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
Period: 19th Century
The Works of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, with His Life, Written by Himself, 1835
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Franklin, Benjamin. The Works of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Consisting of Essays, Humorous, Moral, and Literary, with His Life, Written by Himself. Exeter: J & B Williams, 1835. In origi...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Paper
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
Pair of Brass Ball Top Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of American early 19th brass ball top andirons having ring turned collar over balustrade turned shafts, standing on hoof-footed cabriole legs with spurred knees, the log st...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Federal Mahogany Inlaid Fold Top Card Table Console Table
Located in Germantown, MD
19th Century Federal Mahogany Fold Top Card Table of Console Table. Inlaid and Crotch Mahogany front and sides.
Measures 36" in width, 17.5" in depth folded, 35" in depth unfolded a...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
Federal Partners' Desk in Mahogany, Philadelphia, circa 1820
Located in Miami, FL
A beautiful Philadelphia partners desk in mahogany with gadrooned top and apron resting on center pedestal with carved baluster and legs, and ending in brass casters with lions' paw ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Mahogany and Inlaid Sideboard
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a small, but sophisticated American Federal inlaid mahogany bow front breakfront sideboard. The top has a straight edge over a central drawer and central tambour cabinet door...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Mahogany and Spanish Cedra Sugar Chest on Stand, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany and Spanish cedra one drawer hinged sugar chest on stand with carved molded edge, exposed dovetails, wooden knobs, silver escutch...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Silver, Iron
American Federal Breakfast Table in Mahogany with Drop-Leaves, circa 1815
Located in Miami, FL
A Federal breakfast table in mahogany with a rectangular top and drop-leaves whose corners end in cyma curves, with inverted turned wooden fini...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
John Nicholl Federal Tall Case Clock
By John Nicholl
Located in New York, NY
Federal Tall Case Clock
Made and Signed by John Nicholl, (1784-1862)
Belvidere, New Jersey Circa 1825
Primary Wood: Mahogany, Mahogany Ven...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Maple
American Federal Tiger Maple One Drawer Stand with Turned Ringed Legs C. 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal tiger maple one drawer stand with original wood knob, turned bulbous ringed legs, and the original pointed feet. Secondary wood co...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple, Poplar
Fine and Rare Early 19th Century Kentucky Cherry Huntboard
Located in Richmond, VA
Fine and rare Federal period Kentucky cherry huntboard. Three crossbanded drawers sitting over 6 rope twisted legs and turned feet. Fine example of the period. Purchased estate fresh...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Antique Federal Style Cherry Butterfly Drop Leaf Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A handsomely carved and finished Federal style cherry butterfly drop leaf table with fine traditional form and great color. On four carved l...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
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
American Federal Gilt Wood Ebonized Eagle Girandole Convex Mirror, Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal gilt wood girandole convex mirror with perched spread wing eagle, connecting chains with hanging gilt balls, oak leaves with acorns, scrolled foliage medallion candle arms, circular brass bobeches, original ebonized reeded mirror with sphere mounted surround, and terminating with a lower foliage pendant...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf, Brass
Early 19th Century American Sheraton Mahogany Campaign Officers Desk
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and most unusual Federal period mahogany campaign field desk from the early 19th century. Believed to have been used as a maritime sea capta...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Mahogany, Poplar
Pair Antique Sandwich Glass Whale Oil Lamps c. 1820
Located in Westfield, MA
This elegant pair of early 19th-century Sandwich Glass whale oil lamps is a striking example of American craftsmanship from the 1820s. The lamps feature a delicate etched floral desi...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass
19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Pembroke Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Pembroke Table . Measures 17.5" in width close, 34" in width open, 24.5" in depth and stands 26" tall.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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 ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Early 1800s Federal Mahogany Single Drop Leaf Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A large Early 1800s American Federal Mahogany Single Drop Leaf Table. Measures 45" in width, 40" in depth (open), 20" in depth( closed) and stand...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Federal Curly Tiger Figured Walnut Butler's Fall Front Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Curly Tiger Figured Walnut Butler two-part Fall Front Desk. Hand-rub refinished recently. Drawers operating smoothly.
