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 20th-C. Federal Style Gilt Composition Wall Brackets For Plates - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of Federal style gilt composition wall brackets. They have an indentation for plates. They are unmarked and in very good condition.
Composition
Monumental Federal Eagle Themed Gilt Wall Bracket American Circa 1825
Located in Incline Village, NV
Top of the line carving to this highly detailed American eagle themed gold gilt Federal wall bracket; with acanthus leave side drops; a diamond shaped fretwork backdrop; the eagle re...
Wood, Giltwood
Mid-Century Federal American Eagle Giltwood Bracket
Located in Pearland, TX
A superb vintage mid-century Federal American giltwood and gesso eagle wall bracket. This regal eagle has fine details with outstretched wings and a lovely gilt patina. It's the perf...
Gesso, Giltwood
20th Century Black Forest Style Deer Head Wall Brackets, Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Black Forest style Deer head wall shelves or brackets. Made in a Faux Bois design.
Composition
$1,450 / set
H 26 in W 10 in D 6.5 in
Antique Italian Mirrored Wall Brackets, Giltwood, Mid-19th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Antique wall brackets with water gilding & mirrored back.
Giltwood
$2,307
H 19.69 in W 14.97 in D 12.21 in
18th Century Carved Giltwood Shelf / Wall Bracket / Architectural Corbel
Located in Madrid, ES
This hand carved giltwood shelf / wall bracket or architectural corbel clearly displays the strength, drama and beauty of Spanish Baroque style. The cen...
Wrought Iron
$796Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 16 in W 14.25 in D 7.25 in
Late 20th Century Regency Rolled Acanthus Leaf Wall Decorative Brackets, Pair
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Accentuate your decor with this exquisite pair of sculptural rolled acanthus leaf wall brackets, featuring a timeless gilded finish. Each bracket showcases intricate carvings of acan...
Resin
Pair of Italian Gold Gilt Wall Brackets
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Pair of Italian Rococo Style Gold Gilt Wall Brackets. Brackets feature impressive gold scrolling with floral motif. Top of shelf is painted black. Hangers in place on reverse side....
Resin
Large Italian Florentine Architectural Gilt Wall Shelf Bracket
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gorgeous Italian Gold Leaf Wall Shelf. This bracket could certainly stand alone on a wall or functional to hold a treasure on top. Wonderful classic addition to any living room, dini...
Gold Leaf
$695 / set
H 16.75 in W 15 in D 7.25 in
Pair of Vintage Gilded Wood Wall Brackets, Italian, 20th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of large gilded wood Italian wall brackets.
Giltwood
$625 / set
H 14 in W 14.75 in D 5 in
Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Italian Giltwood Floral Wall Brackets - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of 1960s Hollywood Regsncy carved giltwood wall brackets. They are a nice large scale and a depict a floral and leaf motif. They are in very good condition.
Giltwood
$850Sale Price / set|35% Off
H 20 in W 14 in D 8 in
Italian Oversized Gilt Wall Brackets/Shelves a Pair
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
1838 Pair Oversized Italian gilt wall shelves/brackets
Cast Stone
Pair Of 19th Century Italian Giltwood Wall Brackets
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of 19th Century Italian Giltwood Wall Brackets. Stunning large pair of Italian Baroque style painted and gilt wood wall brackets, wall shelves or wall consoles to display your p...
Giltwood
19th Century Antique Giltwood Wall Bracket with Griffins
Located in Lincoln, GB
Antique Giltwood Wall Bracket with Griffins – Renaissance Revival A superb example of 19th-century Renaissance Revival craftsmanship, this elaborately carved giltwood wall bracket f...
Giltwood
Pair of 19th Century Carved Giltwood Brackets
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An opposing pair of giltwood wall brackets, each elaborately carved with C-scrolls. acanthus leaves and flowers surrounding center of Satyr astride beast.
Giltwood
Demilune Federal Style Wall Shelf
Located in Doylestown, PA
A 1940s Federal style wall shelf in ebonized wood with gold leaf details.