Federal Wall Decorations
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.
19th Century American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Canvas
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Wood
Mid-20th Century Federal Wall Decorations
Glass, Walnut
1830s American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Paper
2010s Dutch Federal Wall Decorations
Metal, Aluminum
Mid-19th Century English Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Pine
18th Century French Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Wood, Paint
Mid-20th Century Danish Federal Wall Decorations
Rosewood
1960s French Vintage Federal Wall Decorations
Wood
Mid-19th Century French Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Federal Wall Decorations
Wood
17th Century Spanish Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Other
Late 19th Century German Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Oak
1960s North American Vintage Federal Wall Decorations
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Federal Wall Decorations
Teak
Late 19th Century German Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Brass
20th Century Japanese Federal Wall Decorations
Metal
Mid-20th Century Federal Wall Decorations
Masonite
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Mirror, Wood
Early 20th Century Italian Federal Wall Decorations
Wood, Plaster, Giltwood
Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Wall Decorations
Mirror, Wood
20th Century American Federal Wall Decorations
Giltwood
1930s American Vintage Federal Wall Decorations
Glass, Walnut, Paper, Watercolor
19th Century American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Birdseye Maple