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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
Vintage Cast Iron Liberty Bell Bookends
Vintage Cast Iron Liberty Bell Bookends

Vintage Cast Iron Liberty Bell Bookends

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Presented is a pair of vintage cast iron Liberty Bell bookends. The bookends depict the Liberty Bell, hanging from its wooden support, with the famous crack to the bell. The bells’ f...

Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Iron

Antique Mahogany Federal Chippendale Gilt Eagle Acanthus Wall Vanity Mirror 45"
Antique Mahogany Federal Chippendale Gilt Eagle Acanthus Wall Vanity Mirror 45"

Antique Mahogany Federal Chippendale Gilt Eagle Acanthus Wall Vanity Mirror 45"

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique Federal / Chippendale style wall / mantel / vanity / mirror. Rectangular form, framed in mahogany with scrolling fretwork at the top and bottom, gold gilt border around the m...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

Mid-20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Bowfront Bachelor Chest of Drawers
Mid-20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Bowfront Bachelor Chest of Drawers

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

New England Painted Federal Side Table
New England Painted Federal Side Table

New England Painted Federal Side Table

Located in Essex, MA

Rectangular top with decorative back panel. Faux bois top over a drawer with brass knobs and turned bamboo tapered legs.

Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Pine

Antique Tall Chest Of Drawers
Antique Tall Chest Of Drawers

Antique Tall Chest Of Drawers

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A handsome Antique Chest with fine traditional form and good color. Antique tall chest of drawers with three over two over four graduated drawers. T...

Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

New England Federal Period Hepplewhite Style Cherry Stand with Drawer
New England Federal Period Hepplewhite Style Cherry Stand with Drawer

New England Federal Period Hepplewhite Style Cherry Stand with Drawer

By George Hepplewhite

Located in Doylestown, PA

Antique Federal period cherry stand with a single drawer, made in New England, circa 1820. Designed after the style of George Hepplewhite, this elegant stand is crafted of rich cher...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Banded Mahogany Partners Desk, Hand-Carved, Federal Style, New Design
Banded Mahogany Partners Desk, Hand-Carved, Federal Style, New Design

Banded Mahogany Partners Desk, Hand-Carved, Federal Style, New Design

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

American-Market "Peace, Plenty and Independence" Liverpool Creamware Jug
American-Market "Peace, Plenty and Independence" Liverpool Creamware Jug

American-Market "Peace, Plenty and Independence" Liverpool Creamware Jug

Located in Downingtown, PA

"Peace, Plenty and Independence" - An Exceptional American Market Creamware Jug, Circa 1800 A profound piece of early American history and decorative art, this large Liverpool Creamware jug was specifically produced for the burgeoning United States market around 1800. This spectacular jug perfectly encapsulates the patriotic zeal and domestic aspirations of the post-Revolutionary era. Its historical...

Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Creamware, Pottery

1930s American Federal Inlaid Mahogany 3-Part Banquet Table
1930s American Federal Inlaid Mahogany 3-Part Banquet Table

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

Mahogany Partners Desk
Mahogany Partners Desk

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 Mahogany Tall Case Clock, Silas Hoadley, CT, Circa 1820
American Federal Mahogany Tall Case Clock, Silas Hoadley, CT, Circa 1820

American Federal Mahogany Tall Case Clock, Silas Hoadley, CT, Circa 1820

By Silas Hoadley

Located in Charleston, SC

American Federal mahogany one day tall case clock with the original brass ball finials resting on three carved upper capitals, decorative intertwined fret work, arched hood with bras...

Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Tiffany Hamilton Sterling Silver Water Pitcher
Tiffany Hamilton Sterling Silver Water Pitcher

Tiffany Hamilton Sterling Silver Water Pitcher

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Hamilton sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Curved and tapering body, raised foot, scrolled bracket handle, and helmet mouth. Reeding. Fully marked inc...

