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
Federal Mahogany Tall Gentleman's Chest
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Federal style mahogany and figured mahogany Gentleman's chest of drawers, the bowfront reeded edge top with protruding corners above leaf carved capital and reeded column supports,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
$8,790 / item
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
Pair of Yew Wood Banded Two & One Drawer End Tables Nightstands Tapered Leg MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Yew Wood Banded Two & One Drawer End Tables Nightstands Tapered Leg MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Yew
Mid-20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Bowfront Bachelor Chest of Drawers
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautifully hand-rubbed refinished Mid-20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Bowfront Bachelor Chest of Drawers. Measures 36.25" in width, 19.5" in depth and stands 32" in height. Bo...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
"The British Surrendering their Arms to Gen. Washington..." after Renault, 1819
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an engraving entitled “The British surrendering their arms to Gen. Washington after their defeat at Yorktown Virginia October 1781.” The dedication continues in the bottom margin, “To the defenders of American independence, this print is most respectfully inscribed by their fellow citizen, Jn. Fcis. Renault, assistant secretary to the Count de Grass, and engineer to the French Army, at the siege of York.” The engraving is after a painting by John Francis Renault, and engraved by Tanner, Vallance, Kearny & Co. and William Allen, in Philadelphia in January of 1819.
This historic print depicts the surrender of the British forces after the Battle of Yorktown. The print shows Lord Cornwallis offering his sword to the Duke de Lauzun, who defers the weapon to General Washington. British officers stand with Cornwallis on the right and French and American officers are shown at center and left. The immediate background is filled with an elaborate allegorical scene. Behind the British troops is a female representation of “Discord,” wearing a billowing robes and liberty cap and floating on storm clouds, as she sends lightning bolts to up-end the British people and a chariot below her. Behind the American and French officers, “Prosperity” stands next to an overflowing cornucopia, with “Justice”, an infant child with a paddle inscribed “American Constitution,” representing the helm of statehood. They crowd around a neoclassical monument with a giant urn...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
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
$1,463 Sale Price
34% Off
Miniature Example Mahogany Bureau Bookcase
Located in Huntington, NY
Cabinet makers sample.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$2,320 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
$562 Sale Price
37% Off
Antique Silk Broadside An Elegiac Poem Death of President George Washington 1800
Located in Portland, OR
An important & rare antique American political printed silk broadside, an elegy on the death of President George Washington, dated 1800.
A poem on the Death of President George Was...
Category
1790s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Silk
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
Pair Mid-20th Century Federal Style Canon Ball Brass Fireplace Low Andirons
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of Mid-20th Century Federal Style Canon Ball Brass Fireplace Andirons
Please inquire about the Matching Fireplace Fender and fire place tools set available in our inventory in...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Pair Of Federal Style Mahogany Bedside Tables
Located in Essex, MA
In the style of Seymour of Boston with square tops and cookie corners. Two drawers with turned tapered reeded legs.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
$2,850 / set
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
American Federal Wingback Chair with Blue Upholstery
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Federal period mahogany American wingback armchair in blue upholstery. In very good condition and nicely re-upholstered. Structurally sound and comfort...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$3,185 Sale Price
35% Off
An Interesting Account of the Voyages and Travels of Captains Lewis and Clarke
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Fisher, William. An Interesting Account of the Voyages and Travels of Captains Lewis and Clarke, in the Years 1804-5, & 6... Baltimore: P. Mauro, 1813. 12mo. Illustrated. Rebound in...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Paper
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
$881 Sale Price / set
25% Off
18th Century Colonial Walnut Rope Poster Bed
Located in Unionville, TN
This remarkable circa 1790 walnut rope bed represents a rare and exceptional example of late 18th-century American craftsmanship, likely originating from the Pennsylvania region. Con...
Category
1790s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$2,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Federal Cherrywood Desk and Glassdoor Bookcase
Located in Sheridan, CO
A Late Federal Cherrywood Desk and Bookcase, Circa 1830.
This unique piece includes a folding desk and make a fabulous looking compact desk with plenty of storage in bookcase above. This was possibly a clerk's desk.
Includes plenty of storage and desk...
Category
Early 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mahogany Federal Style Crotch Mahogany Brass Pulls 7 Drawers High Chest Dresser
Located in Rockaway, NJ
MINT Mahogany Federal Style Crotch Mahogany Brass Pulls 7 Drawers High Chest Dresser
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
MINT Brass Gallery Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard Thomasvill
Located in Rockaway, NJ
MINT Brass Gallery Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard Thomasville
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
"Washington and His Generals" Engraving by A. H. Ritchie, circa 1870
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a large, handsome engraving entitled Washington and His Generals by Alexander H. Ritchie, one of the best historical printmakers of the mid-nineteenth century. Ritchie is par...
