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-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
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
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
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Pair of Italian Painted and Gilt Wall Brackets. Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian carved wood painted and gilt wall brackets with scrolled floral and tassel arms supporting upper shelf. Early 19th Century
Gold Leaf
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
Monumental Carved Giltwood Baroque Wall Bracket
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Monumental carved giltwood baroque wall bracket, with carved foliate scroll and putti motif. An unusually large wall bracket.
Gesso, Giltwood
$640 / set
H 6.75 in W 7.5 in D 4.4 in
Pair of Mid-20th Century Italian Giltwood Roses Wall Brackets Shelves
Located in Pearland, TX
A lovely pair of vintage Italian gilded wood and gesso wall brackets shelves, circa 1950. They are decorated with lovely roses and scrolls in a beautiful gilt patina, perfect for dis...
Giltwood
Italian Florentine Architectural Gilt Wall Shelf Bracket, circa 1950's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gorgeous Italian Small Gold Leaf Wall Shelf. This bracket could certainly stand alone on a narrow wall or functional to hold a treasure on top. Wonderful classic addition to any livi...
Gold Leaf
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
$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
$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
20th Century Hand Carved 22K Gold Leaf Wall Bracket
Located in North Salem, NY
Lovely 20th Century Hand Carved 23k Gold Giltwood Acanthus Scrolling Wall Shelf.
Gold Leaf
$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
$695 / set
H 7.25 in W 9.25 in D 4 in
Pair of Mid-20th Century Italian Giltwood & Gesso Wall Brackets Shelves
Located in Pearland, TX
A lovely pair of vintage Italian gilded wood and gesso wall brackets shelves, circa 1950. These stunning brackets are decorated with scrolling leaves in a beautiful gilt patina. They...
Giltwood, Gesso
Demilune Federal Style Wall Shelf
Located in Doylestown, PA
A 1940s Federal style wall shelf in ebonized wood with gold leaf details.