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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
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

Elmer O. Stennes, Weymouth MA Mahogany Grandmother Clock
Elmer O. Stennes, Weymouth MA Mahogany Grandmother Clock

Elmer O. Stennes, Weymouth MA Mahogany Grandmother Clock

By Elmer O. Stennes

Located in Milford, NH

A 20th century grandmother tall clock made by Elmer Stennes (1911-1975) of Weymouth Massachusetts. The mahogany case features an arched bonnet with delicate carved fretwork, and thre...

Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mahogany Partners Desk
Mahogany Partners Desk

Mahogany Partners Desk

Located in Annville, PA

A fine quality Mahogany Partners Desk from Niagara Furniture with raised door panels and a rich brown color finish similar to that found in English antiques. The three-paneled writin...

Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

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

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

Early 19th Century Cherry Hand-Planed Gate-Legged, Drop Leaf Dining Table
Early 19th Century Cherry Hand-Planed Gate-Legged, Drop Leaf Dining Table

Early 19th Century Cherry Hand-Planed Gate-Legged, Drop Leaf Dining Table

Located in Louisville, KY

Not your ordinary drop-leaf table, this early 19th century cherry gate-leg, drop-leaf table was hand-planed and hand-turned to create a wonderful dining table that doubles as a conso...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry

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

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

Pair of Early 20th Century Oval Painted Wooden Mullioned Windows
Pair of Early 20th Century Oval Painted Wooden Mullioned Windows

Pair of Early 20th Century Oval Painted Wooden Mullioned Windows

Located in Milford, NH

A fine pair of architectural wooden mullioned oval windows in mustard yellow paint on one side, white on the other, glazed with a wagon wheel or spoke design dating to the early 20th...

Category

Early 20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

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

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

Banded Mahogany Partners Desk
Banded Mahogany Partners Desk

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

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 Federal Blanket Chest, c.1820
American Federal Blanket Chest, c.1820

American Federal Blanket Chest, c.1820

Located in Savannah, GA

A Federal painted blanket chest, circa 1820. 48 inches wide by 20 ½ inches deep by 26 ½ inches tall

Category

1820s Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Demilune Sideboard Credenza
Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Demilune Sideboard Credenza

Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Demilune Sideboard Credenza

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet or sideboard By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Mahogany, with satinwood banding and inlay, and original brass hardw...

Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

1920s Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid Federal Style Fold-Top Console or Game Table
1920s Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid Federal Style Fold-Top Console or Game Table

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" ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

1920s Federal Style Satinwood Inlaid Flame Mahogany Serpentine Card Table
1920s Federal Style Satinwood Inlaid Flame Mahogany Serpentine Card Table

1920s Federal Style Satinwood Inlaid Flame Mahogany Serpentine Card Table

Located in Germantown, MD

1920s Federal style satinwood inlaid flame mahogany serpentine card table in good antique condition. Very sturday. Measures 36" in width, 17" in depth when closed and 34" open and st...

Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Federal Period Mahogany Chest on Chest with Original Lion Head Brasses, American
Federal Period Mahogany Chest on Chest with Original Lion Head Brasses, American

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...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

Antique Mahogany Federal Chippendale Gilt Eagle Acanthus Wall Vanity Mirror 45"
Antique Mahogany Federal Chippendale Gilt Eagle Acanthus Wall Vanity Mirror 45"

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...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

Oval Partners Desk
Oval Partners Desk

Oval Partners Desk

$5,035 / item

Oval Partners Desk

Located in Annville, PA

One of the most complicated items that we produce at Niagara furniture our Brown Leather Oval Partners Desk is also one of the most popular. The top section of the desk consists of a...

Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Burled Partners Desk
Burled Partners Desk

Burled Partners Desk

Located in Annville, PA

This beautiful burled partners desk by Niagara Furniture is crafted as an antique reproduction. The fine quality veneers in the drawer and door panels displays a rich color similar t...

Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

American Federal Style Mahogany Inlaid Decorated Credenzas / Sideboard
American Federal Style Mahogany Inlaid Decorated Credenzas / Sideboard

American Federal Style Mahogany Inlaid Decorated Credenzas / Sideboard

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Elevate your dining area with this Beautiful Mahogany Wood Server, exquisitely crafted in the American Federal style. This server is not just a functional piece; it's a work of art, ...

Category

Early 20th Century North American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

Vintage Federal Chippendale Mahogany Inlaid Beveled Glass Mirror 37"
Vintage Federal Chippendale Mahogany Inlaid Beveled Glass Mirror 37"

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" ...

Category

Late 20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

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

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 Federal Inlaid Mahogany Demilune Fold Top Console / Card Table
19th Century Federal Inlaid Mahogany Demilune Fold Top Console / Card Table

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 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 Federal Trumeau Reverse Painted Gilt Wood Mirror Unsigned 19thC
Antique Federal Trumeau Reverse Painted Gilt Wood Mirror Unsigned 19thC

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 ...

Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Leather Bound Ledger Magazine Holder Italian, 1950s
Leather Bound Ledger Magazine Holder Italian, 1950s

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

Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Double Drawers Tiered Wash Stand
Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Double Drawers Tiered Wash Stand

Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Double Drawers Tiered Wash Stand

Located in Germantown, MD

An Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Double Drawers Tiered Wash Stand. Measures 33" in width, 18" in depth and 30" in Height and 35" in height to the top of the back splash.

Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Romweber Federal Flame Mahogany Demilune Console Table, Circa 1920s
Romweber Federal Flame Mahogany Demilune Console Table, Circa 1920s

Romweber Federal Flame Mahogany Demilune Console Table, Circa 1920s

By Romweber Furniture Co.

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet, chest of drawers, or console table By Romweber USA, Circa 1920s Stunning book-matched flame mahogany, with original b...

Category

1920s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Fine Bench Made Carved Mahogany Serpentine Front  Dovetail Drawers Vanity Desk
Fine Bench Made Carved Mahogany Serpentine Front  Dovetail Drawers Vanity Desk

Fine Bench Made Carved Mahogany Serpentine Front Dovetail Drawers Vanity Desk

Fine Bench Made Carved Mahogany Serpentine Front Dovetail Drawers Vanity Desk Dressing Table. The discoloration spot is under the finish, finish ...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

American Federal Style Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table
American Federal Style Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table

American Federal Style Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table

Located in Germantown, MD

American Federal Style Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table Measures 18" in width, 18" in depth, 30" in height.

Category

Mid-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

Late Federal Birdseye Maple Single Drawer Work Table
Late Federal Birdseye Maple Single Drawer Work Table

Late Federal Birdseye Maple Single Drawer Work Table

Located in Germantown, MD

A 19th Federal Style Birdseye Maple and maple Single Drawer Work Table. Measuring 6.5" in diameter and 28.5" in height.

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Maple

Antique Silk Broadside An Elegiac Poem Death of President George Washington 1800
Antique Silk Broadside An Elegiac Poem Death of President George Washington 1800

Antique Silk Broadside An Elegiac Poem Death of President George Washington 1800

Located in Portland, OR

An important & rare antique American political printed silk broadside, an elegy on the death of President George Washington, dated 1800. A poem on the Death of President George Was...

Category

1790s Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Silk

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.