Federal Furniture
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.
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Brass
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Bronze
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Mahogany
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Crystal
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Velvet, Mahogany
1930s French Vintage Federal Furniture
Ormolu
Early 20th Century French Federal Furniture
Ormolu
1930s Danish Vintage Federal Furniture
Bamboo
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
1930s Danish Vintage Federal Furniture
Cotton, Mahogany
19th Century French Antique Federal Furniture
Crystal
2010s British Federal Furniture
Walnut
1770s American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
1940s French Vintage Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Crystal
Late 20th Century Czech Federal Furniture
Crystal, Metal
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Brass
1930s Italian Vintage Federal Furniture
Mirror, Giltwood
1930s English Vintage Federal Furniture
Ceramic
1930s Vintage Federal Furniture
Mahogany
1930s Vintage Federal Furniture
Glass, Mahogany, Paint
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Mahogany
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Brass, Iron
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Glass, Walnut, Paper, Watercolor
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Brass
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Gesso, Wood
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Bronze