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
1940s Weiman Regency Tooled Leather Mahogany Convertible Demilune Cocktail Table
By Weiman
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1940s Weiman Federal Style Mahogany Demilune Fold-Top convertible Tooled LeatherCoffee Table. Open coktail table top is mahogany. Tooled leather top on fold-top demilune only. Tab...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Early 19th Century Sheraton Bow Front Cookie Corner Chest of Drawers
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Exceptional early 19th century Sheraton bow front chest of drawers. The case is constructed of lovely flame mahogany. There are four drawers a...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
New York Mahogany Federal Butlers Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A New York flame mahogany federal butler's desk with drop down (side snap operation) door revealing a green leatherette tooled work surface. The interior with a center door concealing storage and an inside drawer that is flanked by two "secret" panels with string inlay and further enhanced by pigeon holes and short and long drawers.
The overall desk presents with string inlay decorated deep top desk over three long drawers in rich flame mahogany veneers. The drawers with embossed brass hardware and the whole resting on bracket feet. Lacking a key.
Dimensions: 23 1/4" D, 47" W, 44 3/4" H
Condition: Please see all detail photos. Various age related wear include one missing tiny...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Rare Match Pair Of Boston Servers / Dressing Tables
Located in Hudson, NY
A fine, rare to find matched pair of Boston federal servers / dressing tables with backboard and scrolled sideboards on rectangular tops. The frame has ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Pine
18th Century Large Liverpool Cream Ware Jug for the American Market, circa 1780s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Late 18th Century Large Liverpool Cream Ware Jug Made for the American Market, circa 1780s, an extremely large soft paste pottery pitcher made by the English Liverpool potteries for ...
Category
1780s English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Biggs Furniture Federal Style Mahogany Banded Petite Corner Cabinet
Located in Parkesburg, PA
Biggs Furniture Federal Style Mahogany Banded Petite Corner Cabinet
1 Piece Design Cabinet. Signed Biggs which Kittinger acquired later
Antique Solid Mahogany, Satinwood Inlay Band...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th C. Carved And Gilt Convex Mirror for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Originally purchased in Boston. A classic deep convex mirror with multiple surrounds. The outer decorated with X shaped motifs on each side, a deep curved band with gilt spheres, an ...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Early 18thC Pembroke Drop Leaf Side Table/Drawer
Located in Malibu, CA
18thC antique New England Pembroke drop leaf table, beautifully constructed. Featuring a long drawer, the opposite side has a faux drawer with match...
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Hardwood
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
Neoclassical Gilded Eagle Lamp in the style of Maison Charles, 1970s.
Located in Lille, FR
Gilded Eagle Lamp in the style of Maison Charles, 1970s.
Category
1970s French Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Marble, Metal
Early 20th Century Federal Style Burl Mahogany Nightstand Side Table Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th Century Federal Style Burl Mahogany Nightstand Side Table Cabinet.
Features one dovetail joint drawer and divided lower cabinet with smooth closing door.
Measure 16.5"...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Burl
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
Early American Federal Period Flame Mahogany Antique Wash Stand
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and stunning Federal period (1789-1823) early American flame mahogany wash stand. circa 1810
Exquisitely hand-crafted in the Northeastern United States in the early 19th cent...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Brass Federal Branch Leg Urn Finial Cast Iron Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Brass Federal Branch Leg Urn Finial Cast Iron Andirons - a Pair. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: 24" H x 12" W x 19" D.
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Iron
Federal Tennessee Cherry Huntboard
Located in Bradenton, FL
American federal Cherry Huntboard or 1800-1820 on carved concave fluted legs. One center door storage compartment between two large deep drawers on ...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Federal Style Inlaid Mahogany Fold-Top Console Table, Circa 1920s
Located in Germantown, MD
An early 20th Century fold-top mahogany console table with satinwood inlays.
Measures 36" in width, 17" in depth and stands 29".
