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Federal Tables

FEDERAL STYLE

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.

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Style: Federal
Early 20th Century Vintage Federal Style Pembroke Table - a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
Exquisite pair of inlay mahogany pembroke tables featuring squared tapered legs on casters. This pair of pembroke tables will immediately eleva...
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Wallace Nutting Tavern Table #660
Located in Parkesburg, PA
Wallace Nutting Tavern Table #660 Circa 1920's Hardwood Construction, Single Dovetailed Drawer, Joined Stretcher Base. Writing Desk or Work / Tavern Table Original Finish and Good...
Category

Early 20th Century North American Federal Tables

Materials

Hardwood

18th Mahogany Inlaid Card Table
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality 18th century American federal mahogany inlaid card table, the half round top intricately inlaid, supported by a gateleg to the rear, opening to a baise lin...
Category

18th Century American Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Rare Early 19th Century American Baltimore Federal Parcel Gilt Writing Desk
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine and rare early 19th century American Baltimore Federal painted writing table with fabulous parcel gilt detail throughout. The moulded to...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Early 19th Century American Sheraton Inlaid Cherry Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique early 19th century American Sheraton Inlaid cherry table Additional information: Materials: Cherry Wood Color: Sienna Period: early 19th century Styles: American, Fede...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Wood

Philadelphia Federal Mahogany Work Table
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular top with rounded hinged ends opening to compartments over two drawers that open from both sides over a hinged door with tambour front and ends and back raised on turned t...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Empire Pier Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
Early Empire Mahogany Pier Table with the original marble. Nicely carved hairy paw feet sitting under the turned crotch Mahogany veneered columns under a banded inlay frieze. Old, po...
Category

Early 19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Federal Tiger Maple Tripod Table, American, Early 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Tiger Maple Tripod table, top with chamfered corners also inlaid with mother of pearl, circles, hearts & triangles. Turned standard raised on down swept legs terminating in spade feet.
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Wood

19th Century Mahogany Dining Table with Leaves with Brass Clips
Located in New York, NY
Table has 2 end sections and 2 leaves and brass clips. The table can be used as a pair of side table against the wall. Great color and patina Dimensions with leaves: Width 50 1/2...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique American Federal Mahogany Tilt-Top Supper Table, circa 1790
Located in Portland, OR
Antique American Federal mahogany tilt-top supper table, circa 1790. Very rare antique American supper table, most likely mid-Atlantic states, carved with a Native American head...
Category

1790s American Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Mahogany Bow Front One-Drawer Server with Brass Pulls. C.1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal mahogany bow front one-drawer server with a one board top, original brass floral pulls and escutcheon, and resting on the original turned bulbous ringed legs, Early ...
Category

1810s American Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Brass

Federal Partners' Desk in Mahogany, Philadelphia, circa 1820
Located in Miami, FL
A beautiful Philadelphia partners desk in mahogany with gadrooned top and apron resting on center pedestal with carved baluster and legs, and ending in brass casters with lions' paw ...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Brass

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20th Century Biedermeier Style Oval Table
Located in Berlin, DE
Exceptionally pretty oval table in Biedermeier style. solid wood, partially blackened. Oval, cambered and profiled pedestal. Middle ascending, eight-fold edged, fan-shaped column-sha...
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20th Century Federal Tables

Materials

Wood

20th Century Biedermeier Style Oval Table
20th Century Biedermeier Style Oval Table
H 30.91 in W 34.06 in D 51.19 in
Federal Drop-Leaf Table in Mahogany, circa 1825
Located in Miami, FL
A federal table in mahogany with drop-leaves, on turned legs with large leaf carvings and ending in casters. Offers one drawer with original wooden pull. Note: You should always req...
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1820s American Antique Federal Tables

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Mahogany

18th Century Mahogany Large Pembroke Dining Table
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Good Quality And Unusually Large Late 18th Century Mahogany Pembroke Dining Table Having Well Figured Top With Two Hinged Flaps Over ...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Federal Tables

