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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
Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Demilune Sideboard, Newly Restored
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet or sideboard By Baker Furniture USA, circa 1980s Mahogany, with satinwood string inlay, original brass hardware, and felt...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

American Walnut Tall Case Clock by Solomon Gorgas
Located in Essex, MA
By Solomon Gorgas. Lancaster Co. Pennsylvania. Works just cleaned and in good working order. With arched bonnet with pinwheel inlay in the scrolls. Glazed door opening to enameled wo...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

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

Round Mahogany Single Pedestal Drum to Duning Table w/ 2 Extension Boards Mint
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Round Mahogany Single Pedestal Drum Center Opens to Compact Dining Table w/ 2 Extension Boards Mint 2 leaves 12in x 36in each with an extended table length of 60in
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

4-Piece Federal Bedroom Set: Vanity, End Table, Dresser, Chest of Drawers
Located in Soquel, CA
4-Piece Federal Bedroom Set: Vanity, End Table, Dresser, Check of Drawers Elegant bedroom set from the Royal furniture Line by Robert W. Irwin and Ro...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Works of the Late Doctor Benjamin Franklin, With Essays, in Two Volumes, 1796
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Franklin, Benjamin. Works of the Late Doctor Benjamin Franklin, Consisting of His Life Written by Himself together with Essays, Humorous, Moral & Literary, Chiefly in the Manner of t...
Category

1790s English Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather, Paper

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

Antique Federal Style Wooden Fireplace Mantel
Located in Sheffield, MA
A handsome example of an unusually large American Federal Period wooden fireplace mantel. The wood does show aged wear. Use it as is for added charact...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Maple

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

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

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

Large Mahogany Secretary Desk
Located in Annville, PA
Inspired by an antique desk and bookcase this Large Mahogany Secretary Desk from Niagara Furniture is impressive in both it’s design and scal...
Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

American 18th Century Federal Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Carmel, CA
Sheraton style chest with four graduated drawers with inlay banding and cock beading about the perimeter. The chest has a curvaceous apron and Fr...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Deep Profile Antique Wing Arm Chairs Mahogany Legs Federal Style
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Deep Profile Antique Wing arm chairs mahogany legs Federal Style.
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

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

Vintage Borghese Eagle Bookends with Black Base
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a pair of 20th century vintage plaster cast American eagle bookends. The eagles are depicted with widely spread wings and arched heads, turned to the side. They are rendered ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Baker Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard Credenza Cabinet MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard Credenza Cabinet MINT
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

1930's Half-Moon Drop-Leaf Federal Coffee Table
Located in Burbank, CA
Antique coffee table for sale. Special table that has a half-moon shape and has leaves on either side that extend out. Great design, and in great vintage condition. Made of mahogany ...
Category

1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Federal Style Mahogany China Display Cabinet with Stained Glass Doors
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Federal Style Mahogany China Display Cabinet with Stained Glass Doors. Item features a pierced carved arch, urn finial, inlai...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Stained Glass, 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

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

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

Elegant Satinwood Display Cabinet On Stand
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A delicate and light colored Cabinet with decorative Federal elements. The cabinet in fine satinwood with broken bonnet crest and carved cornice. The d...
Category

20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass, Satinwood

Antique Pair of Federal Birch Wood Dinning Charis
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th Century Antique Pair of Federal Biech Wood Dinning Charis with stylized scroll form rail over slat back, caned seats, and splay legs, c1830. Measures- 33.5''H x 17.5''W...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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

Federal New York Pier Mirror, Late 18th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
This Classic Greek and Egyptian motif mirror has vertical pillars flanking mirror panels framing the central split looking glass. The cornice of the mirror has a Classic Adams Urn...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

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

Antique Centennial American Federal Gilded Carved Eagle and Mahogany Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb 1876 era Centennial American mirror with a gorgeous gilded eagle on top and garlands and detail on the rest of the mahogany frame. The frame is in good antique condi...
Category

