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.
Pair of Alabaster End Tables or Plant or Display Collums
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Alabaster end tables or plant or display collums. Hand carved highly figured Alabaster made in Italy.
Alabaster
J&R Furniture Federal Walnut Hexagon Candle Stand Pedestal Table Kettle Plant
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid 20th century Federal inspired candle Stand by J&R Furniture Mfg Co of Salt Lake City Utah. Made from walnut with an inset hexagon top over turned column and tripod bade. Meas...
Walnut
American Cherry Candle Stand
Located in Buchanan, MI
Very interesting American cherry candle stand with exaggerated spider arched legs giving it a contemporary feel.
Cherry
$1,002Sale Price|56% Off
Early American Federal Pole Screen, Mahogany & Maple, c. 1800
Located in Savannah, GA
Mahogany and maple pole screen on a tripod base featuring a center urn, adjustable brass slide and a lead weighted bottom. Stenciled floral motif on screen...
Maple
$998Sale Price|60% Off
Antique Federal Tripod Table, Mahogany, Curved Edge, USA, Early 1800s
Located in Savannah, GA
Unusual rectangular shaped. American tripod table with original working mechanism. The exquisitely grained top is one piece of mahogany and shape...
Mahogany
$2,512
H 43.2 in W 11.8 in D 11.8 in
Stylish and Great Antique, Ebonized Flower, Plant or Sculpture Stand / Pedestal
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful column for displaying a work of art or otherwise. This antique and attractive design pedestal is perfect for showcasing an antique sculpture, vase or bust. Most colors wil...
Wood, Beech, Paint
White Pedestal Cube End Table
Located in New York, NY
A white gloss laminate veneered pedestal or cube end table, '70s Modern/Postmodern design period, circa late-20th century, 1970s or later. A great piec...
Laminate
Pair of Antique Swedish Neoclassical Late Empire Pedestals
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of antique Empire Neoclassical Swedish pedestals painted ebony with gold accents.
Wood
Chinese Carved Rosewood Plant Stand / Pedestal
Located in San Diego, CA
High quality vintage Chinese carved rosewood plant stand / pedestal, circa 1970s. The stand is in very good vintage condition and measures 11.5...
Rosewood
$2,811
H 40.1 in W 12 in D 12 in
Antique Early 1900s Hand Carved Oak Pedestal Display Stand, Floral Sculptered
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning display column with a warm and beautiful patina. If you are looking for an antique column pedestal for displaying a vase, a plant, ...
Oak
$2,752
H 46 in Dm 25.5 in
Classical Style and Hand-Painted Antique Wooden Display Stand Column Pedestal
Located in Lisse, NL
Large, impressive and all handcrafted, 19th century wooden column. Thanks to its classical and perfectly geometrical design, this column pedestal can be used and enjoyed in all kind...
Pine
$1,907
H 52.37 in W 16.54 in D 13.78 in
Antique Adjustable Pole Screen, English, Fireside Shield, Regency, circa 1820
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique adjustable pole screen. An English, rosewood and needlepoint fireside shield, dating to the Regency period, circa 1820. Delightful Regency period craftsmanship ...
Wood
Antique Pole Screen, Early Victorian Rosewood Fire Screen
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pole screen, early Victorian fire screen, circa 1840. Raised on a robust rosewood Stand with good colour and grain interest...
Tapestry, Rosewood
Secession Plant Stand
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession plant stand with brass fittings. Professionally stained and repolished.
Brass
Antique Bobbin Leg Solid Oak Plant Stand/Pedestal Table
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
1571 American antique soliak plant stand or pedestal table with square top raised on bobbin turned legs
Oak
$550
H 19.5 in W 13 in D 10.75 in
Antique English Mahogany Tripod Pedestal Plant Sculpture Candle Stand 20"
Located in Dayton, OH
Circa mid 20th century mahogany candle / plant stand with round top, turned pedestal base and tripod feet. Top screws onto base. Made in England. Dimensions: 10.75" x 13" x 19.5" (W...
Mahogany
Antique Victorian Oak Bobbin Tripod Side Table, 19th century
Located in Aartselaar, BE
This superb 19th-century British side table is a lovely example of Victorian craftsmanship, showcasing timeless charm and fine attention to detail. Crafted from solid oak, the table ...
Wood, Oak
Federal Style Mahogany Circular Reeded Pedestal
Located in Astoria, NY
Federal Style Mahogany Circular Reeded Pedestal, with black slate top. 44" H x 12" Diameter. Provenance: From a Park Avenue Collection.
Mahogany
American, 18th Century, Birdcage Tilt Top Table Probably Philadelphia, Ca. 1780
Located in Vero Beach, FL
American 18th century birdcage tilt top table probably Philadelphia ca. 1780. Very fine American mahogany tilt top table. The top is support...
Mahogany
Antique Federal Era Solid Mahogany Pedestal or Fern Stand
Located in Peabody, MA
An American Federal era columnar pedestal in solid mahogany circa early 1800s. The top surface diameter is 9.25".
Mahogany
Small Square American Two-Tier Nightstand Or Plant Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small square American two-tier nightstand or plant stand
Wood
American Federal Mahogany Pedestal Drum Table, Boston, Circa 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany two-drawer drum table with the original brass pulls, turned bulbous pedestal and terminating on acanthus carved saber legs with the original lions paw brass...
Brass