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
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
19th Century Federal Eglomise Wall or Table Mirror
Located in Manhasset, NY
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...
Category
1890s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
American Federal Pine Chest
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal pine chest with 4 drawers and carved column sides.
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Pine
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
$2,360 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Piecrust Birdcage Tilt-Top Table.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Piecrust Birdcage Tilt-Top Table.
Magnificent mahogany tilt-top table. The top is exceptionally carved with a piecrust outside edge. The ta...
Category
Early 20th Century English Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
Fine early 19th century Federal Mid Atlantic Arched Door Corner Cupboard
Located in Milford, NH
An impressive two piece Federal corner cupboard in poplar and pine, its upper case with a swan’s neck split pediment crest with central urn finial flanked by two carved rosettes surm...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Large Gilt American Federalist Mirrors
Located in Hudson, NY
Mirrors are from circa 1825-1835 and were made in either New York or Boston. Both mirrors come with their original glass and wood backing. Sold as is, as a pair (one mirror panel has...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
$38,500 / set
Early 19th Century American Federal Gilt Wood Mirror
Located in Charleston, SC
This magnificent carved and gilt wood, circa 1820-1840, Federal Mirror has foliage in a Classical urn finial between opposing Cornucopias. The Cornucopias frame an ovoid shaped mirro...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
19th Century Carved and Painted Ship's Billethead
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Carved and Painted Ship's Billethead, second half 19th Century, a scroll carved and painted wooden ornament from the bow of a ship.
A billethead was a smaller carving used in place of a figurehead, mounted under the bowsprit of a ship. As the 19th Century progressed and the age of clipper ships saw a move towards ever more extreme clipper bows, there was a need to eliminate unnecessary weight aboard ship, especially in the bow (to avoid burying the nose into every wave), so billet heads...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
$796 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror
American Federal Maple Candlestand
Located in Essex, MA
Circular fixed top with umbrella shaped inlay of exotic woods. Turned support with tripod splayed legs.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
Great Early 19th Century American Federal Four Poster Bed and Nightstand
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Presenting a beautifully crafted early 19th-century American Federal Four Poster Bed, an exquisite example of timeless craftsmanship. This bed showcases the elegant and understated s...
Category
Early 19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
1940s Handley Johnson Handley Federal Mahogany Two-Drawer Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1940s Handley Johnson Handley Federal style Mahogany Two-Drawer Side Table
Measures 20" in width and 26.25" in height and 16" in depth.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Arch Top Transom Window
Located in Greenwich, CT
Rescued from an estate outside of Boston, MA this antique arch top transom window adds an architectural feast to your space. The window has its original...
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass, Wood
Italian Hand-Made American Federal Style Eagle Mirror Style Friedman Brothers
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This superbly crafted and carved Federal style mirror that looks like it may be Friedman Brothers who did make their mirrors in Italy as well. The mirror is in good vintage condition...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Gesso, Mahogany
Federal-Style Mahogany Bow-Front Sideboard With Carved Backsplash and Brass Hard
Located in Elkton, MD
The sideboard features detailed carvings on the back panel and three drawers with original brass hardware. It stands on fluted legs with spade feet and includes a curved backsplash t...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Boston Gilt Convex Mirror Labeled William Balch
Located in Charleston, SC
This 1830s Boston convex mirror has a wonderful scrolled frame with a foliate crest centered on the four quarters. The central feature of the frame has an oak leaf ring...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood, Gesso
19th Century American Federal Style Overmantel Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th Century American Federal style gilt wood mirror is a quintessential example of the elegance and symmetry that define the Federal design aesthetic. Its frame, adorned with s...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Federal New York Pier Mirror, Late 18th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
This Classic Greek and Egyptian motif mirror has vertical pillars flanking mirror panels framing the central split looking glass. The cornice of the mirror has a Classic Adams Urn...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique American Federal Pointed Finial Brass Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Federal Pointed Finial Brass Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Item features solid brass and cast iron construction, and remarkable patina. Circa 19th Century. Measuremen...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Broyhyll Bow Front Crotch Mahogany Banded Top Sideboard Buffet Console MINT!
By Broyhill
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Broyhyll Bow Front Crotch Mahogany Banded Top Sideboard Buffet Console MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
American Federal Mahogany Single Drawer Two-Tier Side Table, C. 1800s
Located in Germantown, MD
American Federal Mahogany Single Drawer Two-Tier Side Table, Circa 1800s.
Single drawer under lower tier with a 10" high clearance.New York, late 18th Century to Early 19th century.
...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Ionic Column Plaster Architectural Study Objet D’art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A plaster study of an ionic 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
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...
Category
1790s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Kindel Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Extension Dining Table, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Federal or Hepplewhite style extension dining table
By Kindel Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Gorgeous book-matched mahogany, with inlaid satinwood marquetry.
Measures: 80...
Category
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
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!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Burl
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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
$3,750 / item
American Federal Églomisé and Giltwood Trapezoidal Pier Mirror
By John Doggett
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Federal Églomisé and Giltwood Trapezoidal Pier Mirror with Green Ground, Attributed to Doggett School, Boston, circa 1815
A rare and architecturally distinctive early 19th-century American Federal mirror...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
Baker Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard Credenza Cabinet MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard Credenza Cabinet MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Gilt Carved Wall, Console or Table Mirror with High Open Fleur-de-Lis Pediment
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gilt carved mirror with high open Fleur-de-Lis pediment and oval etched mirror panel of a young lady in full dress.
