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Federal Furniture

FEDERAL STYLE

Following the Revolutionary War, the American republic referenced the Roman Republic in its designs to celebrate its independence and declare itself a powerful new country. Imbued with neoclassical elements like those being promoted by architect Robert Adam in Great Britain, antique Federal-style furniture was the first distinctly American style in its melding of ancient influences, European aesthetics and national pride.

Dating roughly from 1790 to 1830, the style featured angular furniture with saber legs and smooth surfaces that contrasted with the curvy Rococo style that was previously in fashion. Eagles were common ornamental motifs on Federal-period furniture, as were cornucopia, lyres, garlands and scrolls, adding subtle flair to pieces characterized by clean lines, geometric symmetry, balanced shapes and a sense of grandeur.

Instead of sculptural carvings, authentic Federal-style furniture was adorned with inlays and patterned veneers that showcased the rich character of different grains and types of wood. As social life tended to be informal in the young country, furniture was often lightweight, so it could be easily rearranged in a drawing room or bedroom. Pieces like dining tables with drop leaves and sideboards became popular, replacing larger chests of drawers.

The Federal style varied by region: Artisans in Charleston, South Carolina, decorated chairs with carved backs, for instance, while those in Baltimore, Maryland, preferred painted details. Its major proponents included father-and-son cabinetmakers John and Thomas Seymour in Boston, Duncan Phyfe and Charles-Honoré Lannuier in New York and Samuel McIntire in Salem, Massachusetts.

Find antique Federal tables, mirrors, storage cabinets and other Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

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Style: Federal
Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Trestle Drop Leaf Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Trestle two drawer Drop Leaf Table. Measures 56.25" in width with leaves open, 36.25" in width ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Stickley Solid Cherry Panels Full Size Headboard
Located in Germantown, MD
A federal style, solid cherry full size Headboard in very good condition by Stickley. Measures 56.5" in width and stands 42.25 inches tall.
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Kittinger Colonial Williamsburg Federal Mahogany Tilt Top Table Candle Stand
Located in Dayton, OH
A Federal style mahogany candlestand by Kittinger, circa 1970s. Williamburg Restoration Line. Features a rectangular top with serpentine edge over a baluster turned base with cabriol...
Category

1970s Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

1920s Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid Federal Style Fold-Top Console or Card Table
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th century Mahogany and satinwood Inlaid Federal style Fold-Top Console or Card Table in very good antique condition. Measures 36" in width, 17" in depth folded and 34" i...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Federal Style Marble Coffee Table
Located in Pasadena, TX
Federal Style marble coffee table. Oval table in mahogany with white marble top. Carved Federal style legs. Dimensions: 34" x 22" x 18".
Category

Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Marble

Federal Style Marble Coffee Table
Federal Style Marble Coffee Table
$796 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Federal Style Figured Mahogany Huntboard with Brass Hardware
By Colonial Williamsburg Licensed Reproduction Co. 1
Located in Morristown, NJ
Early 20th c., Federal Style huntboard made from rich mahogany and featuring classic design elements that reflect high-quality craftsmanship. The table is crafted from solid mahogan...
Category

1910s American Vintage 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

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

Antique American Mid Atlantic States Federal Style Sideboard/ Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful American Federal style sideboard with a shaped bow front and darker banding. The top edge has string inlay framed moldings, The figured wood frieze drawer with fine brass b...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

American Federal Mahogany and Inlaid Sideboard
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a small, but sophisticated American Federal inlaid mahogany bow front breakfront sideboard. The top has a straight edge over a central drawer and central tambour cabinet door...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique 19th Century 4 Drawers Pull Out Tray Flame Mahogany Bachelor Chest Brass
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Antique 19th Century Federal Style 4 Drawers pull out tray flame mahogany bachelor chest brass Pulls Dovetail Drawers.
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Federal Style Inlaid Mahogany Fold-Top Console Table, Circa 1920s
Located in Germantown, MD
An early 20th Century fold-top mahogany console table with satinwood inlays. Measures 36" in width, 17" in depth and stands 29".
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

