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.
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...
Brass
$2,250
Regency Brass Andirons
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a classic pair of American Federal c. 1800 Solid Brass Andirons. The andiron are of classical form but are detailed with an unusual Corinthian Column capitol located just bel...
Brass, Iron
Henredon Burl Walnut Round Center Lamp Side Occasional Table Stand Shelves Mint!
By Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Henredon Burl Walnut Round Center Lamp Side Occasional Table Stand Shelves Mint!
Walnut
19th Century Federal Style Gilded Mahogany Wall Mirror With Phoenix Crest
Located in Los Angeles, CA
True antique Federal style gilded wall mirror, circa 19th century. A carved Phoenix crest surmounts the mahogany frame. The original glazed mirror is flanked by foliate garlands and ...
Mirror, Mahogany
John Nicholl Federal Tall Case Clock
By John Nicholl
Located in New York, NY
Federal Tall Case Clock Made and Signed by John Nicholl, (1784-1862) Belvidere, New Jersey Circa 1825 Primary Wood: Mahogany, Mahogany Ven...
Mahogany, Maple
Antique American Mid Atlantic States Federal Style Sideboard
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...
Wood
18th Century American Four Post Bed Salem Massachusetts
Located in Hudson, NY
Beautiful American 18th century four poster bed retaining original red finish. Likely from Salem Massachusetts, this early Survivor is in...
Wood, Paint
19th c. American Federal Folk Art Paint Decorated Small Tole Tray, Circa 1820
Located in Litchfield, CT
Antique early 19th century American Federal folk art paint decorated small tole tray, circa 1820. Octagonal shape with crimped rim. Measures 8 3/4" x 5 7/8" x 1/2". Good condition - ...
Metal
Kittinger Tripple Tripod Base 2x24" Extensions Leaves Oval Dining Banquet Table
By Williamsburg Restoration Inc., Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
MINT Kittinger Tripple Tripod Base 2x24" Extensions Leaves Oval Dining Banquet Table 2x24” leaves with an extended table length of 146"
Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Style Wall Mirror, Mahogany & Gold Trim
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
Gold
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...
Brass
Baker Furniture Style Federal Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard Credenza or Buffet
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style sideboard, credenza, or buffet server In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa Mid-20th Century Carved mahogany, with original brass har...
Brass
$3,245 / item
Mahogany Credenza
Located in Annville, PA
This Mahogany Credenza matches a number of other items in the Niagara Furniture office collection. The credenza utilizes three part construction, the top and two pedestals separate f...
Mahogany
Broyhill USA Federal Style Broken Arch & Finial Cherry Wood Wall Dresser Mirror
By Broyhill
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pre-owned Broyhill Federal Style Broken Arch & Finial Wall Dresser Mirror. Item feature a solid wood frame, beautiful wood grain, nicely carved details, quality American craftsmanshi...
Mirror, Wood
La Barge Large 33x48 Shield Shape Gold Leaf Gilt Wall Mirror MINT
By La Barge
Located in Rockaway, NJ
La Barge Large 33x48 Shield Shape Gold Leaf Gilt Wall Mirror MINT
Mirror
Clore Furniture Federal Style Solid Mahogany 2 Tier Bedside Nightstand
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Federal Style 2 Tier Bedside Nightstand by Clore Furniture. The stand features a classic square top with a subtly molded edge, crafted from beautifully full grained Mahogany with a w...
Mahogany
Monumental Traditional Brass Curved Glass 12 Light Foyer Cylindrical Chandelier
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...
Brass
Hickory Chair 11 Drawers Flame Mahogany Drop Brass Pulls High Boy Chest Dresser
By Hickory Chair Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
MINT Hickory Chair 11 Drawers Flame Mahogany Drop Brass Pulls High Boy Chest Dresser
Brass
Fine Quality Italian Made Federal Style Tall Gilded Carved Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine quality Italian-made Federal style wall mirror is a striking example of timeless elegance and craftsmanship. The tall and commanding form is enhanced by a richly hand-carve...
Walnut
Pull Out Tray Desk Table 6 Inlayed Drawers Federal Style High Chest Dresser MINT
By Beacon Hill
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pull Out Tray Desk Table 6 Inlayed Drawers Federal Style High Chest Dresser MINT
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.
