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.
3
665
18
3
to
93
677
686
675
675
192,836
116,422
41,901
32,249
15,072
11,578
10,463
10,253
9,497
8,666
7,311
7,075
6,301
5,885
5,629
5,235
4,630
3,529
50
288
327
21
88
108
69
5
5
7
6
5
8
3
5
8
3
519
297
221
168
106
507
488
33
22
13
22
8
5
5
4
Style: Federal
Antique Ca. 1820 Federal Era Trompe L'oeil Painted Chest
Located in Peabody, MA
American Federal era chest of drawers in its original trompe l’oeil mustard painted finish, ca. 1820.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid 20th Century Harvin Company Federal Style Brass Andirons with Claw Feet
Located in Middleburg, VA
Mid 20th century harvin company federal style brass andirons with claw feet.
Heavy duty brass and iron fireplace dogs. United States, 1950s.
Measures: 23" H, 13" W, 20" D.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Pair of Petite Cut Glass Crystal Decanters, C1930
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous petite pair of cut glass crystal decanters in excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Not cloudy or stained. Some wear to bottom edge.
Category
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Crystal
19th Century Ovoid Shaped Breche Violette Marble Federal Mahogany Coffee Table
Located in Lomita, CA
The novel shape and color of this Breccia marble coffee table will turn heads and transform a living or work space. This vintage Federal ovoid marble-top and inlaid mahogany or cherr...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Breccia Marble
American Federal Mahogany Bow Front Floral Satinwood Inlaid Sideboard Circa 1770
Located in Hollywood, SC
American federal mahogany bow front sideboard with satinwood sunburst floral inlaid outset corners, centered baized lined drawer with two flanking baiz...
Category
1770s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Loyal Papeete Brown Leather Fire Ice Bucket Brass Eagle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Loyal Papeete brown leather fire ice bucket brass eagle. Item features leather wrapped frame, brass eagle finial, wooden lid, fire brigade decal, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Boston State House Staffordshire Blue & White Pottery Plates
Located in Downingtown, PA
Boston State House Staffordshirepair of pottery plates
John Rogers & Son,
1825
This Rogers underglaze blue printed plate of the Boston State Ho...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Pearlware, Pottery
Late 19th-C. Federal Style Carved Giltwood Eagle Form Sconces, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These have a timeless elegance. It is a large scale pair of carved giltwood sconces with Federal styling. The facing eagles are adorned with axes and arrows. The wiring and candle co...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Metal
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...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Set of 10 Federal Style Dining Chairs Attributed to Nathan Margolis, Hartford CT
Located in Milford, NH
A fine set of ten Federal style mahogany dining chairs attributed to Lithuanian / American well known furniture maker Nathan Margolis, of Hartford CT, two ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Kittinger Colonial Williamsburg Federal Mahogany Tilt Top Table Candle Stand
Located in Dayton, OH
A Federal style mahogany candlestand by Kittinger, circa 1970s. Williamburg Restoration Line. Features a rectangular top with serpentine edge over a baluster turned base with cabriol...
Category
1970s Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Nathaniel Bowditch American Federal Giltwood Convex Mirror of Monumental Size
Located in Essex, MA
Monumental and historically important Salem Massachusetts giltwood convex mirror. Purchased by Nathaniel Bowditch for his Salem House around 1810-15. Carved a...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Brunschwig and Fils Boscobel Restoration Medford Inn 1804 Hand-Printed Wallpaper
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Brunschwig and Fils Boscobel Restoration Medford Inn 1804 hand-printed wallpaper. Very unusual paper - it is marked as custom hand-printed for the Boscobel Restoration, Inc. with a copyright date of 1977. The Boscobel Restoration is a rebuilt historic mansion (see images 9 and 10) in Garrison, NY using salvaged parts of an original Federal-period home that was demolished in the 1950s. This is a historic pattern, marked on the paper as "Medford Inn, 1804" and a registered design of the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities. The Medford Inn (see image 11) was built in 1804 and became known as a well-known hotel located on Main Street in Medford, Massachusetts.
The design of the paper hearkens back to Roman tradition of wall decoration, with a trompe l’oleil effect that mimics ornate panelling and stone inlay. As per the this paper was also produced in a brown colorway and is part of the Digital Public Library of America and Historic New England...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
S373 Late 20th Century Cast Brass Two Arm Sconces, a Pair
Located in Canton, MA
Solid cast brass sconces with an oval detailed backplate. Two arms. Ready to install. UL listed. 40 watt max in each socket.
Dimensions:
8.5” Width x 4.5” Depth x 9” Height
C. ...
Category
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Styled by Park American Federal Cherry Lowboy Chest & Mirror Dresser
Located in Dayton, OH
American federal revival dresser & mirror, circa first half 20th century. Marked "Cherry Styled by Park". Features a rectangular form lowboy ches...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Cherry
Antique Federal American Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Breakfast Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 19th century Federal drop leaf dining table. Made from mahogany with a rectangular form featuring shaped corners over turned and reeded legs le...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Mortar & Pestle with Original Surface
Located in New York, NY
American, late 18th century/early 19th century wooden mortar and pestle. The urn shaped mortar with rich patina has a wonderful ...
