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.
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Brass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany, Pine
19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
1820s American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
1830s American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
1820s American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Fruitwood
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Tables
Brass
20th Century Italian Federal Tables
Burl, Walnut
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Walnut, Oak
Early 20th Century American Federal Tables
Brass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Birch, Mahogany, Rosewood
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Maple
1830s American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Federal Tables
Mahogany
Early 18th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Brass
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Federal Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
18th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Hardwood, Cherry
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Walnut, Giltwood
19th Century Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Federal Tables
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Federal Tables
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Cherry
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Walnut, Paint
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Tables
Walnut
Early 20th Century American Federal Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Federal Tables
Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Federal Tables
Brass
1940s American Vintage Federal Tables
Glass, Wood
Early 20th Century American Federal Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
Early 20th Century American Federal Tables
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Federal Tables
Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Tables
Brass
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Breccia Marble
1840s Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Federal Tables
Wood
1820s American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Cherry
Mid-20th Century American Federal Tables
Mahogany
19th Century North American Antique Federal Tables
Marble
1820s American Antique Federal Tables
Mahogany
1950s American Vintage Federal Tables
Copper
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables
Wood
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Tables
Maple