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
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
Vintage Federal Style Triple Pedestal Drop-Leaf Dining Table, circa 1940s
Located in Germantown, MD
Very practical Vintage Federal Style Triple Pedestal Drop-Leaf Dining Table.
Triple pedestal terminating with antique brass lion paw feet. Original...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Fine Norfolk, VA Federal mahogany sideboard
Located in Charleston, SC
Fine early 19th century American Federal period mahogany sideboard from Norfolk, Virginia. The sideboard features
carved leaf and rosette motifs over spiral turned legs and button f...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Mahogany Tall Bookcase
Located in Annville, PA
A highly functional and decorative two part Mahogany Tall Bookcase cabinet resting on shaped bracket feet. Large doors without lattice work allow for fu...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Large Mahogany Credenza
Located in Annville, PA
Decorative and functional this great quality four part Large Mahogany Credenza from Niagara Furniture can solve a lot of your storage and display needs either at home or in the workp...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Mahogany Credenza
Located in Annville, PA
This Mahogany Credenza matches a number of other items in the Niagara Furniture office collection. The credenza utilizes three part construction, the top and two pedestals separate f...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Silver Pewter Metal Federal Style Urn Finial Fireplace Tool Set - 4 Pcs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Silver Pewter Metal Federal Style Urn Finial Fireplace Tool Set - 4 Pc Set. Item featured set includes 3 tools and 1 stand, pewter finish, very nice vintage set. Circa Mid 20...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
19th Century American cherry one drawer stand with turned legs and feet
Located in Charleston, SC
Great little 19th Century American cherry one drawer stand with turned legs, feet and 2 board top
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Very Fine Antique Secretary Bookcase with Brass Eagle Crest
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Well constructed with fine mahogany veneer with Federal style brass eagle finial on a pedestal. The carved cornice with urn form finials over a carv...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Glass, Mahogany
Vintage Ferguson Bros Federal Curved Glass Mahogany Wall Hanging Curio Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
A Vintage wall hanging Federal style display cabinet with a rounded curved glass front, mirrored interior and three shelves, topped with a scrolled pediment and three trophy shaped f...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Very fine early 19th center Portsmouth, NH federal inlaid sideboard
Located in Charleston, SC
Very fine early 19th century Portsmouth, NH federal inlaid sideboard. Impressive inlays , fine quality crotch veneers, inlaid turrets with sand shading, beautifully turned legs.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Elegant Satinwood Display Cabinet On Stand
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A delicate and light colored Cabinet with decorative Federal elements. The cabinet in fine satinwood with broken bonnet crest and carved cornice. The double doors with cross-banded m...
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Satinwood
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
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
Virginia MetalCrafters Federal Style Polished Brass and Steel Fire Tool Set
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite set of Federal Style Polished Brass and polished stee Fireplace Tool Set by Virginia MetalCrafters. Excellent vintage condition. Cast brass polished and polished steel....
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Caldwell Federal Style Eagle Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s gilt bronze federal style double arm sconces. Available in silver plate
Category
1920s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Solid Cherry Multi Compartment Drop Front Secretary Desk w/ Drawer File Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Cherry Multi Compartment Drop Front Secretary Desk w/ Drawer File Cabinet
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
American Federal Girandole Ebonized Eagle Gilt Wood Foliage Convex Mirror C 1800
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal girandole gilt wood and gesso convex mirror with a central ebonized eagle perched to flee with ball and chain, flanking double acanthus foliage medallion candle arms...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gesso, Mirror, Ebony, Giltwood
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
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
Versatile Early American Federal Harvest Dining Table or Space Saving Demilunes
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Early 19th century American Federal extending harvest dining table comprising two demilunes and two attached leaves. This rich walnut table is a versatile piece: it may be used as an...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Kindel Furniture Federal Satinwood and Mahogany Inlaid Marquetry Tea Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal style occasional side table or tea table
By Kindel Furniture
USA, Late 20th Century
Satinwood and mahogany, with inlaid marquetry.
Measures: 29"W x 22"D x 29"H...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
American Federal Grain Painted and Stenciled Tall Clock by Rufus Cole
Located in Essex, MA
A Rare and Complete American Federal Tall Case Clock. Riley Whiting Wooden Works, original. A Rufus Cole Grain-Painted and Stenciled Case. S...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Pine
1920's Eagle Caldwell Silver Plated Sconces Federal Style
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell federal style silver plated sconces with eagles
Category
1910s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Baltimore Federal Classical Silver Ladle by Gould & Ward
Located in New York, NY
Federal Classical silver ladle. Made by Gould & Ward in Baltimore, ca 1820. Upturned fiddle terminal engraved with script monogram. Marked “Gould & Ward Baltimore” with “11-12”, whic...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Silver
1930's Half-Moon Drop-Leaf Federal Coffee Table
Located in Burbank, CA
Antique coffee table for sale. Special table that has a half-moon shape and has leaves on either side that extend out. Great design, and in great vintage condition. Made of mahogany ...
