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
Period: 19th Century
19th Century Federal Eglomise Wall or Table Mirror
Located in Manhasset, NY
A finely detailed Eglomise decorated wall or table mirror having a glass eglomise panel of a young girl in a wooded area flanked in a Fine gilt frame reminiscent of the time of manuf...
Category
1890s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
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
Pair of Large Gilt American Federalist Mirrors
Located in Hudson, NY
Mirrors are from circa 1825-1835 and were made in either New York or Boston. Both mirrors come with their original glass and wood backing. Sold as is, as a pair (one mirror panel has...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
$38,500 / set
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
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
19th Century Boston Gilt Convex Mirror Labeled William Balch
Located in Charleston, SC
This 1830s Boston convex mirror has a wonderful scrolled frame with a foliate crest centered on the four quarters. The central feature of the frame has an oak leaf ring...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood, Gesso
Antique American Federal Pointed Finial Brass Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Federal Pointed Finial Brass Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Item features solid brass and cast iron construction, and remarkable patina. Circa 19th Century. Measuremen...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Fine early 19th century Federal Mid Atlantic Arched Door Corner Cupboard
Located in Milford, NH
An impressive two piece Federal corner cupboard in poplar and pine, its upper case with a swan’s neck split pediment crest with central urn finial flanked by two carved rosettes surm...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Great Early 19th Century American Federal Four Poster Bed and Nightstand
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Presenting a beautifully crafted early 19th-century American Federal Four Poster Bed, an exquisite example of timeless craftsmanship. This bed showcases the elegant and understated s...
Category
Early 19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Late Federal Parquetry Candlestand
Located in Essex, MA
Circular top veneered with geometric kaleidoscope inlays. Banded edge and turned support ending on three S-scroll legs. Provenance: Estate of Michael Kittredge.
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Rosewood, Satinwood
Federal Wing Chair
Located in New York, NY
Federal Wing Chair
Massachusetts Circa 1790
Primary Wood: Mahogany
Secondary Woods: Maple, Birch, White Pine
Height: 45 1/2 inches
Wid...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Maple, Pine
$10,500
Pair of 2 American Federal Gold Stenciling Settees
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Federal painted Hitchcock design spindle back settees with gold stenciling and (new) rush seat
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold
American Federal Églomisé and Giltwood Trapezoidal Pier Mirror
By John Doggett
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Federal Églomisé and Giltwood Trapezoidal Pier Mirror with Green Ground, Attributed to Doggett School, Boston, circa 1815
A rare and architecturally distinctive early 19th-century American Federal mirror...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
19th Century Federal Guild Gold Framed Wall Mirror
Located in Manhasset, NY
A simply stunning and sweet 19th century Federal guild gold framed wall mirror. This finely gilt wall mirror has a reverse painting of two love...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Pair Antique Sandwich Glass Whale Oil Lamps c. 1820
Located in Westfield, MA
This elegant pair of early 19th-century Sandwich Glass whale oil lamps is a striking example of American craftsmanship from the 1820s. The lamps feature a delicate etched floral desi...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass
Early 19th Century Federal Period American Red Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Wiscasset, ME
An early 19th century New England Federal period tall chest in old red paint featuring five graduated dovetailed drawers and retaining original brasses. Molded base with heavy turne...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair Louis XV Style Antique Brass and Iron Andirons, Circa 1880s
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair Louis XV Style Antique Brass and Iron Andirons, Circa 1880s.
Measures 10" in width, 21" in depth and 16.5" in height.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Pair of Federal Cannonball Iron and Brass Andirons, Circa 1800s
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair Early 19th Century Federal iron and Brass Large Cannon Ball Andirons. Measures 13.5" in width, 21.5" in depth and 21" in height.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Antique Late Federal Mahogany Paw Foot Pier Table c. 1840
Located in Westfield, MA
This late Federal mahogany pier table, crafted around 1840, elegantly showcases the aesthetic preferences and skilled craftsmanship of its era. Featuring stately paw feet, this table...
Category
1840s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Mahogany and Birdseye Maple Lap Desk on Stand, Circa 1810s
Located in Germantown, MD
A Federal Era Mahogany and Birdseyes Maple Lap Desk on Stand, Circa 1810s
Measures 22.5" in width, 11.5" in depth and 22" in height. Without stand , 22" in width, 11" in depth and 8....
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple, Mahogany
Classic Federal 19th C. Carved And Gilt Two-part Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A classic two- part Federal mirror with tall carved and gilt turned supports and corner rosettes for the surround. A slim bar separates the mirror.
