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: Mid-20th Century
19th Century Federal Bowfront Mahogany Bedside Chest Nightstand
Located in Germantown, MD
19th century Federal Bowfront Mahogany bedside chest nighstand. Good antique Condition. Dovetail drawers functioning perfectly. Original Hardware. Mea...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Kindel Oxford Mahogany Frame Federal Mirror Wall Gold Gilt Carved Eagle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Kindel oxford mahogany frame federal mirror wall gold gilt carved eagle. Item features gold gilt carved eag...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Mid 20th Century Harvin Company Federal Style Brass Andirons with Claw Feet
Located in Middleburg, VA
Mid 20th century harvin company federal style brass andirons with claw feet.
Heavy duty brass and iron fireplace dogs. United States, 1950s.
Measures: 23" H, 13" W, 20" D.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Federal Style Carved Giltwood Wall / Console / Pier Mirror, Over Mantle , 1900s
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique Federal Style Carved Giltwood Wall / console / Pier mirror, 1900s
A finely carved versatile mirror that can be used on the floor or over the mantle, console or hanging on ...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
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
Brunschwig and Fils Boscobel Restoration Medford Inn 1804 Hand-Printed Wallpaper
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Brunschwig and Fils Boscobel Restoration Medford Inn 1804 hand-printed wallpaper. Very unusual paper - it is marked as custom hand-printed for the Boscobel Restoration, Inc. with a copyright date of 1977. The Boscobel Restoration is a rebuilt historic mansion (see images 9 and 10) in Garrison, NY using salvaged parts of an original Federal-period home that was demolished in the 1950s. This is a historic pattern, marked on the paper as "Medford Inn, 1804" and a registered design of the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities. The Medford Inn (see image 11) was built in 1804 and became known as a well-known hotel located on Main Street in Medford, Massachusetts.
The design of the paper hearkens back to Roman tradition of wall decoration, with a trompe l’oleil effect that mimics ornate panelling and stone inlay. As per the this paper was also produced in a brown colorway and is part of the Digital Public Library of America and Historic New England...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
Antique Walnut George III Open Pediment Wall Curio Cabinet Federal Eagle Shelf
Located in Dayton, OH
George III style wall curio or display cabinet, circa mid 20th century. Made of walnut featuring a broken pediment top, interior shelves with optional inser...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Walnut
Large Cast New England Bank Patriotic Eagle and Clipper Ship Plaque
Located in Nantucket, MA
Cast and Gilded Patriotic Eagle with Clipper Ship Plaque, with a Clutch of Arrows and an Olive Branch in it's Talons, mid 20th Century, from a Boston Bank...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Composition
Pair of Petite Cut Glass Crystal Decanters, C1930
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous petite pair of cut glass crystal decanters in excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Not cloudy or stained. Some wear to bottom edge.
Category
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Mid-Century Italian Carved Eagle Giltwood Federal Style Mirrors, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of carved giltwood eagle mirrors with Federal styling in very good condition. They are Italian and most likely date to the 60s. The pair are unmarked.
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
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
Baker Drop Leaf Mahogany Banded Inlay Tea Cart Server Cart with Glass Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Baker drop leaf mahoganybanded inlay tea cart server cart with pull out glass tray. Item features satinwood banded inlay top, lower removable glass she...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Federal Style Brass C1955 Heavy Duty Fireplace Tools 4 Pieces with Holder
Located in Port Jervis, NY
High quality set of fireplace tools with Holder. Brush, shovel, poker and log clamp all in solid brass. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. This item can be parcel posted.
Category
1950s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Tall Solid Brass Harvin Co. Federal Style Andirons
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Federal style andirons made from high quality cast brass pieces assembled. Tall and elegant in excellent vintage condition with...
Category
1950s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
1940s Federal Style 6-Arm Brass Chandelier Nickel Plated with Original Patina
Located in New York, NY
This federal style 6 light chandelier is original to the 1940's and is nickel pated over brass with the original patina. It has elegant arms surrounding an urn shaped body and featur...
Category
1940s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Nickel
American Regency-Style Perched Eagle Acanthus Giltwood Wall Mirror
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Substantial Federal-Style mirror featuring inset glass (not convex) within a deep, gilt resin frame adorned by an eagle perched on laurel at the top and acanthus detail below (ca. Mi...
Category
1960s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Harvin Co Brass Federal Style Branch Leg Ball and Claw Andirons, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Harvin Co brass federal style branch leg ball and claw andirons - a pair. Item features branch legs, ball and claw feet, original stamp, quality Amer...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Beacon Hill Collection Federal Style Banded Mahogany Nightstand
By Beacon Hill
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal style single drawer occasional side table or nightstand
By Beacon Hill Collection
USA, mid-20th century
Mahogany, wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Charak Lacquered Mahogany Banded Round Dining Table w/ 2 Leaves Inlaid Legs Mint
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern solid teak pull out roll top desk drawers chair mint.
Two table leaves measuring 18''.
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
Baker Furniture Federal Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard Credenza, circa 1940s
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal style sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet
By Baker Furniture,
USA, circa 1940s
Mahogany, with satinwood string inlay, mirrored backslash, and original...
