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
Seymour School Federal Mahogany Bowfront Chest with Birdseye Maple Drawer Fronts
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of a Seymour School Federal mahogany four drawer chest of drawers with turret reeded corners, conforming top, birdseye maple veneer drawer fronts with cross banded mah...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Cast Brass Hearth Bench Fireplace Trivet / Stool, circa 1840s
Located in Germantown, MD
Federal Style cast and polished brass hearth bench or trivet with a pierced floral top, pierced floral border skirt, and terminating on cabriole leg...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
20th Century Federal Regency Style Eagle Bullseye Rondel Wall Mirror 42"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Federal Bullseye mirror, circa last quarter 20th century. Features a gold gilt reeded frame surrounded by balls along the center with ...
Category
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror
Antique English Federal Style 3 Part Mahogany Executive Partners Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique English Federal Style 3 Part Mahogany Executive Partners Desk
This Antique English Federal Style 3 Part Mahogany Executive Partners Desk exemplifies timeless elegance and f...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Assembled Set Of Six Federal Style Mahogany Upholstered Dining Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite set of Assembled Set Of Six Federal Style with fine carvings and inlays Mahogany Upholstered Dining Chairs. With quality orange and beige upholstery. Measurements:
1) 4 larger chairs are 21" in width x 22" in depth x 36" in height with Seat Height 18"
2) 2 smaller chairs...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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
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
Vintage Louis Phillipe Mahogany Drop Front Desk High Chest of Drawers
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful warm highboy dresser with drop-front secretary. Leather embossed writing surface with 3 drawer storage. Perfect size with versatility for an apartment or stately home. Rich...
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood, Birdseye Maple
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
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
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
Mahogany Federal Style Crotch Mahogany Brass Pulls 7 Drawers High Chest Dresser
Located in Rockaway, NJ
MINT Mahogany Federal Style Crotch Mahogany Brass Pulls 7 Drawers High Chest Dresser
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
1840 Map of the City of Washington Published by William M. Morrison
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This map, printed in 1840, is a detailed representation of Washington, D.C. in the mid-19th century. The map shows block numbers, wards, and government buildings as well as details o...
Category
1840s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
Fine Oval Banded Top Inlayed Yew Wood Pull Out Tray Side End Table Night Stand
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Fine Oval Banded Top Inlayed Yew Wood Pull Out Tray Side End Table Night Stand
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Yew
Federal Lyre Base Card Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very nice Federal Mahogany Lyre / harp base card table 1800-1815. Original surface with an excellent color and patina on the nicely figured solid Cuban Mahogany one board canted ...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
MINT Brass Gallery Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard Thomasvill
Located in Rockaway, NJ
MINT Brass Gallery Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard Thomasville
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 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
Distressed Antique Persian Joshegan Rug, 10'11 x 12'10
Located in Dallas, TX
52558 Antique Persian Joshegan Rug, 10'11 x 12'10. Antique-washed Persian Joshegan rugs refer to rugs that have undergone a washing process to give them an aged or antique appearance...
Category
Early 20th Century Turkish Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
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
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
Antique Federal Faceted Brass Cannonball Branch Foot Cast Iron Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Federal Faceted Brass Cannonball Branch Foot Cast Iron Andirons - a Pair. Item features a large impressive size, ball and claw branch feet, great original patina, faceted can...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
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
Early 19th Century Portrait of Naval Captain William Compton Bolton
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early 19th Century Portrait of Naval Captain William Compton Bolton (Anglo-American: 1799 - 1849), circa 1830s, an oil on canvas half-length portrait of a sea captain holding a spygl...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Travis Court Collection Drexel Cabinet
By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, TX
Travis Court Drexel buffet
Georgian style mahogany buffet cabinet featuring 3 drawers and shelving below. Brass pulls.
Measures: 36" Width x 18" De...
Category
1960s North American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Corinithian Column Plaster Architectural Study Objet D’art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A plaster study of a corinthian column. Marked in pencil “American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, PA.” Rough unsealed plaster patina.
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Plaster
Antique Biggs Federal Parcel Gilt Mahogany Three Panel Overmantel Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Biggs Federal Style Parcel Gilt Mahogany Three Panel Over mantel Wall Mirror. Item features a horizontally oriented three-panel mahogany over mantel mirror with scrolling ped...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany
Beacon Hill Collection Federal Style Banded Mahogany Nightstand
By Beacon Hill
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal style single drawer occasional side table or nightstand
By Beacon Hill Collection
USA, mid-20th century
Mahogany, wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Painted Chinoiserie Two Doors Server Cabinet by Drexel
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
Fine Antique Upholstered Armchair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A particularly refined Antique Armchair with soft honey tone wood and elegant form. With a tall shaped crest rail and carved sloping arm supports. Raised ...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Henredon Federal Flame Mahogany Bow Front Bookcase, Credenza, or Console Cabinet
By Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style sideboard credenza, bookcase, console cabinet, or bar server
By Henredon
USA, Circa Late 20th Century
Gorgeous book-matched flame mahog...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Quality Pair Antique Brass Cannonball Andirons
Located in Bridgeport, CT
With cannonball tops on ring shaped supports mounted on scrolled legs with ball feet. The curved back long iron stand with ball finials.