Category
1790s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple, Wood
American Federal Mahogany & Satinwood Butler's Desk with Paw Feet. NY, C. 1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal mahogany butler's desk with a carved molded edge, three upper drawers with original brass knobs, sliding fall front interior desk with Satinwood drawers and pigeon h...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century French First Officer’s Uniform Red Epaulettes
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th Century French First Officer’s Uniform Red Epaulettes
Good pair of French Officers Epaulettes made in Red Silk and lined in black velvet, the f...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Antique Federal Figural Eagle Giltwood Wall Mirror circa 1840
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Federal wall mirror offers frame with figural giltwood eagle at crest and having flanking inverted bellflower garland, c1840
Measures - 27''H x 19.5''W x 2.5''D.
Catalog...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Individual Glass Pane Double Doors Pencil Inlay Flame Mahogany Show Case
Located in Rockaway, NJ
C. 1920s flame mahogany individual glass panes double doors display cabinet curio showcase.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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 Furniture
Materials
Brass
Kindel Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style bow front sideboard buffet or credenza
By Kindel Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Mahogany, with satinwood banding and original brass hardw...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany and Satinwood Demilune Sideboard Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet or sideboard
By Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Flame mahogany, with satinwood banding and inlay and original b...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Biggs Federal Style Parcel Gilt Mahogany Three Panel Overmantel Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A horizontally oriented three-panel mahogany overmantel mirror with scrolling pediment centred with a mounted eagle finial with open wings and accented with a gold giltwood and gesso...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Giltwood
Federal Style Carved Mahogany Mirrored Display Cabinet by Pulaski, 20th C
Located in Big Flats, NY
A Federal style display case by Pulaski offers mahogany construction with broken arch crest having central carved finial over case having double glass doors opening to shelved and mi...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mirror, Mahogany
Baker Drop Leaf Mahogany Banded Inlay Tea Cart Server Cart with Glass Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Baker drop leaf mahoganybanded inlay tea cart server cart with pull out glass tray. Item features satinwood banded inlay top, lower removable glass she...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Rare 19th Century New York Mahogany One-Drawer Étagère with Four Shelves
Located in Milford, NH
A rare form mahogany one drawer four shelf étagère with hinged top shelf for displaying books, prints or photographs, reverse acorn finials, nicely turned shelf supports, punched bra...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large Cast New England Bank Patriotic Eagle and Clipper Ship Plaque
Located in Nantucket, MA
Cast and Gilded Patriotic Eagle with Clipper Ship Plaque, with a Clutch of Arrows and an Olive Branch in it's Talons, mid 20th Century, from a Boston Bank...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Composition
"Apotheosis" of George Washington Creamware Jug
Located in Downingtown, PA
"Apotheosis" of George washington creamware jug,
Liverpool,
Circa 1800-10
The large "Apotheosis" of George Washington Liverpool transfer decorated ...
Category
Early 1800s English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Creamware, Pottery
Mid-Century Italian Carved Eagle Giltwood Federal Style Mirrors, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of carved giltwood eagle mirrors with Federal styling in very good condition. They are Italian and most likely date to the 60s. The pair are unmarked.
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Stickley Solid Cherry Panels Full Size Headboard
Located in Germantown, MD
A federal style, solid cherry full size Headboard in very good condition by Stickley. Measures 56.5" in width and stands 42.25 inches tall.
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Pair of Academic Revival Federal Mahogany Heart Back Side Chairs, 1900-25
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Pair of Academic Revival heart back mahogany side chairs with half rail upholstered boxed seats in indigo fabric with brass nail head tacks. The front le...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Dome Shape Top Glass Shelves Two Drawer Compartment Curio Display Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Lovely vintage curio display cabinet with glass shelves and 2 bottom drawers compartment. Has built in light.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of 18th Century American Federal Period Carved Fan Shaped Lintels
Located in Stamford, CT
Wonderful pair of fan shaped late 18th century American Federal period lintels or over doors with exquisitely detailed carving. The distressed painted surface adds a lot of character...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
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 Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Console or Entry Table, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style console or entry table
By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston" Collection
USA, Circa 1980s
Mahogany, with inlaid satinwood marquetr...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Satinwood, Mahogany
Vintage Federal Style Triple Pedestal Drop-Leaf Dining Table, circa 1940s
Located in Germantown, MD
Very practical Vintage Federal Style Triple Pedestal Drop-Leaf Dining Table.
Triple pedestal terminating with antique brass lion paw feet. Original...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Breakfast Table in Mahogany with Drop-Leaves, circa 1815
Located in Miami, FL
A Federal breakfast table in mahogany with a rectangular top and drop-leaves whose corners end in cyma curves, with inverted turned wooden fini...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Extraordinary Pair of Fine Period Federal Inlaid Mahogany Console Tables
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very rare and extraordinary Pair of Antique Inlaid Consoles from New England and saiid to be from the Boston area.
