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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
American Federal Gilt Wood Convex Mirror with Perched Eagle to Flee, Circa 1820
American Federal Gilt Wood Convex Mirror with Perched Eagle to Flee, Circa 1820

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

Antique 18th Century American New England Fan Back Maple Windsor Arm Chair 1780
Antique 18th Century American New England Fan Back Maple Windsor Arm Chair 1780

Antique 18th Century American New England Fan Back Maple Windsor Arm Chair 1780

Located in Portland, OR

A good antique 18th century American fan/comb back New England maple Windsor armchair, Massachussetts, circa 1780. A very handsome late 1700s maple windsor armchair from the Federal period, the chair having a fan shaped back with plain spindles connecting to the seat through a continuous armrail, and terminating to 'paw' shaped handrests. The armrail is supported at the front with a pair of turned spindled supports, the shaped seat is raised on four finely turned legs joined by a 'H' frame turned stretcher. These early American Windsor chairs...

Category

1780s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Maple

Rare Antique American Federal Mahogany Inlaid Sofa Settee Boston Massachusetts
Rare Antique American Federal Mahogany Inlaid Sofa Settee Boston Massachusetts

Rare Antique American Federal Mahogany Inlaid Sofa Settee Boston Massachusetts

Located in Dayton, OH

A Very Fine American Federal Period Carved Mahogany Sofa, circa 1810. Features a bowback frame with cross banding. Sloped arms lead to reeded supports in front of remarkable three-di...

Category

1810s Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

19th Century American 42 Star Flag, circa 1889
19th Century American 42 Star Flag, circa 1889

19th Century American 42 Star Flag, circa 1889

Located in Nantucket, MA

19th Century American 42 Star Flag, circa 1889, printed on linen period flag in the "Dancing Star" pattern. This was never an official U.S. flag sanctioned b y congress, but was made...

Category

1880s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Linen

American Ebonized Captain's Chair with Federal Style Eagle and Stars
American Ebonized Captain's Chair with Federal Style Eagle and Stars

American Ebonized Captain's Chair with Federal Style Eagle and Stars

Located in Austin, TX

A fine American captain's chair featuring the traditional Federal-style stenciled details on a Windsor chair style frame - a low-back armchair with a curved, horseshoe-shaped crest r...

Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Vintage Cast-Iron Eagle Sculpture, Early 20th Century
Vintage Cast-Iron Eagle Sculpture, Early 20th Century

Vintage Cast-Iron Eagle Sculpture, Early 20th Century

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

This is a cast-iron figural eagle doorstop, circa early 20th century. The eagle is depicted with wings spread wide, perched and mounted to a square marble base. The eagle retains traces of its original gilt surface and is embossed with “F.O.E.” at its midsection, possibly referring to the Fraternal Order of Eagles.   The eagle is both the national bird and the national animal of the United States. The eagle motif has been widely used throughout American history, most notably as part of our Great Seal. The founders of the United States were fond of comparing their new republic with the Roman Republic, in which eagle imagery, usually the golden eagle, was prominent. On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the design for the Great Seal of the United States...

Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Marble, Iron

Alexander Hamilton Etching by Jacques Reich, published by G.P. Putnam, 1904
Alexander Hamilton Etching by Jacques Reich, published by G.P. Putnam, 1904

Alexander Hamilton Etching by Jacques Reich, published by G.P. Putnam, 1904

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Presented is a Jacques Reich etched head and shoulders portrait of Alexander Hamilton. Reich completed the portrait in 1904 and it was published by G.P. Putnam that same year. Jacqu...

Category

Early 1900s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Paper

Antique Col Ebenezer Crafts Publick House Hotel Advertisement Sign 56"
Antique Col Ebenezer Crafts Publick House Hotel Advertisement Sign 56"

Antique Col Ebenezer Crafts Publick House Hotel Advertisement Sign 56"

Located in Dayton, OH

Rare antique salvaged Col. Ebenezer Crafts' Publick House of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, est. 1771 sign. Wood construction hand painted in white with black and white lettering around ...

Category

Early 20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

American 39 Star Flag, circa 1889
American 39 Star Flag, circa 1889

American 39 Star Flag, circa 1889

Located in Nantucket, MA

Antique American 39 Star Flag, circa 1889, a printed cotton flag bearing 39 stars in the wavy star pattern. Never an official American flag, this configuration anticipated the admiss...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Cotton

Antique Corner Cupboard Circa 1790 In Old Blue Paint American
Antique Corner Cupboard Circa 1790 In Old Blue Paint American

Antique Corner Cupboard Circa 1790 In Old Blue Paint American

Located in Hudson, NY

Very handsome late 18th early 19th century American Corner cupboard, found in a barn near West Stockbridge Massachusetts. It has an older but not original blue green painted surface ...