Dimensions: H. 21", W. 12 3/4", Depth 19"
C...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
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
Low Profile Kidney Shape Burl Wood Compact Desk Writing Table Vanity MINT Italy
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Banded Inlayed Top Carved Legs Low Profile Kidney Shape Burl Wood Compact Desk Writing Table Vanity Made in Italy Italy.
Category
20th Century Italian Federal Furniture
Materials
Burl, Walnut
American Federal Floral Painted Settee
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal floral painted Hitchcock style settee with roll back
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Waldorf Astoria Morgan Suite Federal White Wood Mantel
Located in New York, NY
Federal style mantel in a contemporary production of white painted wood and decorated with floral bouquets and swags. This mantel was acquired from the Morgan Suite of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. This mantel is one of the available matching pairs. The matching mantel was acquired from the Carnegie Suite of the Waldorf Astoria NYC...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Charak Mahogany Inlaid Individual Bubble Glass Butlers Desk Breakfront Cupboard
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Charak Mahogany Inlaid Individual Bubble Glass Butlers Desk Breakfront Cupboard Mint.
Numbered and Dated cabinet by the manufacturer.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Inlaid Mahogany Bookmatched Veneer 26" Round Top Lamp Side Occasional Table MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Inlaid Mahogany Bookmatched Veneer 26" Round Top Lamp Side Occasional Table MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Eulogies and Orations on the Life and Death of General George Washington, 1800
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Paine, Thomas, et al. Eulogies and Orations on the Life and Death of General George Washington, First President of the United States of America. Boston: Manning & Loring, 1800. First...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Paper
Neoclassical Directoire Style Beige Leather Top Crotch Mahogany Tepered Leg Desk
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Compact Neoclassical Directoire Style Beige Leather Top Crotch Mahogany Tepered Leg Desk MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage Boho Brass Cuff Pediment Mirror
Located in west palm beach, FL
Embrace boho-chic charm with this vintage brass cuff pediment mirror. Its striking brass frame, featuring a unique cuffed pediment design, adds a bold, eclectic vibe to your decor. P...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
American Mahogany and Cherry Stenciled Gilt Hinged Game Table, PA. Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany and cherry hinged game table with a one board top, central carved floral basket, stenciled gilt turned ringed center column, and resting on scrolled acanthu...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Mahogany Églomisé Barley Twist and Acorn Wall Mirror, C. 1815
Located in Charleston, SC
American federal mahogany églomisé wall mirror with decorative carved acorn and barley twist motif. Mirror retains the original looking glass and wood backing, Early 19th century.
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paint, Pine, Mahogany, Mirror
Federal Style Mahogany Chest of Drawers with Lift Top
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal style 19th century mahogany chest of drawers with 2 lower drawers above dummy drawers having a lift top with replaced brass...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Charak Lacquered Mahogany Banded Round Dining Table w/ 2 Leaves Inlaid Legs Mint
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern solid teak pull out roll top desk drawers chair mint.
Two table leaves measuring 18''.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Mahogany Side Table with Fitted Interior Desk on Casters, 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal Mahogany one drawer side table with fitted interior desk, walnut diamond escutcheons, original four wooden knobs, and resting on turned bulbous ringed legs with the original brass casters. Secondary wood consist of white pine and tulip poplar...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Kindel Furniture Federal Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid Marquetry Console Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style console table, sofa table, or serving table
By Kindel Furniture, "Winterthur" Collection
USA, Late 20th Century
Mahogany, with inlaid satin...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Terra Cotta Federal Eagles 'Pair'
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Early antique federal eagles [pair] beautiful glaze. ca 1900, came from an antique collectors personal collection, you can see a repair on one of the eag...
Category
Early 20th Century French Federal Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Pair of Petite Cut Glass Crystal Decanters, C1930
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous petite pair of cut glass crystal decanters in excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Not cloudy or stained. Some wear to bottom edge.
Category
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Lovely Federal Mahogany and Marble Vanity with Bronze Details
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant mahogany Federal style antique vanity table having gorgeous bronze details and white marble top. There's a single drawer and two mini si...
Category
19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Marble
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 Antique Sandwich Glass Whale Oil Lamps c. 1820
Located in Westfield, MA
This elegant pair of early 19th-century Sandwich Glass whale oil lamps is a striking example of American craftsmanship from the 1820s. The lamps feature a delicate etched floral desi...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass
American Federal Style Flag with Brass Pole and Stand
Located in Queens, NY
"American Federal-style (19/20th Century) bronze eagle base flag pole with eagle finial and flag.
The fringed army flag has been replaced with a sta...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Federal Wing Chair
Located in New York, NY
Federal Wing Chair
Massachusetts Circa 1790
Primary Wood: Mahogany
Secondary Woods: Maple, Birch, White Pine
Height: 45 1/2 inches
Wid...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Maple, Pine
Pair of Mirrored Wall Sconces with Stars
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of antique raw metal Federal style wall sconces with classic convex mirrors and star burst tops all in a chic tight form. As seen in th...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Metal
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 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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