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 Gilt Wood Convex Mirror with Perched Eagle to Flee, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal gilt carved wood and gesso convex mirror with perched eagle to flee, flanking acanthus scrolled foliage, interior circular spheres, ebonized reeded ring, and termina...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gesso, Mirror, Wood, Giltwood, Ebony
Hickory Chair Federal Flame Mahogany Buffet Server or Hall Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous traditional Federal or Hepplewhite style buffet server, hall or entry table, or occasional side table
By Hickory Chair, "Historical James River Plantations...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Inlaid Mahogany Card Table, 1800
Located in Astoria, NY
American Federal Inlaid Mahogany Serpentine Card Table, circa 1800, Baltimore of Philadelphia, with flip over top and gate leg extension. Extended: 28.25" H x 40.25" W x 36" D. Prove...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Mahogany Pembroke Table, Gordon’s Fine Furniture, Inc.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Vintage Mahogany Pembroke table, Gordon’s Fine Furniture, Inc.
A Classic Pembroke table by Gordon’s Fine Furniture, Inc. made of mahogany with...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique Federal Oval Dining Table
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
An exquisite antique mahogany Federal oval dining table. Federal-style—also known as Adam-style in Britain and Louis XVI style in France—flourished in the newly formed United States ...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Butlers Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
Very attractive Mahogany southern Federal Butlers Desk probably mid Atlantic states around 1820-30. Large bottle drawers on either side of a nicely fi...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$1,895
Antique Federal Sheraton Mahogany Eagle Shield Flag Inlay Tilt Top Lamp Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Federal Sheraton Mahogany Eagle Shield Flag Inlay Tilt Top Lamp Table. Item features an inlaid central Eagle with shield and flag, tilt top, inlaid, solid wood construction, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Mahogany Sideboard
Located in Annville, PA
An ideal sideboard for use in smaller spaces in the dining room the Federal Mahogany Sideboard is also designed to work with almost any deco...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$1,550 / item
Vintage Boho Federal Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Unearth a piece of enduring American craftsmanship with this elegant Vintage Federal Style Accent Table. Characterized by its clean lines and minimalist silhouette, this charming tab...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Federal Boston Lyre Games Table Attrib. Thomas Seymour & Thomas Wightman, c 1815
By Thomas Seymour
Located in Miami, FL
A very fine Federal card table attributable to renown Boston cabinetmaker, Thomas Seymour (1771-1848) with carvings likely by Thomas Wightman (1759-1827), Boston, circa 1815. The top...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Kindel Winterthur Collection Mahogany Goddard Townsend Secretary Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
Kindel Winterthur Collection Mahogany Goddard Townsend Blockfront Secretary Writing Desk. Made from mahogany with a high sheen finish. This exception ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$5,600 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair Of Federal Style Mahogany Bedside Tables
Located in Essex, MA
In the style of Seymour of Boston with square tops and cookie corners. Two drawers with turned tapered reeded legs.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
$2,850 / set
Kindel Furniture Style Federal Mahogany Inlaid Marquetry Twin Beds, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of vintage Federal or Hepplewhite style twin beds
In the manner of Kindel Furniture
USA, Circa 1940s
Carved mahogany, with inlaid satinwood marquetry.
Each measur...
Category
1940s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
1800s American Federal Mahogany Butler's Secretary Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
An early 19th Century Federal Mahogany Butler's Secretary Desk recently refinished.
Measure 45.75" in width, 21" in depth and 44" in height.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Gillinder & Sons Washington Bust, 1876
By Gillinder & Sons
Located in Savannah, GA
A Gillinder & Sons milk glass portrait bust of George Washington for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia.
3 ½ inches wide by 3 ¼ inches deep by 6 inches tall
Category
1870s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Milk Glass
Banded Mahogany Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
This beautiful Banded Mahogany Partners Desk is crafted as an antique reproduction. The figural mahogany in the drawer and door panels displays a rich color and a fine grain that are...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$4,675 / item
Antique 19th Century Dovetail Joints Secretary Drop Front Desk w Drawers Dresser
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Antique 19th Century Dovetail Joints Secretary Drop Front desk w drawers dresser.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
American Federal Four Poster Mahogany King-Size Bed, Early 19th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
This elegant New York poster bed has some of the finest hand carving and delicate details making it a very fine example of a Federal bed. The solid mah...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Poplar, Mahogany
Federal Drop-Leaf Table in Mahogany, circa 1825
Located in Miami, FL
A federal table in mahogany with drop-leaves, on turned legs with large leaf carvings and ending in casters. Offers one drawer with original wooden pull.
