Skip to main content

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.

to
65
825
817
18
4
201,917
119,533
45,406
34,967
17,083
12,521
11,571
10,934
10,138
9,093
7,515
7,010
6,876
6,759
6,715
6,069
4,839
3,816
51
335
431
22
81
123
81
4
6
5
4
10
7
10
9
20
1
652
405
290
232
119
666
656
34
27
14
839
833
833
36
10
6
5
5
Style: Federal
Pair Mid-20th Century Federal Style Canon Ball Brass Fireplace Low Andirons
Pair Mid-20th Century Federal Style Canon Ball Brass Fireplace Low Andirons

Pair Mid-20th Century Federal Style Canon Ball Brass Fireplace Low Andirons

Located in Germantown, MD

A pair of Mid-20th Century Federal Style Canon Ball Brass Fireplace Andirons Please inquire about the Matching Fireplace Fender and fire place tools set available in our inventory in...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal Style Parcel Gilt Decorated Mahogany Frame Mirror
Federal Style Parcel Gilt Decorated Mahogany Frame Mirror

Federal Style Parcel Gilt Decorated Mahogany Frame Mirror

Located in Germantown, MD

A Federal Style Parcel Gilt Decorated Mahogany Frame Mirror in great vintage condition. Measures 21" in width and 44" in height

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood

Extraordinary Pair of Fine Period Federal Inlaid Mahogany Console Tables
Extraordinary Pair of Fine Period Federal Inlaid Mahogany Console Tables

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

Early 19th Century Federal Bold Tiger Maple Drop Leaf Dining Table
Early 19th Century Federal Bold Tiger Maple Drop Leaf Dining Table

Early 19th Century Federal Bold Tiger Maple Drop Leaf Dining Table

Located in Milford, NH

A Federal tiger maple drop leaf dining table with bold wood grain, tapered square legs terminating with brass casters, and dovetailed construction. Very good overall condition, with...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Mahogany Wood Federal Style Credenza / Sideboard
Antique Mahogany Wood Federal Style Credenza / Sideboard

Antique Mahogany Wood Federal Style Credenza / Sideboard

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Elevate your dining space with this exquisite Early 19th Century Mahogany Wood Federal Style Sideboard/Credenza with a charming backsplash over a shaped top. Crafted in the distingui...

Category

1820s Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Mid-19 Century Federal Mahogany With Inlay Table
Mid-19 Century Federal Mahogany With Inlay Table

Mid-19 Century Federal Mahogany With Inlay Table

Located in Charleston, SC

This handsome English mahogany server, c. 1850, features a narrow, rectangular surface over an apron outfitted with 2 drawers having beautiful hardware. The whole rests upon square t...

Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Large Federal Carved Giltwood and Eglomise Overmantel Mirror
Large Federal Carved Giltwood and Eglomise Overmantel Mirror

Large Federal Carved Giltwood and Eglomise Overmantel Mirror

Located in Bradenton, FL

A Large and Rare Federal Carved Giltwood and Eglomise Overmantel Mirror. Mirror is flanked by double gilded columns on each side, with mirrored inserts that enhance the sense of dept...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

American Federal Mahogany “Martha Washington” Lolling Armchair ca. 1800
American Federal Mahogany “Martha Washington” Lolling Armchair ca. 1800

American Federal Mahogany “Martha Washington” Lolling Armchair ca. 1800

Located in Shippensburg, PA

AMERICAN FEDERAL INLAID-MAHOGANY LOLLING "MARTHA WASHINGTON" ARMCHAIR Massachusetts, ca. 1780-1800 purchased from Bernard and S. Dean Levy, Inc. of New York in 1966 Item # 401JNI25P...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Very fine early 19th center Portsmouth, NH federal inlaid sideboard
Very fine early 19th center Portsmouth, NH federal inlaid sideboard

Very fine early 19th center Portsmouth, NH federal inlaid sideboard

Located in Richmond, VA

Very fine early 19th century Portsmouth, NH federal inlaid sideboard. Impressive inlays , fine quality crotch veneers, inlaid turrets with sand shading, beautifully turned legs. Pr...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Southern Walnut Hinged Two Drawer Inlaid Sugar Chest, VA C 1820
American Federal Southern Walnut Hinged Two Drawer Inlaid Sugar Chest, VA C 1820

American Federal Southern Walnut Hinged Two Drawer Inlaid Sugar Chest, VA C 1820

Located in Charleston, SC

American Federal Southern walnut hinged top sugar chest with oval string inlays, two flanking drawers with brass pulls, central diamond escutcheons, and resting on the original turne...

Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century American Federal Style Brass Fireplace Tools Set of 6
Mid-Century American Federal Style Brass Fireplace Tools Set of 6

Mid-Century American Federal Style Brass Fireplace Tools Set of 6

Located in Germantown, MD

Six piece set Mid-Century American Federal Style Brass Fireplace Tools, include a 46.5' Blo Poke tool. Stand is 32" tall.

Category

Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

American Federal Mahogany Tall Case Clock, Silas Hoadley, CT, Circa 1820
American Federal Mahogany Tall Case Clock, Silas Hoadley, CT, Circa 1820

American Federal Mahogany Tall Case Clock, Silas Hoadley, CT, Circa 1820

By Silas Hoadley

Located in Charleston, SC

American Federal mahogany one day tall case clock with the original brass ball finials resting on three carved upper capitals, decorative intertwined fret work, arched hood with bras...

Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Set of 10 American Silver Bicentennial Plates of Historical Moments
Set of 10 American Silver Bicentennial Plates of Historical Moments

Set of 10 American Silver Bicentennial Plates of Historical Moments

Located in Queens, NY

SET of 10 American Mid-Century pewter Bicentennial plates of historical moments each having a different scene in relief (PRICED AS SET

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Pewter

Etched Brass Federal Andirons
Etched Brass Federal Andirons

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 Mahogany and Leather Flip Top Demilune/Game Table by Weimann
Federal Style Mahogany and Leather Flip Top Demilune/Game Table by Weimann

Federal Style Mahogany and Leather Flip Top Demilune/Game Table by Weimann

By Weiman

Located in Chicago, IL

Federal Style Mahogany and Leather Flip Top Demilune/Game Table by Weimann Elegant Federal style flip-top demilune game table by Weimann featuring a beautifully grained mahogany ext...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany Striped Upholstered Chairs, a Pair
Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany Striped Upholstered Chairs, a Pair

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

Federal Mahogany Inlaid Sofa
Federal Mahogany Inlaid Sofa

Federal Mahogany Inlaid Sofa

Located in Westwood, NJ

A fine Federal mahogany inlaid sofa with an arched camel back, with scroll arms on six legs, the beautifully upholstered cushion backrest, seat, and arms ...

Category

1790s North American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Regency Federal Gilt Eagle Mirror
Vintage Regency Federal Gilt Eagle Mirror

Vintage Regency Federal Gilt Eagle Mirror

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Make a commanding statement of historical elegance with this stunning vintage Regency Federal style gilt mirror, proudly dated "NOV 11 1958" on its reverse. Dominated by a proudly perched eagle, a quintessential symbol of strength and heritage, this piece features a circular frame adorned with classic ball detailing and ornate, flowing acanthus leaf carvings. The rich gilt finish exudes an old-world opulence, transforming this mirror from a mere reflective surface into a captivating work of mid-century artistry. It's an exceptional choice for gracing an entryway, becoming a focal point above a mantel in a distinguished living room, or adding a touch of gravitas to a traditional or Hollywood Regency inspired office. In great vintage condition, this authentic 1958 mirror...

Category

1950s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

19c Shield Back Inlaid Mahogany Chairs (Pair)
19c Shield Back Inlaid Mahogany Chairs (Pair)

19c Shield Back Inlaid Mahogany Chairs (Pair)

Located in Houston, TX

A pretty pair of Federal Inlaid Mahogany Shield Back Side Chairs, 19th century. Detailed carvings. 35.25" H, 20.5" W, Depth of seat 16.5", Seat height, 17" In good condition having...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

"Georgius Washington" Engraving by Giuseppe Longhi, 1817
"Georgius Washington" Engraving by Giuseppe Longhi, 1817

"Georgius Washington" Engraving by Giuseppe Longhi, 1817

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Presented is a handsome engraved portrait of George Washington by Italian artist Giuseppe Longhi. Titled “Georgius Washington” this engraving was published in Padua, Italy in 1817. The composition is based on a drawing by Longhi himself, but certainly influenced by the Gilbert Stuart and John Trumbull portraits. Washington is depicted in a head and shoulders pose, with his chest to the left but his head angled to the right. He wears a dark coat and vest and a white shirt and ruffled cravat. The father of our country, George Washington was the commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War (1775-83) and served two terms as the first United States president...