Exquisite construction with D shaped tops and fine string inlays on the apron panels and Curly Maple inlaid panels in the center and diamond shapes on the tops of the legs. Raised on square tapering legs with string inlays.
Provenance: The Table Pair were previously owned by the American Actress Dina Merrill...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Maple
Antique English Copeland Late Spode Toby Jug Pitcher Colonial Englishman
Located in Dayton, OH
19th century Copland Late Spode English Staffordshire rare porcelain toby jug in the shape of asdeated colonial Englishman holding a cup and pitcher. 180288...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Federal Mahogany Four Drawer Server, circa 1810
Located in Milford, NH
A fine Federal mahogany server with rectangular top with front turret corners surmounting a case with three fitted drawers over one long drawer...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Mahogany Traditional Federal Style Wall Mirror
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Traditional Federal style wall mirror, unbranded, similar quality to Drexel or Henkel Harris. Mirrored glass, mahogany frame with pediment and c...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Mirror
J&R Furniture Federal Walnut Hexagon Candle Stand Pedestal Table Kettle Plant
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid 20th century Federal inspired candle Stand by J&R Furniture Mfg Co of Salt Lake City Utah. Made from walnut with an inset hexagon top over turned column and tripod bade.
Meas...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Federal Mahogany Inlaid and Stinciled Top Accent Table
Located in Germantown, MD
X legs American Federal style side table with inlays and gold stenciling top. Good vintage condition.
Measures 22" x 22" x 28"H.
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique American Federal Broken Arch Mahogany Mirror with Urn Inlay
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Federal broken arch Mahogany mirror with urn Inlay. Item features pencil inlay to frame, satinwood urn inlay to crest, carved mahogany frame...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Pair of American Federal Male and Female Oil Painting Portraits
Located in New York, NY
Pair of gilt framed oil painting portraits of a 19th Century man and lady.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Travis Court Collection Drexel Cabinet
By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, TX
Travis Court Drexel buffet
Georgian style mahogany buffet cabinet featuring 3 drawers and shelving below. Brass pulls.
Measures: 36" Width x 18" De...
Category
1960s North American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Style Brass C1955 Heavy Duty Fireplace Tools 4 Pieces with Holder
Located in Port Jervis, NY
High quality set of fireplace tools with Holder. Brush, shovel, poker and log clamp all in solid brass. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. This item can be parcel posted.
Category
1950s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
American Regency-Style Perched Eagle Acanthus Giltwood Wall Mirror
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Substantial Federal-Style mirror featuring inset glass (not convex) within a deep, gilt resin frame adorned by an eagle perched on laurel at the top and acanthus detail below (ca. Mi...
Category
1960s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Federal Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Small Drop Leaf Table
Located in Hudson, NY
Made in Vermont circa 1820 this fine old country drop leaf table retains if not its original surface a very old one. Constructed by a craftsmen using pegs and hand plained local tige...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
New York Federal Classical Coin Silver Flagon by Nicholas James Bogert
By Nicholas James Bogert
Located in New York, NY
Federal classical coin silver flagon. Made by Nicholas James Bogert in New York, ca 1820. Upward tapering cylinder on spread and stepped base. S-scroll handle with ribbed thumb rest ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Silver
American Federal Hepplewhite One Drawer Mahogany Sidetable Tapered Legs
Located in Wells, ME
American Federal period Hepplewhite one drawer mahogany sidetable. This classic form has tapered mahogany legs, elegant thin solid mahogany top and one dovetailed drawer. It can free...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Tripple Rush Seat Solid Linen Upholstery Cushion Bench Sattee Sofa Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very decorative antique tripple rush seat solid linen upholstery cushion bench sattee sofa mint!
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Rush, Chestnut
19th Century Federal Style Pedestal Side Table
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th Century Federal Style Pedestal Side Table
This antique American square shaped top wood pedestal side table stands on three legs. The legs ...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Stickley Federal Solid Cherry Wood Pembroke Tea Tables, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal style Pembroke nightstands, end tables, or tea tables
By L. & J.G. Stickley
USA, late 20th century
Solid cherry wood, with original brass hardware...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
18th c Large Federal Style American Wooden Fireplace Mantel
Located in Savannah, GA
Large size wooden fireplace mantel from "keeping Room" of a 18th century New England home. Nice subtle details including dental molding and flu...
Category
1790s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Poplar
Pair of Tall Solid Brass Harvin Co. Federal Style Andirons
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Federal style andirons made from high quality cast brass pieces assembled. Tall and elegant in excellent vintage condition with...
Category
1950s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Antique Bronze Drawer Pull
Commode Grey
Flower Commode
Four Panel Asian Art
Fine Wood Inlaid Cabinet
Chinese Gilt Panel
Corner Display Cabinet French
Deco Brass Panel
Clocks With Cherubs
Counter Top Display Case
Wood Door Knobs
Curved Glass Door Cabinet
Desk With Return
Chest Of Drawers Leather Top
Classic Buffet
Commodes With Flowers
Antique Chinese Robe
Distressed Antique Brass