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.
1850s American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Glass, Wood, Paper
Mid-20th Century American Federal Wall Decorations
Paper
1830s American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Canvas
20th Century American Federal Wall Decorations
Glass, Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century American Federal Wall Decorations
Wood, Paint
1840s American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Wood
Mid-18th Century American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Glass, Pine, Paint
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Canvas, Wood, Paint
1830s American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Glass
Early 1800s English Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Paper
Mid-20th Century American Federal Wall Decorations
Wood, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Federal Wall Decorations
Glass, Walnut
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Paper
Mid-20th Century Federal Wall Decorations
Paper
1820s American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Thread, Linen
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Wood
19th Century American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Canvas
1830s American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Paper
18th Century American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Blown Glass, Wood
1810s American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Paper
Late 19th Century German Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Porcelain, Gesso, Giltwood
Early 19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Fabric, Giltwood, Paint, Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Federal Wall Decorations
Silver Leaf
2010s Italian Federal Wall Decorations
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Federal Wall Decorations
Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Federal Wall Decorations
Gold Leaf
2010s Chinese Federal Wall Decorations
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Federal Wall Decorations
Limestone
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Federal Wall Decorations
Silk
1920s Italian Vintage Federal Wall Decorations
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Federal Wall Decorations
Silk
2010s Italian Federal Wall Decorations
Paper, Paint
1860s American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Paper
19th Century Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl, Mahogany, Walnut, Burl
18th Century American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Paper
1810s American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Paper
1820s French Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Silk
20th Century Japanese Federal Wall Decorations
Metal
19th Century Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Canvas, Paint
Mid-20th Century Federal Wall Decorations
Masonite
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Wall Decorations
Mirror, Wood
Early 20th Century American Federal Wall Decorations
Silk
Early 20th Century Italian Federal Wall Decorations
Wood, Plaster, Giltwood
Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Wall Decorations
Mirror, Wood