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19th C. French Charles X Restoration Period Sewing Stand Work Table
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce period Charles X (1818-1834) French Restoration mahogany travailleuse sewing (thread stand - side table - jewelry dressing table) with light, warm, beautifully aged patina. Born in France in the early 19th century, almost certainly Parisian work, exquisitely hand-crafted, this exceptionally executed example features ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts, escutcheons, and elaborate gilt metal trim. Having a highly figured light mahogany hinged lid top, lifting open to reveal a striking finished interior with divided compartments and original inset mirror plate. The conforming rectangular case fitted with a faux drawer front over a dovetailed drawer with sectioned interior. Elegantly rising on oval-shaped medial shelf stretcher-joined curvacious legs. Dimensions (approx): 27" High, 20" Wide, 13.5" Deep Stunning light almost blonde antique mahogany coloring and mellow warm tone, superb wood grain detail, and charming, beautifully aged patina over the whole. Great shape overall. Retaining original antique character marks, wear consistent with age and indicative of minimal use, nothing that detracts from the aesthetics or functionality, but only adds to the overall authenticity, refined elegant warmth, luxurious sophistication, and cozy unpretentious rustic elegance. Delivered cleaned, hand waxed, polished French patina finish, ready for immediate use and generational enjoyment! What is Charles X style: The comte d’Artois – or Charles X - was the son of the dauphin Louis-Ferdinand de Franc and Marie-Josèphe de Saxe. He succeeded his two brothers Louis XVI and Louis XVIII and became the King of France in 1824. Thirty years after the French Revolution, he wanted to embody the return of monarchy and became the leader of the catholic party . As the previous kings, he was crowned in 1825 but he was soon overthrown by the revolution in July, 1830, called "Trois Glorieuses". He left then for England, Scotland, Prague and Istria where he died in 1836. Charles X style lasted from 1818 to 1834 and happened during the Bourbon Restoration (French Restoration). This style did not replace totally the style of furniture from the French Empire but it was different from the formalism in the Napoleonic era, during which strictness and simplicity were inspired by Greco-Roman art. Indeed, artistic fields flourished. In terms of furniture, this renewal was suggested by the softening of shapes. Even though the simple aspect from the French Empire was still visible, shapes became curvier with volutes and arabesques. Another distinction is the loss of the massive aspect of furniture and the decrease of dimensions in order to decorate smaller appartments. Handling ability and comfort were key-words in the making of furniture. Apartments had essential elements such as chests of drawers, big rounded tables in the dining room, desks or secretaries, armoires and even dressing tables, comfortable fainting couches in the living room, small tables, pedestal tables, as well as gondola chairs. The wavy aspect of the latters certainly represent Charles X style the best.  One of the most emblematic features of this style is the use of bois clairs – light woods in warm blond tones - and indigenous woods that are varnished in order to highlight the grains. Bird's-eye maple, ash trees, plane trees, yew trees, beech trees, olive trees and cedar trees were most likely to be used. Indeed, at the beginning of the 19th century dark woods were hard to find. In 1806, the Napoleon’s Continental System was established in order to ruin the United Kingdom by preventing the country from any business with the rest of Europe. Therefore craftsmen had to find alternatives from mahogany which was the most commonly used material at this time. After 1815, the import of wood was even more difficult because of peace treaties and the European political situation, which contributed to the popularity of the bois clairs and indigenous woods. The furniture was often decorated with fine inlays made out of dark wood representing foliage, which contrasted with the veneer. Even though these patterns can look like bronze decorations from the Empire era,  they were far more simple and did not represent any military or mythological attributes. On the tables, trays were sometimes made out of marble as in the French Empire, but it was often put aside and inlaid veneer, Verre Eglomisé – a type of glass with a mirror finish –, mirror or porcelain from Sèvres or Paris were more likely to be used. Decorative elements from the Monarchy were highly appreciated again as they suggested luxury. Indeed, marquetry work was particularly fashionable - Boulle marquetry thrived around 1820 as the works of the Levasseur family can show. In the same way, draperies and trimmings referred to the monarchist splendour. Fabrics were often white – the traditional colour of the Bourbons – or light coloured as oppposed to the typical green from the Napoleonic era.  One of the most symbolic figures from this period of time might be Jean-Jacques Werner (1791-1849), a cabinetmaker who worked for prestigious clients such as the Duchesse de Berry who was Charles’s step-daughter. His works can be seen at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and at the Grand Trianon in the Palace of Versailles. The duchess’s appartments situated at the pavillon de Marsan and at the Palais de Saint Cloud illustrate Charles X style the best with furniture made out of bois clairs and ornamented with dark wood patterns or fine gold decorations. Chales X style allows a transition between the sobriety of the Empire style and the abundant aspect of Louis-Philippe style. The gothic style started at this time through the "style à la cathédrale", inspired by religious architecture, which thrived from 1827 to 1830. Indeed, at the beginning of the 19th century, Romanticism put the spotlight on the Middle Ages. Cabinetmakers were not inspired by the medieval furniture but rather by architectural elements of churches and cathedrals. For instance the backs of chairs were decorated with arches shaped like rib and serration. In the same way, before Charles X abdicated, pieces of furniture were made out of dark woods – such as mahogany, which was used again in France – and were inlaid with light wood. Romanticism also influenced the layout of furniture in appartments to suggest movement through a mix of various styles, various shapes and various sizes, as opposed to the static aspect of Neoclassicism. The start of industrialisation and mechanisation also influenced this style as early technical developments led to the production of pieces of furniture in series. Credit: Marc Maison Bibliography: FANIEL Stéphane (Dir.), Le Dix-neuvième Siècle Français, Collection Connaissance des Arts, 1957, Hachette SASSONE, Adriana Boidi, Furniture from Rococo to Art Deco, 2000, Evergreen -- Extremely versatile: As warm and attractive as it is useful, this remarkable antique table having the ideal size and small proportions for a variety of different uses, including as a side table, accent or occasional table, tall sofa...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Desk, Writing Table, Leather Top
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This Late 19th Century French Louis XVI style mahogany desk features a gold tooled red leather top surrounded by a bronze trim border. The corners are detailed with bronze striated plaques. Two drawers of dovetail construction are fitted with bronze square drop handles. The table rests...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Bronze

