Federal Sofa Tables
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.
20th Century American Federal Sofa Tables
Walnut
20th Century American Federal Sofa Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Federal Sofa Tables
Satinwood, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Federal Sofa Tables
Wood
Mid-20th Century Federal Sofa Tables
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Sofa Tables
Wood
20th Century Federal Sofa Tables
Wrought Iron
19th Century Swedish Antique Federal Sofa Tables
Pine
1980s Philippine Vintage Federal Sofa Tables
Glass
2010s American Federal Sofa Tables
Wood
20th Century American Federal Sofa Tables
Wood
Late 20th Century American Federal Sofa Tables
Brass
20th Century Federal Sofa Tables
Wood
Late 20th Century American Federal Sofa Tables
Mahogany
1940s American Vintage Federal Sofa Tables
Marble
Early 1800s English Antique Federal Sofa Tables
Other
Early 20th Century American Federal Sofa Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Federal Sofa Tables
Leather, Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Federal Sofa Tables
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Sofa Tables
Rosewood
Late 20th Century American Federal Sofa Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
20th Century Unknown Federal Sofa Tables
Walnut