Category
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Eagle Design Gilt Bronze Sconces With Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930's Eagle design gilt bronze sconces with convex mirrored backplate, one light
Category
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Walnut Round Drum Center Side Table Stand w/ Drawers Johnson Furniture Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Walnut Round Drum Center Side Table Stand w/ Drawers Johnson Furniture Mint!
Amazing burl walnut wood pattern top!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
1930s American Federal Inlaid Mahogany 3-Part Banquet Table
Located in Germantown, MD
An amazing 1930s American Federal Inlaid Mahogany Three Part, 14 legs Banquet Dining Table . Measures 126" in width, 48" in depth and stands 30.5" tall. Detach this table to have two large demilune...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique 19th Century American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 colonies around the inside ...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood, Mirror
Classical American Federal Gondola Sleigh Bed in Mahogany, Philadelphia, c. 1830
Located in Miami, FL
An exquisite classical American gondola sleigh bed in fine West Indies mahogany from the Federal period in Philadelphia, circa 1830. Inspired by the aesthetic ideals of ancient Greek & Roman furniture popularized during the Empire & Federal period, this sleigh bed features shaped sideboards with an out-scrolled headboard...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Mahogany Sideboard
Located in Annville, PA
An ideal sideboard for use in smaller spaces in the dining room the Federal Mahogany Sideboard is also designed to work with almost any deco...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Midcentury Federal Design Highball Cocktail Glasses, Set of 5
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful set of five (5) highball cocktail glasses in the Federal style, circa mid-20th century, USA. Gold eagle and shield are font/center, flanke...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass
American Chippendale Federal Mahogany And Parcel Gilt Constitution Mirror
Located in Free Union, VA
A fine ca. 1780’s American Chippendale Federal wall mirror with a scrolling “broken pediment” which flanks a central pedestal holding a Ho Ho bird with outstretched wings standing on...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Giltwood
1930s American Federal Mahogany And Satinwood Inlay Drop-Leaf Dining Table
Located in Germantown, MD
For your consideration is this large drop-leaf dining table measuring 78" in width, 48" in depth and 30.5" in height. This unusual drop leaf table with comfortably accomodate 10+ peo...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
Early 20th Century Federal Style Gilt Decorated Eagle Pediment Frame Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th Century Federal Style Gilt Decorated Eagle Pediment Frame Mirror. Measures 20.5" in width, and stands 45" tall.
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood, Wood, Mirror
American Federal Drop Leaf Dining Table in West Indies Mahogany New York, c 1820
Located in Miami, FL
A handsome American Federal or Empire Pembroke table in fine West Indies mahogany with two drop leaves. This period breakfast table is supported by a reeded, vase-turned column on a ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rare Harold Ionson Seymour Federal Demilune Birdseye Commode Console Cabinet
By Thomas Seymour
Located in Dayton, OH
A rare and impressive commode by Harold Ionson. Made of birdseye maple, satinwood and Honduras mahogany, featuring a half round / bow front with four drawers, two side cabinets, brass paw / claw feet and superb sunburst / starburst top with nautical sea shell and cartouche theme. Includes silverware insert by EJ Victor.
A total of nine of these Reproductions from the original were made over the course of a decade by Ionson and team. And although nearly 200 years separate the pieces, Thomas Seymour’s (1771–1848) demilune commode in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and its modern-day re-creation by Harold Ionson can each deservedly be deemed masterworks of the highest order. Over the past twelve years, Ionson—perhaps the last of the Colonial Revival craftsmen who trained in the 1930s—has made nine re-creations of the original Federal commode made by Seymour in 1809.
“I always loved the piece,” says Ionson, “but the museum wasn’t selling.” His admiration led to hours of thorough study of the museum’s commode. He observed every nuance of its design, then made sketches and even casts of details before embarking on his own version.
“The most difficult part was finding the right figures for the veneers,” says Ionson, “but I found superb quilted bird’s-eye maple, satinwood, and Honduras mahogany.”
Ionson achieved such a sublime work of craftsmanship because he had few constraints. Unlike Seymour, Ionson possessed the luxury of time, modern machinery, and a greater selection of available woods (except ash). The work of both men, however, is distinguished by ingenuity and skill. Part of the challenge of the re-creation was to figure out just how Seymour made the piece, maintain its artistic integrity, and keep to the original’s exact measurements. The execution of the commodes took barely 10 percent of Ionson’s time; mostly he planned, designed, and invented needed tools for precise fabrication, such as a hand-built jig.
The top of the re-created commode features a sunburst of alternating mahogany and satinwood veneers emanating from a lunette of shells painted in oil by Jonathan L. Fairbanks, curator emeritus, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Fairbanks replicated the original by John Ritto Penniman (1782–1841). Courtesy of Harold Ionson.
Ionson thought of everything—from humidity’s effects on structural stresses to drawers popping open—when he considered innovations to the commode’s construction. His additions to the original design include hickory spring...