Vintage Cast-Iron Eagle Sculpture, Early 20th Century
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a cast-iron figural eagle doorstop, circa early 20th century. The eagle is depicted with wings spread wide, perched and mounted to a square marble base. The eagle retains traces of its original gilt surface and is embossed with “F.O.E.” at its midsection, possibly referring to the Fraternal Order of Eagles.   The eagle is both the national bird and the national animal of the United States. The eagle motif has been widely used throughout American history, most notably as part of our Great Seal. The founders of the United States were fond of comparing their new republic with the Roman Republic, in which eagle imagery, usually the golden eagle, was prominent. On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the design for the Great Seal of the United States...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Marble, Iron

American Federal Period Chest of Drawers, Circa 1800
Located in Doylestown, PA
A Federal period chest of drawers in mahogany with a deep top drawer decorated with satinwood inlay, over 3 smaller drawers on simple f...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

1960's Hollywood Regency Federal Style Wingback Chairs - a Pair
Located in Burbank, CA
Pair of vintage wing chairs for sale. From the 1960's, and very high-quality chairs. The seats have coil springs, and the seat cushions are down filled. Incredibly solid construction...
Category

1960s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

19th C Crotch Mahogany Federal Drop Leaf Breakfast Dining Table with Drawer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique 19th century Crotch Mahogany federal drop leaf breakfast dining table w/ drawer. Item Drop leaf sides, twin carved legs, (1) faux drawer, (1) dovetailed drawer, rolling caste...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Polished Brass Mail Slot and Door Knocker
Located in Sheffield, MA
Add a touch of vintage antique charm to your entry front door with this "Two-in-One" brass mail slot and door knocker. Ready to mount. Screws not inclu...
Category

20th Century North American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Antique American Federal Bullseye Wall Mirror
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty early 19th Century American federal bullseye wall mirror hand crafted in wood having a carved eagle holding a ball and chain at the top perched ...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Plaster, Wood

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

Fine and Rare Early 19th Century Kentucky Cherry Huntboard
Located in Richmond, VA
Fine and rare Federal period Kentucky cherry huntboard. Three crossbanded drawers sitting over 6 rope twisted legs and turned feet. Fine example of the period. Purchased estate fresh...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Near-Pair Set of American Federal Card Tables
Located in New York, NY
A set of two Federal mahogany folding card tables. Handcrafted circa 1825. They are a near-identical pair with the legs varying slightly in...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

Very Fine Carved Bleached Mahogany Camel Back Compact Sofa Stretcher Base 1960s
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

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 eagle s...
Category

20th Century North American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

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

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

Vintage Brandt Flip Top Piano Style Small Wooden Writing Desk Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage brandt flip top Piano style small wooden writing desk table. Item features rolling casters, flip top, lower shelf stand, original label, very nice vintage item, quality Ameri...
Category

Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Trumeau Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Trumeau Mirror with hand painted on board perched eagle with yellow background. Measures 21.5" tall and 11" in width.
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany, Paint

Federal Style Wood Fireplace Mantel
Located in Sheffield, MA
19th Century American white painted fireplace mantle with strong molding and handsome detailing. Dimensions of opening: 32.45" w x 29.13" h
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

The Life of George Washington by Jared Sparks, Later Printing, 1854
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Sparks, Jared. The Life of George Washington. Auburn and Buffalo: Miller Orton & Mulligan, 1854. Later printing. Two volumes in one. Octavo. Rebound in 1/4 brown leather and cloth boards, with gilt titles, tooling, and raised bands. New archival cloth slipcase. Presented is a later edition of Jared Sparks’ esteemed biography, The Life of George Washington. First published in 1839, Sparks’ The Life of George Washington is one of the earliest and most intimate biographies of our first President. This printing was published in Auburn and Buffalo by Miller Orton & Mulligan, in 1854. Impressively detailed, the biography is embellished with 14 engraved plates of portraits, views, and battle plans...
Category

1850s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather, Paper

Mid-20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Bowfront Bachelor Chest of Drawers
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautifully hand-rubbed refinished Mid-20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Bowfront Bachelor Chest of Drawers. Measures 36.25" in width, 19.5" in depth and stands 32" in height. Bo...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Yew Wood Banded Two & One Drawer End Tables Nightstands Tapered Leg MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Yew Wood Banded Two & One Drawer End Tables Nightstands Tapered Leg MINT
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Yew

