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.
Nest of Three Biggs Virginia Federal Style Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid
Located in Germantown, MD
A Nest of three Biggs Virginia federal style mahogany and satinwood inlaid. Tables measure: Largest table: 22"w x 15"D x 28"H, larger table 18"W x 14.5"D x 27.5"H, Smaller table meas...
Mahogany, Satinwood
Set of 4 Elegant Tapered Legs Mahogany Federal Nesting Side End Tables MINT
By Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of 4 Elegant Tapered Legs Mahogany Federal Nesting Side End Tables MINT
Mahogany
$1,600 / set
Set of Burl Wood Oval Nesting Tables by Baker
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of oval Baker nesting stacking side end lamp tables stands.
Burl
$999 / set
H 11.62 in W 17.92 in D 13.19 in
Antique Set Of Nesting Tables, Oriental, Bamboo, Occasional, Side, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique set of nesting tables. An Oriental, bamboo and rattan occasional side table, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Compact nesting tables with a charming ...
Bamboo
Pair Of Nesting Tables
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Located in NY.
Metal, Iron
$1,875
H 23.38 in W 20.94 in D 17.63 in
Elegant 1940's Mid-Century Mahogany Nesting Tables in Dark Expresso
Located in St. Louis, MO
Elegant 1940's set of nesting tables, refinished in dark brown expresso on mahogany. Larger table measures 21-15/15" W x 17.5/8" D x 23-3/8" H, lower table measures 17-5/8" W x 16" D...
Mahogany
Antique French Inlaid Nest of Tables
Located in London, GB
A stunning antique French inlaid nest of tables. This was made in France, it dates from around the 1930’s. The quality is fantastic, this is beautifully made with gorgeous inlays on...
Brass, Ormolu
Set of 3 French Black Glass and Brass Nesting Tables
Located in Buchanan, NY
This set of three French nesting tables is a beautiful blend of black glass and brass, reflecting the distinctive style of Maison Jansen. Dating back to the 1940s, these tables featu...
Brass
$5,128 / set
H 21 in W 16 in D 16 in
Nesting Side Table Set Modern Round Pair End Table Cast Blackened Waxed Steel
Located in Bronx, NY
Table No. 1 - Nesting Set J.M. Szymanski d. 2017 A striking design composed of two separate side tables. Each table has only two legs! This nesting side table set...
Steel, Iron
$1,790Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 16.93 in W 20.87 in D 16.93 in
Set of 3 Neoclassical Brass Nesting Tables, in the Style of Maison Jansen
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
In the style of Maison Jansen. Set of 3 neoclassical brass nesting tables with fluted legs and smoked glass shelves, French, circa 1940.
Brass
Set of 3 Nesting Tables
Located in Annville, PA
The Set of 3 Nesting Tables from Niagara Furniture features three tables, all with attractive inlaid mahogany tops. Supported on hand carved, solid mahogany legs which are turned to ...
Mahogany
Midcentury Burled Nesting Tables by Directional
By Directional
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Mid Century Parsons style nesting tables made by Directional in thick burl veneer over solid wood cores. Very well crafted and solid feeling with corner blocking. The tops ma...
Burl
Barbara Barry for Baker Nesting Tables
By Baker Furniture Company, Barbara Barry
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of three elegant mahogany nesting tables designed by Barbara Barry for Baker, American, circa 2000s.
Wood, Mahogany
Nesting Tables by Haslev
Located in Long Island City, NY
A set of two nesting tables with inlaid stoneware tiles by Nils Thorsen for Royal Copenhagen. Produced by Haslev Møbelsnedkeri.
Stoneware, Wood
Barbara Barry for Baker Mahogany Nesting Tables - Set of 3
By Barbara Barry, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Barbara Barry for Baker Mahogany Nesting Tables - Set of 3 The top table measures: 14.5 wide x 14.5 deep x 28.75 inches high The middle table measures: 12.25 wide x 14.5 deep x 25.2...
Mahogany
Vintage Henredon Nesting Tables
By Henredon
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A 3 Piece Set of Henredon Nesting Tables...
Walnut
Antique Nesting Tables Mahogany & Leather
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on "Read More About This Item" below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all...
Leather, Mahogany
Baker Furniture Oval Nesting Tables Mahogany & Fruitwood Inlay
Located in Toledo, OH
Baker Furniture oval nesting tables with shell fruitwood and mahogany inlay. Smaller table has bowed front and back. Very slight wear. Oval table m...
Mahogany
Federal Style Mahogany Satinwood Nesting Tables
Located in Baltimore, MD
An elegant Federal style mahogany and satinwood trio of nesting tables. This rare, attractive set features a mahogany veneer top framed in a satinwood and ebony stringer with a cente...
Mahogany, Satinwood