Category
1870s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
Federal Style Flame Mahogany Secretary Desk / Display Cabinet & Brass Eagle
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a beautiful inlaid flame mahogany Federal style secretary desk with tambour doors. It has two glass shelves. The body has several areas with inlaid satinwood designs. It date...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
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
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
$4,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 19th Century American Giltwood Convex Girandole Mirror
Located in Essex, MA
Period American Federal convex girandole mirror of monumental size. Giltwood with original gilding and mirror. New York.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
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
Gillinder & Sons Washington Bust, 1876
By Gillinder & Sons
Located in Savannah, GA
A Gillinder & Sons milk glass portrait bust of George Washington for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia.
3 ½ inches wide by 3 ¼ inches deep by 6 inches tall
Category
1870s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Milk Glass
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
$5,145 / item
Early 1900s Carved Walnut Durfee Case Elliot Movement 5 Tube Grandfather Clock
By Walter Durfee
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a spectacular clock with what I believe is a solid carved walnut Durfee case and and has an Elliot of London movement. The case has some signs of wear and is in it's original...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Federal Style Gilt Eglomise Mirror
Located in Savannah, GA
A Federal style gilt eglomise mirror with neoclassical scene, 20th century.
plate: 23 ½ by 33 ½ inches
overall: 31 ½ by 47 ¼ inches
Category
Late 20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
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
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
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
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
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
American Federal Chest of Drawers in West Indies Mahogany, Baltimore, circa 1835
Located in Miami, FL
From the Federal period, a very beautiful American Neoclassical chest of drawers in fine West Indies mahogany with two overhanging small drawers supported by turned and reeded column...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Kittinger Tripple Tripod Base 2x24" Extensions Leaves Oval Dining Banquet Table
Located in Rockaway, NJ
MINT Kittinger Tripple Tripod Base 2x24" Extensions Leaves Oval Dining Banquet Table
2x24” leaves with an extended table length of 146"
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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 Circa Early 19th Century American Federal Chest on Bracket Feet
Located in Peabody, MA
Antique American Federal period chest of four drawers in cherry over bracket feet.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Cherry Wood Sideboard Credenza
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Hepplewhite or Federal style sideboard, credenza, or buffet server
By Baker Furniture, "Milling Road" Collection
USA, Late 20th Century
Cherry wood, with inlaid map...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Maple
Early 20th C Federal Style Hand Carved Mahogany Piecrust Edge Tilt-top Tea Table
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
This is a magnificent Federal Style (or Federal Revival) early 20th century bench made solid mahogany Piecrust Edge Tilt-Top Tea Table with birdcage action. The top is exceptionally...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
1930s American Federal Inlaid Mahogany 3-Part Banquet Table
Located in Germantown, MD
An amazing 1930s American Federal Inlaid Mahogany Three Part, 14 legs Banquet Dining Table . Measures 126" in width, 48" in depth and stands 30.5" tall. Detach this table to have two large demilune...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique Tripple Rush Seat Solid Linen Upholstery Cushion Bench Sattee Sofa Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very decorative antique tripple rush seat solid linen upholstery cushion bench sattee sofa mint!
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Rush, Chestnut
Beacon Hill Two Part Crotch Flame Mahogany Individual Glass Pane Breakfront MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Beacon Hill Two Part Crotch Flame Mahogany Individual Glass Pane Breakfront MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
American Mahogany Oval Banded Top 3x16" Leaves Dining Banquet Table MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American Mahogany Oval Banded Top 3x16" Leaves Dining Banquet Table MINT.
3x16” leaves with an extended table length of 86”
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Federal Style Sabin Crest -O- Gold Warranted 22K Gold Dinner Plate, Set of 6
Located in Plainview, NY
A Classical American federal style set of 6 vintage Sabin Crest-O-Gold 22K Gold Trim dinner Plates. Used to serve your favorite dessert or t...
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold
$200 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Henkel Harris Federal Inlaid Cherry Wood Flip Top Console Game Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style flip top demilune console game table
By Henkel Harris
USA, 1990s
Beautiful cherry wood, with inlaid ebony and satinwood marquetry.
Measure...
Category
1990s American Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Ebony, Satinwood
Pair of Antique Early 19th Century Federal Giltwood Wall Sconces with Eagles
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of antique early 19th century federal giltwood wall sconces with eagles.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
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
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
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
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
Baker Mahogany Satinwood Bow Front Sideboard Historic Charleston Collection MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker Mahogany Satinwood Bow Front Sideboard Historic Charleston Collection MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
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
19th Century American Hand Carved Gilded Pediment Eagle
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th century American hand carved gilded pediment eagle.
Antique decorative hand carved and gilded wooden pediment eagle. The expressive sculpture w...
Category
19th Century American Antique 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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