1870s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Gesso, Mahogany

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

Federal Style Mahogany Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mahogany and figured mahogany veneered dresser, the reeded edge top with protruding corners and a central bowfront with leaf carved and reede...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Transitional Monumental Mahogany Demilune Console Table Black Painted Finish
Located in Topeka, KS
Magnificent vintage Transitional Monumental mahogany demilune console table with a black painted finish, square tapered legs with stretchers, and 2 inch patinated brass feet. Beautif...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

Vintage Federal Style Figured Mahogany Huntboard with Brass Hardware
Located in Morristown, NJ
Early 20th c., Federal Style huntboard made from rich mahogany and featuring classic design elements that reflect high-quality craftsmanship. The table is crafted from solid mahogan...
Category

1910s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Southwood Sheraton Federal Style Caramel Tan Leather 81" Mahogany Frame Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sheraton / Federal Style Caramel Leather Upholstered Sofa by Southwood. Item features solid wood construction, leather upholstery, tapered legs, nice inlay, banded details, quality A...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Regency Brass Andirons
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a classic pair of American Federal c. 1800 Solid Brass Andirons. The andiron are of classical form but are detailed with an unusual Corinthian Column capitol located just bel...
Category

1790s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

18th C Federal Satinwood Mahogany Carrara Marble Large Demilune Console Tables
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of 18th Century Federal Satinwood inlaid carved Mahogany and Carrara Marble Top Large Demilune Console Tables. Measures 48" in width, 22" in depth and 30.75" in height.
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble

Early 19th Century American Federal Gilt Wood Mirror
Located in Charleston, SC
This magnificent carved and gilt wood, circa 1820-1840, Federal Mirror has foliage in a Classical urn finial between opposing Cornucopias. The Cornucopias frame an ovoid shaped mirro...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

Henredon Federal Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard Credenza
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style bow front sideboard buffet or credenza By Henredon USA, Circa 1980s Beautiful banded flame mahogany, with original brass hardware. Measure...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Col Ebenezer Crafts Publick House Hotel Advertisement Sign 56"
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique salvaged Col. Ebenezer Crafts' Publick House of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, est. 1771 sign. Wood construction hand painted in white with black and white lettering around ...
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

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

Individual Glass Pane Double Doors Pencil Inlay Flame Mahogany Show Case
Located in Rockaway, NJ
C. 1920s flame mahogany individual glass panes double doors display cabinet curio showcase.
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

Fantastic American Centennial Solid Walnut Philadelphia Carved Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
From Slatoff Estate. Walnut. 2piece. Top has 2 glass doors containing 2 shelves. Bottom has 5 dovetail drawers and drop down door with fitted interior. 98 3/4" h x 41 7/8" w x 22 1/2...
Category

1870s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Kindel Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style bow front sideboard buffet or credenza By Kindel Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Mahogany, with satinwood banding and original brass hardw...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 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

BAKER Bow Front Banded Top & 4 Drawers Pull Out Desk Bachelor Chest Dresser MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
BAKER Bow Front Banded Top & 4 Drawers Pull Out Desk Bachelor Chest Dresser MINT!
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Federal Sheraton Mahogany Eagle Shield Flag Inlay Tilt Top Lamp Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Federal Sheraton Mahogany Eagle Shield Flag Inlay Tilt Top Lamp Table. Item features an inlaid central Eagle with shield and flag, tilt top, inlaid, solid wood construction, ...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair 19th Century American Federal Brass and Iron Andirons
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair 19th Century American Federal polished Cast Brass and forged Iron Andirons. Measure 8.5" in width, 15" in depth and 15" in Height
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

American Federal Mahogany Bow Front Floral Satinwood Inlaid Sideboard Circa 1770
Located in Charleston, SC
American federal mahogany bow front sideboard with satinwood sunburst floral inlaid outset corners, centered baized lined drawer with two flanking baiz...
Category

1770s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 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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