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.
$4,812Sale Price|30% Off
Rare Antique Federal American Mahogany Secretary Writing Desk Gothic Bookcase
Located in Dayton, OH
A fine and impressive Federal Period Mahogany secretary and bookcase, circa 1830s. The bookcase features an eighteen pane gothic arched cabinet fro...
Glass, Mahogany
Fine Inlaid Serpentine Front Federal Style Flip Top Console Sofa Table MINT
By Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Fine Inlaid Serpentine Front Federal Style Flip Top Console Sofa Table MINT
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Sheraton Federal Sofa
Located in Essex, MA
American Federal Sofa in the Sheraton Style. Early 19th Century with Scroll arms and turned legs. New England --upholstery is usable but not new. minor staining
Mahogany
$1,575Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Mahogany Federal Chippendale Gilt Eagle Acanthus Wall Vanity Mirror 45"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Federal / Chippendale style wall / mantel / vanity / mirror. Rectangular form, framed in mahogany with scrolling fretwork at the top and bottom, gold gilt border around the m...
Mirror, Mahogany
Federal Style Flip-top Mahogany Table
By Big Rapids Furniture Company
Located in San Francisco, CA
Who doesn’t love versatility? Especially in tight spaces. On offer here is an elegant flip-top piece that folds open with a gate-leg mechanism to serve as a full-size table for games or intimate dining. Then, with good manners, it folds back up to be tucked against a wall as a console table. Crafted in Michigan by Big Rapids Furniture...
Mahogany
American Federal Southern Walnut Hinged Two Drawer Inlaid Sugar Chest, VA C 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal Southern walnut hinged top sugar chest with oval string inlays, two flanking drawers with brass pulls, central diamond escutcheons, and resting on the original turne...
Brass
Federal Drop-Leaf Table in Mahogany, circa 1825
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
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...
Mahogany
Pair of American Federal Style Figured Maple Side or End Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of Figured Maple Sheraton Federal Side or End Tables. New England Northshore or New Hampshire form. Wonderfully executed in figured maple. Custom made in the early 20th centu...
Maple
$1,795 / item
Antique Two Tier Wash Stand in Original Green Paint
Located in Southampton, NJ
A single drawer two tier wash stand with dovetail joinery & original green paint. Circa mid 19th century. Additional dimensions: lower shelf: 7" H / table top: 29.25" H.
Pine
$9,750Sale Price|22% Off
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...
Leather, Fabric, Paper
American Federal Birch and Birdseye Maple Tall Case Clock, Wingate, ca 1820
By Frederick Wingate
Located in Essex, MA
American Tall Case or Longcase Clock by Frederick Wingate, Augusta, ME 1818. This very well-proportioned clock is made of indigenous wood, birch, Birdseye maple and pine secondary w...
Birch, Birdseye Maple, Pine
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Federal Trumeau Reverse Painted Gilt Wood Mirror Unsigned 19thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Federal Trumeau Reverse Painted Gilt Wood Mirror 19thC Measures - 32.5"H x 16.5"W x 2"D This 19th-century Federal Trumeau mirror features a reverse-painted panel depicting a ...
Giltwood
$9,713Sale Price|24% Off
Carved and Painted Wooden Eagle with Shield in the style of 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, ...
Wood
American Federal Bostonian Game Table , circa 1815
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
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...
Brass, Ormolu
Federal Period Mahogany Chest on Chest with Original Lion Head Brasses, American
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A finely proportioned American Federal period chest on chest, crafted in richly figured mahogany and dating to circa 1800. This elegant two-part form features a graduated arrangement...
Mahogany
Baker Furniture Federal Mahogany Dining or Breakfast Table, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style drop leaf dining table, breakfast table, or game table By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Beautiful book-matched banded mahogany, with satinwo...
Mahogany, Satinwood
American Federal Period Mahogany Secretary Chest with Eagle Inlay, New England
Located in Norwood, NJ
A handsome American Federal period mahogany secretary chest, stylistically attributable to New England, (possibly Boston or Salem, Massachusetts), circa 1800–1820. The piece reflects...