Category

1790s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Blown Glass, Pine

Federal Butlers Desk
Federal Butlers Desk

Federal Butlers Desk

Located in East Aurora, NY

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

Fine 19th Century American Federal Period Mahogany Sofa
Fine 19th Century American Federal Period Mahogany Sofa

Fine 19th Century American Federal Period Mahogany Sofa

Located in Richmond, VA

Fine 19th century American federal period mahogany sofa on 6 turned and carved legs. Beautifully done, the arms and back rails are reeded and there are little rosettes carved where t...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century American Hand Carved Gilded Pediment Eagle
19th Century American Hand Carved Gilded Pediment Eagle

19th Century American Hand Carved Gilded Pediment Eagle

Located in Vero Beach, FL

19th century American hand carved gilded pediment eagle. Antique decorative hand carved and gilded wooden pediment eagle. The expressive sculpture w...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Side Table and Sheet Music Cabinet
Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Side Table and Sheet Music Cabinet

Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Side Table and Sheet Music Cabinet

Located in Germantown, MD

Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Side Table and Sheet Music Cabinet. Removable dividers. Measures 19.75" in width, 16.25" in depth and 25.5" in height

Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

John Widdicomb Federal Green Lacquered Console or Entry Table, Newly Refinished
John Widdicomb Federal Green Lacquered Console or Entry Table, Newly Refinished

John Widdicomb Federal Green Lacquered Console or Entry Table, Newly Refinished

By John Widdicomb

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique Federal, Regency, or Hepplewhite style writing desk, entry table, sofa table, or console table By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1920s Green lacquered mahogany, with...

Category

1920s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

1800s American Federal Mahogany Butler's Secretary Desk
1800s American Federal Mahogany Butler's Secretary Desk

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

Hitchcock Style Pair of Maple & Rush Saddle Seat Benches - U.S. - Circa 1950's
Hitchcock Style Pair of Maple & Rush Saddle Seat Benches - U.S. - Circa 1950's

Hitchcock Style Pair of Maple & Rush Saddle Seat Benches - U.S. - Circa 1950's

By Hitchcock

Located in Chatham, ON

Hitchcock style pair of twin-handled saddle seat benches with stained maple frames and rush seats - satin varnish to both the frames and the rush seats - featuring turned spindles fo...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Rush, Maple

Antique Early 19th Century American Sheraton Inlaid Cherry Table
Antique Early 19th Century American Sheraton Inlaid Cherry Table

Antique Early 19th Century American Sheraton Inlaid Cherry Table

Located in LOS ANGELES, CA

Antique early 19th century American Sheraton Inlaid cherry table Additional information: Materials: Cherry Wood Color: Sienna Period: early 19th century Styles: American, Fede...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

The Pennsylvania Journal and The Weekly Advertiser, Issued June 16, 1787
The Pennsylvania Journal and The Weekly Advertiser, Issued June 16, 1787

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

Pair of Federal Style Carved & Gilt Eagle Wall Brackets
Pair of Federal Style Carved & Gilt Eagle Wall Brackets

Pair of Federal Style Carved & Gilt Eagle Wall Brackets

Located in Milford, NH

A finely carved and gilt pair of eagle wall brackets with shaped base and spherule decoration. The pair of eagles are facing each other and date to the 19th century with brackets add...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Federal Oval Dining Table
Antique Federal Oval Dining Table

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

Union National Mid Century Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table
Union National Mid Century Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table

Union National Mid Century Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table

By Union National

Located in Dayton, OH

Mid-20th Century Union National Duncan Phyfe Style Drop Leaf Extendable Dining Table. Made from American mahogany with a banded top. Features a harp or lyre carved pedestal base ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Small Drop Leaf Table
Federal Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Small Drop Leaf Table

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

Antique 19th American Federal Period Chest Of Drawers
Antique 19th American Federal Period Chest Of Drawers

Antique 19th American Federal Period Chest Of Drawers

Located in Bridgeport, CT

The chest is designed in the Federal or Sheraton style, often featuring straight lines and delicate proportions. The chest with four graduated drawers with well cast brass hardware f...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Henkel Harris Federal Inlaid Cherry Wood Flip Top Console Game Table
Henkel Harris Federal Inlaid Cherry Wood Flip Top Console Game Table

Henkel Harris Federal Inlaid Cherry Wood Flip Top Console Game Table

By Henkel Harris

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style flip top demilune console game table By Henkel Harris USA, 1990s Beautiful cherry wood, with inlaid ebony and satinwood marquetry. Measure...

