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
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
Early 20th Century Federal Style Iron and Brass Fireplace Insert
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th Century Federal Style Iron and Brass Fireplace Insert. Measures 22.5" in width, 11.5" in depth and 20.75" in height.
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Very Fine Carved Bleached Mahogany Camel Back Compact Sofa Stretcher Base 1960s
By Baker Furniture Company, J. Horner
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Custom Designed Floral Pattern Carved Bleached Mahogany Camel Back Compact Sofa Stretcher Base 1960s
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Theodore Alexander Mahogany Arm Chair
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Vintage Theodore Alexander Mahogany Arm Chair. Featuring a shield back design, two curved arms, a federal Hepplewhite style leg, accent carvings, original decor...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany
Kindel Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Sideboard Credenza With Brass Gallery
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Hepplewhite or Federal style sideboard, buffet, or credenza
By Kindel Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Mahogany, with satinwood inlay, and original brass hardware and gallery...
Category
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Architectural White Paint Decorated Pediment Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and very Architectural form Pediment mirror in white paint with fluted panels flanking the mirror and decorated with egg and dart and craved ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Set of 4 Spaulding Federal-Style Sterling Silver Mint Julep Cups
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 Federal-style sterling silver mint julep cups. Made by Spaulding & Co. (part of Gorham) in Chicago, ca 1920. Each: Straight and gently tapering sides and molded rims. A wond...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
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
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
$750 Sale Price
21% Off
Rothermel “The United States Senate, A.D. 1850” Henry Clay Compromise Engraving
Located in Savannah, GA
Peter F. Rothermel
(American, 1817-1895)
A steel engraving depicting the United States Senate and Henry Clay’s Compromise of 1850.
Published in Philadelphia in 1855 by John M. Butl...
Category
1850s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
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
$11,450 Sale Price
21% Off
Federal Style Oversized Architectural Elements as Garden Trellises - One of Four
Located in Nashua, NH
One of a set of four matching over sized glassless window frames originally holding 25 glass panes that were acquired from a 1790 Federal home. Someone with Yankee ingenuity took the...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood, Hardwood, Paint
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 d...
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Satinwood
Oval Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
One of the most complicated items that we produce at Niagara furniture our Oval Partners Desk is also one of the most popular. The top section of the desk consists of a three-paneled...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
$5,035 / item
Antique Mahogany Compact 20x35 Writing Table Console Desk Side Drawer Leather
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Antique Mahogany Compact 20x35 Writing Table Console Desk Side Drawer Leather
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Mahogany Pembroke Table
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal (Mid-19th Century) mahogany Pembroke table with re-entrant cornered top above a frieze drawer, an acanthus-carved stem & legs with lions paw feet & casters.
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Neoclassic Adam Federal Style Window Bench as Found
Located in New York, NY
Nice Adam (Federal) style bench with tapestry fabric top (worn). This example will need to be reupholstered, it is structurally sound and sturdy, a...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Full Size Pencil Inlaid Mahogany Federal SideBoard Server Buffet by Baker MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Full Size Pencil Inlaid Mahogany Federal SideBoard Server Buffet by Baker MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Brass Hunneman Andirons with Tapered Bodies and Ball Finials, Circa 1880
Located in New York, NY
AFP0561
A pair of andirons in their original aged brass and blackened iron finish, after a pattern by the Boston maker William Hunneman having tapered bodies topped with ball finials...
Category
1880s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
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
Baker Furniture Federal Mahogany and Satinwood Flip-Top Console or Game Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style flip-top console or game table
By Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Mahogany, with beautiful satinwood banding and inlaid marquetry.
Measur...
Category
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
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
Reverse Painting on Glass of George and Martha Washington by W. M. Prior
By William Matthew Prior
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th century reverse painted on glass portrait of George and Martha Washington by William Matthew Prior (1806 - 1873), one of New England'...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Demi Lune One Drawer Mahogany Console Entry Hall Table MINT
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Demi Lune One Drawer Mahogany Console Entry Hall Table MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Alabaster End Tables or Plant or Display Collums
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Alabaster end tables or plant or display collums.
Hand carved highly figured Alabaster made in Italy.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Alabaster
$4,800 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
$4,675 / item
Pair Of American Brass Steeple Top Andirons
Located in Essex, MA
Steeple top newly polished. Ball feet.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
$1,450 / set
Late 18th/Early 19th Century American Tilt-Top Table
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 18th/early 19th century American tilt-top table is a graceful survivor of early American furniture, crafted from solid mahogany with a round top made from a single board—an...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
$3,800 / item
Antique Mahogany Tilt Top Federal Sheraton Pedestal Base Side Tea Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Mahogany Tilt Top Federal Sheraton Pedestal Base Side Tea Table. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: (Flat): 29.5" H x 24" W x 19.75" D (Top).