Brass
$1,750Sale Price|30% Off
Union National Mid Century Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table
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 ...
Brass
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...
Maple
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...
Mahogany
Antique c1940s Wooden Four-Poster Queen Size Canopy Bed Frame Mint
By Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Antique c1940s Wooden Four-Poster Queen Size Canopy Bed Frame Mint
Mahogany
American-Market "Peace, Plenty and Independence" Liverpool Creamware Jug
Located in Downingtown, PA
"Peace, Plenty and Independence" - An Exceptional American Market Creamware Jug, Circa 1800 A profound piece of early American history and decorative art, this large Liverpool Creamware jug was specifically produced for the burgeoning United States market around 1800. This spectacular jug perfectly encapsulates the patriotic zeal and domestic aspirations of the post-Revolutionary era. Its historical...
Creamware, Pottery
Baker Furniture Historic Federal Inlaid Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style bow front sideboard buffet or credenza By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston" Collection USA, Late 20th Century Gorgeous book-matched fl...
Brass
Demi Lune One Drawer Mahogany Console Entry Hall Table MINT
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Demi Lune One Drawer Mahogany Console Entry Hall Table MINT
Brass
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...
Mirror, Giltwood
Southampton Mahogany Gallery Top Brass Drop Pull One-Drawer End Table Stand
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mahogany brass hardware one shelf end table nightstand.
Mahogany
Pennsylvania Cherry Tall Case Clock, Jedediah Weiss, Bethlehem
Located in Milford, NH
An exceptional Federal cherry tall case clock with a brass eight day works signed Jedediah Weiss Bethlehem, with beautiful inlay including a contrasting fan carving above the waist d...
Cherry, Maple, Satinwood
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...
Linen
Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Collection Federal Mahogany Game Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style game table or tea table By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston Collection" USA, Circa 1980s Mahogany, with inlaid satinwood marquetry. M...
Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique Federal Eagle American 50 Star Flag with Brass Eagle Pole, 19th Century
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Monumental 50 star American Flag with antique Federal Eagle brass and wood pole. A patriotic piece suitable for any home. This set includes both ...
Brass, Bronze
$8,514 / set
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...
Wood
$1,396Sale Price|30% Off
1920s Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid Federal Style Fold-Top Console or Game Table
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th century Mahogany and satinwood Inlaid Federal style Fold-Top Console or Card Table in very good antique condition. Measures 36" in width, 17.5" in depth folded and 35" ...
Mahogany
$560Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Federal Chippendale Mahogany Inlaid Beveled Glass Mirror 37"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage 20th century Federal / Chippendale style wall mirror - rectangular beveled glass mirror with carved mahogany frame with oval patera fan inlay. 5 0 1 2187. Dimensions: 23" ...
Mirror, Mahogany
Antique Sheraton Federal Pinwheel Inlay Mahogany 4 Poster Twin Bed Frame - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique Sheraton Federal Pinwheel Inlay Mahogany 4 Poster Twin Bed...
Mahogany
Antique Pair of Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis #2
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th Century Antique Pair of Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis with stylized scroll form rail over slat back, caned seats, and splay legs, c1830. Mea...
Wood
Stickley Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seat...
Upholstery, Mahogany
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...
Plywood
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 ...
Mahogany
Early 20th C Federal Style Hand Carved Mahogany Piecrust Edge Tilt-top Tea Table
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
This is a magnificent Federal Style (or Federal Revival) early 20th century bench made solid mahogany Piecrust Edge Tilt-Top Tea Table with birdcage action. The top is exceptionally...
Mahogany
Baker Furniture Federal Mahogany Armoire Dresser or Linen Press
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style armoire dresser, gentleman's chest, or linen press By Baker Furniture USA, Late 20th Century Mahogany, with original brass hardware. Measu...
Brass
$697Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Ferguson Bros Federal Curved Glass Mahogany Wall Hanging Curio Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
A Vintage wall hanging Federal style display cabinet with a rounded curved glass front, mirrored interior and three shelves, topped with a scrolled pediment and three trophy shaped f...
