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.
$1,162Sale Price|30% Off
Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Double Drawers Tiered Wash Stand
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Double Drawers Tiered Wash Stand. Measures 33" in width, 18" in depth and 30" in Height and 35" in height to the top of the back splash.
Mahogany
19th Century Regency Style Mahogany Hexagonal Sewing / Work Table
Located in Germantown, MD
19th Century Regency Style Mahogany Hexagonal Sewing / Work Table MEASUREMENTS: 21.5″ wide x 16.5" Dx 30.5″ in height .
Hardwood, Mahogany
$1,015Sale Price|30% Off
Late Federal Birdseye Maple Single Drawer Work Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Federal Style Birdseye Maple and maple Single Drawer Work Table. Measuring 6.5" in diameter and 28.5" in height.
Birdseye Maple, Maple
19th Century Federal Varnished Pine Two-Drawer Drop Leaf Work Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Varnished Pine Two-Drawer Drop Leaf Work Table. Measures: 17" in width closed, 33" in width open and 17" in depth and 29" in height.
Pine
American Federal Mahogany 2-Drawer Work Table W/ Original Cup Casters, C. 1800
Located in Germantown, MD
American Federal Mahogany Two-Drawer Stand / Work Table. Features Two large drawers over four carved and turned bulbous pineapple legs with the original brass cupped casters. F8nish...
Mahogany
American Mahogany Drop Leaf Barley Twist Work Table with Orig. Brasses, C. 1815
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal Mahogany drop leaf three drawer work table with incised carvings, original circular foliage brasses, key hole escutcheons, ...
Brass
American Federal Mahogany Compartmentalized Hinged Work Table, VA Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany work table with a hinged top revealing two flanking compartments, deep centered reeded front drawer with original...
Brass
$1,250
H 30.25 in W 18.5 in D 12.75 in
Late 19th Early 20th Century Butcher Block / Industrial Work Table
Located in Wainscott, NY
A solid pine butcher's block table with forged iron banding, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. The thick top shows a beautifully worn surface and patina from years of ...
Iron
Early 20th Century Wicker Sewing Stand
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Part of a large collection of ornate wicker that was collected over the years by a Senator's wife. Early 20th century, the open sewing basket has a woven...
Wicker
French 19th Century 2 Drawer console - Work Table
Located in Round Top, TX
A very charming 19th century 2 drawer console - work table from Southwest of France in walnut and pine wood. Wonderful as a sofa table or placed bene...
Chestnut, Pine
$2,076
H 31.5 in W 21.66 in D 11.03 in
Midcentury Walnut and Brass Italian Work Table with Wheels, 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing midcentury walnut and brass work table with wheels. This wonderful piece was produced in Italy, during 1940s. This great item is made...
Brass, Copper
19th Century Swedish Blue Folk Art Work Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Blue work table in Folk Art from northern Sweden. The table is made circa 1810-1820 in Swedish pine and is painted with the original paint. The blue or...
Pine
French Oak Two Tier Work Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French, 19th century work table in two tiers, formerly used in a winery. The tall and large surface area is ideal for any creative pursuit, from the artist's studio to home baker–p...
Oak, Paint
19th Century American General Store Farmhouse Work Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Substantial late 19th century American general store country farmhouse work table crafted from pine. The farm table features a 1.5" inch thick two...
Pine
$3,250
H 31.5 in W 78.5 in D 31.25 in
Late 19th Century Rustic Blue Painted Work Table with Two Metal Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
Rustic pine work table with base in old blue paint and two large metal drawers. The natural wood top bears deep gouges, stains, cracks, and holes from long use, with plank separation...
Metal
Antique 19th Century Shaker Style Work Bench Table
Located in North York, ON
An extraordinary example of utilitarian craftsmanship, this 19th century Shaker-style work bench table is a rare and authentic collector’s piece. Composed of solid oak with a rich da...
Metal
19th Century American Farmhouse Work Table or Console
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Large 19th century American farmhouse table, work table, or harvest table. Featuring a rustic plank top 10 feet long. Supported by thick turne...
Wood
Early 20th Century Iron Base Work Table
Located in Round Top, TX
The appeal of this old work table comes from the aged wood itself, worn and distressed through years of use adding to the character imbedded in the table. Notice the expected age-related separation of the planks of wood that comprise the top, in addition to cracks, stains and heavy gouges. The industrial iron base is solid, allowing this to function as a desk, console, work or craft table. This rustic work table has been restored so is strong, stable and ready for use. ** In light of current affairs and fluctuating fuel prices shipping quotes and timelines are estimates only. Buyer is required to notify us upon purchase if there are interior or exterior stairs, steps, or freight elevators...
Iron
$1,166
H 31.11 in W 34.26 in D 16.54 in
Vintage Singer treadle sewing machine, early 20th century Fully Operational
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
A fully Operational Vintage Singer treadle sewing machine, early 20th century. It features a cast-iron base with a foot pedal for manual ...
Iron
A late 19th Century Walnut inlaid Sewing Table
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Stately walnut inlaid sewing, work table with turned legs, single drawer and fabric covered slide out storage for sewing necessities. The top with a rare inlay in the form of a ship...
Satinwood, Walnut
19th Century American Federal Work Table , probably New Hampshire
Located in Dallas, TX
an octagonal work table with lift top, door on front (Image 5), the whole on slender legs that curve into feet, cross stretchers, painted black with classical decoration in salmon ...
Wood