Measures 42" in width,
22" in depth and 88" in ...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique American Federal Bullseye Wall Mirror
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty early 19th Century American federal bullseye wall mirror hand crafted in wood having a carved eagle holding a ball and chain at the top perched ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Plaster, Wood
Antique American Federal Carved Giltwood Pier Mirror Églomisé Panel NY 1810
Located in Portland, OR
A good antique American Federal period, Classical giltwood eglomise pier mirror, New York, circa 1815.
The mirror with a stepped cornice and applied gilt spheres, below are bands of ...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
19th Century Federal Bullseye mirror
Located in Nashville, TN
This exquisite 19th-century American Federal bullseye mirror is a striking example of classic craftsmanship and design. Featuring a carefully r...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Poplar
American Federal Banquet Dining Table in Mahogany w/ Extension Leaves, Seats 18
Located in Miami, FL
From Malcolm Forbes' estate Timberfield, an elegant and long mahogany dining table with three sections, American, circa 1830. The rectangular top above ...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Brass And wire Fire Fender
Located in Essex, MA
Serpentine shape with beehive brass finials and brass top rail.
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron, Wire
Early American Federal Chest of Drawers in Bookmatched Mahogany
Located in Hopewell, NJ
From the Federal period, a very beautiful American Neoclassical chest of drawers in fine bookmatched mahogany with one overhanging drawer supported on the sides by two beautifully tu...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Tiffany & CO Oak 5 Musical 5 Gong Tall Case Grandfather Clock
By Walter Durfee
Located in Long Branch, NJ
19th Century Tiffany & CO Oak 5 Musical 5 Gong Tall Case Grandfather Clock
Dimensions : 104" Tall X 26" Wide X 15.5" Deep
This gorgeous grandfather clock was made in the late 19th ...
Category
1890s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Oak
19th Century Federal Style Gilded Eglomise Trumeau Mirror with Mother & Child
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a sweet gilded trumeau mirror with Federal styling. The eglomise panel depicts a mother and child. The mirror portion does show age wear.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mirror, Giltwood
Early 19th Century Antique American Federal Mahog. & Birch Flap-Top Games Table
By John & Thomas Seymour
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
This is a spectacular antique American Federal New England period highly figured mahogany and satin birch Flap-top serpentine Games or Card Table in the manner of the workshop of Joh...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Birch, Mahogany, Rosewood
Rare Early 19th Century American Porcelain Pitcher by Tucker & Hemphill
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine and rare, early 19th century Tucker and Hemphill porcelain pitcher.
Of classic form with typical polychrome floral sprays to both sides and gilt decoration.
Tucker and Hemphill was the important first large-scale producer of porcelain in America. They operated in Philadelphia from 1826-1838, and pieces are extraordinarily hard to find and highly coveted by American collectors.
For comparable examples, visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art's online collection.
Simply a wonderful piece of early American porcelain...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Early American Federal Period Flame Mahogany Antique Wash Stand
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and stunning Federal period (1789-1823) early American flame mahogany wash stand. circa 1810
Exquisitely hand-crafted in the Northeastern United States in the early 19th cent...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rare 19th Century New York Mahogany One-Drawer Étagère with Four Shelves
Located in Milford, NH
A rare form mahogany one drawer four shelf étagère with hinged top shelf for displaying books, prints or photographs, reverse acorn finials, nicely turned shelf supports, punched bra...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Connecticut Mahogany Slant Front Desk, c.1800
Located in Savannah, GA
A Connecticut mahogany slant front desk on french feet with original 15 star eagle pulls, circa 1800.
Some provenance and notations with dates on lopers. Friction fit interior door....
