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
Returnable Items Only
Early 20th Century Vintage Federal Style Pembroke Table - a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
Exquisite pair of inlay mahogany pembroke tables featuring squared tapered legs on casters. This pair of pembroke tables will immediately eleva...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of 4 Drawer Banded Top Demi Lune Consoles Dressers Brass Drop Pulls MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of 4 Drawer Banded Top Demi Lune Consoles Dressers Brass Drop Pulls MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Crotch Mahogany Individual Glass Pains Door Drop Front Secretary Breakfront MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Crotch Mahogany Individual Glass Pains Door Drop Front Secretary Breakfront MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Barbara Barry Style Mahogany Dining Chairs by Hickory Chair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome set of six mahogany dining chairs featuring a generous seat and round back in the style of Barbara Barry. Made by Hickory Chair with fluted or reeded legs in the front. The ...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique 18th Century Pine Wall Hanging Corner Cabinet With Painted Blue Interior
Located in Peabody, MA
An 18th century New England hanging pine corner cupboard ca. 1760 with a Prussian-blue arched interior and paned glass doors.
Category
Mid-18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Pine, Paint
Kindel Furniture Federal Banded Mahogany Extension Dining Table, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Regency style extension dining table
By Kindel Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Gorgeous book-matched mahog...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
All Rosewood Double Glass Doors Adjustable Shelves Pull Out Desk Secretary MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
All Rosewood Double Glass Doors Adjustable Shelves Pull Out Leather Top Desk Secretary MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Henredon Burl Walnut Round Center Lamp Side Occasional Table Stand Shelves Mint!
By Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Henredon Burl Walnut Round Center Lamp Side Occasional Table Stand Shelves Mint!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Stickley Furniture Federal Mahogany Inlay Sideboard Credenza Buffet
Located in West Hartford, CT
Elegant Stickley inlaid mahogany buffet from the Colonial Williamsburg Collection. Features stunning bell flower and oval inlay on tapered legs.
Sides have star inlay. It has two lo...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Compatible Bronze Bouillotte Table, Desk Lamps, Tole
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Compatible Bronze Bouillotte Table Lamps, Tole
The set having matching shades and finials with compatible bases, one urn form and one column form. Both are bronze having bro...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
Large Courthouse Eagle Globe Lamp
Located in Peekskill, NY
This lamp features a 16 inch diameter milk glass globe. I think thats the largest globe we have ever offered and it does make a statement. The decorative elements definitely say muni...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass
Pair of Early 20th Century Federal Brass and Iron Andirrons
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair Early 20th Century Federal Brass and Iron Andirrons. Measuring 8" in width, 18" in width and 21.5" in height.
Recently repolished
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Large Honey Dark Amber Brown Burl Walnut Square Two Tier Coffee Table Wheel MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large Honey Dark Amber Brown Burl Walnut Square Two Tier Coffee Table Wheel MINT
Category
20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Colonial Mfg Co Beige Painted Tall Case Federal Style Grandfather Clock
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Colonial Mfg. Co Beige Painted Tall Case Federal Style Grandfather Clock. Item features a working lock and key, includes all parts pictured. Very ...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
American 44 Star Flag, circa 1891
Located in Nantucket, MA
Rare Antique American 44 Star Flag, circa 1891, marking admission of Wyoming as a state in 1891. This was an official flag of the United States for only five years, making it one of ...
Category
1890s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Muslin
Federal Cherry One Drawer Stand With Inlay American
Located in Hudson, NY
Federal cherry, inlaid one drawer stand, first quarter 19th century likely Connecticut. The rectangular mahogany cross-banded and geometric inlaid top with birdseye maple, mahogany a...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Pine, Birdseye Maple, Cherry, Mahogany
Small Burled Penhurst Bookcase
Located in Annville, PA
The Niagara Furniture Small Burled Penshurst Bookcase with two shelves. The burled cornice is beautiful and adds a sense of depth to the upper area of the case while hand carved acan...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th C. Federal Style Gilt Wood Mirror w/ Eagle & Cornucopias
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
19th century federal style mirror, hand carved and intact, two cornucopias filled flanking either side of the eagle.
Classic design element of the federal period (much like the con...
Category
1880s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Plaster
American Federal Style Carved Mahogany Queen Size Poster Bedstead
Located in Germantown, MD
An American Federal Style carved Mahogany Queen size Bedstead in great vintage condition. Measures 63.5" in width, 89" in depth and 88" in height to the top of the urn finials. Head...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Baker Furniture Federal Mahogany and Satinwood Demilune Cabinet, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet or sideboard
By Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Flame mahogany, with satinwood banding and inlay, and original brass ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Regency Style Six-Arm Bronze Swan Decorated Chandelier
Located in Stamford, CT
A regency style six-arm bronze swan decorated chandelier. This six-arm chandelier depicting swans chained to a centre ball decorated with a ebony finish. The whole supported by a set...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
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
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
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
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
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
19th Century Federal Eagle Gilt Wood Bullseye Mirror
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Federal Eagle Round Gilt Wood Frame Mirror. The frame consists of 15 round balls framed by garlands and flowers with an eagle with wide spread wings atop of frame.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
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
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
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 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
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 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 Bow Front Hepplewhite Chest
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very nice and clean Federal Mahogany Hepplewhite chest with cock beaded drawers and resting on a tall French foot. Very good condition ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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