Painted Chinoiserie Two Doors Server Cabinet by Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Double door chinoiserie style small credenza server cabinet by Drexel Heritage.
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Federal-Style Mahogany Bow-Front Sideboard With Carved Backsplash and Brass Hard
Located in Elkton, MD
The sideboard features detailed carvings on the back panel and three drawers with original brass hardware. It stands on fluted legs with spade feet and includes a curved backsplash t...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

19th c American Cherry Two Part Step Back Cupboard w/Tiger Maple Drawer Fronts
Located in Milford, NH
A fine cherry two part step back cupboard, its upper case with a molded cornice surmounting a center three panel window, flanked by two glazed glass doors which open to a light blue ...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass, Cherry, Maple

Kindel Dining Chairs Shield Back Model 76-082
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Set of 6 Kindel Hepplewhite...
Category

1980s Vintage 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

Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany Striped Upholstered Chairs, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany chairs with striped Upholstery. Very good vintage condition. Chairs have been reupholstered down the road. Measure 17" in width, 20" in depth and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Stickley Federal Solid Cherry Wood Pembroke Tea Tables, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal style Pembroke nightstands, end tables, or tea tables By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, late 20th century Solid cherry wood, with original brass hardware...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

1829 "Declaration of Independence" Draft, Engraved by Charles Toppan
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This historical and rare item celebrates one of the most influential writers, politicians, and American Revolutionary figures, Thomas Jefferson. Featured is a four-page facsimile ste...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Paper

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

Federal Style Gilt Eglomise Mirror
Located in Savannah, GA
A Federal style gilt eglomise mirror with neoclassical scene, 20th century. plate: 23 ½ by 33 ½ inches overall: 31 ½ by 47 ¼ inches
Category

Late 20th Century North American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

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

Fine 19th Century American Federal Period Mahogany Sofa
Located in Richmond, VA
Fine 19th century American federal period mahogany sofa on 6 turned and carved legs. Beautifully done, the arms and back rails are reeded and there are little rosettes carved where t...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Federal Style Mahogany Two Drawer Work Stand
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique Federal style mahogany end table with two shallow working drawers on front and faux drawers on verso, each with two brass kno...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Classical Italian Giltwood Figural Bullseye Wall Mirror with Eagle 1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Classical Italian figural bullseye mirror offers giltwood construction with eagle or phoenix crest over convex mirror having double scroll form arms terminating in candle ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood, Mirror

Pair of Tall Solid Brass Harvin Co. Federal Style Andirons
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Federal style andirons made from high quality cast brass pieces assembled. Tall and elegant in excellent vintage condition with...
Category

1950s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique Mahogany Demilune Flip Top Console Game Table with Hidden Drawe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Mahogany Demilune Flip Top Console Game Table with Rear Drawer. Item features a hidden pull out rear drawer with hand dovetail, flip top, nicely carved details, beautiful woo...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Heriringbone folding Table
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
This is a beautiful example of a master furniture maker. The inlay is on both sides of this table that opens up to a 38 inch round table with a sli...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

Mahogany Federal Style Silver Chest by Henkle Harris
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mahogany Federal Style Silver Chest by Henkle Harris. The medium colored mahogany with a burl center panel with lift up top to reveal several felt fitted drawers for silver flatware...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Loyal Papeete Brown Leather Fire Ice Bucket Brass Eagle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Loyal Papeete brown leather fire ice bucket brass eagle. Item features leather wrapped frame, brass eagle finial, wooden lid, fire brigade decal, ...
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Federal-Style Inlaid Mahogany Sideboard Buffet With Tapered Legs
Located in Elkton, MD
Federal style inlaid mahogany sideboard with tapered legs and dovetailed drawers. Features two center drawers and side compartments. With its original key—a remarkable specimen of ti...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Mid 20th Century Federal Style Brass Fireplace Tools Set
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid 20th Century Federal Style Brass Fireplace Tools Set. Included in the set are the stand, a broom, a shovel and combined tongue and pocker. Please inquire about the Matching pair...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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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