Category
1940s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Federal Style Solid Cast Brass by Puritan Co. C1955
By Puritan Ironworks Company
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of sand cast brass andirons by the Puritan Ironworks co. Canon all style with a pierced fleur de LIS.
In excellent vintage condition with mi...
Category
1950s Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Pair of Brass George Washington Andirons
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage pair of brass George Washington Andirons, likely mid 20th century, cast brass shallow full length figure of George Washington standi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Heirloom Weiman Crotch Flame Mahogany Federal One-Drawer Coffee Table
By Weiman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Heirloom Weiman crotch flame mahogany federal one-drawer coffee table. Listing includes a custom glass top, brass rolling casters, inlay and banded top, finished back, 1-drawer, tape...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage American Mahogany Federal Style Broken Pediment Wall Hanging Mirror
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage American mahogany federal style broken pediment wall hanging mirror 48",
Federal style wall mirror, circa 1950s. Made from mahogany with scrolled ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Admiral Eagle Federal Round Bull’s-Eye Wall Mirror
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Beautiful round mirror with eagle surmount. In a bronze hue. A great example of the American federal style.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Resin, Plastic
Vintage Persian Tabriz Palace Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75593 vintage Persian Tabriz Palace rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal style. This hand knotted wool vintage Persian Tabriz rug features an all-over Shah Abbas design. It is e...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Gilt Carved Wall, Console or Table Mirror with High Open Fleur-de-Lis Pediment
Located in Stamford, CT
Gilt carved mirror with high open Fleur-de-Lis pediment and oval etched mirror panel of a young lady in full dress.
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique Persian Azerbaijan Runner with Modern Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75381, antique Persian Azerbaijan runner with Modern Federal style. With its clean lines and subtle use of ornament, this hand knotted wool antique Persian Azerbaijan runner beautifu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Pair of Chabby Chic White Painted Three Drawers Nightstands Lamp Tables
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of distressed vintage weathered look nightstands. Brass pulls.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Set of 12 American Federal Gilt Eagle Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 12 American Federal style (20th Cent) ebonized side chairs with fluted sides and a gilt carved eagle back with an upholstered seat.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
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
Pair of Regency Style Brass Inlaid Rosewood Parcel-Gilt and Marble Consoles
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of Regency style brass inlaid rosewood parcel-gilt and marble consoles. Each green marble rectangular top above an egg-and-dart-carved e...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Vintage Persian Tabriz with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
76262 Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style. This hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Tabriz rug features an allover pattern surrounded by a class...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Distressed Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Relaxed Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77216, Distressed Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Relaxed Federal Style. Regal hues, intricate details, and all-over symmetry create a neocl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75511 Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style. This hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Tabriz rug features an allover pattern with geometric motifs...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
American Designer, Federal Consoles, Mahogany, Marble, Gold Gilt, Mirror, 1940s
Located in Stamford, CT
A fine pair of monumental Federal style console tables each having boule inlays and carved opposing eagles wings spread sitting on a rock b...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Marble
Vintage Persian Mashhad Palace Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75597 Vintage Persian Mashhad Palace Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style. This hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Mashhad palace rug features a central medallion in midnig...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
74331 Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style. This hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Tabriz rug features an all-over geometric floral pattern com...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Vintage American Bald Eagle Brass Bookends a Pair
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage American Bald Eagle Brass Bookends a Pair
Beautiful detail on this 1950s pair of American Bald eagle head bookends.
Nice set of large brass American Bald Eagle bookends.
This...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mahogany Beacon Hill-Old Colony Collection Sideboard
By Beacon Hill
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A mahogany sideboard tagged by the Beacon Hill, Old Colony Collection. This piece is fashioned out of beautiful flame mahogany with a glossy finish and features ebonized columns with...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Silver Pewter Metal Federal Style Urn Finial Fireplace Tool Set - 4 Pcs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Silver Pewter Metal Federal Style Urn Finial Fireplace Tool Set - 4 Pc Set. Item featured set includes 3 tools and 1 stand, pewter finish, very nice vintage set. Circa Mid 20...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Virginia Craftmen Federal Mahogany Pencil Post Canopy Twin Size Bedsteads, Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Federal Style Mahogany Pencil Post Canopy Bed Steads by Virginia Craftmen furniture.
Measures 41.5" in width, 81" in depth and 77.5" in height to the top of the finials. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
1940s Federal 5 Arm Petite Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Federal style brass five arm chandelier with fluted details and candlestick arms from 1940s. Cleaned and restored. Please note, this item is located in our Scranton, PA location.
Category
1940s Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
1960s Federal Style Mahogany Drop-Leaf Rolling Buffet Bar Server Card
Located in Germantown, MD
1960s Federal style genuine mahogany drop-leaf rolling buffet server and bar cart with 3 drawers functioning perfectly, with dovetail joints cons...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Mahogany Drop Front Desk High Chest of Drawers
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful warm highboy dresser with drop-front secretary. Leather embossed writing surface with 3 drawer storage. Perfect size with versatility for an apartment or stately home. Rich...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood, Birdseye Maple
American Federal Style Banjo Clock
Located in Asheville, NC
Gilded wood case Banjo clock with decorative brass cutwork and back painted glass, enameled clock face with Roman numerals, brass pendulum and winder. Surm...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
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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