Federal Furniture
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
Federal Tobacco Leaf Carved Leg Table
Located in New York, NY
Federal Tobacco leaf carved leg table. Late Federal / American Empire mahogany drop-leaf table with hand carved tobacco leaf legs on original brass ca...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Good Federal Domed Top Box with Shell and Banded Inlay
Located in San Francisco, CA
with domed lid centering an inlaid shell medallion; all resting on a rectangular body raised on brass ball and claw feet; later velvet-lined interior.
Category
Early 19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
American Serpentine Brass Finial & Artistic Wire Work Fire Fender, Boston C 1800
Located in Hollywood, SC
American serpentine brass ball finial and artistic wire work fire place fender, Boston, MA. Early 19th Century.
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wire
American 19th Century Federal Mahogany Serpentine Table
By Samuel Field McIntire
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A superb quality and extremely rare early 19th
century American federal period mahogany dressing
table of serpentine form having well figured top
over two frieze drawers retaining original lions
mask brass handles raised on elegant carved and
reeded turned tapering legs
Attributed to “Samuel Field McIntire, Salem, Massachusetts’
(Samuel Field McIntire who worked in Salem, at the start
of the early 19th century was the son of Samuel McIntire...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Gilt Wood and Ebonized Foliage Convex Wall Mirror, Circa 1825
Located in Hollywood, SC
American gilt wood and ebonized foliage convex mirror. Early 19th century. Mirror retains the original silvered glass and wood backing.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
American Federal Period Mahogany Dropleaf Worktable with Downswept Legs Paw Feet
Located in Wells, ME
American federal period mahogany dropleaf sewing table with pedestal base supported by four graceful downswept legs ending in paw feet. A styli...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Neoclassical Federal Pedestal Sideboard in Mahogany, circa 1815
Located in Miami, FL
A very long and elegant American Federal, pedestal sideboard in mahogany with mahogany inlaid bandings along the borders. Inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Mirrored Wall Sconces with Stars
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of antique raw metal Federal style wall sconces with classic convex mirrors and star burst tops all in a chic tight form. As seen in th...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Metal
American Federal Mahogany and Inlaid Sideboard
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a small, but sophisticated American Federal inlaid mahogany bow front breakfront sideboard. The top has a straight edge over a central drawer and central tambour cabinet door...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Mahogany Federal Work Table with Barley Twist Legs on Casters, C. 1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
American mahogany Federal two drawer hinged work table with a ratcheted white pine writing surface, fitted interior for ink wells, original brass sandwich glass knobs, lower connecti...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Brass and Artistic Wire Work Fire Place Fender, New York, Circa 1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
American brass and artistic wire work fire place fender, New York. Early 19th century.
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wire
Federal Card Table Attributed to Anthony Quervelle, Philadelphia
By Anthony Gabriel Quervelle
Located in New York, NY
American federal games table in carved mahogany. Flip top with concertina movement. Attributed to the workshop of Philadelphia cabinet maker, Anthony Quervelle...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Four Poster Mahogany King-Size Bed, Early 19th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
This elegant New York poster bed has some of the finest hand carving and delicate details making it a very fine example of a Federal bed. The solid mah...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Poplar, Mahogany
C1930s Era English Made Federal Style Mahogany Breakfront China Cabinet Bookcase
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Federal style breakfront with 3 doors with 3 shelves over 3 doors each containing 1 shelf.
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Terra Cotta Federal Eagles 'Pair'
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Early antique federal eagles [pair] beautiful glaze. ca 1900, came from an antique collectors personal collection, you can see a repair on one of the eag...
Category
Early 20th Century French Federal Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Pair of American Federal Brass Flanking Urn Finial Engraved Andirons Phil C 1800
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of American Federal brass andirons with flanking urn finials, matching urn finial log stops, engraved swags on skirt, and resting on banded...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
18th Century Four Post Mahogany Bed, Likely Charleston 'converted to queen'
Located in Charleston, SC
Great 18th century period four post mahogany bed, likely Charleston. Great quality hand carved feathers and ring turnings on posts.
Has been converted to fit a queen size mattress.
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Kittinger Williamsburg Restoration Federal Mahogany Tilt Top Table Candle Stand
By Kittinger
Located in Dayton, OH
A Federal style mahogany candle stand by Kittinger, circa 1970s. Williamburg Restoration line. Features a rectangular top with serpentine edge over a baluster turned base with cabrio...
