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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
90" Baker Executive Partners Desk
Located in Pasadena, TX
Baker partners desk Stunning pedestal leather top executive desk made by BAKER. Functioning drawers on both sides serve as guest or partner de...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Burl

90"  Baker Executive Partners Desk
90"  Baker Executive Partners Desk
$12,800 Sale Price
36% Off
Antique American Federal Style Drop Leaf Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique American federal style cherry wood drop leaf table, 19th century. With a 2 board top, a frieze drawer, square tapered legs and S shaped stretcher bars. Nice old cherry...
Category

19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Early 19th Century Portrait of Naval Captain William Compton Bolton
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early 19th Century Portrait of Naval Captain William Compton Bolton (Anglo-American: 1799 - 1849), circa 1830s, an oil on canvas half-length portrait of a sea captain holding a spygl...
Category

1830s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Antique Federal Flame Mahogany Secretary Unsigned 19thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique Federal Flame Mahogany Secretary 19thC. Measures - 93"H x 48.5"W x 23.5"D An example of 19th-...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

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...
Category

1790s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Crotch Mahogany Federal Style Hickory Chair Sideboard MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Crotch Mahogany Federal Style Hickory Chair Sideboard MINT!
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Late Federal Mahogany Six Drawer Chest
Located in Acton, MA
Late Federal Mahogany Six Drawer Chest . This wonderful chest is the epitome of "High Style" and upper class. Between the spectacular Crotch Mahogany drawer fronts and the superb mah...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

A Fine Inlaid Federal Sheraton Mahogany Chest, c.1820
Located in Savannah, GA
A fine inlaid federal sheraton mahogany chest of drawers, circa 1820. Six drawers with half columns and conforming top. Finely inlaid drawer fronts. Chestnut secondary wood. Po...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Walnut Corner Cupboard
Located in Essex, MA
With arched opening flanked by fan carved spandrels and columns. Three shaped shelves over a cabinet door.
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Custom Hand Crafted Federal Style Mahogany Triple Pedestal 15 Ft. Dining Table
Located in West Hartford, CT
Elevate your dining experience with this extraordinary custom 15-foot mahogany dining table that was commissioned 25 years ago for $48,000 and masterfully handcrafted by renowned Con...
Category

Early 2000s American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Very fine early 19th center Portsmouth, NH federal inlaid sideboard
Located in Richmond, VA
Very fine early 19th century Portsmouth, NH federal inlaid sideboard. Impressive inlays , fine quality crotch veneers, inlaid turrets with sand shading, beautifully turned legs. Pr...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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 Giltwood Mirror with Rosette Corners and Fruit Panel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An antique carved giltwood wall mirror from the 1800s featuring a rectangular frame with rosette corners and a basket of fruit panel at the top. It is made of wood and gilded with g...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror

Antique Federal Style Carved Ornate Tufted Sofa and Loveseat Newly Upholstered
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Federal Style Carved Ornate Tufted Parlor Set Newly Upholstered in a Cabernet Leather - 2 Piece Set Absolutely exquisite and rare antique, intricately detailed hand carved American Eagle topped 2 piece tufted leather library parlor set. This unique showstopper set is said to have been originally acquired from a former Illinois Governor’s Estate, consists of wingback, scrolled sofa and loveseat, each with an exquisite hand carved American Eagle top. Beautifully curved and scrolled wingback...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather

American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

19th Century Federal Chest
Located in Acton, MA
Circa 1830 cherry wood chest of drawers with. four beaded drawers. The top drawer being oversized for ample storage with three graduated drawers below. The piece is constructed with ...
Category

1830s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Federal Mahogany and Birch Inlaid Secretary/Desk sq
Located in Water Mill, NY
Federal Mahogany and Birch inlaid secretary/desk with contrasting veneers and bone pulls.
Category

1790s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Birch, Mahogany

Kindel Winterthur Collection Mahogany Goddard Townsend Secretary Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
Kindel Winterthur Collection Mahogany Goddard Townsend Blockfront Secretary Writing Desk. Made from mahogany with a high sheen finish. This exception ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Federal Style Flame Mahogany Display China Cabinet By Councill
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Federal Style Flame Mahogany Display China Cabinet by Councill This carved, banded, and flame mahogany cabinet is manufactured by Councill Furniture. It features two glass a...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Antique Federal Style Mahogany Two Drawer Work Stand
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique Federal style mahogany end table with two shallow working drawers on front and faux drawers on verso, each with two brass kno...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

American Federal Swirl Mahogany Butler's Desk New York, Circa 1800s
Located in Germantown, MD
An American Federal Swirl Mahogany Butler's Desk New York Circa late 18th Century to Early 19th Century , featuring three flawlessly working upper drawer, and A Abattant Door that o...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Large Vintage Federal Style Vintage Mahogany Sideboard Buffet with Tapered Legs
Located in Elkton, MD
Vintage mahogany inlaid tapered leg buffet with original finish and gorgeous brass details, dovetail construction.
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique American Federal Period Mahogany One Drawer Drop Leaf Table c. 1830
Located in Westfield, MA
Step into a world of classic American elegance with this Antique American Federal Period Mahogany One Drawer Drop Leaf Table, crafted around 1830. This piece is a sterling example of...
Category

1830s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Early 20th Century Federal Style Continental Brass Lanterns, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a wonderful pair of Federal style brass lanterns with eagle pediment. They have a made in Holland label. They are not wired and were likely operated via oil.
Category

Early 20th Century European Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

American Federal Gilt Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 colonies around the inside ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Composition

