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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
Period: 1980s
Wellington Hall Federal Inlaid Flame Mahogany Console or Entry Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style console table, sofa table, or entry table By Wellington Hall USA, Circa 1980s Flame mahogany, with inlaid satinwood marquetry. Measures: 4...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Pembroke Drop Leaf Mahogany Satinwood Side Table
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Classic small scale Pembroke mahogany table with a satinwood banded top and one drawer. This piece is raised on tall square tapering legs and the sides are flanked with two oval sati...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Federal Mahogany Demilune Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet or sideboard server By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston" Collection USA, Circa 1980s Beautiful mahogany, with ori...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Federal Inlaid Mahogany Console Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style console table, sofa table, or entry table By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston" Collection USA, Circa 1980s Mahogany, with inlaid satin...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

90" Baker Executive Partners Desk
Located in Pasadena, TX
Baker partners desk Stunning pedestal leather top executive desk made by BAKER. Functioning drawers on both sides serve as guest or partner de...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Burl

Baker Furniture Federal Mahogany and Satinwood Demilune Cabinet, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet or sideboard By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Flame mahogany, with satinwood banding and inlay, and original brass ...
Category

1980s American Vintage 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

Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Inlaid Mahogany and Satinwood Coffee Table
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Georgian style coffee or tea table By Baker Furniture "Historic Charleston" Collection USA, circa 1980s Mahogany, with satinwood inlay and brass ha...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Related Items
Regency Partners Desk Walnut Library Desk
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Fantastic large partners desk in the Regency manner True partners desk with drawers and cupboards on both sides Features solid oak drawer linings and brass drop handle Good size so p...
Category

1980s Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Fine Satinwood Baker Furniture Company Crown Glass Breakfront Bookcase
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delivery needs! They offer a reasonable flat-rate fee for delivery and set up to the ground floor of your home. They deliver to the vast majority of the lower 48 states. They offer a flat rate for most of our items with exclusions for the largest or most complex items such as breakfronts or crystal chandeliers or other items of greater complexity. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase as these rates are different from our stated pricing. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase. Most deliveries to the East Coast will be 295.00, to the mid-west and Southern mid-west 395.00. To the areas west of Kansas 495.00 and the farthest points to the West coast will be 595.00. Again, some areas we can't cover, however we can deliver to most of the lower 48 states so please inquire to be sure! Delivery times range from as fast as 1-4 weeks for the east coast to 5-9 weeks to the farthest areas of the west coast, sometimes longer and sometimes even shorter. If it is a time sensitive purchase, we may be able to accommodate you for a higher price. It is our goal to please each and every one of our customers with the highest standard of service possible. You must realize and accept that we are shipping antique, vintage and quality used furnishings to your home. We cannot control traffic, weather, and acts of God. There will be times when additional patience will be necessary. This is a rare model of Baker breakfront...
Category

1960s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Blown Glass, Satinwood

Fine Baker Historic Charleston Reproduction Adaptation Mahogany Breakfront
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine Breakfront from Baker Furnitures famed Historic Charleston Collection. The lower case with carved gadrooned band over three doors with carved shaped moldings. The center door ...
Category

20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

Henkel Harris Georgian Mahogany Drop Leaf Pembroke Side Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian style Pembroke nightstand or end table By Henkel Harris, USA, circa 1990s Mahogany, with original brass hardware. Measures: 15.25" W x 23" D x 24.13" ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

BAKER Historic Charleston Mahogany Satinwood Banded Double Pedestal Dining Table
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Regency style double pedestal dining table by Baker Furniture, from their Historic Charleston Reproductions Collection. Ma...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture Georgian Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase With Secretary Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Georgian or Federal style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase hutch top By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Gorgeous mahogany, with original brass hardw...
Category

1960s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Abstract Obelisk Bookcase Cabinets by Baker Furniture
Located in North York, ON
Pair of abstract Obelisk bookshelves by Baker Furniture. Solid mahogany construction, featuring custom two-tone finish. Bookcases contain 6 shelves on both the front and rear of the ...
Category