Provincial French Pine Tavern Table-Bench, 19th C.
Located in New York, NY
Provincial French pine tavern table-bench, 19th c., possibly Alsatian and with Helvetic influence, with removable and/or hinged top held in place by two dowels, lifting to reveal a b...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Pine

Early 19th Century French Wooden Table
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden side table made in early 19th century France. This small table features a drawer and shelf with carved surround. Intricate scroll and leaf pat...
Category

19th Century French Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Oak

Early 19th Century French Wooden Table
Early 19th Century French Wooden Table
H 13.2 in W 16.5 in D 13.4 in
Douglas Fir Wood Tavern Dining Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Made out of 2 inch thick douglas fir, in Dos Gallos Studio Light Latte finish. V stretcher, generous overhang for seating all around table. Made in Los Angeles by Dos Gallos Studio....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Federal Tables

Materials

Wood

American 18th Century Tavern Table
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a charming New England small tavern table that dates to the latter part of the 18th century. The pine and maple table is in very good sturdy...
Category

18th Century North American Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Maple, Pine

American 18th Century Tavern Table
American 18th Century Tavern Table
H 24.5 in W 26.5 in D 18.75 in
Early 19th Century American Federal Period Work Table
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and very fine quality classical American Federal period side table / worktable with beautiful, warm rich patina. Circa 1820 Exquisitely hand-crafted in the early 19th centu...
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Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Style Michael Taylor Ebony & Mahogany Dafne Writing Table Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
19th century Style Michael Taylor Ebony & Mahogany Dafne writing table desk. Chair and computer not included. Priced each. Additional informati...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Federal Tables

Materials

Ebony

Pair of 20th Century Empire Style Side Tables
Located in Southall, GB
A stunning Pair of 20th Century Empire style side tables. A gorgeous and elegant design perfect for modern interiors.
Category

20th Century European Federal Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of 20th Century Empire Style Side Tables
Pair of 20th Century Empire Style Side Tables
H 29.53 in W 16.15 in D 16.15 in
Previously Available Items
Oval Banded Mahogany Single Pedestal Dining Table with One Leaf
Located in Milford, NH
A fine oval shaped dining table with banded top and turned pedestal, expandable with one finished leaf included, supported by four outswept band inlaid legs, terminating with brass c...
Category