Category

1940s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique American Maple Chest-On-Chest
Antique American Maple Chest-On-Chest

Antique American Maple Chest-On-Chest

Located in Bridgeport, CT

The tall chest-on-chest finely crafted in maple with tiger maple drawers. The top chest has a cavetto cornice over two short drawers flanking a center short drawer with a finely carv...

Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal period low boy / dressing table, 18th century
Federal period low boy / dressing table, 18th century

Federal period low boy / dressing table, 18th century

Located in Houston, TX

Federal-period mahogany dressing table / lowboy of elegant proportions. This exceptional piece from the late 1700s features a beautifully figured crotch-mahogany drawer front arrang...

Category

18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair 1930s American Federal Mahogany Inlaid Large Console Tables or Dining Table
Pair 1930s American Federal Mahogany Inlaid Large Console Tables or Dining Table

Pair 1930s American Federal Mahogany Inlaid Large Console Tables or Dining Table

Located in Germantown, MD

A Pair of 1930s American Federal Mahogany Inlaid Large Console Tables. Join the two large console tables to make a solid and sturdy 8 legs sizable 48" in diameter dining table. Each ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Abalone, Mahogany

Baker Furniture Federal Birdseye Maple Sideboard Credenza
Baker Furniture Federal Birdseye Maple Sideboard Credenza

Baker Furniture Federal Birdseye Maple Sideboard Credenza

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style sideboard, credenza, or console By Baker Furniture USA, Late 20th Century Birdseye maple, with carved details and original brass hardware. ...

Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

R&W Wilson Coin Silver Soup Ladle
R&W Wilson Coin Silver Soup Ladle

R&W Wilson Coin Silver Soup Ladle

By William Wilson, Robert Wilson

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Coin silver soup ladle by R&W Wilson, Philadelphia. Period monogram "J"; fiddleback. Robert & William Wilson, 1825-1846. 2.95 troy oz. 10 5/16" x 3" w. We are a family business that...

Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Silver

Antique Federal Style Fire Fender With Grid Screen
Antique Federal Style Fire Fender With Grid Screen

Antique Federal Style Fire Fender With Grid Screen

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A stately Antique Fire Fender with nicely age patinated brass frame having four round top finials and four decorative bun feet holding the screen with delicate bent wire grid work. ...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Italian Hand-Made American Federal Style Eagle Mirror Style Friedman  Brothers
Italian Hand-Made American Federal Style Eagle Mirror Style Friedman  Brothers

Italian Hand-Made American Federal Style Eagle Mirror Style Friedman Brothers

By Friedman Brothers

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This Italian hand-made American Federal Style eagle mirror, in the manner of Friedman Brothers, is a striking example of neoclassical elegance and timeless craftsmanship. Topped with...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Gesso, Mahogany

1807 "A Map of the Country..." by Samuel Lewis, Revolutionary War Map
1807 "A Map of the Country..." by Samuel Lewis, Revolutionary War Map

1807 "A Map of the Country..." by Samuel Lewis, Revolutionary War Map

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Presented is “A Map of the Country from Rariton River in East Jersey to Elk Head in Maryland, Shewing the several Operations of the American and British Armies, in 1776 & 1777.”  The...

Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Paper

Kittinger Williamsburg Restoration Federal Mahogany Tilt Top Table Candle Stand
Kittinger Williamsburg Restoration Federal Mahogany Tilt Top Table Candle Stand

Kittinger Williamsburg Restoration Federal Mahogany Tilt Top Table Candle Stand

By Kittinger

Located in Dayton, OH

A Federal style mahogany candle stand by Kittinger, circa 1970s. Williamburg Restoration line. Features a rectangular top with serpentine edge over a baluster turned base with cabrio...