2010s American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Executive Boomerang Desk
Located in Esperance, NY
For sale is this very unique large executive boomerang desk. The top is made out of laminate and the bottom is solid wood.
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Midcentury Executive Boomerang Desk
Midcentury Executive Boomerang Desk
H 29 in W 73 in D 29.75 in
Baker Furniture Contemporary Console Table
Located in Countryside, IL
Baker Furniture contemporary console table This table measures: 76.5 wide x 14.5 deep x 34.5 high This piece has some light scratches, but...
Category

2010s American Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Baker Furniture Contemporary Console Table
Baker Furniture Contemporary Console Table
H 34.5 in W 76.5 in D 14.5 in
Baker Furniture Regency Mahogany Console Table with Ebonized Greek Key Inlay
Located in Louisville, KY
If you're looking for that statement piece in an entry hall or a room, this Baker Furniture Regency Mahogany Entry Hall Console is your match. With a Neo Classic Design, this Baker F...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Baker Mahogany Satinwood Bow Front Sideboard Historic Charleston Collection MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker Mahogany Satinwood Bow Front Sideboard Historic Charleston Collection MINT
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

American Federal Mahogany Banded Pembroke Drop-Leaf Large Side Tables, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of American Federal Dark Mahogany Banded Pembroke Drop-Leaf Large Side Tables in good vintage condition measuring 38" Wide (20"Wide folded) X 29.5" deep x 27.25" tall. A ve...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Previously Available Items
Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Federal Mahogany Console or Entry Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style console table, sofa table, or entry table By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston" Collection USA, Circa 1980s Mahogany, with inlaid satin...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Henredon Federal Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard Credenza
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style bow front sideboard buffet or credenza By Henredon USA, Circa 1980s Beautiful banded flame mahogany, with original brass hardware. Measure...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage Continental Mahogany Nightstand
By Continental Furniture Company
Located in Annville, PA
An excellent example of a Vintage Continental Mahogany Night Stand. Produced by the Continental Furniture Company of High Point NC, this night stand feat...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Henredon Historic Natchez Federal Mahogany and Inlaid Satinwood Coffee Table
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Georgian style coffee or tea table By Henredon, "Historic Natchez Collection" USA, circa 1980s Mahogany, with Eng...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mahogany Demilune Chest of Drawers Dresser Commode
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning mahogany demilune chest of drawers with ornate brass hardware. There are four functional drawers and eight faux drawers in all. All ...
Category

1980s Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of six carved mahogany shield-back dining chairs By Baker Furniture "Historic Charleston Collection" USA, circa 1980s Solid carved mahogany frames, with i...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Baker Furniture 11-Piece Dining Room Set Table & Ten Chairs Historic Charleston
Located in West Hartford, CT
Baker furniture (American, Grand Rapids, founded 1903) double pedestal dining table with flame mahogany high-gloss finish, from the Historic Charleston collection, late 20th century....
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture 11-Piece Dining Room Set Table & Ten Chairs Historic Charleston
Located in West Hartford, CT
Baker Furniture (American, Grand Rapids, founded 1903) double pedestal dining table with flame mahogany high-gloss finish, from the Historic Charleston collection, late 20th century....
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Henredon Federal Style Banded and Inlaid Mahogany Sideboard Credenza
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional banded inlaid flame mahogany Federal style sideboard credenza or bar server By Henredon "Rittenhouse Square" collection USA, 19...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Henredon Mahogany Inlaid Server Buffet Sideboard Credenza Cabinet
Located in West Hartford, CT
Beautifully appointed Henredon mahogany sideboard has a serpentine shaped front that is a Classic design feature and is highlighted on the ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Federal Style Mahogany Armoire Wardrobe Cabinet Dresser
Located in West Hartford, CT
Handcrafted armoire with boxwood line inlay and crossbanded mahogany has two front doors that open to store a TV or add two shelves to store clothing. Beautiful dentil molding on top...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Kindel Inlaid Mahogany Bow Front Federal Style Sideboard Credenza
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional inlaid mahogany bow front Federal or Hepplewhite style sideboard by Kindel Furniture of Grand Rapids. The sideboard features stunning mahogany wood grain with a nice b...
Category

1980s American 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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