Category
1970s Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American 18th Century Federal Period Tripod Tilt-Top Table in Apple Wood
Located in Wells, ME
American federal tripod tilt-top table in apple wood, probably of Connecticut origin. The graceful scalloped edge of the top and cabriole legs along with the well proportioned vase t...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
American Brass and Artistic Wire Work Fire Place Fender, New York, Circa 1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
American brass and artistic wire work fire place fender, New York. Early 19th century.
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wire
Federal Style Mahogany Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mahogany and figured mahogany veneered dresser, the reeded edge top with protruding corners and a central bowfront with leaf carved and reede...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Bronze Federal Style "Liberty" Alabaster Dome Chandelier
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Wonderful bronze and slag glass Liberty chandelier. The Liberty chandelier is a very popular chandelier for commercial and residential use. It gives off an alabaster amber glow and s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Federal Furniture
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze
Early 19th Century American Windsor Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An handsome rod back Windsor chair. Splats turned with bamboo hip detail. Hickory and pine with solid plank seats, American, circa 1830.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Hickory, Pine
19th Century Leather Covered Box with a Domed Lid, Brass Handle and Hinges
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This small box for personal possessions (perhaps papers or letters), is covered in black leather and decorated with borders of brass tacks, including the letters A.T. on its lid, and...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Heirloom Weiman Crotch Flame Mahogany Federal One-Drawer Coffee Table
By Weiman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Heirloom Weiman crotch flame mahogany federal one-drawer coffee table. Listing includes a custom glass top, brass rolling casters, inlay and banded top, finished back, 1-drawer, tape...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal New York Pier Mirror, Late 18th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
This Classic Greek and Egyptian motif mirror has vertical pillars flanking mirror panels framing the central split looking glass. The cornice of the mirror has a Classic Adams Urn...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
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 Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of American Double Lemon Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of American double lemon andirons, having beaded bands around both lemon finials, with turned collars over octagonal shafts, standing on arche...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Iron, Brass
Pair of American Federal Brass Urn Finial Shield Engraved Andirons. Phil. C 1800
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of American Federal brass andirons with shield engraved urn finials, shield engraved plinths, incised checkering lines, engraved swags on s...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
American Chippendale Mahogany Chest
Located in New York, NY
American Chippendale style mahogany chest on chest cabinet with 7 drawers below 3 shell carved small drawers with flame form finials and broken pe...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Period China Cabinet
Located in Essex, MA
Period American Federal, Possibly Baltimore, library or China cabinet. Mahogany of Hepplewhite form with symmetrically divided drawers in base and upper case with paned glass and ori...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American 18th Century Federal Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Carmel, CA
Sheraton style chest with four graduated drawers with inlay banding and cock beading about the perimeter. The chest has a curvaceous apron and Fr...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Miniature 4 Drawers Jewelry Letter Campaign Chest Dresser with Brass Drop Pulls
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mahogany miniature jewelry letter miscellanies chest with brass drop pulls.
Category
20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Mahogany Marble Top Satinwood & Ebony Inlaid Console, C. 1790
By Thomas Seymour
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal mahogany marble top console table with a molded edge top, carved floral corner medallions, ebony and satinwood banding, and resting on ebony inlaid tapered legs with the original brass barrel cupped casters. Console table retains the original marble top, Late 18th century. Attributed to Thomas Seymour...
Category
1790s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Marble
Vintage Persian Shiraz Afghani Rug with Modern Colonial and Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
76878, vintage Persian Shiraz Afghani rug with modern colonial and federal style 11'09 x 16'03. Traditional and regal with brilliant color, this hand-knott...
Category
Late 20th Century Afghan Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Federal Tilt-Top Tripod Candlestand/Table in Cherrywood, New England, circa 1810
Located in Miami, FL
A lovely Federal tilt-top table in cherrywood with tripod base that historically doubled as a candlestand. The candlestick could rest on the ledge provided when the tabletop was tilt...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
American Federal Silhouettes of Livingston Family Members
Located in New York, NY
Snipping a profile from paper with scissors, and mounting the result to a contrasting sheet of paper, became a popular diversion among the European and American upper classes in the ...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
90" Baker Executive Partners Desk
Located in Pasadena, TX
Baker partners desk
Stunning pedestal leather top executive desk made by BAKER.
Functioning drawers on both sides serve as guest or partner de...
