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
Miniature Example Mahogany Bureau Bookcase
Located in New York, NY
Cabinet makers sample.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American "French Sideboard" Attributable to Duncan Phyfe, New York, circa 1815
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptionally fine and rare "French Sideboard Table" in mahogany, attributable to the workshop of the eminent New York cabinetmaker, Duncan Phyfe, circa 1810-1818.
This exquisit...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Style Mahogany Chest of Drawers with Lift Top
Located in New York, NY
American Federal style 19th century mahogany chest of drawers with 2 lower drawers above dummy drawers having a lift top with replaced brass...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th century Giltwood and Églomisé American Federal Mirror
Located in Savannah, GA
Detailed early 19th century American federal églomisé, or reverse painted giltwood mirror featuring a primitive house with three chimneys. It came fro...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Country Federal Style Drop Leaf Table
Located in Stockton, NJ
A country Federal style stained walnut gate leg drop leaf table. Fourth quarter 19th century. Plain inset moulded frieze raised on baluster and ring turned legs on compressed ball feet.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Persian Tabriz Palace Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75593 vintage Persian Tabriz Palace rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal style. This hand knotted wool vintage Persian Tabriz rug features an all-over Shah Abbas design. It is e...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Pair Federal Cast Brass Sconces with Eagles and Hurricane Glass Shades, ca 1920s
Located in New York, NY
AIS2912
A pair of single light federal Revival period sconces with clear glass hurricane shades and slender backplates surmounted by eagles, circa 1920...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Mahogany and Birch Inlaid Secretary/Desk sq
Located in Water Mill, NY
Federal Mahogany and Birch inlaid secretary/desk with contrasting veneers and
bone pulls.
Category
1790s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Birch, Mahogany
Green Persian Mahal Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from a 20th century Persian Mahal rug.
15'' x 18''
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Gilt Carved Wall, Console or Table Mirror with High Open Fleur-de-Lis Pediment
Located in Stamford, CT
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
1840s American Octagonal J Boardman New York Mineral Waters Soda Bottle New York
By John Boardman
Located in Hyattsville, MD
J. Boardman & Company New York Mineral Waters, this bottle is never sold. Soda water bottle, America, 1845-1860. Octagonal, bright, medium sapphire b...
Category
1840s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass
Early 19th Century American Cherry Extendable Dining Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a stunning early 19th century American cherry extendable dining table.
From circa 1800-1820 and made of solid cherrywood.
T...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
American Federal Mahogany Tilt-Top Scalloped Table
Located in New York, NY
American Federal mahogany rectangular scalloped tilt-top end table on a turned pedestal tripod base.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Persian Azerbaijan Runner with Modern Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75381, antique Persian Azerbaijan runner with Modern Federal style. With its clean lines and subtle use of ornament, this hand knotted wool antique Persian Azerbaijan runner beautifu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
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
Federal Tilt-Top Candlestand Table
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
Federal walnut tilt-top candlestand. The rectangular cut-corner top on vase and ring-turned support and tripod base of shaped legs.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
American 18th Century Federal Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Carmel, CA
Sheraton style chest with four graduated drawers with inlay banding and cock beading about the perimeter. The chest has a curvaceous apron and Fr...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Tilt-Top Tripod Candlestand/Table in Cherrywood, New England, circa 1810
Located in Miami, FL
A lovely Federal tilt-top table in cherrywood with tripod base that historically doubled as a candlestand. The candlestick could rest on the ledge provided when the tabletop was tilt...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Large American Federal Style Eagle Wood Carved Two-Light Sconce
Located in Vero Beach, FL
This wood carved and gold gilded antique sconce features a majestic eagle with spread wings beneath a tied bow. The candle arms are of patinated scrolled brass and very finely detail...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Federal Guild Gold Framed Wall Mirror
Located in Stamford, CT
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
Distressed Antique Persian Joshegan Rug, 10'11 x 12'10
Located in Dallas, TX
52558 Antique Persian Joshegan Rug, 10'11 x 12'10. Antique-washed Persian Joshegan rugs refer to rugs that have undergone a washing process to give them an aged or antique appearance...
Category
Early 20th Century Turkish Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Set of 6 American Federal Hitchcock Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 American Federal Hitchcock style black painted side chairs with floral decoration on back.
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Antique Miniature Portrait on Bone with Fitted Case 14-Karat Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Dating from the late 17th century and done in the Federalist style, this finely detailed and well executed hand painted miniature portrait on bone of a period nobleman can be worn as...
Category
Late 17th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold
Pair of Philadelphia Brass Andirons with Roman Columns and Ball Finials
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A GORGEOUS Pair of Early 19C Philadelphia Brass Andirons with Roman Columns and Ball Finials.
Made in Philadelphia, circa 1800 ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
New Contemporary Turkish Oushak Rug with Modern American Colonial Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
52429 New Contemporary Turkish Oushak rug with Modern American Colonial Federal style. Blending a Federal style and elements from the modern world, this hand knotted wool contemporar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
19th Century American Federal Mahogany Flip Top Console Table
Located in New York, NY
American Federal-style (19th Century) mahogany flip top console/card table with lyre base
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Chabby Chic White Painted Three Drawers Nightstands Lamp Tables
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of distressed vintage weathered look nightstands. Brass pulls.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th-20th Century Federal Style Crest Mirror
Located in Stamford, CT
19th-20th century Federal style crest mirror. In a very fine water gilt bamboo form frame. The reflection from a hanging chandelier is what is appearing a...
