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
Returnable Items Only
Pair of Mahogany Demi Lune Banded Inlayed Glass Tops Console Sofa Tables Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mahogany Demi Lune Banded Inlayed glass tops console sofa tables MINT!
comes with glass tops.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
Banded Top Mahogany Inlayed Bracket Feet 11 Drawers Dresser Credenza MINT!
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Bow front banded top mahogany inlayed bracket feet 11 drawers dresser credenza MINT!.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Boston State House Staffordshire Blue & White Pottery Plates
Located in Downingtown, PA
Boston State House Staffordshirepair of pottery plates
John Rogers & Son,
1825
This Rogers underglaze blue printed plate of the Boston State Ho...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Pearlware, Pottery
Antique Brass Fireplace Finial Andirons Classical Federal
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Ornate brass fireplace finial Andirons classical Federal Elegance
Set of brass andirons. Oversize. No label.
Measures: 26.5 tall x 13 width x...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
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
Mid 20th Century Harvin Company Federal Style Brass Andirons with Claw Feet
Located in Middleburg, VA
Mid 20th century harvin company federal style brass andirons with claw feet.
Heavy duty brass and iron fireplace dogs. United States, 1950s.
Measures: 23" H, 13" W, 20" D.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Antique Kindel Oxford Mahogany Frame Federal Mirror Wall Gold Gilt Carved Eagle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Kindel oxford mahogany frame federal mirror wall gold gilt carved eagle. Item features gold gilt carved eag...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Federal Style Carved Giltwood Wall / Console / Pier Mirror, Over Mantle , 1900s
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique Federal Style Carved Giltwood Wall / console / Pier mirror, 1900s
A finely carved versatile mirror that can be used on the floor or over the mantle, console or hanging on ...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Vintage Mahogany Pembroke Table, Gordon’s Fine Furniture, Inc.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Vintage Mahogany Pembroke table, Gordon’s Fine Furniture, Inc.
A Classic Pembroke table by Gordon’s Fine Furniture, Inc. made of mahogany with...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Primitive Antique Green Painted Barrel Back Windsor Caboose Tavern Arm Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique barrel back windsor style chair finished in apple green enamel paint.
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Empire Pier Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
Early Empire Mahogany Pier Table with the original marble. Nicely carved hairy paw feet sitting under the turned crotch Mahogany veneered columns under a banded inlay frieze. Old, po...
Category
Early 19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Ca. 1820 Federal Era Trompe L'oeil Painted Chest
Located in Peabody, MA
American Federal era chest of drawers in its original trompe l’oeil mustard painted finish, ca. 1820.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
American-Market "Peace, Plenty and Independence" Liverpool Creamware Jug
Located in Downingtown, PA
"Peace, Plenty and Independence" Liverpool Transfer Decorated Creamware Jug,
Circa 1800
The "Peace, Plenty and Independence" Liverpool transfer decorated creamware jug has a black transfer print on one side depicting a spread wing eagle perched atop a cannon flanked by symbols of Peace and Plenty with the other side with the "Farmer's Arms," the front with "Samuel & Rachel Hayne.s" within a wreath above four lines of verse, inspired by Cupid's Lessons, reading, "My love is Fix'd, I cannot range,I like my choice,Too well to change". a second stanza not shown read " Long may we live, Happy may we be, Blest with content, And from misfortune be".
Dimensions: 10 1/8 inch height x 9 inches wide x 6 1/4 inches deep.
The print of an eagle with its wings spread standing on a cannon above a medallion containing the words, “PEACE, PLENTY, and INDEPENDENCE.” This is flanked by two allegorical figures. The figure on the left represents “plenty” holding a cornucopia, while the one on the right represents “peace” using her torch to set fire to instruments of war.
The New York Historical...