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Late Federal Parquetry Candlestand
Located in Essex, MA
Circular top veneered with geometric kaleidoscope inlays. Banded edge and turned support ending on three S-scroll legs. Provenance: Estate of Michael Kittredge.
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Rosewood, Satinwood
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
$10,500
Federal Mahogany Card Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
American mahogany inlaid Hepplewhite fold top card table Circa 1790-1800. Tapered straight legs terminating at the feet in simple cuff inlay. Shape...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of 2 American Federal Gold Stenciling Settees
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Federal painted Hitchcock design spindle back settees with gold stenciling and (new) rush seat
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold
19th Century Federal Guild Gold Framed Wall Mirror
Located in Manhasset, NY
A simply stunning and sweet 19th century Federal guild gold framed wall mirror. This finely gilt wall mirror has a reverse painting of two love...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Gilded Gold Wood Floor Mirror by John Richard
By John Richard
Located in Toledo, OH
Gilded floor mirror by John Richard. Mirror features a serpentine arched top with a paneled boarder throughout. Each section has a distressed mirror with a thin beveled edge. Carved ...
Category
20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Federal Mahogany Card Table
Located in Essex, MA
Likely made in Philadelphia and likely by Haines and Connelly. In great condition with hinged top and shaped top with reeded edge. Conforming frieze with paterae and raised on circul...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Early 19th Century Federal Period American Red Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Wiscasset, ME
An early 19th century New England Federal period tall chest in old red paint featuring five graduated dovetailed drawers and retaining original brasses. Molded base with heavy turne...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Upholstered Window Seat Bench for Restoration
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
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...
Category
1980s Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair Louis XV Style Antique Brass and Iron Andirons, Circa 1880s
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair Louis XV Style Antique Brass and Iron Andirons, Circa 1880s.
Measures 10" in width, 21" in depth and 16.5" in height.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Pair of Federal Cannonball Iron and Brass Andirons, Circa 1800s
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair Early 19th Century Federal iron and Brass Large Cannon Ball Andirons. Measures 13.5" in width, 21.5" in depth and 21" in height.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
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
Antique Late Federal Mahogany Paw Foot Pier Table c. 1840
Located in Westfield, MA
This late Federal mahogany pier table, crafted around 1840, elegantly showcases the aesthetic preferences and skilled craftsmanship of its era. Featuring stately paw feet, this table...
Category
1840s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Marble Top Red Serpentine Chests, a Pair
Located in Hudson, NY
Be bold with this pair of bright red lacquered chests of drawers. Three serpentine drawer fronts open with a central metal bail handle. Tops are serpentine cut Carrara marble.
Category
1940s Unknown Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
$3,840 / set
20th Century Federal Style Carved Mahogany Poster Full Side Bed
Located in Germantown, MD
Federal Style Carved Mahogany Poster Full Side Bed in good vintage condition.
Measures 58" in width, 83.5" in lenght and stands 85.5" tall to the top of the finials. Heandboard is ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Baker Furniture Style Federal Green Lacquered Eight-Drawer Dresser, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Georgian style serpentine front eight-drawer dresser or chest of drawers
In the manner of Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1960s
Green lacquered mahogany, with...
Category
1960s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard with Tapered Cuffed Legs, C. 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany bow front sideboard with three frieze drawers over centered hinged cabinet doors, flanking hinged doors with fitted interior single drawers, period brasses,...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American 19th Century Federal Mahogany Serpentine Table
By Samuel Field McIntire
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A superb quality and extremely rare early 19th
century American federal period mahogany dressing
table of serpentine form having well figured top
over two frieze drawers retaining original lions
mask brass handles raised on elegant carved and
reeded turned tapering legs
Attributed to “Samuel Field McIntire, Salem, Massachusetts’
(Samuel Field McIntire who worked in Salem, at the start
of the early 19th century was the son of Samuel McIntire...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$9,462 Sale Price
30% Off
Vintage Brandt Flip Top Piano Style Small Cherry Wood Writing Desk Console Table
By Brandt
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote.
Vintage Brandt Flip Top Piano Style Small Cherry Wood Writing Desk Console Table. Ite...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Pair of Brass George Washington Andirons
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage pair of brass George Washington Andirons, likely mid 20th century, cast brass shallow full length figure of George Washington standi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Kittinger Williamsburg Restoration Federal Mahogany Tilt Top Table Candle Stand
By Kittinger
Located in Dayton, OH
A Federal style mahogany candle stand by Kittinger, circa 1970s. Williamburg Restoration line. Features a rectangular top with serpentine edge over a baluster turned base with cabrio...
Category
1970s Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$675 Sale Price
25% Off
18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / Cupboard
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / cupboard.
Measures 26.75" in width, 14.75" in depth, 36.75" in height. Side is 17.5" in depth.
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Oak
Vintage Revere Silversmith Sterling Silver Weighted 3 Arm Candelabra Candlestick
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Revere Silversmiths Sterling Silver Weighted (cement reinforced) 3 Arm Candelabra Candle Holder. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 12.75" H ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
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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