Federal Vitrines
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.
20th Century Federal Vitrines
Glass, Satinwood
20th Century American Federal Vitrines
Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Vitrines
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Vitrines
Mahogany
Late 19th Century French Antique Federal Vitrines
Walnut, Kingwood
1910s British Vintage Federal Vitrines
Mahogany
20th Century Dutch Federal Vitrines
Mahogany
1980s American Vintage Federal Vitrines
Glass, Wood
1880s Swiss Antique Federal Vitrines
Marble
1910s English Vintage Federal Vitrines
Mahogany, Satinwood
Early 20th Century German Federal Vitrines
Wrought Iron
1970s American Vintage Federal Vitrines
Bronze
19th Century English Antique Federal Vitrines
Glass, Mahogany
1970s Italian Vintage Federal Vitrines
Brass, Chrome
Early 1900s Antique Federal Vitrines
Glass
19th Century English Antique Federal Vitrines
Mahogany
1870s American Antique Federal Vitrines
Mahogany
1950s American Vintage Federal Vitrines
Mahogany
Late 19th Century English Antique Federal Vitrines
Brass