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
Gillinder & Sons Washington Bust, 1876
By Gillinder & Sons
Located in Savannah, GA
A Gillinder & Sons milk glass portrait bust of George Washington for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia.
3 ½ inches wide by 3 ¼ inches deep by 6 inches tall
Category
1870s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Milk Glass
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
Saginaw Vintage Expandable Pullout Buffet Table
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on "Read More About This Item" below.
Shipping Quote Information
The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all...
Category
1950s Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Walnut Corner Cupboard
Located in Essex, MA
With arched opening flanked by fan carved spandrels and columns. Three shaped shelves over a cabinet door.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
American Federal Gilt Eagle Convex Mirror with Acanthus & Shell Pendant, C. 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
Monumental Period American Federal gilt wood and gesso convex mirror with a central spread winged Eagle perched to flee on rocky plinth, upper flanking scrolled acanthus foliage, in...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Ebony, Giltwood, Pine, Mirror, Gesso
19th Century 39 Star American Flag, circa 1889
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century 39 Star American Flag, circa 1889, a printed linen ensign with 39 stars arranged in a wavy star pattern, with stripes in a very unusual elongated form. This was never an...
Category
1880s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Linen
Antique Arch Top Transom Window
Located in Greenwich, CT
Rescued from an estate outside of Boston, MA this antique arch top transom window adds an architectural feast to your space. The window has its original...
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass, Wood
19th Century New England Tilt-Top Tripod Table
Located in Vero Beach, FL
New England Federal tilt-top tripod table tiger maple, circa 1810
Beautiful American tripod tilt-top candle stand table. It was created during the Federal era...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
Extraordinary Pair of Fine Period Federal Inlaid Mahogany Console Tables
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very rare and extraordinary Pair of Antique Inlaid Consoles from New England and saiid to be from the Boston area.
Exquisite construction with D shaped tops and fine string inlays on the apron panels and Curly Maple inlaid panels in the center and diamond shapes on the tops of the legs. Raised on square tapering legs with string inlays.
Provenance: The Table Pair were previously owned by the American Actress Dina Merrill...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Maple
Miniature Example Mahogany Bureau Bookcase
Located in Huntington, NY
Cabinet makers sample.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Chest of Drawers in West Indies Mahogany, Baltimore, circa 1835
Located in Miami, FL
From the Federal period, a very beautiful American Neoclassical chest of drawers in fine West Indies mahogany with two overhanging small drawers supported by turned and reeded column...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Ca. 1820 Federal Era Trompe L'oeil Painted Chest
Located in Peabody, MA
American Federal era chest of drawers in its original trompe l’oeil mustard painted finish, ca. 1820.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair Antique Federal Brass & Wrought Iron Lemon Top Andirons C1810
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote***
Pair Antique Federal Brass & Wrought Iron Lemon Top Andirons C1810
Measures- 24"H x 10.5"W x 24.75"D
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Early 19th-C. Federal Style Faux Tortoise Eglomise Trumeau Mirror
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a wonderful piece! Firstly, it should be noted that it may even be as early as the later part of the 18th century. Note the simplicity of the trumeau that depicts a single pi...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Federal Massachusetts Cuban mahogany dining table
Located in Seaford, GB
Massachusetts Cuban mahogany dining table
Period: Federal
Date: 1810
Place of Manufacturer: Salem, Massachusetts
Made of: Cuban Mahogany
Conditio...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Etched Brass Federal Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of federal andirons in polished brass with decorative urn and leaf etching to front faces, having turned finials and spurred knees to legs with well-formed ball and eagle talo...
Category
1880s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
George Washington Portrait
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of a portrait painting of an American President titled " George Washington"
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Ash
Fine Bench Made Carved Mahogany Serpentine Front Dovetail Drawers Vanity Desk
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Fine Bench Made Carved Mahogany Serpentine Front Dovetail Drawers Vanity Desk Dressing Table.
The discoloration spot is under the finish, finish ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Federal Style Mahogany Sideboard Credenza Buffet
Located in West Hartford, CT
Elegant Federal sideboard that features a gracefully curved front, complemented by ornate brass hardware that accentuates its rich mahogany finish. Its six dovetailed drawers offer ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
18th Century Four Post Mahogany Bed, Likely Charleston 'converted to queen'
Located in Richmond, VA
Great 18th century period four post mahogany bed, likely Charleston. Great quality hand carved feathers and ring turnings on posts.
Has been converted to fit a queen size mattress.
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Hankel-Harris Pull Out Desk Table Secretary 4 Drawer Bachelor Chest Dresser MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Hankel-Harris Pull Out Desk Table Secretary 4 Drawer Bachelor Chest Dresser MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Baker Furniture Federal Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard Credenza, circa 1940s
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal style sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet
By Baker Furniture,
USA, circa 1940s
Mahogany, with satinwood string inlay, mirrored backslash, and original...
Category
1940s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century American Hand Carved Gilded Pediment Eagle
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th century American hand carved gilded pediment eagle.
Antique decorative hand carved and gilded wooden pediment eagle. The expressive sculpture w...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Vintage Persian Shiraz Afghani Rug with Modern Colonial and Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
76878, vintage Persian Shiraz Afghani rug with modern colonial and federal style 11'09 x 16'03. Traditional and regal with brilliant color, this hand-knott...
Category
Late 20th Century Afghan Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Large American Federal Style Eagle Wood Carved Two-Light Sconce
Located in Vero Beach, FL
This wood carved and gold gilded antique sconce features a majestic eagle with spread wings beneath a tied bow. The candle arms are of patinated scrolled brass and very finely detail...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique John Targee 19th Century American Coin Silver Salver Marked IT
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine early American signed salver.
In coin silver.
Marked I.T.