Dimensions: H. 36", W. 20 1/4", D...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique Mahogany Wood Federal Style Credenza / Sideboard
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your dining space with this exquisite Early 19th Century Mahogany Wood Federal Style Sideboard/Credenza with a charming backsplash over a shaped top. Crafted in the distingui...
Category
1820s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Federal Style Carved Gilt Swan And Eagle Carousel Mohair Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Federal Style Carved Gold Gilt Swan and Eagle Carousel Bench Newly Reupholstered in a Blue Mohair Seat
Antique Federal Style carved wood gold gilt swan and eagle carousel be...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Gilt Bronze Bust of George Washington
Located in Montreal, QC
Although the first American President has been much portrayed in paint and bronze; I have not been successful in locating another bronze on which this is based. He is dressed as General Washington...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$600 Sale Price
20% Off
American 19th Century Brass Fender
Located in Southampton, NY
American 19th Century Brass Fender
Category
Early 19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
American Federal Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard with Tapered Cuffed Legs, C. 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany bow front sideboard with three frieze drawers over centered hinged cabinet doors, flanking hinged doors with fitted interior single drawers, period brasses,...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique American Hardwood Candlesticks, Original Bobeches, circa 1900
Located in Chatham, ON
Antique American pair of hardwood candlesticks - lathe turned - original metal bobeches - original wool felt liners to the bases - unsigned - United States - circa 1900.
Good antiq...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Metal
$556 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Antique 2 Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th century Antique 2 Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis #3 with stylized scroll form rail over slat back, caned seat...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
1890s Era Solid Mahogany Chippendale Corner Cabinet Cupboard Hand Blown Glass
Located in Long Branch, NJ
1890s Era Solid Mahogany Chippendale Corner Cabinet Cupboard Hand Blown Glass
Measures 44 wide x 93 tall x 22 deep
sides 30 inches against wall
This 2 piece corner cabinet is de...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
A Federal Eglomise Mirror, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
A Federal parcel-gilt eglomise two plate mirror depicting theater actress, 19th century.
11 ¾ inches wide by 24 ¼ inches tall; mirror plate 8 ½ by 13 ¾ inches
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
American Federal Walnut One Drawer Patera Inlaid Bottle Box on Stand, VA C. 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal walnut hinged bottle box on stand with central oval and corner patera inlays, exposed dovetails, original interior bottle dividers, lower single drawer with oval aco...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Late Federal Mahogany Six Drawer Chest
Located in Acton, MA
Late Federal Mahogany Six Drawer Chest . This wonderful chest is the epitome of "High Style" and upper class. Between the spectacular Crotch Mahogany drawer fronts and the superb mah...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique American Federal Painted Walnut Side Table, Mid 19th Century
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautiful American colonial or Federal style painted walnut candle stand or side table
USA, Mid 19th Century
Measures: 24"W x 12"D x 24.25"H.
Good original vintage condition.
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Paint
Late Federal Fruitwood Single Drawer Dropleaf Pembroke Table, Circa 1800s
Located in Germantown, MD
Late Federal Mixed Fruitwood Single Drawer Dropleaf Pembroke Table on wheels. The back of the table look exactly as the front, fully finished with a faux drawer. Large enough to be u...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
American Federal Southern Walnut Hinged Two Drawer Inlaid Sugar Chest, VA C 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal Southern walnut hinged top sugar chest with oval string inlays, two flanking drawers with brass pulls, central diamond escutcheons, and resting on the original turne...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
"Apotheosis" of George Washington Creamware Jug- Large Size
Located in Downingtown, PA
"Apotheosis" of George washington creamware jug,
Liverpool,
Circa 1800-10
The large "Apotheosis" of George Washington Liverpool transfer decorated ...
Category
Early 1800s English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Creamware, Pottery
"Georgius Washington" Engraving by Giuseppe Longhi, 1817
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a handsome engraved portrait of George Washington by Italian artist Giuseppe Longhi. Titled “Georgius Washington” this engraving was published in Padua, Italy in 1817. The composition is based on a drawing by Longhi himself, but certainly influenced by the Gilbert Stuart and John Trumbull portraits. Washington is depicted in a head and shoulders pose, with his chest to the left but his head angled to the right. He wears a dark coat and vest and a white shirt and ruffled cravat.
The father of our country, George Washington was the commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War (1775-83) and served two terms as the first United States president...