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Brass Lemon Top Andirons with Cabriole Legs and Slipper Feet
Located in Wells, ME
American Federal cast brass seamed 20 inch high lemon top andirons with slipper feet and iron log holders. This pair of quite substantial andirons retain their original lemon top l...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Federal Style Convex Mirror Carved Eagle By LA Barge
By LaBarge
Located in Toledo, OH
Federal style wood with a convex mirror by La Barge. Gold and black finish with carved eagle adorning the top. Mirror measures 14.5" in diameter. Overall size is 23" wide x 42" tall.
Category
20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Sheraton Giltwood Mirror, c.1830
Located in Savannah, GA
A Sheraton giltwood mirror, circa 1830.
Antique plate; original gilding with some early retouching.
23 inches wide by 34 inches tall by 3 inches deep
Category
1830s Unknown Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Limner Portrait of Young Gentleman, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
A limner portrait of a young gentleman, early 19th Century.
Oil on canvas in egg and dart frame.
Canvas: 8 ½ by 10 ½ inches
Frame: 13 ½ by 15 ¾ inches
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Kindel Furniture Federal Banded Mahogany Dining Table, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Federal or Regency style extension dining table
By Kindel Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Gorgeous book-matched mahogany...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Satinwood, Mahogany
Wallace Nutting Tavern Table #660
Located in Parkesburg, PA
Wallace Nutting Tavern Table #660
Circa 1920's Hardwood Construction, Single Dovetailed Drawer, Joined Stretcher Base.
Writing Desk or Work / Tavern Table
Original Finish and Good...
Category
Early 20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Classic Antique American Wing Chair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fine Antique American Wing Chair with Classic form and great comfort. The Chair has flat-panel arms, sinuous leg with pad foot and a fiber wrapped down seat cushion. The chair is cus...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Drexel Heritage Cambridge Cherry Wood Four Drawer Dresser Chest
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Drexel Heritage Cambridge Cherry Wood Four Drawer Dresser Chest. Item featured is a nice larger size, distressed finish, solid cherry wood construction, faux keyholes, quality Americ...
Category
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Antique Mahogany Tilt Top Federal Sheraton Pedestal Base Side Tea Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Mahogany Tilt Top Federal Sheraton Pedestal Base Side Tea Table. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: (Flat): 29.5" H x 24" W x 19.75" D (Top).
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Mid Century Brass Umbrella Stand Cane Stand
Located in Germantown, MD
A mid Century sol8d brass Federal Style umbrella Stand. Measures 8" in width, 8" in depth and stands 26" tall.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique 19th Century Dovetail Joints Secretary Drop Front Desk w Drawers Dresser
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Antique 19th Century Dovetail Joints Secretary Drop Front desk w drawers dresser.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique Federal Style Turned Brass & Cast Iron Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Federal Style Turned Brass & Cast Iron Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 18" H x 13" W x 18.25" D.
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Federal Style Marble Coffee Table
Located in Pasadena, TX
Federal Style marble coffee table.
Oval table in mahogany with white marble top. Carved Federal style legs.
Dimensions: 34" x 22" x 18".
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Marble
Federal Satinwood Inlaid Carved Mahogany Parcel Gilt And Eglomise Painted Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautiful Federal style Satinwood Inlaid in Carved Mahogany Parcel Gilt And Eglomise Painted scroll ear wall Mirror. Measures 24" in width and 56" tall. Wood backing.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany, Satinwood, Giltwood
Architectural White Paint Decorated Pediment Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and very Architectural form Pediment mirror in white paint with fluted panels flanking the mirror and decorated with egg and dart and craved ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
19th Century Carved and Painted Ship's Billethead
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Carved and Painted Ship's Billethead, second half 19th Century, a scroll carved and painted wooden ornament from the bow of a ship.