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror
Set of 12 American Federal Gilt Eagle Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 12 American Federal style (20th Cent) ebonized side chairs with fluted sides and a gilt carved eagle back with an upholstered seat.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
Neoclassical American Empire Side or Lamp Table in Mahogany, circa 1820
Located in Miami, FL
A neoclassical American Empire work table in mahogany and crotch mahogany with two drawers with convex fronts. Top rests on cylindrical column over a quatre-from base and terminating...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Late 19th Century Regency Carved and Ebonized Giltwood Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Stamford, CT
Late 19th or very early 20th century Regency carved and ebonized giltwood bullseye mirror. The convex mirror framed in a spectacular ebony and gilt decorated frame with a lower carvi...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Carved and Painted Wooden Eagle with Shield Attributed to John Haley Bellamy
Located in Savannah, GA
In all original untouched condition including weathered paint, this wonderful Folk Art wall plaque speaks for itself. Substantial size. It looks to be made to be mounted on a ledge, ...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
Distressed Antique Persian Mahal Design Rug with Relaxed Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
52616, distressed antique Persian Mahal design rug with Relaxed Federal style. Highlighting Persian design aesthetics and stylish levels of compl...
Category
Early 20th Century Turkish Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Carved Wood American Federal Parcel Gilt Wall Mirror by Decorative Crafts Inc.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Carved wood American Federal style parcel-gilt wall mirror by Decorative Crafts Inc. Item features Gold gilt and brown distress painted finish, c...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Paint
Vintage Chinese Persian Tabriz Design Rug with Colonial and Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77369 Vintage Chinese Persian Tabriz Design Rug with Colonial and Federal Style 08'10 x 11'09. This hand knotted vintage Chinese Persian Tabriz design rug features an all-over Shah A...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool, Silk
American Federal Pine Chest
Located in New York, NY
American Federal pine chest with 4 drawers and carved column sides.
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Pine
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
American Federal Center Pedestal Games Table, circa 1815
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptionally handsome and very well crafted classical Philadelphia Federal games table in premium mahogany with turned and finely carved pedes...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of 2 American Federal Gold Stenciling Settees
Located in New York, 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
Set of 4 American Federal Tiger Maple Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 American Country Federal style (19th Cent) tiger maple side chairs with a stretcher and rush seat
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
Pair of Regency Style Brass Inlaid Rosewood Parcel-Gilt and Marble Consoles
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of Regency style brass inlaid rosewood parcel-gilt and marble consoles. Each green marble rectangular top above an egg-and-dart-carved e...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Vintage Persian Tabriz with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
76262 Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style. This hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Tabriz rug features an allover pattern surrounded by a class...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
American Federal Floral Painted Settee
Located in New York, NY
American Federal floral painted Hitchcock style settee with roll back
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
1920s Acid Etched Frosted Glass Federal Style Globe Pendant Light
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1920s, Federal style, acid etched, frosted glass, globe pendant light depicting American eagle and stars and stripes with brass fitter, chain and canopy. The pendant is newly wired a...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Distressed Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Relaxed Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77216, Distressed Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Relaxed Federal Style. Regal hues, intricate details, and all-over symmetry create a neocl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
American Federal Banquet Dining Table with Extension Leaves Seats 18, circa 1850
Located in Miami, FL
From Malcolm Forbes' estate Timberfield, an elegant and long mahogany dining table with three sections, American, circa 1850. The rectangular top above ...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Mahogany Pembroke Table
Located in New York, 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
Adams Style Hand Painted Banded Leather Flip Top Demilune Console Game Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Lovely Vintage Federal Style Hand Painted Flip Top Demilune Console/Game Table. The table features delicately painted floral motifs on the skirt and ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany, Satinwood
American Federal Gilt Carved Convex Eagle Pediment Wall Mirror
Located in New York, NY
American Federal convex giltwood wall mirror with ball design, fluted ebonized border, and eagle pediment top.
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
American Federal Style Flag with Brass Pole and Stand
Located in New York, NY
American Federal-style (19/20th Century) bronze eagle base flag pole with eagle finial and flag.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Neoclassic Adam Federal Style Window Bench as Found
Located in New York, NY
Nice Adam (Federal) style bench with tapestry fabric top (worn). This example will need to be reupholstered, it is structurally sound and sturdy, and in original finish (missing one ...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
American Federal Bostonian Game Table , circa 1815
Located in Miami, FL
A fine Boston Federal game table in mahogany with fire gilded bronze doré ormolu mounts in the corners of the apron and original brass paw foot casters. Carving is well articulated and form is reminiscent of Federal Boston cabinet maker Isaac Vose...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
American Federal Gilt Eagle Figure
Located in New York, 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
Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75511 Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style. This hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Tabriz rug features an allover pattern with geometric motifs...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
American Designer, Federal Consoles, Mahogany, Marble, Gold Gilt, Mirror, 1940s
Located in Stamford, CT
A fine pair of monumental Federal style console tables each having boule inlays and carved opposing eagles wings spread sitting on a rock b...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Marble
Federal Rosewood Roll Top Secretary
Located in New York, NY
American Federal rosewood and maple interior roll top secretary with bronze and ebonized trim (Attributed to Leon Marcotte, N.Y.)
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Persian Mashhad Palace Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75597 Vintage Persian Mashhad Palace Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style. This hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Mashhad palace rug features a central medallion in midnig...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
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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