Baker Williamsburg Colonial 8839 Mahogany Federal Inlay Extension Dining Table B
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Baker Williamsburg Colonial (Pattern 8839) Mahogany Federal Style Banded Extension Dining Table (B). Item features a (3) 18" skirted leaves,...
Category

Late 20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pull Out Tray Desk Table 6 Inlayed Drawers Federal Style High Chest Dresser MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pull Out Tray Desk Table 6 Inlayed Drawers Federal Style High Chest Dresser MINT
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

Federal Style Upholstered Settee
Located in Dallas, TX
Federal Style Upholstered Settee, Reeded Mahogany Frame with Gilded Acanthus Leaf & Swans. Federal style is characterized by bold patriotic symbols such as eagles, shield-shaped chai...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Banded and Pencil Inlayed Mahogany Bow Front Federal Sideboard Brass Hardware
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Banded and Pencil Inlayed Mahogany Bow Front Federal Sideboard Brass Hardware
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal Tiger Maple Tripod Table, American, Early 19th Century
Located in Huntington, NY
Tiger Maple Tripod table, top with chamfered corners also inlaid with mother of pearl, circles, hearts & triangles. Turned standard raised on down swept legs terminating in spade feet.
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

American Federal Mahogany Hunt Board with Flanking Hinged Cupboards, Circa 1800
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany hunt board with a carved molded edge one board top, single lined interior drawer over chamfered arch, flanking hinged cup...
Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Italian Hand-Made American Federal Style Eagle Mirror Style Friedman Brothers
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Italian hand-made American Federal Style eagle mirror, in the manner of Friedman Brothers, is a striking example of neoclassical elegance and timeless craftsmanship. Topped with...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Gesso, Mahogany

Demi Lune One Drawer Mahogany Console Entry Hall Table MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Demi Lune One Drawer Mahogany Console Entry Hall Table MINT
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Semi-Post Pale Mahogany Federal Full Size Bed
Located in Germantown, MD
A Semi-Post Pale Mahogany Federal Full Size Bed in very good co dition. Measurs 54"W x 80"D x 67"H Headboard height is 47.5" and 67" to the top of the posters, footboard height is...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Regency Sheraton Drop Leaf Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Infuse your home with the classic charm of this handsome Sheraton-style drop-leaf table. Crafted from rich, warm mahogany, this piece showcases the elegant proportions and quality cr...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Drop Leaf Dining Table in West Indies Mahogany New York, c 1820
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A handsome American Federal or Empire Pembroke table in fine West Indies mahogany with two drop leaves. This period breakfast table is supported by a reeded, vase-turned column on a ...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Poster Three Quater Size Bedframe
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Poster Three Quater Size Bedframe Measures 55" in width , 80.5" in Height to the top of the posters, Headboard is 50" in height, footboard is 1...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open outstretched wings standing on foliate branches and 13 small spheres representing t...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Potthast Brothers Mid Century American Federal Mahogany Handcrafted Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Potthast Brothers Mid-Century American Federal Mahogany Handcrafted Side Table in good vintage condition. Measures 18" in width, 15" in depth and stands 28.5" in height.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Federal Mahogany Work Table/ Nightstand Attributed to Isaac Vose, Boston
By Isaac Vose
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A very handsome Federal work table in fine West Indies mahogany with fold-down leaves. There are two drawers with two rounded columns flanking each side. Drawers have the original turned pulls. Top rests on a square column that gradually widens ending with ogee moldings and rests on quatre-form base with concave arches. Table rests on foliate-carved scrolls that end in carved lions' paw feet with original porcelain casters. Attributed to highly regarded cabinetmaker, Isaac Vose...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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 Mahogany Card Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
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

Antique Federal Period Mahogany Work Table with Pineapple Carved Pillars c. 1840
Located in Westfield, MA
This Antique Federal Period Mahogany Work Table, dating to around 1840, is a striking example of American craftsmanship from the Federal period. The piece is made from richly grained...
Category

1830s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany Banded Inlay Drop Leaf Silver Drawer 5 Drawers Server Cart on Wheels
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mahogany Banded Inlay drop leaf silver drawer 5 drawers Expandable server cart cabinet on wheels MINT!.
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Miniature Example Mahogany Bureau Bookcase
Located in Huntington, NY
Cabinet makers sample.
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

Vintage American Federal Style Cherry Lowboy Chest & Mirror Dresser
Located in Dayton, OH
American federal revival dresser & mirror, circa mid 20th century. Marked "Cherry Styled by Park". Features a rectangular form lowboy chest of th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Cherry

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

Antique Federal Style Bow Front Figured Mahogany Chest for Restoration
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

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

Fine early 19th century Federal Mid Atlantic Arched Door Corner Cupboard
Located in Milford, NH
An impressive two piece Federal corner cupboard in poplar and pine, its upper case with a swan’s neck split pediment crest with central urn finial flanked by two carved rosettes surm...
Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Late Federal Mahogany Paw Foot Chest of Drawers c. 1840
Located in Westfield, MA
This impressive Late Federal period chest of drawers dates to around 1840 and is crafted from richly figured mahogany with a stately pr...
Category

1840s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century American Walnut Federal Drop-Leaf Table
Located in Charleston, SC
A Federal walnut drop leaf dining table with bold wood grain, tapered square legs terminating with brass and porcelain casters, and dovetailed construction. Very good overall conditi...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Set of 6 Reupholstered Mahogany Carved Rose Back Dining Chairs
Located in Medina, OH
Set of 6 Reupholstered Mahogany Carved Rose Back Dining Chairs. Reupholstered in an abstract luxurious gold velvet by Manuel Canovas from Colef...
Category

1940s Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Fabric, 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...
Category

1810s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Gesso, Mirror, Pine, Giltwood, Ebony

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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