Category
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple, Mahogany, Satinwood
American (Philadelphia) Mahogany Pembroke Table with Marlborough Feet
Located in Free Union, VA
A richly colored mahogany Pembroke table with unusual cross stretchers between the chamfered square legs. The drop-leaf top has attractive timber with some nice fiddle back patterning. Good antique condition with a few restorations: a slender splice repair in the top along with stress separations over the hinges, doweling and later batons (not visible under the top) added to reset the hinges from beneath. Replaced brass pull of appropriate form. Good even finish. Provenance: Philip Bradley...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Biggs Old Sturbridge Village Federal Mahogany Spider Leg Candle Stand
Located in Dayton, OH
Biggs Furniture Old Sturbridge Village Collection Federal Candle or Sculpture Stand, circa last half 20th century. Made from mahogany with an Octagonal inlaid and crossbanded top ove...
Category
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Stickley Solid Dark Cherry Panels Full Size Headboard
Located in Germantown, MD
A federal style, solid dark cherry full size Headboard in very good condition by Stickley. Measures 61.5" in width and stands 42.25 inches tall.
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Baker Furniture Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs
By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston" Collection
USA, circa Late 20th century
Solid carved m...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Down Filled Tassels Blue & Gold Upholstery Turned Legs Chaise Lounge MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Down Filled Tassels Blue & Gold Upholstery Turned Legs Chaise Lounge MINT!
All redone like new c.1920s
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair Large 19th C. American Federal Empire Brass Curtain Tie Backs.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Pair Large 19th C. American Federal Empire Brass Curtain Tie Backs.
An elegant pair of American Empire floral motif curtain tie backs. Large, 5 Inc...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
1920's Silver Plated Caldwell Traditional Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell silver plates sconces, traditional style.
Category
1910s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Harvin 1019 Cast Iron Hessian Soldier Fireplace Andiron Firedogs & Poker
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Harvin Company cast iron firedogs / andirons, design number 1019 in the shape of 18th century style Hessian soldiers with removable supports. Also includes a fire poker and m...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Iron
Set Eight (6+2) 19thc. American "Gothic Chippendale" Carved Mahog, Dining Chairs
Located in Charleston, SC
Exceptional Quality set of Eight (six sides, two arms) Antique American hand carved and pierced mahogany "Gothic Chippendale" style Dining Chairs with chamfered straight, moulded leg...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Boston Lyre Games Table Attrib. Thomas Seymour & Thomas Wightman, c 1815
By Thomas Seymour
Located in Miami, FL
A very fine Federal card table attributable to renown Boston cabinetmaker, Thomas Seymour (1771-1848) with carvings likely by Thomas Wightman (1759-1827), Boston, circa 1815. The top...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Flame Mahogany Banded Serpentine Front 6 Legged Console Table MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Federal Flame Mahogany Banded Serpentine Front 6 Legged Console Table MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique Federal Style Mahogany & Gold Gilt Eagle Wall Mirror
Located in Charlotte, NC
An antique Federal style wall mirror, unbranded. Mirror glass in a mahogany frame with gold gilt, decoratively carved throughout, gold escutcheon ornamentation to center of top & bot...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Paint, Mirror
Individual Glass Pane Double Doors Pencil Inlay Flame Mahogany Show Case
Located in Rockaway, NJ
C. 1920s flame mahogany individual glass panes double doors display cabinet curio showcase.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Semi-Post Pale Mahogany Federal Full Size Bed
Located in Germantown, MD
A Semi-Post Pale Mahogany Federal Full Size Bed in very good co dition.
Measurs 54"W x 80"D x 67"H
Headboard height is 47.5" and 67" to the top of the posters, footboard height is...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Mahogany Banded Pembroke Drop-Leaf Large Side Tables, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of American Federal Dark Mahogany Banded Pembroke Drop-Leaf Large Side Tables in good vintage condition measuring 38" Wide (20"Wide folded) X 29.5" deep x 27.25" tall. A ve...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Federal Style Extra Long Hall Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Federal Style Extra Long Hall Bench
An elegant vintage federal style carved wood frame triple hall bench with 10 legs.
This hall bench is being sold in its original conditi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Antique Federal Style Wooden Fireplace Mantel
Located in Sheffield, MA
A handsome example of an unusually large American Federal Period wooden fireplace mantel. The wood does show aged wear. Use it as is for added charact...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Empire Pier Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
Early Empire Mahogany Pier Table with the original marble. Nicely carved hairy paw feet sitting under the turned crotch Mahogany veneered columns under a banded inlay frieze. Old, po...
Category
Early 19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
2 Antique Chelsea Porcelain Staffordshire Miniature Confetti Spaniel Dog Anchor
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of antique Chelsea Porcelain miniature 18th century Staffordshire figurines in the shape of brown spotted King Charles Spaniels or poodles....
Category
18th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Two American Mahogany Late Federal Style Side or End Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Two Late Federal Style Side Tables. Mahogany with beautiful New England carved and tapered legs. No drawers.
This similar pair were adapte...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique 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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