Attributed to John Targee of New York.
In the form of a large thick-gauged plate with a beaded rim supported by 3...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Silver
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
Federal Mahogany and Birch Inlaid Secretary/Desk sq
Located in Water Mill, NY
Federal Mahogany and Birch inlaid secretary/desk with contrasting veneers and
bone pulls.
Category
1790s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Birch, Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Giltwood Convex Girandole Mirror
Located in Essex, MA
Period American Federal convex girandole mirror of monumental size. Giltwood with original gilding and mirror. New York.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Antique Federal Period Mahogany Sheraton Deck Top Chest of Drawers c. 1820
Located in Westfield, MA
A stunning Federal period Sheraton deck-top chest of drawers, crafted in rich mahogany and dating to circa 1820, this piece showcases the elegance and symmetry characteristic of earl...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Baker Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard Credenza Cabinet MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard Credenza Cabinet MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th-20th Century Federal Style Crest Mirror
Located in Manhasset, NY
19th-20th century Federal style crest mirror. In a very fine water gilt bamboo form frame. The reflection from a hanging chandelier is what is appearing a...
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror
Duke of Wellington Portrait
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of a portrait painting titled "Duke of Wellington" showing him in red military uniform
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Paint
Vintage Sheridan Federal Style Mahogany Wood Tilt Top Accent Side Tea Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Sheridan Federal Style Mahogany Wood Tilt Top Accent Side Tea Table. Item features a round tilting top, tripod pedestal base, solid wood construction. Circa Mid 20th Century....
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Classical Federal Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine pair of American classical Federal andirons, having urn finials over Doric column shafts standing on square plinths with scalloped base, over shaped legs having spurred knees an...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
American Federal Wingback Chair with Blue Upholstery
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Federal period mahogany American wingback armchair in blue upholstery. In very good condition and nicely re-upholstered. Structurally sound and comfort...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Brass Urn & Wrought Iron Federal Style Branch Leg Fireplace Andirons
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Add a touch of classic American elegance to your hearth with this striking pair of 20th-century Federal-style fireplace andirons. Each andiron features a beautifully detailed engrave...
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Pair of Antique Early 19th Century Federal Giltwood Wall Sconces with Eagles
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of antique early 19th century federal giltwood wall sconces with eagles.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
American Queen Anne Curly Maple Drop Leaf Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very attractive early Federal Queen Anne Curly Maple Drop leaf table with a great aged color and patina on an older refinished surface. Looks ...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
John Nicholl Federal Tall Case Clock
By John Nicholl
Located in New York, NY
Federal Tall Case Clock
Made and Signed by John Nicholl, (1784-1862)
Belvidere, New Jersey Circa 1825
Primary Wood: Mahogany, Mahogany Ven...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Maple
Custom Hand Crafted Federal Style Mahogany Triple Pedestal 15 Ft. Dining Table
Located in West Hartford, CT
Elevate your dining experience with this extraordinary custom 15-foot mahogany dining table that was commissioned 25 years ago for $48,000 and masterfully handcrafted by renowned Con...
Category
Early 2000s American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Oval Light Burl Wood Banded Inlayed Federal Style Center Coffee Table MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Oval Light Burl Wood Honey Amber Tone Banded Inlayed Federal Style Center Coffee Table MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Burl
American Mahogany Oval Banded Top 3x16" Leaves Dining Banquet Table MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American Mahogany Oval Banded Top 3x16" Leaves Dining Banquet Table MINT.
3x16” leaves with an extended table length of 86”
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Set of 6 American Federal Hitchcock Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 6 American Federal Hitchcock style black painted side chairs with floral decoration on back.
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
American Chippendale Mahogany Chest
Located in Queens, NY
American Chippendale style mahogany chest on chest cabinet with 7 drawers below 3 shell carved small drawers with flame form finials and broken pe...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Large Vintage Federal Style Vintage Mahogany Sideboard Buffet with Tapered Legs
Located in Elkton, MD
Vintage mahogany inlaid tapered leg buffet with original finish and gorgeous brass details, dovetail construction.
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 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 standing on olive branches and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Virginia Metal Crafters Federal Style Polished Brass Dolphin Fireplace Tool Set
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite set of Federal Style Polished Brass Dolphin Fireplace Tool Set by Virginia Metal Crafters. Excellent vintage condition.
Vir...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Mahogany Marble Top Satinwood & Ebony Inlaid Console, C. 1790
By Thomas Seymour
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany marble top console table with a molded edge top, carved floral corner medallions, ebony and satinwood banding, and resting on ebony inlaid tapered legs with the original brass barrel cupped casters. Console table retains the original marble top, Late 18th century. Attributed to Thomas Seymour...
Category
1790s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Marble
American Mahogany Card table
Located in Huntington, NY
American Federal Mahogany Inlaid & Figural 5-legged Games Table Card table with gate leg on
The shaped rectangular top above an Oval Inlaid Frieze with Flower medallions
on square t...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Mahogany Federal Work Table with Barley Twist Legs on Casters, C. 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany Federal two drawer hinged work table with a ratcheted white pine writing surface, fitted interior for ink wells, original brass sandwich glass knobs, lower connecti...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
A Federal Style Cherry Spider Leg Candlestand
Located in Savannah, GA
An American federal style cherry spider leg tilt top candlestand, late 19th, early 20th century.
22 inches wide by 15 inches deep by 27 ½ inches tall; 40 inches tall tilted upright
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
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
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
19th Century Federal Style Console Tables, Mahogany, Opposing Eagles, Marble
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pair of 19th Century Federal Eagle Carved Console Tables, Marble Tops, Carved Solid Wood
These tables, with their elaborate boule inlays, sculptural eagles, and opulent materials, w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Marble
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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