Federal 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.
Mid-20th Century American Federal Tables
Mahogany
1990s American Federal Tables
Cherry, Ebony, Satinwood
Mid-20th Century American Federal Tables
Ebony, Mahogany, Satinwood
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
1820s American Antique Federal Tables
Maple
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Carrara Marble
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Cherry, Mahogany, Poplar
Mid-20th Century Federal Tables
Walnut
1820s American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Brass
1960s Vintage Federal Tables
Walnut
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Tables
Wood
20th Century American Federal Tables
Brass
1970s Vintage Federal Tables
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Federal Tables
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Brass
1980s American Vintage Federal Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
Early 20th Century American Federal Tables
Brass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Brass
20th Century American Federal Tables
Brass
Early 20th Century American Federal Tables
Brass
1970s Vintage Federal Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Federal Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Federal Tables
Marble
Mid-20th Century American Federal Tables
Brass
1940s American Vintage Federal Tables
Glass, Wood
1820s American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
1980s American Vintage Federal Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Tables
Mahogany
18th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Cherry, Hardwood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Brass
1820s American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Brass
Mid-19th Century Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Federal Tables
Brass
1830s American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany, Rosewood, Satinwood
Mid-20th Century Federal Tables
Wood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany, Pine
1820s American Antique Federal Tables
Brass
19th Century Antique Federal Tables
Brass
19th Century Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Federal Tables
Brass
20th Century American Federal Tables
Burl
Mid-20th Century Federal Tables
Marble
Mid-20th Century American Federal Tables
Mahogany
19th Century North American Antique Federal Tables
Marble
19th Century Antique Federal Tables
Brass
20th Century American Federal Tables
Mahogany
1770s American Antique Federal Tables
Brass
20th Century American Federal Tables
Yew
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
1820s American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
1790s American Antique Federal Tables
Marble
Early 20th Century English Federal Tables
Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Brass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
1810s American Antique Federal Tables
Brass
Late 20th Century American Federal Tables
Brass