Category

1970s Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Marquand New York Federal Classical Coin Silver Water Pitcher
Marquand New York Federal Classical Coin Silver Water Pitcher

Marquand New York Federal Classical Coin Silver Water Pitcher

Located in New York, NY

American Federal Classical coin silver water pitcher, ca 1825. Ovoid bowl; short support and raised foot. Helmet mouth and capped and high-looping s-scroll handle. Low-relief leaf-an...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Silver

Early 20th Century Federal Style Cherry and Gilt Metal Mirror
Early 20th Century Federal Style Cherry and Gilt Metal Mirror

Early 20th Century Federal Style Cherry and Gilt Metal Mirror

Located in Germantown, MD

Early 20th Century Federal Style Cherry and Gilt Metal Wall Mirror. Measures 49" in width and 27" in height.

Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Cherry

Mason & Sullivan West German Oak Pillar & Scroll Shelf Mantel Clock 31"
Mason & Sullivan West German Oak Pillar & Scroll Shelf Mantel Clock 31"

Mason & Sullivan West German Oak Pillar & Scroll Shelf Mantel Clock 31"

Located in Dayton, OH

Mid to late 20th century Mason & Sullivan pillar and scroll style, chiming, key wound mantel / shelf clock. Slim rectangular wooden case flanked with slender pillars and scrollwo...

Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass

Federal Cherrywood Bureau Cabinet / Desk, circa 1790
Federal Cherrywood Bureau Cabinet / Desk, circa 1790

Federal Cherrywood Bureau Cabinet / Desk, circa 1790

Located in Houston, TX

This Federal Cherrywood Bureau cabinet dates to 1790. It is a beautifully preserved example of early American Federal craftsmanship. The piece combines graceful proportions, warm p...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Antique Federal Trumeau Reverse Painted Gilt Wood Mirror Unsigned 19thC
Antique Federal Trumeau Reverse Painted Gilt Wood Mirror Unsigned 19thC

Antique Federal Trumeau Reverse Painted Gilt Wood Mirror Unsigned 19thC

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Federal Trumeau Reverse Painted Gilt Wood Mirror 19thC Measures - 32.5"H x 16.5"W x 2"D This 19th-century Federal Trumeau mirror features a reverse-painted panel depicting a ...

Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Federal Period Mahogany Chest on Chest with Original Lion Head Brasses, American
Federal Period Mahogany Chest on Chest with Original Lion Head Brasses, American

Federal Period Mahogany Chest on Chest with Original Lion Head Brasses, American

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A finely proportioned American Federal period chest on chest, crafted in richly figured mahogany and dating to circa 1800. This elegant two-part form features a graduated arrangement...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair Of Federal Brass Ball Top Andirons
Pair Of Federal Brass Ball Top Andirons

Pair Of Federal Brass Ball Top Andirons

Located in Essex, MA

Ball top with scrolled legs and brass ball feet. Newly polished.

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

Monumental Giltwood Federal Neo-Classical Style Eagle Sconces Mirrors - Pair
Monumental Giltwood Federal Neo-Classical Style Eagle Sconces Mirrors - Pair

Monumental Giltwood Federal Neo-Classical Style Eagle Sconces Mirrors - Pair

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a large scale pair of Federal style carved giltwood sconces with carved eagles. The pair are not electrified. Each can support three candles . The sconces show heavy neo-clas...

Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Small Federal Mahogany Sideboard
Small Federal Mahogany Sideboard

Small Federal Mahogany Sideboard

Located in Annville, PA

An ideal sideboard for use in smaller spaces in the dining room this version of the Small Federal Mahogany Sideboard is also designed to wor...

Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique American Federal Painted Walnut Side Table, Mid 19th Century
Antique American Federal Painted Walnut Side Table, Mid 19th Century

Antique American Federal Painted Walnut Side Table, Mid 19th Century

Located in Elkhart, IN

A handsome Federal side table crafted in walnut and painted in a light brown. The elegant turned legs create a piece that feels equally at home in a traditional living room, collecte...

Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Paint

18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / Cupboard
18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / Cupboard

18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / Cupboard

Located in Germantown, MD

A late 18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / cupboard. Measures 26.75" in width, 14.75" in depth, 36.75" in height. Side is 17.5" in depth.  

Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Oak

19th Century Mahogany and Needlepoint Upholstered Footstool.
19th Century Mahogany and Needlepoint Upholstered Footstool.

19th Century Mahogany and Needlepoint Upholstered Footstool.

Located in Germantown, MD

A 19th Century Mahogany and Blue Needlepoint Upholstered Footstool. Measures 19" in width, 14" in depth and 11" in height.

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Upholstery

Pair of Early 20th Century Oval Painted Wooden Mullioned Windows
Pair of Early 20th Century Oval Painted Wooden Mullioned Windows

Pair of Early 20th Century Oval Painted Wooden Mullioned Windows

Located in Milford, NH

A fine pair of architectural wooden mullioned oval windows in mustard yellow paint on one side, white on the other, glazed with a wagon wheel or spoke design dating to the early 20th...

Category

Early 20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

American Early 19th Century Sheraton Style Cherry Single Drawer Side Table.
American Early 19th Century Sheraton Style Cherry Single Drawer Side Table.

American Early 19th Century Sheraton Style Cherry Single Drawer Side Table.

By Thomas Sheraton

Located in Vero Beach, FL

American Early 19th Century Sheraton Style Cherry Single Drawer Side Table. This Sheraton style side table features turned spindle legs and a single drawer with a simple wooden pull knob. It is crafted from solid cherry wood. This classic Federal period table...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Very fine early 19th center Portsmouth, NH federal inlaid sideboard
Very fine early 19th center Portsmouth, NH federal inlaid sideboard

Very fine early 19th center Portsmouth, NH federal inlaid sideboard

Located in Richmond, VA

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

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Marquetry Secretary Desk
Vintage Marquetry Secretary Desk

Vintage Marquetry Secretary Desk

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Exuding timeless Hepplewhite sophistication, this vintage secretary desk is crafted from richly grained wood and accentuated with exquisite marquetry inlay detailing. The upper hutch...

Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

American Federal Bostonian Game Table , circa 1815
American Federal Bostonian Game Table , circa 1815

American Federal Bostonian Game Table , circa 1815

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

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

Federal Style Two-Part Satin Mahogany Chest of Drawers Secretary, Circa 1900s
Federal Style Two-Part Satin Mahogany Chest of Drawers Secretary, Circa 1900s

Federal Style Two-Part Satin Mahogany Chest of Drawers Secretary, Circa 1900s

Located in Germantown, MD

A Federal Style Two-Part Satin Mahogany Chest of Drawers Secretary Desk, Circa 1900s. Functional key for the cabinets present. Measures 41" in width, 18.75" in depth and " in height....

Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Side Table and Sheet Music Cabinet
Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Side Table and Sheet Music Cabinet

Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Side Table and Sheet Music Cabinet

Located in Germantown, MD

Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Side Table and Sheet Music Cabinet. Removable dividers. Measures 19.75" in width, 16.25" in depth and 25.5" in height

Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Connecticut Mahogany Slant Front Desk, c.1800
Connecticut Mahogany Slant Front Desk, c.1800

Connecticut Mahogany Slant Front Desk, c.1800

Located in Savannah, GA

A Connecticut mahogany slant front desk on french feet with original 15 star eagle pulls, circa 1800. Some provenance and notations with dates on lopers. Friction fit interior door....

Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Federal Style Crotch Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
Federal Style Crotch Mahogany Secretary Bookcase

Federal Style Crotch Mahogany Secretary Bookcase

Located in Germantown, MD

A Federal Style Mahogany Secretary Bookcase, Circa 1950s. Size is 38" wide, 16" deep and 69" tall.  

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Early 19th Century American Sheraton Inlaid Cherry Table
Antique Early 19th Century American Sheraton Inlaid Cherry Table

Antique Early 19th Century American Sheraton Inlaid Cherry Table

Located in LOS ANGELES, CA

Antique early 19th century American Sheraton Inlaid cherry table Additional information: Materials: Cherry Wood Color: Sienna Period: early 19th century Styles: American, Fede...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

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.