Mahogany
Kittinger 5 Drawers Pull Out Tray Mahogany Federal Style Bachelor Chest Dresser
By Williamsburg Restoration Inc., Kittinger
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Kittinger 5 drawers pull out tray mahogany federal style bachelor chest dresser. Lockable drawer.
Brass
$22,500 / set
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
Paint
1938 Federal Mahogany Eagle Inlay Tilt-Top Table, Carroll Mansion
Located in Elkhart, IN
A handsome 1938 American Federal-style tilt-top table from the American Museum Collection, reproduced after a Sheraton-period American example dating circa 1800–1810. Crafted in richly toned mahogany, the oval top is centered by a finely inlaid American eagle and shield motif in contrasting satinwood tones, with delicate line inlay tracing the perimeter. The table rests on a turned pedestal terminating in a graceful tripod base and retains its functional tilt-top mechanism. Its compact proportions make it particularly appealing beside an armchair or sofa, while the patriotic Federal inlay...
Mahogany, Satinwood
$10,257 / item
Federal Style Mahogany Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mahogany and figured mahogany veneered dresser, the reeded edge top with protruding corners and a central bowfront with leaf carved and reede...
Mahogany
Fine Inlaid Serpentine Front Federal Style Flip Top Console Sofa Table MINT
By Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Fine Inlaid Serpentine Front Federal Style Flip Top Console Sofa Table MINT
Mahogany
American Federal Mahogany Compartmentalized Hinged Work Table, VA Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany work table with a hinged top revealing two flanking compartments, deep centered reeded front drawer with original...
Brass
Stickley Federal Inlayed Mahogany Sideboard
Located in Portland, OR
Exceptional Federal style sideboard by Stickley. Featuring lovely veneer work and intricate inlays with a multi tone finish. The brass hardware is like jewelry on a black dress, the ...
Mahogany
19th Century Giltwood Mirror with Rosette Corners and Fruit Panel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An antique carved giltwood wall mirror from the 1800s featuring a rectangular frame with rosette corners and a basket of fruit panel at the top. It is made of wood and gilded with g...
Mirror
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...
Leather, Wood, Birdseye Maple
Baker Furniture Style Federal Inlaid Mahogany Armchairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style armchairs or dining captain chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1940s Carved mahogany frames, with satinwood and ebo...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Satinwood
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....
Mahogany
Framed Print of 18th Century Soldiers, Federal Style, American Origin
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century black framed print of two 18th Century soldiers, one in a red military uniform holding a rifle, the other soldier wearing a tan uniform holding a drum \"2nd Cana...
Other
Pair 19th Century American Federal Brass and Iron Andirons
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair 19th Century American Federal polished Cast Brass and forged Iron Andirons. Measure 8.5" in width, 15" in depth and 15" in Height
Brass, Iron
Romweber Federal Flame Mahogany Demilune Console Table, Circa 1920s
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet, chest of drawers, or console table By Romweber USA, Circa 1920s Stunning book-matched flame mahogany, with original b...
Brass
$10,197 / item
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,...
Wood
Drexel Federal Style Queen Size Solid Mahogany Poster Bed MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Drexel Federal Style Queen Size Solid Mahogany Poster Bed MINT!
Mahogany
Antique Early American Federal Cherry Drop Leaf Parlor Side Accent Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique cherry drop leaf side accent table. This table features American federal styling with dropleaf sides, two drawers, and turned legs. Dimensions: 24.5" x 16" x 23", w leaves 36"
Cherry
Pair of Tall Tan Leather Wing Chairs on Solid Mahogany Stretcher Base Mint!
By Baker Furniture Company, Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of tall tan leather wing chairs on solid mahogany stretcher base mint!
Brass
Classic Federal 19th C. Carved And Gilt Two-part Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A classic two- part Federal mirror with tall carved and gilt turned supports and corner rosettes for the surround. A slim bar separates the mirror. Dimensions: H. 36", W. 20 1/4", D...
Mirror, Giltwood
Samuel Field Macintire Attributed Mahogany Flip Top Game Table, c. 1810-15
By Samuel Field McIntire
Located in Chicago, IL
A Federal serpentine-front mahogany game table made in Salem, Massachusetts between 1810 and 1815, attributed to Samuel Field McIntire. The bull-nosed flip top, cut with ovolo corner...