20th Century American Federal Tables

Materials

Brass

Federal Tiger Maple Drop Leaf Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
Nicely figured Federal curly Maple table 1790-1815 with tapered splayed legs. This is a very clean table in great condition with an old refinish exhi...
Category

Late 18th Century Unknown Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Maple

Federal Tiger Maple Drop Leaf Table
Federal Tiger Maple Drop Leaf Table
H 28 in W 41 in D 15.5 in
KINDEL Oxford Federal Style Banded Mahogany Oval Dining Table
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Federal style oval dining table by Kindel Furniture, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. Mahogany with banded top, their "Oxford" finish, tapered legs and spade feet. Includes three ex...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Federal Style Stinciled Leather Top Drum Table with Drawer
Located in Germantown, MD
We are pleased to offer this gorgeous Antique Hekman Regency Style drum table from the 1940s. Hekman furniture company of Grand Rapids, MI has been around since 1922 and still makes ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Tables

Materials

Brass

Federal Style Pedestal Mahogany Drum Table, Circa 1940s
Located in Germantown, MD
This vintage mahogany drum table was crafted in the US around the year 1940. The mahogany looks incredible, with a rich complexion that is ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Tables

Materials

Brass

18th Century American Federal Period Mahogany Flip-Top Table
Located in Forney, TX
A period mahogany flip-top card games table, finely handcrafted in the late 18th / possibly early 19th century, believed Maryland or Philadelphia. Born during the time the British Colonies won their indepence from England and became the United States of America, this scare, gracefully elegant table features a well shaped hinged top, curved concave center frieze, single drawer with original wood pulls, hand carved dovetail joinery, contrasting satinwood string inlay, decorative border of satinwood and ebony banding inlay, a wooden hinged rear leg swings out to become a support when the table is extended, all rising on tapered square legs. Circa 1780-1810 Rich antique mahogany color with warm tones, beautiful grain and elegantly aged patina over the whole. Dimensions: (approx) 29.5"H, 27.25"W, 13"D, extended: 26.25"D Provenance: The Veazey family was a prominent fixture of the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The initial immigrant ancestor was John Veazey, who settled on two tracts of land in Cecil County in the late seventeenth century. Thomas Ward Veazey was born on January 31, 1774 at the family estate Cherry Grove...
Category

18th Century American Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Mid 19th Century Mahogany Embroidery Work Table
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A nice small sized embroidery work table with pull out work area side tray with the compartment tray attached to the base. accented with a brass handle. Measures: 25 inches tall, 14....
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Early American Federal Period Mahogany Table
Located in Forney, TX
Elegant simplicity; Is what you'll find in this classically designed Federal period single drawer farm house table, circa 1800. Recently independent, yet still sharing English Regency influence, this early American post-colonial table features clean lines, rich antique mahogany color...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Bronze

Antique Martha Washington Walnut 3 Drawer Spool Sewing Cabinet Side Table Stand
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Martha Washington style wooden sewing cabinet with two flip top end sections, three drawers, and turned spindle legs.  
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Walnut

American Federal Satinwood Inlaid Mahogany Shaped Pembroke Table, Circa 1820
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This distinguished American satinwood inlaid mahogany Pembroke table features a string inlaid top above a single drawer resting on square tapering inlaid legs accented by satinwood b...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Brass

American Federal Birdseye Maple Work Table with Turned Legs and Ball Feet
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
A good Americana birdseye maple work table having a square top and solid frame resting on turned legs ending in ball feet. Likely Pennsylvania circa 1840.
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Early American Federal Two-Drawer Tiger Maple Work Table or Stand
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This American Federal tiger maple table, dating to circa 1840 is finished on all sides. I features a top with nice grain and contrast above two draw...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Tables

Materials

Brass

Federal tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Federal tables for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal tables made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Unknown pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original tables, popular names associated with this style include and Wallace Nutting. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,295 and tops out at $14,500 while the average work can sell for $3,623.

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