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.
Federal Style, Painted Wood, Cane, Ebonized Bar Cart, USA, 1970s
Located in Stamford, CT
Hollywood Regency Style, Painted Wood, Cane, Ebonized Three-Tier Bar Cart, USA, 1970s A three tier fully refinished painted wood, cane, and brass rolling bar cart produced in the Un...
Brass
Mahogany Banded Inlay Drop Leaf Silver Drawer 5 Drawers Server Cart on Wheels
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mahogany Banded Inlay drop leaf silver drawer 5 drawers Expandable server cart cabinet on wheels MINT!.
Brass
$2,160 / item
H 29.53 in W 47.25 in D 16.54 in
"Pedro" bar cart Modernist style, painted steel and natural wood
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
With the Pedro trolley, Alessandra pays a loving tribute to her father. The light and functional piece has an interesting detail: the smaller top tray is movable, allowing you to use...
Steel
$2,397 / item
H 31.5 in W 39.38 in D 18.51 in
"Jorge" Bar Cart Modernist Style in Color Painted Steel and wood natural
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
True to her enthusiasm for the Modernist Movement Alessandra Delgado was inspired by Jorge Zalszupin timeless architectonic view to create the bar cart "Jorge". Elegant and versatil...
Steel
Federal Drop-Leaf Table in Mahogany, circa 1825
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A federal table in mahogany with drop-leaves, on turned legs with large leaf carvings and ending in casters. Offers one drawer with original wooden pull. Note: You should always req...
Mahogany
$950
H 29.5 in W 27.5 in D 16.5 in
Modern Two-Tier Bar Cart, Chrome and Glass, Mirrored Edges, USA, 1970s
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Modern two-tier bar cart with inset glass tops with mirrored edged detail and castor wheels. Height top of handles 29.5" height to top 2nd shelf 25.5".
Metal
$1,859 / item
H 31.5 in W 16.15 in D 22.45 in
"Lola" Bar Cart Modernist Style Painted Steel natural wood and removable mirror
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
True to her enthusiasm for the Modernist Movement Alessandra Delgado was inspired by Jorge Zalszupin timeless architectonic view to create the bar cart "Lola". Elegant and versatile,...
Steel
19thc Single Drawer Drop Leaf Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19thc Drop Leaf table Each leaf adds 10 inches in length to the side with both leafs up the table measures 40wide x 39deep x 30 high. With leafs down table measures - 20wide x 39 ...
Wood
$4,500
H 29 in W 58.25 in D 21.5 in
English Regency Mahogany Two-Drawer Drop-Leaf Sofa Table, circa 1820
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English Regency drop-leaf sofa table crafted in mahogany during the early 19th century. Its narrow rectangular top is flanked by two hinged leaves with softly rounded outer corner...
Brass
$1,968Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.94 in W 28.55 in D 17.92 in
Early 20th Bar Cart with Three Tier and Two Leafs Convertible in Tea Table
Located in Miami, FL
Very cool serving cart made from walnut with three trays. The two leafs are easily and quickly folding and the cart is convertible in a functional coffee tea or table that you love i...
Iron
American Mahogany Drop Leaf table
Located in New York, NY
Late 18th Century Mahogany Drop leaf Table each side with Gate leg Carved edge & legs
Mahogany
$1,695
H 33.5 in W 31 in D 19 in
Antique English Trolley Tea Cart Pastry Cocktail Bar Cart Tray Tudor Oak 1930s 2
Located in Tyler, TX
CHARMING Antique English Oak Two-Tier Tea/Pastry Cart, Trolley or End Table Side Occasional Table~~Lift Out Serving Tray~~c. 1930s 2 Excellent Tudor style with cup & cover legs~...
Oak
Rare 1970s Space Age Chrome, Smoked Glass and Wood Bar Cart
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare 1970s Modernist bar cart from Czechoslovakia, distinguished by an expressive combination of chrome-plated tubular metal, smoked glass and dark wood. The sculptural construction ...
Metal, Chrome
Federal Mahogany Drop Leaf Table
Located in East Aurora, NY
Federal Mahogany drop leaf table breakfast with a very nicely detailed and carved Acanthus Paw Feet base with the original spider strap brace...
Mahogany
$5,900
H 29.5 in W 42 in D 20 in
1930's Art Deco Ebonized Wood, Glass Streamlined Bar Cart, Trolley On Wheels USA
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning, sculptural and versatile restored streamlined original Art Deco vintage bar cart or trolley has fluted columns. The oval shaped form and wonderful handle add to the fu...
Wood, Glass
Bauhaus Style Tubular Trolley or Bar Cart 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Wonderful and rare Bauhaus style trolley or bar cart . Very well designed with a timeless and modern appearance due to the combination of black glass and the chromed tubular frame. I...
Chrome
$1,542
H 25.99 in W 26.78 in D 18.9 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Bamboo Cane and Rattan Bar Cart, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
This elegant Italian bar cart, dating to the Mid-Century Modern period, is a superb example of the refined craftsmanship that characterized Italian furniture made from natural materials during the 1960s and 1970s. Its design is reminiscent of the celebrated work associated with renowned Italian makers such as Vivai del Sud, Arpex, and Valentino Più...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Sold
H 29 in W 21 in D 32 in
Baker Drop Leaf Mahogany Banded Inlay Tea Cart Server Cart with Glass Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Baker drop leaf mahoganybanded inlay tea cart server cart with pull out glass tray. Item features satinwood banded inlay top, lower removable glass she...
Glass, Mahogany