Note: You should always req...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
NYC Federal Full Tester Bed Attributable to Lannuier w Four Floral-Carved Posts
By Charles-Honoré Lannuier
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional American Federal sleigh bed with tester in fine West Indies/ Cuban mahogany with beautifully-articulated floral and acanthus-leaf carvings, along the crest of the headboard and footboard, and on the four posts, attributable to the French-born cabinetmaker Charles-Honoré Lannuier...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Federal Style Mahogany Bedside Chests
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mahogany and figured mahogany nightstand, the reeded edge bowfront top with protruding corners with leaf carved and reeded uprights, with three graduated drawers with verdigris bra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
$7,500 / set
Federal Giltwood Banjo Clock
Located in Essex, MA
Typical form with white enamel dial and reverse painted waist and pendulum door. With key and pendulum.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Federal Cherry Hepplewhite Corner Cabinet C1840
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote***
Antique Federal Cherry Hepplewhite Corner Cabinet C1840.
Measures - 93.5"H x 43.5"W x 22.5"D.
A...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
$2,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Neoclassical Directoire Style Beige Leather Top Crotch Mahogany Tepered Leg Desk
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Compact Neoclassical Directoire Style Beige Leather Top Crotch Mahogany Tepered Leg Desk MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
American Mahogany Card table
Located in Huntington, NY
American Federal Mahogany Inlaid & Figural 5-legged Games Table Card table with gate leg on
The shaped rectangular top above an Oval Inlaid Frieze with Flower medallions
on square t...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Mahogany Tall Case Clock, Silas Hoadley, CT, Circa 1820
By Silas Hoadley
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany one day tall case clock with the original brass ball finials resting on three carved upper capitals, decorative intertwined fret work, arched hood with bras...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Games/Card Table with Tobacco Leaf Carvings, Baltimore, c. 1820
Located in Miami, FL
A lovely Federal card table in fine mahogany with hinged rectangular top pivoting and opening to a square supported by a turned column with tobacco leaf carvings over a round base with carved knurling reminiscent of pineapples. Four "C" shaped legs are reeded and rest on brass lion claw...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal-Style Banded Mahogany Sideboard With Tapered Legs
Located in Elkton, MD
Federal-style mahogany sideboard features a gently bowed front and finely banded veneer work, showcasing craftsmanship from a classic American furniture tradition. It stands on taper...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Baker Williamsburg Colonial 8839 Mahogany Federal Inlay Extension Dining Table B
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Baker Williamsburg Colonial (Pattern 8839) Mahogany Federal Style Banded Extension Dining Table (B). Item features a (3) 18" skirted leaves,...
Category
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
New York Federal / Sheraton Pembroke or Drop-Leaf Table in Mahogany, circa 1810
Located in Miami, FL
A fine example of an American Federal drop-leaf table in West Indies mahogany, from New York, circa 1810. The solid rectangular top with curved drop-leaves features a beautiful figur...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Huge Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
This is the Huge Partners Desk in the Niagara Furniture collection. This desk behemoth matches a number of other pieces which we produce. The fantastic solid mahogany top frame is in...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
$5,995 / item
19th Century American Federal Secretary, Seymour School, Boston
By John & Thomas Seymour
Located in Essex, MA
Important American Federal Period Secretary. School of John and Thomas Seymour, Boston, circa 1820. Mahogany and Mahogany Veneered Case on Pine Secondary Wood. Two Gothic Fenestra...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
A late 19th Century Walnut inlaid Sewing Table
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Stately walnut inlaid sewing, work table with turned legs, single drawer and fabric covered slide out storage for sewing necessities. The top with a rare inlay in the form of a ship...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Satinwood, Walnut
Elmer O. Stennes Weymouth MA Eglomise Girandole Banjo Clock
By Elmer O. Stennes
Located in Milford, NH
A beautiful example of a hand made girandole banjo clock by well known Weymouth, Massachusetts clockmaker Elmer O. Stennes (1911-1975), with a signed circular face with brass ball surround, surmounted by a gilt carved eagle...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Night Stands
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Two Tier single drawer Night Stands in good vintage condition.