Category
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Burl
Antique Persian Bakhtiari Rug with Federal American Colonial Style
Located in Dallas, TX
73283, antique Persian Bakhtiari rug with Federal American Colonial style. With a timeless botanical pattern and naturalistic design elements, this han...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Antique American Late Federal/Empire Mahogany Tea/Games/Card Table, circa 1830
Located in Portland, OR
American late federal/empire mahogany fold-over tea/games/card table, circa 1830. The table having a fold-over & swivel top, below is a carved and gadrooned skirt. The table standing...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Miniature Example Mahogany Bureau Bookcase
Located in New York, NY
Cabinet makers sample.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Admiral Eagle Federal Round Bull’s-Eye Wall Mirror
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Beautiful round mirror with eagle surmount. In a bronze hue. A great example of the American federal style.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Resin, Plastic
Large American Federal Style Eagle Wood Carved Two-Light Sconce
Located in Vero Beach, FL
This wood carved and gold gilded antique sconce features a majestic eagle with spread wings beneath a tied bow. The candle arms are of patinated scrolled brass and very finely detail...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Antique Federal Style Chairs, circa 1890-1910
Located in New Orleans, LA
Set of antique Federal style chairs, circa 1890-1910
EDC016.
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Country Federal Style Drop Leaf Table
Located in Stockton, NJ
A country Federal style stained walnut gate leg drop leaf table. Fourth quarter 19th century. Plain inset moulded frieze raised on baluster and ring turned legs on compressed ball feet.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
American Mahogany & Gilt Dolphin Upholstered Harp Stool with Paw Feet, NY C 1815
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Hollywood, SC
American mahogany harp stool with a carved molded back, flanking gilt dolphin supports, adjustable upholstered seat with a turned bulbous shaft, and resting...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Period American Federal Neoclassical Round Expanding Dining Table
By Cornelius Briggs
Located in Essex, MA
Period Boston Federal mahogany round dining table with four extension leaves (original)
Split pedestal base with four Round neoclassical column pedestal, Cuban and African Crotch ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Style Mahogany Chest of Drawers with Lift Top
Located in New York, NY
American Federal style 19th century mahogany chest of drawers with 2 lower drawers above dummy drawers having a lift top with replaced brass...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Persian Tabriz Palace Rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75593 vintage Persian Tabriz Palace rug with Traditional Colonial and Federal style. This hand knotted wool vintage Persian Tabriz rug features an all-over Shah Abbas design. It is e...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
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 Furniture
Materials
Brass
American "French Sideboard" Attributable to Duncan Phyfe, New York, circa 1815
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptionally fine and rare "French Sideboard Table" in mahogany, attributable to the workshop of the eminent New York cabinetmaker, Duncan Phyfe, circa 1810-1818.
This exquisit...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Mahogany and Rosewood Diminutive Corner Cabinet, Circa 1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal two-piece mahogany and rosewood diminutive corner cabinet with a carved molded edge cornice, upper hinged mullion glass door with three fitted interior shelves, lowe...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany, Rosewood, Pine, Paint
19th century Giltwood and Églomisé American Federal Mirror
Located in Savannah, GA
Detailed early 19th century American federal églomisé, or reverse painted giltwood mirror featuring a primitive house with three chimneys. It came fro...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Armorial Service of Samson Chinese Export Porcelain for the American Market
By Edmé Samson
Located in Essex, MA
Partial set of Samson hand painted Chinese Export style porcelain for the American Market.
In beautiful orange trim with hand printed gilt motif. American eagle in centre with Shi...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Boston Gilt Convex Mirror Labeled William Balch
Located in Charleston, SC
This 1830s Boston convex mirror has a wonderful scrolled frame with a foliate crest centered on the four quarters. The central feature of the frame has an oak leaf ring...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood, Gesso
Antique Persian Azerbaijan Runner with Modern Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75381, antique Persian Azerbaijan runner with Modern Federal style. With its clean lines and subtle use of ornament, this hand knotted wool antique Persian Azerbaijan runner beautifu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Federal Mahogany and Birch Inlaid Secretary/Desk sq
Located in Water Mill, NY
Federal Mahogany and Birch inlaid secretary/desk with contrasting veneers and
bone pulls.
Category
1790s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Birch, Mahogany
Gilt Carved Wall, Console or Table Mirror with High Open Fleur-de-Lis Pediment
Located in Stamford, CT
Gilt carved mirror with high open Fleur-de-Lis pediment and oval etched mirror panel of a young lady in full dress.
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal furniture made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, Kindel Furniture, Drexel, and Edward F. Caldwell & Co.. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $115,000 while the average work can sell for $2,800.
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