Category
1810s Italian Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
"Washington Delivering His Inaugural Address" Engraving by H. S. Sadd, 1860
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a patriotic engraving titled “Washington Delivering His Inaugural Address. April 1789, in the old City Hall, New-York.” The print was engraved by Henry S. Sadd, after a ...
Category
1860s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
19th Century Ovoid Shaped Breche Violette Marble Federal Mahogany Coffee Table
Located in Lomita, CA
The novel shape and color of this Breccia marble coffee table will turn heads and transform a living or work space. This vintage Federal ovoid marble-top and inlaid mahogany or cherr...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Breccia Marble
$1,125 Sale Price
55% Off
Early 19th Century Fall-Front Desk
Located in Buchanan, MI
Handsome and functional Regency mahogany fall front desk, server, entry way piece, great inlay, elegant form. Exceptional exaggerated arched foot.
Category
19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satin
Antique American Double Lemon Top Federal Style Brass Andirons
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a classic and classy pair of antique brass andirons in the Federal double lemon style. They are in good condition with only the expected wear from age and use and would be a ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Fantastic American Centennial Solid Walnut Philadelphia Carved Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
From Slatoff Estate. Walnut. 2piece. Top has 2 glass doors containing 2 shelves. Bottom has 5 dovetail drawers and drop down door with fitted interior. 98 3/4" h x 41 7/8" w x 22 1/2...
Category
1870s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$2,796 Sale Price
20% Off
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 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
Federal Birdseye Maple Bow Front Chest Of Drawers
Located in Essex, MA
With a bow front with inlaid decoration over four conforming drawers and ending on bracket feet. Original brass handles. Possibly made in New Hampshire.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple, Maple
Early 19th c. Federal Lemon Top Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine pair of early 19th century American Federal period brass andirons with elongated spired lemon finials over having hexagonal shafts and standing on elegant arched spurred legs wi...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
American Federal Mahogany Side Table with Fitted Interior Desk on Casters, 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal Mahogany one drawer side table with fitted interior desk, walnut diamond escutcheons, original four wooden knobs, and resting on turned bulbous ringed legs with the original brass casters. Secondary wood consist of white pine and tulip poplar...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair Of Carved And Gilded Eagles Italian Animalier Sculptures Mid-19th Century
Located in Milano, MI
Pair Of Eagles In Carved And Gilded Wood from the mid-1800s, this pair of animalier carvings of birds of prey in carved and gilded wood represents a fascinating example of 19th-cent...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Rare Pair of Federal Bell Metal Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine and rare pair of Philadelphia bell metal classical andirons, the urn finials over Doric column shafts standing on socle plinths with scalloped bases and standing on cabriole leg...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$5,500 / set
American Empire Pier Mirror, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
An early Empire giltwood pier mirror with rope twist split column, flower basket and leaf blocks with acorn spherules and original mercury glass, c.1815-1840.
29 inches wide by 5 ¼...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Pair of Antique Louis XVI Style Giltwood Wall Sconces with Eagles
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Antique Louis XVI Style giltwood wall sconces
Additional information:
Materials: Wood
Color: Gold
Period: early 19th century
Place of Origin: France
Styles: Federal
...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Pair of Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th Century Antique Pair of Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis with stylized form, caned seats, and splay legs, c1830...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique American Federal Eagle Walnut Side Table, Mid 19th Century
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautiful American colonial or Federal style walnut and giltwood candle stand or side table featuring a hand carved eagle
USA, Mid 19th Century
Measures: 24"W x 12"D x 22.25"H.
...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Giltwood
Antique Two Tier Wash Stand in Original Green Paint
Located in Southampton, NJ
A single drawer two tier wash stand with dovetail joinery & original green paint. Circa mid 19th century. Additional dimensions: lower shelf: 7" H / table top: 29.25" H.
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Pine
$1,795 / item
Mid-19 Century Federal Mahogany With Inlay Table
Located in Charleston, SC
This handsome English mahogany server, c. 1850, features a narrow, rectangular surface over an apron outfitted with 2 drawers having beautiful hardware. The whole rests upon square t...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
$1,987 Sale Price
25% Off
Antique American Federal Period Mahogany One Drawer Drop Leaf Table c. 1830
Located in Westfield, MA
Step into a world of classic American elegance with this Antique American Federal Period Mahogany One Drawer Drop Leaf Table, crafted around 1830. This piece is a sterling example of...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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 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 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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