Category

1810s Italian Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Paper

Brunschwig and Fils Boscobel Restoration Medford Inn 1804 Hand-Printed Wallpaper
Brunschwig and Fils Boscobel Restoration Medford Inn 1804 Hand-Printed Wallpaper

Brunschwig and Fils Boscobel Restoration Medford Inn 1804 Hand-Printed Wallpaper

By Brunschwig & Fils

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Brunschwig and Fils Boscobel Restoration Medford Inn 1804 hand-printed wallpaper. Very unusual paper - it is marked as custom hand-printed for the Boscobel Restoration, Inc. with a copyright date of 1977. The Boscobel Restoration is a rebuilt historic mansion (see images 9 and 10) in Garrison, NY using salvaged parts of an original Federal-period home that was demolished in the 1950s. This is a historic pattern, marked on the paper as "Medford Inn, 1804" and a registered design of the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities. The Medford Inn (see image 11) was built in 1804 and became known as a well-known hotel located on Main Street in Medford, Massachusetts. The design of the paper hearkens back to Roman tradition of wall decoration, with a trompe l’oleil effect that mimics ornate panelling and stone inlay. As per the this paper was also produced in a brown colorway and is part of the Digital Public Library of America and Historic New England...

Category

Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Paper

American Federal Relief Carved Mahogany Card Table, New York, circa 1810
American Federal Relief Carved Mahogany Card Table, New York, circa 1810

American Federal Relief Carved Mahogany Card Table, New York, circa 1810

Located in Stockton, NJ

American Federal relief carved mahogany card table. The double-elliptical crotch mahogany book-matched veneered hinged top above a central pedestal with foliate and swag carved detail terminating on four fluted cabriole legs and brass lion paw cups on casters. This card table is illustrated in "Four Centuries of American Furniture" Oscar P. Fitzgerald, pp.93 " The richly grained mahogany top takes a double-elliptic shape. The top rotates to rest on the skirt, which encloses a storage space for game equipment...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Kindel Furniture Federal Mahogany Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished
Kindel Furniture Federal Mahogany Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished

Kindel Furniture Federal Mahogany Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished

By Kindel Furniture

Located in South Bend, IN

A beautiful Federal or Hepplewhite style extension dining table By Kindel Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Gorgeous book-matched banded mahogany, with satinwood string inlay. Measures:...

Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Monumental Traditional Brass Curved Glass 12 Light Foyer Cylindrical Chandelier
Monumental Traditional Brass Curved Glass 12 Light Foyer Cylindrical Chandelier

Monumental Traditional Brass Curved Glass 12 Light Foyer Cylindrical Chandelier

By Frederick Cooper

Located in Jensen Beach, FL

A monumental mansion size solid brass and curved glass cylindrical foyer chandelier. This light fixture is extremely large with a striking presence. The photographs truly do not do it justice. It features 12 candelabra sockets with black accents around the top and bottom rim and gold metal decorative filigree decorations. . The fixture comes with a heavy duty chain and ceiling cap. The glass curves around the perimeter and adds a touch of elegance. (Chain and wire measure 37 inches long) What an elegant traditional chandelier...

Category

1980s Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal Corner Cupboard in Early Yellow Paint with Glazed Doors & Barrel Back
Federal Corner Cupboard in Early Yellow Paint with Glazed Doors & Barrel Back

Federal Corner Cupboard in Early Yellow Paint with Glazed Doors & Barrel Back

Located in Milford, NH

A fine example of a one piece Federal period New England corner cupboard with a barrel back , a molded cornice with dentil molding surmounting two upper case glazed glass multi-panel...

Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass, Pine

Antique American Federal Cherry Stand
Antique American Federal Cherry Stand

Antique American Federal Cherry Stand

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A classic American Federal stand here in cherry. With an overhanging square plank constructed top over a single frieze drawer with a small metal knob pull. Raised on square tapering ...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Pair of American Federal Male and Female Portraits
Pair of American Federal Male and Female Portraits

Pair of American Federal Male and Female Portraits

Located in Queens, NY

PAIR of American 19th Century gilt framed oil painting portraits of lady holding book and man with white rolled up paper

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Paint

Kindel Dining Chairs Shield Back Model 76-082
Kindel Dining Chairs Shield Back Model 76-082

Kindel Dining Chairs Shield Back Model 76-082

$3,196Sale Price / set|20% Off

Kindel Dining Chairs Shield Back Model 76-082

By Kindel Furniture

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

Painted Chinoiserie Two Doors Server Cabinet by Drexel
Painted Chinoiserie Two Doors Server Cabinet by Drexel

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

Antique John Burger New York Federal Classical Silver Teapot
Antique John Burger New York Federal Classical Silver Teapot

Antique John Burger New York Federal Classical Silver Teapot

Located in New York, NY

Federal Classical coin silver teapot. Made by John Burger in New York, ca 1790. Straight and oval with long diagonal spout; silver-mounted high-looping and leaf-capped stained-wood h...

Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Silver

Connecticut Mahogany Slant Front Desk, c.1800
Connecticut Mahogany Slant Front Desk, c.1800

Connecticut Mahogany Slant Front Desk, c.1800

Located in Savannah, GA

A Connecticut mahogany slant front desk on french feet with original 15 star eagle pulls, circa 1800. Some provenance and notations with dates on lopers. Friction fit interior door....

Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal style Mahogany and Gold Wall Mirror
American Federal style Mahogany and Gold Wall Mirror

American Federal style Mahogany and Gold Wall Mirror

Located in Queens, NY

American Federal style mahogany and gold trim wall mirror having an arched top and a gold urn finial placed in the center of the arch

Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Gold

Vintage French Empire Federal Style Small Brass Bouillotte Tole Desk Table Lamp
Vintage French Empire Federal Style Small Brass Bouillotte Tole Desk Table Lamp

Vintage French Empire Federal Style Small Brass Bouillotte Tole Desk Table Lamp

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage French Empire Federal Style Small Brass Bouillotte Tole Metal Table Lamp with Shade and Eagle Finial. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 20" H (to finial) x 12.5" H (to li...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

American Regency-Style Perched Eagle Acanthus Giltwood Wall Mirror
American Regency-Style Perched Eagle Acanthus Giltwood Wall Mirror

American Regency-Style Perched Eagle Acanthus Giltwood Wall Mirror

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Substantial Federal-Style mirror featuring inset glass (not convex) within a deep, gilt resin frame adorned by an eagle perched on laurel at the top and acanthus detail below (ca. Mi...

Category

1960s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

Federal Style Inlaid Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Federal Style Inlaid Mahogany Chest of Drawers

Federal Style Inlaid Mahogany Chest of Drawers

Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL

An elegant Federal-style mahogany chest of drawers, featuring a beautifully figured top centered by an oval satinwood and contrasting wood inlaid patera, framed by a crossbanded bord...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Floral Painted Settee
American Federal Floral Painted Settee

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

Upholstered Window Seat Bench
Upholstered Window Seat Bench

Upholstered Window Seat Bench

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A delightful small bench with wonderful transitional, Federal, and Louis XVI charm. The bench is upholstered in woven fabric with gently rolled arms, piped trims, and a brass tacked ...

Category

20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Federal Gray Enamel Mahogany Bedside Chest of Drawers
Mid Century Federal Gray Enamel Mahogany Bedside Chest of Drawers

Mid Century Federal Gray Enamel Mahogany Bedside Chest of Drawers

Located in Germantown, MD

A Mid Century Federal Style Gray Enamel Mahogany Bedside Chest of Drawers. Drawers open and close very smoothly. Measures 21.5" in width, 16.5" in depth and 30" in height.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Antique Federal Convex Bullseye Mirror With Eagle Finial
Antique Federal Convex Bullseye Mirror With Eagle Finial

Antique Federal Convex Bullseye Mirror With Eagle Finial

Located in Bridgeport, CT

The circular gilt finished mirror with convex mirror and fantastic carved and gilt finished eagle form finial. Dimensions: 19 1/2" L, 11 3/8" D, 29 3/4" H Condition: Old repairs to...

Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Gesso, Mirror, Giltwood

American School Portrait of a Federalist Gentleman C. 1825-1845
American School Portrait of a Federalist Gentleman C. 1825-1845

American School Portrait of a Federalist Gentleman C. 1825-1845

Located in Atlanta, GA

An intimate early 19th-century oil on canvas portrait of an unidentified gentleman, probably American School, circa 1825–1845, presented bust-length within a painted oval reserve and...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood, Paint

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.