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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
Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique American Federal / Georgian style mahogany drop leaf dining table featuring rectangular form with two large drop leaves, gatelegs, and brass castors. Circa early 19th centur...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

1850 Butternut and Oak Side Table with Two Stacked Drawers with Hobnail Beading
Located in Louisville, KY
The 1850's produced some of the most beautiful furniture pieces of the time. From simple elegance to ornately adorned, tables were indeed an art form of this period. But, this piece ...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Oak

Vintage Brandt Flip Top Piano Style Small Wooden Writing Desk Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage brandt flip top Piano style small wooden writing desk table. Item features rolling casters, flip top, lower shelf stand, original label, very nice vintage item, quality Ameri...
Category

Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Antique Federal Style Carved Gilt Swan And Eagle Carousel Mohair Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Federal Style Carved Gold Gilt Swan and Eagle Carousel Bench Newly Reupholstered in a Blue Mohair Seat Antique Federal Style carved wood gold gilt swan and eagle carousel be...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Antique Federal Period Solid Tiger Maple Cannonball Bed c. 1830
Located in Westfield, MA
This Antique Federal Period Solid Tiger Maple Cannonball Bed, dating to around 1830, is a stunning example of early American craftsmanship. The bed is made from rich tiger maple, whi...
Category

1830s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Maple

Bonnet Top Highboy with Pinwheel Carvings & Impressive Size
Located in Milford, NH
A Queen Anne style bonnet top highboy with swan’s neck split pediment with urn form finials surmounting an upper case with three pinwheel carvings over three fitted drawers, the cent...
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Pine

Fantastic American Centennial Solid Walnut Philadelphia Carved Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
From Slatoff Estate. Walnut. 2piece. Top has 2 glass doors containing 2 shelves. Bottom has 5 dovetail drawers and drop down door with fitted interior. 98 3/4" h x 41 7/8" w x 22 1/2...
Category

1870s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

Federal Style Mahogany Mirror With Carved Giltwood Grouse
Located in Sheridan, CO
Antique mahogany frame federal mirror wall gold gilt carved bird. Item features gold gilt carved bird, carved and shaped frame, wood frame, beautiful wood gr...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood

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

American Cherry Tilt-Top Candle Stand
Located in Savannah, GA
An American cherry spider leg tilt-top candle stand, early 19th century. top measures 17 by 22 inches 28 ¼ inches tall; 40 inches tall upright
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Late Federal Fruitwood Single Drawer Dropleaf Pembroke Table, Circa 1800s
Located in Germantown, MD
Late Federal Mixed Fruitwood Single Drawer Dropleaf Pembroke Table on wheels. The back of the table look exactly as the front, fully finished with a faux drawer. Large enough to be u...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

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

Broyhyll Bow Front Crotch Mahogany Banded Top Sideboard Buffet Console MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Broyhyll Bow Front Crotch Mahogany Banded Top Sideboard Buffet Console MINT!
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

20th Century Suters Reproductions Federal Style Solid Cherry Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 20th Century Suters Reproductions Federal Style Solid Cherry Single Drawer Side Table. Measures 24" in width, 24" in depth and 28.25" in height.  
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Vintage Regency Federal Cherry Corner Cabinet
Located in west palm beach, FL
A stunning American-style vintage Regency Federal cherry corner cabinet, expertly designed to enhance any room with its rich cherry wood and elegant Fed...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

American Mahogany Oval Banded Top 3x16" Leaves Dining Banquet Table MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American Mahogany Oval Banded Top 3x16" Leaves Dining Banquet Table MINT. 3x16” leaves with an extended table length of 86”
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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 Gilt Eagle Figure
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal (19th Cent) life size gilt carved eagle figure standing on serpent and round painted base
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

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

Early 20th C Federal Style Hand Carved Mahogany Piecrust Edge Tilt-top Tea Table
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
This is a magnificent Federal Style (or Federal Revival) early 20th century bench made solid mahogany Piecrust Edge Tilt-Top Tea Table with birdcage action. The top is exceptionally...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Baker Banded Mahogany One Drawer Drop Leaves Pembroke End Side Lamp Table MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker Banded Mahogany One Drawer Drop Leaves Pembroke End Side Lamp Table MINT! 2x8” leaves with an extended table diameter of 31"
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

Federal Style Two-Part Satin Mahogany Chest of Drawers Secretary, Circa 1900s
Located in Germantown, MD
A Federal Style Two-Part Satin Mahogany Chest of Drawers Secretary Desk, Circa 1900s. Functional key for the cabinets present. Measures 41" in width, 18.75" in depth and " in height....
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Mahogany 2-Drawer Work Table W/ Original Cup Casters, C. 1800
Located in Germantown, MD
American Federal Mahogany Two-Drawer Stand / Work Table. Features Two large drawers over four carved and turned bulbous pineapple legs with the original brass cupped casters. F8nish...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