Brass
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....
Mahogany
$3,849Sale Price|20% Off
American Philadelphia Empire Cheval Mirror, circa 1825
By Anthony Quervelle
Located in Dereham, GB
American Philadelphia Empire mahogany cheval mirror, circa 1825. Certainly has the quality of top Philadelphia cabinet maker. The oval mirror with ribbon moulding on front of frame, fan carving on top and bottom of mirror frame, mirror sitting in tapering reeded columns with flared petals and turnings on top. Tulip carving at bottom,with the column square edges supporting the reeded cross stretcher, medallion turnings on outside, carved corbels each side,above shaped reeded end supporting legs with scrolled ends, turnings under with brown china wheels...
Mahogany
Oval Light Burl Wood Banded Inlayed Federal Style Center Coffee Table MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Oval Light Burl Wood Honey Amber Tone Banded Inlayed Federal Style Center Coffee Table MINT!
Burl
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
Leather, Mahogany
Walnut Round Drum Center Side Table Stand w/ Drawers Johnson Furniture Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Walnut Round Drum Center Side Table Stand w/ Drawers Johnson Furniture Mint! Amazing burl walnut wood pattern top!
Brass
19th Century French First Officer’s Uniform Red Epaulettes
Located in Godshill, 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...
Wool
Period American classical federal mirror
Located in Augusta, GA
Exquisite New York federal American mirror with eagle heads with beautiful gilt
Wood
$4,257 / item
Federal Style Mahogany Bedside Chest
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mahogany and figured mahogany nightstand, the reeded edge bowfront top with protruding corners with leaf carved and reeded uprights, with three graduated drawers with verdigris bra...
Wood
19th Century Federal Eglomise Wall or Table Mirror
Located in Stamford, CT
A finely detailed Eglomise decorated wall or table mirror having a glass eglomise panel of a young girl in a wooded area flanked in a Fine gilt frame reminiscent of the time of manuf...
Mirror, Wood
Vintage Baker Furniture Federal Style Inlaid Tea Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Baker Furniture Federal Style Inlaid Tea Side Table Circa End 20th Century Dimensions H 30" W 38" D 24"
Wood
$1,450 / set
Pair Of American Brass Steeple Top Andirons
Located in Essex, MA
Steeple top newly polished. Ball feet.
Brass, Wrought Iron
"Washington." Engraving by Oliver Pelton, after Gilbert Stuart, c. 1860
By Gilbert Stuart
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a handsome engraving of President George Washington, after Gilbert Stuart's famous likeness of the first President. The engraving was engraved by Oliver Pelton, circa 1861. ...
Paper
Very Fine Bow Front Inlaid Mahogany 87" Tall Bookcase Shelfs Etagere MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Bow Front Inlaid Mahogany 87" Tall Bookcase Shelfs Etagere MINT!
Mahogany
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...
Glass, Mahogany
960'sPair of Crystal & Square Brass Bases Ornate Shades 25" Tall Table Lamps
Located in Rockaway, NJ
960'sPair of Crystal & Square Brass Bases Ornate Shades 25" Tall Table Lamps
Crystal, Brass
Pair Federal Neoclassical Brass Mirror Supports or Drapery Curtain Tie Backs
Located in Litchfield, CT
Pair antique early 19th c. American Federal neoclassical brass round mirror supports or drapery tiebacks. These also may be used to hand pictures. Unusual size - measure 2" diameter ...
Brass
American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A Federal-style giltwood convex mirror crowned with a carved eagle, its wings outstretched above a laurel motif—an enduring symbol drawn from early American design. The circular fra...
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique Victorian Federal Style Brass, Wood & Wrought Iron Coat Rack with Eagle
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Victorian Federal Style Brass, Wood, and Wrought Iron Coat Rack with Eagle Finial This striking Antique Victorian Federal Style coat rack features a solid wood top fitted wi...
Brass
18th Century American Federal Faux Bamboo Side Chairs with Rush Seat
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Federal faux bamboo painted side chairs with spindle back and rush seat with cushion
Faux Bamboo