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Creamware, Pottery
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
19th Century Ovoid Shaped Breche Violette Marble Federal Mahogany Coffee Table
Located in Lomita, CA
The novel shape and color of this Breccia marble coffee table will turn heads and transform a living or work space. This vintage Federal ovoid marble-top and inlaid mahogany or cherr...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Breccia Marble
Late 19th-C. Federal Style Carved Giltwood Eagle Form Sconces, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These have a timeless elegance. It is a large scale pair of carved giltwood sconces with Federal styling. The facing eagles are adorned with axes and arrows. The wiring and candle co...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Metal
Antique Walnut George III Open Pediment Wall Curio Cabinet Federal Eagle Shelf
Located in Dayton, OH
George III style wall curio or display cabinet, circa mid 20th century. Made of walnut featuring a broken pediment top, interior shelves with optional inser...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Walnut
Antique Styled by Park American Federal Cherry Lowboy Chest & Mirror Dresser
Located in Dayton, OH
American federal revival dresser & mirror, circa first half 20th century. Marked "Cherry Styled by Park". Features a rectangular form lowboy ches...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Cherry
Large Cast New England Bank Patriotic Eagle and Clipper Ship Plaque
Located in Nantucket, MA
Cast and Gilded Patriotic Eagle with Clipper Ship Plaque, with a Clutch of Arrows and an Olive Branch in it's Talons, mid 20th Century, from a Boston Bank...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Composition
Federal Mahogany Tall Gentleman's Chest
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Federal style mahogany and figured mahogany Gentleman's chest of drawers, the bowfront reeded edge top with protruding corners above leaf carved capital and reeded column supports,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
American Federal Child's Trunk Leather Covered with Brass Tacks
Located in Wells, ME
American federal child's trunk, black leather covering with natural colored leather bindings and brass tack decoration. This early trunk has remnants of its original blue colored p...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Early 19th Century American Federal Period Work Table
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and very fine quality classical American Federal period side table / worktable with beautiful, warm rich patina. Circa 1820
Exquisitely hand-crafted in the early 19th centu...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique 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
Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Demilune Sideboard, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet or sideboard
By Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Mahogany, with satinwood string inlay, original brass hardware,...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
19th Century French First Officer’s Uniform Red Epaulettes
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th Century French First Officer’s Uniform Red Epaulettes
Good pair of French Officers Epaulettes made in Red Silk and lined in black velvet, the f...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
"Apotheosis" of George Washington Creamware Jug
Located in Downingtown, PA
"Apotheosis" of George washington creamware jug,
Liverpool,
Circa 1800-10
The large "Apotheosis" of George Washington Liverpool transfer decorated ...
Category
Early 1800s English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Creamware, Pottery
19th Century Mortar & Pestle with Original Surface
Located in New York, NY
American, late 18th century/early 19th century wooden mortar and pestle. The urn shaped mortar with rich patina has a wonderful ...
Category
1790s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple, Wood
Antique American Federal Broken Arch Mahogany Mirror with Urn Inlay
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Federal broken arch Mahogany mirror with urn Inlay. Item features pencil inlay to frame, satinwood urn inlay to crest, carved mahogany frame...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Mid-Century Italian Carved Eagle Giltwood Federal Style Mirrors, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of carved giltwood eagle mirrors with Federal styling in very good condition. They are Italian and most likely date to the 60s. The pair are unmarked.
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique English Copeland Late Spode Toby Jug Pitcher Colonial Englishman
Located in Dayton, OH
19th century Copland Late Spode English Staffordshire rare porcelain toby jug in the shape of asdeated colonial Englishman holding a cup and pitcher. 180288...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of 18th Century American Federal Period Carved Fan Shaped Lintels
Located in Stamford, CT
Wonderful pair of fan shaped late 18th century American Federal period lintels or over doors with exquisitely detailed carving. The distressed painted surface adds a lot of character...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Federal Style Brass C1955 Heavy Duty Fireplace Tools 4 Pieces with Holder
Located in Port Jervis, NY
High quality set of fireplace tools with Holder. Brush, shovel, poker and log clamp all in solid brass. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. This item can be parcel posted.