Wood, Mahogany
$2,796Sale Price|20% Off
Fantastic American Centennial Solid Walnut Philadelphia Carved Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Discover timeless elegance with this fantastic American Centennial solid walnut Philadelphia carved secretary desk, a true testament to 19th-cent...
Walnut
Large 88" Wide Beveled Glass Gold Leaf Back Paint Decorated Break Front Cabinet
By Kittinger Furniture Company, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large 88" Wide Beveled Glass Gold Leaf Back Paint Decorated Break Front Cabinet MINT!
Brass
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...
Cotton
$770Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Federal Carved Mahogany Trumeau Pier Mantel Mirror 35"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Federal / empire style style pier / trumeau mirror - rectangular shape topped with a pediment over a foliate applique; divided mirror flanked leaf carved columns. Dimensions...
Mirror, Mahogany
$525Sale Price|30% Off
J&R Furniture Federal Walnut Hexagon Candle Stand Pedestal Table Kettle Plant
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid 20th century Federal inspired candle Stand by J&R Furniture Mfg Co of Salt Lake City Utah. Made from walnut with an inset hexagon top over turned column and tripod bade. Meas...
Walnut
$10,197 / item
Federal Mahogany Tall Gentleman's Chest
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Federal style mahogany and figured mahogany Gentleman's chest of drawers, the bowfront reeded edge top with protruding corners above leaf carved capital and reeded column supports,...
Wood
American Federal Gilt Eagle Convex Mirror with Acanthus & Shell Pendant, C. 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
Monumental Period American Federal gilt wood and gesso convex mirror with a central spread winged Eagle perched to flee on rocky plinth, upper flanking scrolled acanthus foliage, in...
Gesso, Mirror, Pine, Giltwood, Ebony
18th Century American Four Post Bed Salem Massachusetts
Located in Hudson, NY
Beautiful American 18th century four poster bed retaining original red finish. Likely from Salem Massachusetts, this early Survivor is in...
Wood, Paint
Fine Bench Made Carved Mahogany Serpentine Front Dovetail Drawers Vanity Desk
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., Baker Furniture Company, Heritage-Henredon, Drexel, Kittinger
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Fine Bench Made Carved Mahogany Serpentine Front Dovetail Drawers Vanity Desk Dressing Table. The discoloration spot is under the finish, finish ...
Brass
$4,116Sale Price|30% Off
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...
Upholstery, Mahogany
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...
Brass
Federal period low boy / dressing table, 18th century
Located in Houston, TX
Federal-period mahogany dressing table / lowboy of elegant proportions. This exceptional piece from the late 1700s features a beautifully figured crotch-mahogany drawer front arrang...
Mahogany
$11,450Sale Price|21% Off
Set Eight (6+2) 19thc. American "Gothic Chippendale" Carved Mahog, Dining Chairs
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Exceptional Quality set of Eight (six sides, two arms) Antique American hand carved and pierced mahogany "Gothic Chippendale" style Dining Chairs with chamfered straight, moulded leg...
Mahogany
Mahogany Federal Bow Front 12 Drawers Dresser MINT
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mahogany Federal Bow Front 12 Drawers Dresser MINT
Brass
Antique Mahogany Demilune Flip Top Console Game Table with Hidden Drawe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Mahogany Demilune Flip Top Console Game Table with Rear Drawer. Item features a hidden pull out rear drawer with hand dovetail, flip top, nicely carved details, beautiful woo...
Mahogany
Full Size Pencil Inlaid Mahogany Federal SideBoard Server Buffet by Baker MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Full Size Pencil Inlaid Mahogany Federal SideBoard Server Buffet by Baker MINT!
Brass
$5,600Sale Price|30% Off
Antique American Federal Flame Mahogany Secretary Writing Desk Gothic Bookcase
Located in Dayton, OH
A fine and impressive antique early 19th century Federal Period flame Mahogany secretary and bookcase. The bookcase features an eighteen pane Gothic arched cabinet...
Glass, Mahogany
Large 4 Light Court House Lantern
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is the type of early lamp used to light government and bank buildings in the early 20th Century. At 12 x 19 inches its one of the largest lamp globes we have offered. The lamp f...
Brass