Baker 4 Drawer Serpantine Front Bracket Feet Federal Bachelor Chest Dresser MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Banded Top Baker 4 Drawer Serpantine Front Bracket Feet Federal Bachelor Chest Dresser MINT!
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Rare Child's Camphor Wood Chest, Leather Bound and Brass Embellished
Located in Essex, MA
Early 19th century child's camphor wood chest --Original black leather binding and brass tacks.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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!
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Federal Mahogany and Birdseye Maple Lap Desk on Stand, Circa 1810s
Located in Germantown, MD
A Federal Era Mahogany and Birdseyes Maple Lap Desk on Stand, Circa 1810s Measures 22.5" in width, 11.5" in depth and 22" in height. Without stand , 22" in width, 11" in depth and 8....
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Mahogany

1920s Federal Style Satinwood Inlaid Flame Mahogany Serpentine Card Table
Located in Germantown, MD
1920s Federal style satinwood inlaid flame mahogany serpentine card table in good antique condition. Very sturday. Measures 36" in width, 17" in depth when closed and 34" open and st...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Solid Cherry Multi Compartment Drop Front Secretary Desk w/ Drawer File Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Cherry Multi Compartment Drop Front Secretary Desk w/ Drawer File Cabinet
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Banded Double Pedestal Tripod Base Mahogany 72" Long Dining Table 2 Leaves MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Banded Double Pedestal Tripod Base Mahogany 72" Long Dining Table 2 Leaves MINT 2X22" Leaves.
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

Pair Of Carved And Gilded Eagles Italian Animalier Sculptures Mid-19th Century
Located in Milano, MI
Pair Of Eagles In Carved And Gilded Wood from the mid-1800s, this pair of animalier carvings of birds of prey in carved and gilded wood represents a fascinating example of 19th-cent...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

Banded Mahogany Tripple Pedestal Base 3 Ext. Section 157" Long Dining Table MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Banded Mahogany Tripple Pedestal Base 3 Ext. Section 157" Long Dining Table MINT! 2 x 24" leaves with an extended table length of 157".
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Regency Carved Mahogany And Upholstered Settee
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th Century Regency Carved mahogany and Upholstered settee. It measures 40.75" in width, 23" in depth and stands 37.5" tall, with a seat height of 16". Arm height is 24", seat...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

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

C1930s Era English Made Federal Style Mahogany Breakfront China Cabinet Bookcase
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Federal style breakfront with 3 doors with 3 shelves over 3 doors each containing 1 shelf.
Category

20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

Federal Style Parcel Gilt Mahogany Wall Mirror C. 20th
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Federal Style Parcel Gilt Mahogany Wall Mirror C. 20th Measures - 50"h x 29"w x 2"d
Category

20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

Antique Four Federal Tiger Maple Slat Back & Cane Seat Dinning Charis
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th Century Four Antique Federal Tiger Maple Slat Back & Cane Seat Dinning Charis with stylized scroll form rail over slat back, caned seats...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Antique Late 19th Century American "Federal" Style Convex Mirror.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Late 19th Century American "Federal" Style Convex Mirror. Carved Wood with Gold and an Eagle Perched on Top.
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Antique Mahogany Federal Period Sheraton Two Drawer Stand c. 1820
Located in Westfield, MA
This charming two-drawer stand, dating to circa 1820, exemplifies the elegance of Federal Period design, specifically from the Sheraton style. Crafted from rich mahogany, the piece s...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Federal Mahogany Tripod Table
Located in Astoria, NY
American Federal Mahogany Tripod Table, late 18th century, the circular top above a turned baluster column, issuing three splayed legs, on pad feet. 26.5" H x 23" Diameter.
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Amber Yew Wood 4 Drawers Door Compartments c1979s Federal Style Sideboards MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Amber Yew Wood 4 Drawers Door Compartments c1979s Federal Style Sideboards MINT
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Yew

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

Federal Style Upholstered Settee
Located in Dallas, TX
Federal Style Upholstered Settee, Reeded Mahogany Frame with Gilded Acanthus Leaf & Swans. Federal style is characterized by bold patriotic symbols such as eagles, shield-shaped chai...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Italian Federal Style Carved Gold Gilded Candle Wall Sconce - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Italian Federal Style Figural Carved Gold Gilded Candle Wall Sconce - Pair Decorate your wall with these ornate gilt wood sconces. E...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

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

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

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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