Category

1990s American Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Ebony, Satinwood

Antique Federal Style Fire Fender With Grid Screen
Antique Federal Style Fire Fender With Grid Screen

Antique Federal Style Fire Fender With Grid Screen

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A stately Antique Fire Fender with nicely age patinated brass frame having four round top finials and four decorative bun feet holding the screen with delicate bent wire grid work. ...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

NYC Federal Full Tester Bed Attributable to Lannuier w Four Floral-Carved Posts
NYC Federal Full Tester Bed Attributable to Lannuier w Four Floral-Carved Posts

NYC Federal Full Tester Bed Attributable to Lannuier w Four Floral-Carved Posts

By Charles-Honoré Lannuier

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

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

19th C. Federal Style Satinwood Inlaid Mahogany Fold Top Card or Console Table
19th C. Federal Style Satinwood Inlaid Mahogany Fold Top Card or Console Table

19th C. Federal Style Satinwood Inlaid Mahogany Fold Top Card or Console Table

Located in Germantown, MD

1890s Federal style satinwood inlaid flame mahogany serpentine fold top card table or console table in good antique condition. Two available. Very sturday. Measures 35.5" in width, 1...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Antique Federal Style Bow Front Figured Mahogany Chest
Antique Federal Style Bow Front Figured Mahogany Chest

Antique Federal Style Bow Front Figured Mahogany Chest

Located in Bridgeport, CT

The fine chest with four graduated drawers each with fine string inlay and with a pair of brass oval bales decorated with a classical columned rotunda and brass key holes. All drawer...

Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal Mahogany Card Table
Federal Mahogany Card Table

Federal Mahogany Card Table

Located in East Aurora, NY

American mahogany inlaid Hepplewhite fold top card table Circa 1790-1800. Tapered straight legs terminating at the feet in simple cuff inlay. Shape...

Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror

American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror

Located in Elkhart, IN

A Federal-style giltwood convex mirror crowned with a carved eagle, its wings outstretched above a laurel motif—an enduring symbol drawn from early American design. The circular fra...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Huge Partners Desk
Huge Partners Desk

Huge Partners Desk

$5,995 / item

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

American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror

American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror

Located in Elkhart, IN

A Federal-style giltwood convex mirror crowned with a carved eagle, its wings outstretched above a laurel motif—an enduring symbol drawn from early American design. The circular fra...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Rare Monumental Architectural 18th Century Painted Corner Cabinet Secretary
Rare Monumental Architectural 18th Century Painted Corner Cabinet Secretary

Rare Monumental Architectural 18th Century Painted Corner Cabinet Secretary

Located in Houston, TX

A monumental mid-18th century corner cabinet of architectural scale and sophistication, likely New England in origin, with rare integrated secretary interior. Beautifully weathered ...

Category

Mid-18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / Cupboard
18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / Cupboard

18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / Cupboard

Located in Germantown, MD

A late 18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / cupboard. Measures 26.75" in width, 14.75" in depth, 36.75" in height. Side is 17.5" in depth.  

Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Oak

Travis Court Collection Drexel Cabinet
Travis Court Collection Drexel Cabinet

Travis Court Collection Drexel Cabinet

By Drexel

Located in Pasadena, TX

Travis Court Drexel buffet Georgian style mahogany buffet cabinet featuring 3 drawers and shelving below. Brass pulls. Measures: 36" Width x 18" De...

Category

1960s North American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Small Federal Mahogany Sideboard
Small Federal Mahogany Sideboard

Small Federal Mahogany Sideboard

Located in Annville, PA

An ideal sideboard for use in smaller spaces in the dining room this version of the Small Federal Mahogany Sideboard is also designed to wor...

Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of American 19th Century Grain Painted Cannonball Twin Beds
Pair of American 19th Century Grain Painted Cannonball Twin Beds

Pair of American 19th Century Grain Painted Cannonball Twin Beds

Located in Essex, MA

Pair of American Federal Grain Painted and Decorated Twin Cannonball Beds. Most likely Maine. Circa 1830. Retaining original paint decoration of the Federal Period Mixed woods, ma...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Maple

Federal Style Marble Coffee Table
Federal Style Marble Coffee Table

Federal Style Marble Coffee Table

$796Sale Price|20% Off

Federal Style Marble Coffee Table

By Heritage-Henredon

Located in Pasadena, TX

Federal Style marble coffee table. Oval table in mahogany with white marble top. Carved Federal style legs. Dimensions: 34" x 22" x 18".

Category

Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Marble

Kittinger Williamsburg Restoration Federal Mahogany Tilt Top Table Candle Stand
Kittinger Williamsburg Restoration Federal Mahogany Tilt Top Table Candle Stand

Kittinger Williamsburg Restoration Federal Mahogany Tilt Top Table Candle Stand

By Kittinger

Located in Dayton, OH

A Federal style mahogany candle stand by Kittinger, circa 1970s. Williamburg Restoration line. Features a rectangular top with serpentine edge over a baluster turned base with cabrio...

Category

1970s Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Drop Leaf Table
Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Drop Leaf Table

Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Drop Leaf Table

Located in Southampton, NY

Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Drop Leaf Table Double leaf and features one gate for each table top. Leg closes in and out on each side. Masterfully crafted. 41.5” wide x ...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood, Maple

19th Century Federal Bow Front Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table
19th Century Federal Bow Front Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table

19th Century Federal Bow Front Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table

Located in Germantown, MD

A 19th Century Federal Bow Front Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table. Measures 30" in width, 19.5" in depth and 29" in height. Knee height 24.5"

Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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.