Measures 18" in width, 15.25" in ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
1940s Federal Style Brass And Inlaid Mahogany and Satinwood Sideboard
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a special piece! I love the size and inlaid details in the corners. This is a 1940s Federal style sideboard with brass gallery. The height from the floor to the serving surfa...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Swirl Mahogany Butler's Desk New York, Circa 1800s
Located in Germantown, MD
An American Federal Swirl Mahogany Butler's Desk New York Circa late 18th Century to Early 19th Century , featuring three flawlessly working upper drawer, and A Abattant Door that o...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Very Fine Antique Secretary Bookcase with Brass Eagle Crest
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Well constructed with fine mahogany veneer with Federal style brass eagle finial on a pedestal. The carved cornice with urn form finials over a carv...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Glass, Mahogany
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
Antique Sheraton Federal Acanthus Carved Mahogany Serpentine Game Table C1830
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote***
Antique Sheraton Federal Carved Mahogany Serpentine Game Table w...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$1,960 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Poster Three Quater Size Bedframe
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Poster Three Quater Size Bedframe
Measures 55" in width , 80.5" in Height to the top of the posters, Headboard is 50" in height, footboard is 1...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique American Federal Maple Wood Canopy Single Twin Poster Bed Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Federal Maple Wood Canopy Single Twin Poster Bed Frame with Carved Finials (Color indoors is more true to images 2 and 3). Buyer will...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
Dome Shape Top Glass Shelves Two Drawer Compartment Curio Display Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Lovely vintage curio display cabinet with glass shelves and 2 bottom drawers compartment. Has built in light.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Potthast Brothers Mid Century American Federal Mahogany Handcrafted Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Potthast Brothers Mid-Century American Federal Mahogany Handcrafted Side Table in good vintage condition. Measures 18" in width, 15" in depth and stands 28.5" in height.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Mahogany & Satinwood Butler's Desk with Paw Feet. NY, C. 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany butler's desk with a carved molded edge, three upper drawers with original brass knobs, sliding fall front interior desk with Satinwood drawers and pigeon h...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Mahogany Pillar and Scroll Mantel Clock, Eli Terry, Circa 1825
Located in Charleston, 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
Vintage Regency Councill Cherry Dresser
By Councill
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Introduce a touch of timeless elegance and masterful craftsmanship into your home with this exquisite Vintage Regency Councill Cherry Dresser. A hallmark of American heritage furnitu...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Deep Profile Antique Wing Arm Chairs Mahogany Legs Federal Style
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Deep Profile Antique Wing arm chairs mahogany legs Federal Style.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
19th Century American 39 Star Flag, circa 1889
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century American 39 Star Flag, circa 1889, a period printed silk parade flag with a wavy pattern of dancing stars. This was never an official flag of the United States but was m...
Category
1880s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Silk
Early Federal Style Tiger Maple Dressing Mirror
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A handsome early 19th Century Tiger maple dressing mirror with drawers. The rectangular mirror with original silvering showing appropriate age to the silver with three small drawers...
Category
1820s North American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
Banded and Pencil Inlayed Mahogany Bow Front Federal Sideboard Brass Hardware
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Banded and Pencil Inlayed Mahogany Bow Front Federal Sideboard Brass Hardware
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
1930's Antique Federal Duncan Phyfe Style Sideboard
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Burbank, CA
Antique 1930's credenza for sale. Made of mahogany in a mahogany finish, and has the original solid brass hardware. It's very solidly constructed, and in great vintage condition with...
Category
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Federal Inlaid Mahogany Demilune Fold Top Console / Card Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Inlaid Mahogany Demilune Fold Top Console / Card Table in clean antique Condition. Measures 36" in width, 17.5" in depth folded, 35" in depth unfolded and 29.5...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Style Mahogany Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mahogany and figured mahogany veneered dresser, the reeded edge top with protruding corners and a central bowfront with leaf carved and reede...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$9,030 / item
Vintage Sheraton Federal Mahogany Magazine Rack Book Stand Side End Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Sheraton Federal Style Mahogany Magazine Rack Book Stand Side End Table. Item features solid brass hardware and one drawer. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 27" H x 18...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Nest of Three Biggs Virginia Federal Style Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid
Located in Germantown, MD
A Nest of three Biggs Virginia federal style mahogany and satinwood inlaid. Tables measure: Largest table: 22"w x 15"D x 28"H, larger table 18"W x 14.5"D x 27.5"H, Smaller table meas...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
Federal Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Small Drop Leaf Table
Located in Hudson, NY
Made in Vermont circa 1820 this fine old country drop leaf table retains if not its original surface a very old one. Constructed by a craftsmen using pegs and hand plained local tige...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Sideboard or Buffet Server
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style sideboard, buffet server, or console
By Baker Furniture
USA, Late 20th Century
Flame mahogany, with inlaid satinwood banding and marquetry,...
Category
Late 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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