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Antique Federal Brass & Wire Fireplace Fender & Three Piece Tool Set C1810
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Federal Brass & Wire Fireplace Fender & Three Piece Tool Set C1810
Measures- Hook: 26.75"L x 1.5"W x 1.5"D; Poker - 29.75"L x 1.5"W x 1.5"D Tongs: 27.75"L x 3.75"W x 1.5"D; ...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wire
American Needlework Sampler by Maria Morris, 1827
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique American Needlework Sampler by Maria Morris, 1827, a needlework sampler on linen panel having alphabet and numerals, above a religi...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Thread, Linen
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
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...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Grain Painted and Stenciled Tall Clock by Rufus Cole
Located in Essex, MA
A Rare and Complete American Federal Tall Case Clock. Riley Whiting Wooden Works, original. A Rufus Cole Grain-Painted and Stenciled Case. S...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Pine
American 19th Century Federal Mahogany Serpentine Table
By Samuel Field McIntire
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A superb quality and extremely rare early 19th
century American federal period mahogany dressing
table of serpentine form having well figured top
over two frieze drawers retaining original lions
mask brass handles raised on elegant carved and
reeded turned tapering legs
Attributed to “Samuel Field McIntire, Salem, Massachusetts’
(Samuel Field McIntire who worked in Salem, at the start
of the early 19th century was the son of Samuel McIntire...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th c American Cherry Two Part Step Back Cupboard w/Tiger Maple Drawer Fronts
Located in Milford, NH
A fine cherry two part step back cupboard, its upper case with a molded cornice surmounting a center three panel window, flanked by two glazed glass doors which open to a light blue ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Cherry, Maple
Antique American Federal Gold Giltwood Overmantle 66" Triple Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Federal Gold Giltwood Overmantle 66" Triple Mirror. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: 25" H x 66.5" W x 4.75" D.
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Federal Style Wood Fireplace Mantel
Located in Sheffield, MA
19th Century American white painted fireplace mantle with strong molding and handsome detailing.
Dimensions of opening: 32.45" w x 29.13" h
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Federal Period Solid Tiger Maple Cannonball Bed c. 1830
Located in Westfield, MA
This Antique Federal Period Solid Tiger Maple Cannonball Bed, dating to around 1830, is a stunning example of early American craftsmanship. The bed is made from rich tiger maple, whi...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
Outstanding Large Oak Carved Eagle Grasping Shield & Three Arrows
Located in Stamford, CT
Outstanding large oak carved eagle grasping shield with three arrows in his talons; most probably by a Philadelphia carver. Found in East Boothbay, Maine at collector's home. Arrows ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Oak
19th C Crotch Mahogany Federal Drop Leaf Breakfast Dining Table with Drawer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique 19th century Crotch Mahogany federal drop leaf breakfast dining table w/ drawer. Item Drop leaf sides, twin carved legs, (1) faux drawer, (1) dovetailed drawer, rolling caste...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Late American Federal Bowfront Chest of Drawers
Located in Chicago, IL
This timeless and elegant statement chest of drawers has been meticulously crafted, embodying the refined artistry of the late Federal period, which followed the American War of Independence. What sets this period apart is the regional variation in techniques and the prominence of local craftsmen, each bringing unique touches to their work.
Despite these regional differences, Federal period furniture...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Tall Chest Of Drawers
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A handsome Antique Chest with fine traditional form and good color. Antique tall chest of drawers with three over two over four graduated drawers. T...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Ebony, Giltwood, Pine, Mirror, Gesso
19th century Giltwood and Églomisé American Federal Mirror
Located in Savannah, GA
Detailed early 19th century American federal églomisé, or reverse painted giltwood mirror featuring a primitive house with three chimneys. It came fro...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
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
Neoclassical American Empire Side or Lamp Table in Mahogany, circa 1820
Located in Miami, FL
A neoclassical American Empire work table in mahogany and crotch mahogany with two drawers with convex fronts. Top rests on cylindrical column over a quatre-from base and terminating...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique American Federal / Georgian style mahogany drop leaf dining table featuring rectangular form with two large drop leaves, gatelegs, and brass castors. Circa early 19th centur...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique American Federal Painted Walnut Side Table, Mid 19th Century
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautiful American colonial or Federal style painted walnut candle stand or side table
USA, Mid 19th Century
Measures: 23.5"W x 11.75"D x 24.13"H.
Good original vintage condition.
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Paint
19th Century Federal Drop Leaf Table. American, circa 1825
Located in Incline Village, NV
Nicely proportioned and well made early 19th century American mahogany drop leaf table with no restorations and in completely origina...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
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...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Maple, Satinwood
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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