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
Pair Hickory Chair Federal Style Mahogany & Inlay Upholstered Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Hickory Chair Furniture Federal Style Upholstered Mahogany Armchairs in great vintage condition.
Measures 25" in width, 25" in depth, 36" in height, 18" seat height. Arm heig...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
All Rosewood Double Glass Doors Adjustable Shelves Pull Out Desk Secretary MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
All Rosewood Double Glass Doors Adjustable Shelves Pull Out Leather Top Desk Secretary MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Blackened Wrought Iron Knife Blade Andirons with Brass Urn Finials, Circa 1900s
Located in New York, NY
AFP0535
A pair of antique 18th century style wrought iron andirons with full round brass urn form finials and brass details atop blackened iron knife blade...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron, Brass
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
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
c.1880s Fine One Drawer Inlayed Solid Crotch Mahogany Top Console Table MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
c.1880s Fine One Drawer Inlayed Solid Crotch Mahogany Top Console Table Server Petite Desk Sideboard w/ Backsplash MINT!
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Early 19th Century Federal Hepplewhite Mirrors with Pineapple Finals
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of American Federal Hepplewhite Mirrors with Pineapple Finials. Wonderful pediment shaped eglomise panels with floral gilt. Gilded balls and columns. A true pair. Possibly Al...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Antique New York Federal Period Mahogany Paw Foot Drop Leaf Table c. 1830
Located in Westfield, MA
This Antique New York Federal Period Mahogany Paw Foot Drop Leaf Table, dating to around 1830, is a stunning example of early 19th-century American craftsmanship. The solid flame mah...
Category
1830s 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
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
Vintage Cast-Iron Eagle Sculpture, Early 20th Century
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a cast-iron figural eagle doorstop, circa early 20th century. The eagle is depicted with wings spread wide, perched and mounted to a square marble base. The eagle retains traces of its original gilt surface and is embossed with “F.O.E.” at its midsection, possibly referring to the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
The eagle is both the national bird and the national animal of the United States. The eagle motif has been widely used throughout American history, most notably as part of our Great Seal. The founders of the United States were fond of comparing their new republic with the Roman Republic, in which eagle imagery, usually the golden eagle, was prominent. On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the design for the Great Seal of the United States...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Marble, Iron
Antique Federal Oval Dining Table
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
An exquisite antique mahogany Federal oval dining table. Federal-style—also known as Adam-style in Britain and Louis XVI style in France—flourished in the newly formed United States ...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Fine Antique Upholstered Armchair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A particularly refined Antique Armchair with soft honey tone wood and elegant form. With a tall shaped crest rail and carved sloping arm supports. Raised ...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
19th Century Federal Eglomise Decorated Wall or Table Mirror
Located in Manhasset, NY
19th century federal eglomise decorated wall or table mirror having a wonderfully gilt decorated frame under an eglomise glass panel depicting a baske...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
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
Antique Federal Style Mahogany Sideboard Credenza Buffet
Located in West Hartford, CT
Elegant Federal sideboard that features a gracefully curved front, complemented by ornate brass hardware that accentuates its rich mahogany finish. Its six dovetailed drawers offer ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
20th Century Federal Regency Style Eagle Bullseye Rondel Wall Mirror 42"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Federal Bullseye mirror, circa last quarter 20th century. Features a gold gilt reeded frame surrounded by balls along the center with ...
Category
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror
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
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
Early 19th Century Antique American Federal Mahog. & Birch Flap-Top Games Table
By John & Thomas Seymour
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
This is a spectacular antique American Federal New England period highly figured mahogany and satin birch Flap-top serpentine Games or Card Table in the manner of the workshop of Joh...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Birch, Mahogany, Rosewood
Custom Hand Crafted Federal Style Mahogany Triple Pedestal 15 Ft. Dining Table
Located in West Hartford, CT
Elevate your dining experience with this extraordinary custom 15-foot mahogany dining table that was commissioned 25 years ago for $48,000 and masterfully handcrafted by renowned Con...