Category
1950s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Pair of Academic Revival Federal Mahogany Heart Back Side Chairs, 1900-25
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Pair of Academic Revival heart back mahogany side chairs with half rail upholstered boxed seats in indigo fabric with brass nail head tacks. The front le...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
S373 Late 20th Century Cast Brass Two Arm Sconces, a Pair
Located in Canton, MA
Solid cast brass sconces with an oval detailed backplate. Two arms. Ready to install. UL listed. 40 watt max in each socket.
Dimensions:
8.5” Width x 4.5” Depth x 9” Height
C. ...
Category
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rare 19th Century New York Mahogany One-Drawer Étagère with Four Shelves
Located in Milford, NH
A rare form mahogany one drawer four shelf étagère with hinged top shelf for displaying books, prints or photographs, reverse acorn finials, nicely turned shelf supports, punched bra...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Federal American Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Breakfast Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 19th century Federal drop leaf dining table. Made from mahogany with a rectangular form featuring shaped corners over turned and reeded legs le...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Baker Furniture Federal Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard Credenza, circa 1940s
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal style sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet
By Baker Furniture,
USA, circa 1940s
Mahogany, with satinwood string inlay, mirrored backslash, and original...
Category
1940s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Baker Drop Leaf Mahogany Banded Inlay Tea Cart Server Cart with Glass Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Baker drop leaf mahoganybanded inlay tea cart server cart with pull out glass tray. Item features satinwood banded inlay top, lower removable glass she...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
New York Federal Classical Coin Silver Flagon by Nicholas James Bogert
By Nicholas James Bogert
Located in New York, NY
Federal classical coin silver flagon. Made by Nicholas James Bogert in New York, ca 1820. Upward tapering cylinder on spread and stepped base. S-scroll handle with ribbed thumb rest ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Silver
Federal Mahogany Four Drawer Server, circa 1810
Located in Milford, NH
A fine Federal mahogany server with rectangular top with front turret corners surmounting a case with three fitted drawers over one long drawer...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
J&R Furniture Federal Walnut Hexagon Candle Stand Pedestal Table Kettle Plant
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid 20th century Federal inspired candle Stand by J&R Furniture Mfg Co of Salt Lake City Utah. Made from walnut with an inset hexagon top over turned column and tripod bade.
Meas...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Late 20th Century Mahogany Traditional Federal Style Wall Mirror
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Traditional Federal style wall mirror, unbranded, similar quality to Drexel or Henkel Harris. Mirrored glass, mahogany frame with pediment and c...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Mirror
Dome Shape Top Glass Shelves Two Drawer Compartment Curio Display Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Lovely vintage curio display cabinet with glass shelves and 2 bottom drawers compartment. Has built in light.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of American Federal Male and Female Oil Painting Portraits
Located in New York, NY
Pair of gilt framed oil painting portraits of a 19th Century man and lady.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Early 20th Century E.F. Caldwell Leaded Glass Lantern
Located in Canton, MA
A hexagonal leaded glass lantern. The glass panels are wheel engraved with a curved foliate flower basket design. The top panels slant to the top and have clear round glass pieces. T...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Lead
Philadelphia Federal Mahogany Work Table
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular top with rounded hinged ends opening to compartments over two drawers that open from both sides over a hinged door with tambour front and ends and back raised on turned t...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Mahogany Inlaid and Stinciled Top Accent Table
Located in Germantown, MD
X legs American Federal style side table with inlays and gold stenciling top. Good vintage condition.
Measures 22" x 22" x 28"H.
Category
Early 20th Century 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 Tripple Rush Seat Solid Linen Upholstery Cushion Bench Sattee Sofa Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very decorative antique tripple rush seat solid linen upholstery cushion bench sattee sofa mint!
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Rush, Chestnut
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
American Federal Philadelphia Brass Andirons Faceted Acorn Top
Located in Wells, ME
American Federal Philadelphia cast brass faceted acorn top large andirons. The motif of faceting is repeated in the stepped faceted column as well as on the acorns. The columns rest ...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
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
Harvin Co Brass Federal Style Branch Leg Ball and Claw Andirons, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Harvin Co brass federal style branch leg ball and claw andirons - a pair. Item features branch legs, ball and claw feet, original stamp, quality Amer...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
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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