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Federal Eagle Carved Gilt Wall Sconces, Two Lights, 19th Century
Located in Manhasset, NY
A fine pair of two-light wall sconce. Each ribbon form in the Federal taste having gilt tassels and bow design with ebonized hi lights. Both depicting a winged eagle in flight. Hard...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
$1,625 Sale Price / set
43% Off
Pair of Early 19th Century Federal Hepplewhite Mirrors with Pineapple Finals
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of American Federal Hepplewhite Mirrors with Pineapple Finials. Wonderful pediment shaped eglomise panels with floral gilt. Gilded balls and columns. A true pair. Possibly Al...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
13-Star Flag Waver for the Centennial Celebration
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This small charming 13-star flag waver was made for and sold during the nation’s Centennial celebration in Philadelphia in 1876. All manner of flags were made for the official Centen...
Category
1870s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Pair of American Federal Male and Female Oil Painting Portraits
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of gilt framed oil painting portraits of a 19th Century man and lady.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Very Fine Custom c1940s Bubble Glass Drop Front Butlers Desk Break Front MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Custom c1940s Bubble Glass Drop Front Butlers Desk Break Front MINT.
Phenomenal quality piece of furniture, fine detail low key inlay decorations.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Glass, Mahogany
Pair Mid-Century Century Red Oak Pressback Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair Mid-Century Century Red Oak Pressback Armchairs.
Great vintage condition
Measures 24" in width, 22" in depth and 43" in height. Seat height is 18"
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Oak
Matched Pair Of Federal Mahogany Servers
Located in Essex, MA
Each with a rectangular top over a long drawer and a pair of small drawers all with wood knobs surrounding an arched apron. All flanked by reeded carving and each with circular taper...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$8,500 / set
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
Federal Style Crotch Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
Located in Germantown, MD
A Federal Style Mahogany Secretary Bookcase, Circa 1950s.
Size is 38" wide, 16" deep and 69" tall.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Antique American Federal Gold Giltwood Overmantle 66" Triple Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Federal Gold Giltwood Overmantle 66" Triple Mirror. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: 25" H x 66.5" W x 4.75" D.
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
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
Antique American Federal Gilt Carved Overmantle Triple Mirror with Gold Eagle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Federal gilt carved overmantle triple mirror with gold eagle. Item featured is an Impressive item, gold gold gilt carved eagle pedim...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany
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
$4,800 / set
Vintage American Federal Mahogany Beveled Glass Broken Arch Fretwork Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage American Federal Style Mahogany Beveled Glass Broken Arch Fretwork Wall Mirror. Item features beveled glass, beautiful wood grain, carved fretwork, quality American craftsman...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, 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
19th Century Federal Eglomise Decorated Wall or Table Mirror
Located in Manhasset, NY
19th century federal eglomise decorated wall or table mirror having a wonderfully gilt decorated frame under an eglomise glass panel depicting a baske...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
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
Federal 2 Drawer Huntboard, Serving Table
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An elegant and simple mahogany two drawer huntboard server. The rich mahogany with satinwood edge, with polished brass handles. the table with nicely turned legs and brass castors.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
$3,900 / set
Currey And Company Creslow Decorative Blanket Chest Cabinet
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Currey And Company Creslow Decorative Blanket Chest Cabinet
Dimensions : 33h x 18d x 48w
This chest was made by Currey And Company and is called their Creslow Decorative cabinet....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Antique Miniature Portrait on Bone with Fitted Case 14-Karat Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Dating from the late 17th century and done in the Federalist style, this finely detailed and well executed hand painted miniature portrait on bone of a period nobleman can be worn as...
Category
Late 17th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold
Antique Late Federal Flame Mahogany Chest of Drawers c. Late 1830s
Located in Westfield, MA
This exquisite Late Federal period chest of drawers, dating from the late 1830s, is a stunning example of American craftsmanship. The c...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Baker Furniture Style Federal Cherry Wood Sideboard Buffet
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style sideboard, buffet, or credenza
In the manner of Baker Furniture
By Tom Seely Furniture
USA, Late 20t...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Mahogany Bow Front Floral Satinwood Inlaid Sideboard Circa 1770
Located in Charleston, SC
American federal mahogany bow front sideboard with satinwood sunburst floral inlaid outset corners, centered baized lined drawer with two flanking baiz...
Category
1770s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Giltwood Banjo Clock
Located in Essex, MA
Typical form signed Willard on the reverse glass. Boston State house on lower panel. Brass eagle finial. Not currently working but can be.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Metal
Leather Bound Ledger Magazine Holder Italian, 1950s
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Large footed leather bound "Ledger" magazine holder.
Holds a dozen or so of your favorite design magazines while looking fabulous as a decor object.
Plywood construction wrapped in p...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Furniture
Materials
Plywood
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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