Category
2010s American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Antique Federal Style Flame Mahogany Display China Cabinet By Councill
By Councill
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Federal Style Flame Mahogany Display China Cabinet by Councill
This carved, banded and flame mahogany cabinet is manufactured by Councill Furniture. It features 2 glass and...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Vintage American Mahogany Federal Style Broken Pediment Wall Hanging Mirror
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage American mahogany federal style broken pediment wall hanging mirror 48",
Federal style wall mirror, circa 1950s. Made from mahogany with scrolled ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Vintage American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches.
USA, Mid 20th Century
Giltwood frame, with ori...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
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
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
Set of 11 Federal Style Mahogany Square Back Dining Chairs
Located in Milford, NH
A solid set of eleven Federal style square back mahogany dining chairs, including two armchairs and nine side chairs, each with delicately carved back spindles, H form stretchers, an...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique 2 Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th century Antique 2 Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis #3 with stylized scroll form rail over slat back, caned seat...
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 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
Pair of Late 20th Century Bernhardt Maple and Cherry Upholstered Armchairs
By Bernhardt
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Late 20th Century Bernhardt Maple, Cherry and Upholstered Armchairs
Measures 21" in width, 24" in depth and 32" in height. Seat height 18. Arm height 25.5". Seat Interior...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Cherry, Maple
Vintage Decorative Crafts Inc American Federal Carved Wood Gold Gilt Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Decorative Crafts Inc American Federal Carved Wood Gold Gilt Wall Mirror. Item features gold gilt and brown distress painted finish, carved finials, solid wood frame, nicely ...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Semi-Post Pale Mahogany Federal Full Size Bed
Located in Germantown, MD
A Semi-Post Pale Mahogany Federal Full Size Bed in very good co dition.
Measurs 54"W x 80"D x 67"H
Headboard height is 47.5" and 67" to the top of the posters, footboard height is...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Federal Cherrywood Desk and Glassdoor Bookcase
Located in Sheridan, CO
A Late Federal Cherrywood Desk and Bookcase, Circa 1830.
This unique piece includes a folding desk and make a fabulous looking compact desk with plenty of storage in bookcase above. This was possibly a clerk's desk.
Includes plenty of storage and desk...
Category
Early 18th Century American Antique 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
American Federal Period China Cabinet
Located in Essex, MA
Period American Federal, Possibly Baltimore, library or China cabinet. Mahogany of Hepplewhite form with symmetrically divided drawers in base and upper case with paned glass and ori...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
19th Century Federal Mahogany Lift Top Writing Desk / Work Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Mahogany Lift Top Writing Desk or Work Table.
Features two drawers with working keys. One drawer without key. Top opens up...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
The Pennsylvania Journal and The Weekly Advertiser, Issued June 16, 1787
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an June 16, 1787 issue of Philadelphia's "The Pennsylvania Journal, and The Weekly Advertiser," containing coverage of the Constitutional Convention. The magazine period...
Category
1780s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Paper
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
Antique Italian Federal Style Carved Gold Gilded Candle Wall Sconce - Pair
By Palladio
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
18th Century Continental Mahogany Ten-Drawers Tall Lingery Chest of Drawers
Located in Germantown, MD
A rare 18th Century Continental Mahogany Narrow Ten-Drawers Tall Chest of Drawers, very appropriate for hosiery or Jewel with proper lining. Measures 54" in height, 16" in width and ...
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
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
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
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
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
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
Late 18th Century Dutch Marquetry Mahogany and Upholstered Armchair Desk Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 18th Century Dutch Marquetry Mahogany and Upholstered Armchair Desk Chair
Measures 25.5" in width, 23" in depth and 44.5" in height. Seat height is 20" and arm height is 27.5". ...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
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
Vintage American Federal Style Cherry Lowboy Chest & Mirror Dresser
Located in Dayton, OH
American federal revival dresser & mirror, circa mid 20th century. Marked "Cherry Styled by Park". Features a rectangular form lowboy chest of th...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Cherry
Antique English Federal Style 3 Part Mahogany Executive Partners Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique English Federal Style 3 Part Mahogany Executive Partners Desk
This Antique English Federal Style 3 Part Mahogany Executive Partners Desk exemplifies timeless elegance and f...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
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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