A billethead was a smaller carving used in place of a figurehead, mounted under the bowsprit of a ship. As the 19th Century progressed and the age of clipper ships saw a move towards ever more extreme clipper bows, there was a need to eliminate unnecessary weight aboard ship, especially in the bow (to avoid burying the nose into every wave), so billet heads...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Federal Birch Slant Front Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very nice early 19th century Federal Birch New England Slant Lid Desk likely New Hampshire in origin around 1800-1830. Made of solid Birch with four large graduated inlaid drawers ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Birch
Federal Style Mahogany Mirror With Carved Giltwood Grouse
Located in Sheridan, CO
Antique mahogany frame federal mirror wall gold gilt carved bird. Item features gold gilt carved bird, carved and shaped frame, wood frame, beautiful wood gr...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood, Mirror, Mahogany
Mid-Century American Federal Style Brass Fireplace Tools Set of 6
Located in Germantown, MD
Six piece set Mid-Century American Federal Style Brass Fireplace Tools, include a 46.5' Blo Poke tool.
Stand is 32" tall.
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
19th Century Folding Sewing Table with Yardstick Top
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A unique and charming piece of sewing history, this antique wood folding sewing or tailor’s table from the 1800s is perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate the nostalgia and functionality of vintage sewing furniture...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 Federal Games/Card Table with Tobacco Leaf Carvings, Baltimore, c. 1820
Located in Miami, FL
A lovely Federal card table in fine mahogany with hinged rectangular top pivoting and opening to a square supported by a turned column with tobacco leaf carvings over a round base with carved knurling reminiscent of pineapples. Four "C" shaped legs are reeded and rest on brass lion claw...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Huge Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
This is the Huge Partners Desk in the Niagara Furniture collection. This desk behemoth matches a number of other pieces which we produce. The fantastic solid mahogany top frame is in...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
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
Very Fine Carved Bleached Mahogany Camel Back Compact Sofa Stretcher Base 1960s
By J. Horner, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Custom Designed Floral Pattern Carved Bleached Mahogany Camel Back Compact Sofa Stretcher Base 1960s
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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 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 Classical Italian Giltwood Figural Bullseye Wall Mirror with Eagle 1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Classical Italian figural bullseye mirror offers giltwood construction with eagle or phoenix crest over convex mirror having double scroll form arms terminating in candle ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mirror
Vintage Brass Urn & Marble Federal Style Branch Leg Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Brass Urn & Marble Federal Style Branch Leg Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Circa Mid to Late 20th Century. Measurements: 25.25" H x 12.5" W x 8.75" D.
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Antique Martha Washington Mahogany Spool Sewing Cabinet Chest Side Table Stand
Located in Dayton, OH
"An eye catching turn of the 20th century Martha Washington sewing table. Made from mahogany with three dovetailed drawers having crotch...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Fine Antique Convex Mirror with Eagle Crest
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Carved and gilt with a fine three- dimensional eagle crest holding a ball on a chain in its beak. It stands on a pedestal In an energetic pose with one win...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
Mahogany Federal Philadelphia Work Table, Circa 1810
Located in Alexandria, VA
This handsome unique sewing/work stand is quintessentially the work of a master Philadelphia cabinetmaker. It has 2 drawers with replaced hand-cast solid brass pulls and original bra...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Baker Hepplewhite Style Mahogany Demilune Console or Entry Table
Located in Fort Washington, MD
An exceptional petite Hepplewhite or Federal style demilune console table or entry table be Baker Furniture Company.
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mahogany Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
A fine quality Mahogany Partners Desk from Niagara Furniture with raised door panels and a rich brown color finish similar to that found in English antiques. The three-paneled writin...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
American Federal Style Large Size Round Beveled Wall Mirror with Eagle
Located in Savannah, GA
This classic Federal style American giltwood mirror is finely carved and
features an eagle with widely spread wings perched on a pedestal ato...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
Monumental Giltwood Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
A truly, exceptional and most fine example of the neoclassical mastery. This monumental mirror will make a truly shows-stopping statement in any parlor it is displayed.
Very forma...
Category
17th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold, Gold Leaf
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
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
Rare Antique late 18th C. Federal Period Brass & Wirework Bowfront Nursery Guard
Located in Charleston, SC
This is a marvelous period, late 18th century "Adam" style wirework and brass trim bowfront Fireplace Fender with original blackened wire work hand woven in Adam swags. The wirework...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel, Wire
Burled Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
This beautiful burled partners desk by Niagara Furniture is crafted as an antique reproduction. The fine quality veneers in the drawer and door panels displays a rich color similar t...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
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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