
Located in Sheffield, MA
Add a touch of vintage antique charm to your entry front door with this "Two-in-One" brass mail slot and door knocker. Ready to mount. Screws not inclu...
Category
20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
American Federal Man in Black Portrait
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal gilt framed oil portrait painting of man in black holding large white paper
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Paint
Pair Early 20th C. Hand Carved Continental Parcel Gilt Eagle Motif Wall Sconces
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pair of early 20th century hand carved eagle motif gilt wood wall sconces.
Nicely carved and made, will fit in with any traditional American decor.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
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 3 Italian Neo-Classic Engraved Prints of Medals with White Carved Coin
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 3 Italian Neo-classic style (19th Century) engraved prints of metals over a single white pariu carved coin with a classical bust in a silver/gilt frame (Prov: Christies NY) (P...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Metal
American Mahogany Drop Leaf Barley Twist Work Table with Orig. Brasses, C. 1815
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal Mahogany drop leaf three drawer work table with incised carvings, original circular foliage brasses, key hole escutcheons, ...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Mahogany Tall Bookcase
Located in Annville, PA
A highly functional and decorative two part Mahogany Tall Bookcase cabinet resting on shaped bracket feet. Large doors without lattice work allow for fu...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
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
Antique Federal Period Mahogany Work Table with Pineapple Carved Pillars c. 1840
Located in Westfield, MA
This Antique Federal Period Mahogany Work Table, dating to around 1840, is a striking example of American craftsmanship from the Federal period. The piece is made from richly grained...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Flame Mahogany Banded Serpentine Front 6 Legged Console Table MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Federal Flame Mahogany Banded Serpentine Front 6 Legged Console Table MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Midcentury Federal Highball Cocktail Glasses
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful set of five (5) highball cocktail glasses in the Federal style, circa mid-20th century, USA. Gold eagle and shield are font/center, flanke...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass
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
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
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
Fine Federal Period Sheraton Mahogany Card or Gaming Table circa 1800
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of a Federal Period, Sheraton mahogany card or gaming table with turret corners, checkered inlay around the folding top edge, a shaped frieze with an oval patera, all ...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Portrait Puccini Painting
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of a portrait painting titled "Portrait Puccini" showing woman in black dress with white lace rummaging through jewelry chest
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Paint
Pair of Vintage Copper Plate US Capitol Bookends
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of vintage American style copper plated metal United States Capitol dome bookends (PRICED AS PAIR)
Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Copper
Kittinger Tripple Tripod Base 2x24" Extensions Leaves Oval Dining Banquet Table
Located in Rockaway, NJ
MINT Kittinger Tripple Tripod Base 2x24" Extensions Leaves Oval Dining Banquet Table
2x24” leaves with an extended table length of 146"
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
1829 "Declaration of Independence" Draft, Engraved by Charles Toppan
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This historical and rare item celebrates one of the most influential writers, politicians, and American Revolutionary figures, Thomas Jefferson. Featured is a four-page facsimile ste...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
Large Rectangle Round Corners Flip Top Dining Breakfast Table Rosewood Banding
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large Rectangle Round Corners Flip Top Dining Breakfast Table Rosewood Banding Over Mahogany MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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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