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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
Mahogany Federal Style Silver Chest by Henkle Harris
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mahogany Federal Style Silver Chest by Henkle Harris. The medium colored mahogany with a burl center panel with lift up top to reveal several felt fitted drawers for silver flatware...
Category

Mid-20th Century American 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

Federal Style Satinwood Inlaid Mahogany Fold Top Console Card Table
Located in Germantown, MD
An Exquisite Federal Style Satinwood Inlaid Mahogany Fold Top Console Card Table Measures 36" in width, 17." in depth ( closed), 34" in depth ( Open) and 29.5" in height.
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

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

American Federal Mahogany Single Drawer Two-Tier Side Table, C. 1800s
Located in Germantown, MD
American Federal Mahogany Single Drawer Two-Tier Side Table, Circa 1800s. Single drawer under lower tier with a 10" high clearance.New York, late 18th Century to Early 19th century. ...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique 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

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

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

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

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

Mid-Century Italian Federal Style Limed Distressed Wood Bullseye Eagle Mirror
Located in Pearland, TX
A fabulous vintage Mid-Century Italian Federal style limed wood bullseye mirror, circa 1960. This gorgeous mirror has a lovely limed or distressed whitewash paint finish and is decor...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Vintage Loyal Papeete Brown Leather Fire Ice Bucket Brass Eagle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Loyal Papeete brown leather fire ice bucket brass eagle. Item features leather wrapped frame, brass eagle finial, wooden lid, fire brigade decal, ...
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Mid 20th Century Federal Style Brass Fireplace Tools Set
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid 20th Century Federal Style Brass Fireplace Tools Set. Included in the set are the stand, a broom, a shovel and combined tongue and pocker. Please inquire about the Matching pair...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Jonathan Charles 66/92' Diamet Round 8 board Extendable Dining Table Single Base
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Jonathan Charles 66/92' Diamet Round 8 board Extendable Dining Table Single Base 13" extension boards leaves
Category

20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

Saginaw Vintage Expandable Pullout Buffet Table
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on "Read More About This Item" below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all...
Category

1950s Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

American Federal Drop Leaf Dining Table in West Indies Mahogany New York, c 1820
Located in Miami, FL
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

Federal Flame Crotch Mahogany Bow Front Double Door Compartment Sideboard MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Federal Flame Crotch Mahogany Bow Front Double Door Compartment Sideboard MINT!
Category

20th Century 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

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

MINT Brass Gallery Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard Thomasvill
Located in Rockaway, NJ
MINT Brass Gallery Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard by Thomasville.
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal Period Massachusetts Mahogany Secretary Desk with Cylinder Tambour
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of a Federal mahogany two part secretary desk, with a dentil molded cornice surmounting an upper bookcase with two 16 pane glazed glass doors with satinwood line inlay, opening to three interior shelves, over a lower case with a cylinder tambour, opening to a compartmentalized interior with central open valanced cubbies flanked by eight fitted drawers over a felted writing surface and three long drawers with flame mahogany bookmatched veneers, line inlay, and punched oval brasses, and dovetailed construction, all supported by four splayed feet. This splendid secretary desk most likely is of MA origin and dates to circa 1790-1810 and is in very good condition, with some surface & shelf restorations, minor escutcheon and surface losses, as well as light wear commensurate with age and use. Includes a 2001 bill of...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

American Federal Bostonian Game Table , circa 1815
Located in Miami, FL
A fine Boston Federal game table in mahogany with fire gilded bronze doré ormolu mounts in the corners of the apron and original brass paw foot casters. Carving is well articulated and form is reminiscent of Federal Boston cabinet maker Isaac Vose...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

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

Kindel Furniture Federal Carved Mahogany Twin Beds, Circa 1960s
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of vintage Federal or Regency style carved mahogany twin beds By Kindel Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Measures: 38.75"W x 82"D x 41.25"H. Good original vintage condi...
Category

1960s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

American Federal Maple Candlestand
Located in Essex, MA
Circular fixed top with umbrella shaped inlay of exotic woods. Turned support with tripod splayed legs.
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Maple

Pair of Two Candle Federalist Style Wall Sconces
Located in Leesburg, VA
Pair of Two Candle Federalist Style Wall Sconces Anonymous USA; Probably early-to-mid 20th century Wood, iron Approximate size: 30.25 (h) x 12.5 (w) x 7 (d) in. ea. A pair of wood...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Green Persian Mahal Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from a 20th century Persian Mahal rug. 15'' x 18''
Category

20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

Baker Furniture Federal Mahogany and Satinwood Demilune Cabinet, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet or sideboard By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Flame mahogany, with satinwood banding and inlay, and original brass ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

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

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

Vintage Biggs Old Sturbridge Village Federal Mahogany Spider Leg Candle Stand
Located in Dayton, OH
Biggs Furniture Old Sturbridge Village Collection Federal Candle or Sculpture Stand, circa last half 20th century. Made from mahogany with an Octagonal inlaid and crossbanded top ove...
Category

Late 20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Light Walnut Chest on Chest Dresser High Boy Brass Pulls by Thomasville MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Bracket Feet Chippendale Style Light Walnut Chest on Chest Dresser High Boy Brass Pulls by Thomasville MINT!
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Oak

Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Tea Table or Occasional Side Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style tea table or occasional side table By Baker Furniture USA, Late 20th Century Mahogany, with beautiful satinwood inlaid marquetry, original ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

Pair of Early 20th Century Federal Side Tables in Style of Thomas Seymour
By John & Thomas Seymour
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of Federal Style Side or End Tables after Thomas Seymour, Boston. Hand carved and fluted legs. Two drawers. Dovetail construction. Mahogany and mahogany crotch veneer. Beau...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Full Size Pencil Inlaid Mahogany Federal SideBoard Server Buffet by Baker MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Full Size Pencil Inlaid Mahogany Federal SideBoard Server Buffet by Baker MINT!
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Oval Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
One of the most complicated items that we produce at Niagara furniture our Oval Partners Desk is also one of the most popular. The top section of the desk consists of a three-paneled...
Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

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

19th C. Federal Style Gilt Wood Mirror w/ Eagle & Cornucopias
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
19th century federal style mirror, hand carved and intact, two cornucopias filled flanking either side of the eagle. Classic design element of the federal period (much like the convex mirror but without the distorted mirror)
Category

1880s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Plaster

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

Antique Federalist style ornate Giltwood Mirror surmounted by an American Eagle
Located in Leesburg, VA
Antique Federalist style ornate Giltwood Mirror surmounted by an American Eagle Anonymous United States of America; probably early 20th century Giltwood, glass Approximate size: 55...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Federal-Style Mahogany Bow-Front Sideboard With Carved Backsplash and Brass Hard
Located in Elkton, MD
The sideboard features detailed carvings on the back panel and three drawers with original brass hardware. It stands on fluted legs with spade feet and includes a curved backsplash t...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

Pair of Tall Tan Leather Wing Chairs on Solid Mahogany Stretcher Base Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of tall tan leather wing chairs on solid mahogany stretcher base mint!
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany and Satinwood Demilune Sideboard Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet or sideboard By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Flame mahogany, with satinwood banding and inlay and original b...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

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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