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
Kindel Federal Style Eagle and Parcel Gilt Decorated Mahogany Frame Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
Kindel Furniture Federal Style Eagle and Parcel Gilt Decorated Mahogany Frame Mirror. Measures 20.75" in width and 45" in height.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Giltwood
Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Federal Inlaid Mahogany Console Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style console table, sofa table, or entry table
By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston" Collection
USA, Circa 1980s
Mahogany, with inlaid satin...
Category
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
American Mahogany Pillar and Scroll Mantel Clock, Eli Terry, Circa 1825
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal mahogany pillar and scroll mantel clock with a broken arch pediment, three urn wood finials, flanking ringed columns, hinged glass d...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th C. American Federal Floral Painted Bench
Located in Southampton, NJ
An Antique American Federal hand painted floral & fruits solid wood bench with rolled crest rail & scroll arms; most likely originating in Baltimore mid 19th c. Scarcely seen in thi...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Antique Silk Broadside An Elegiac Poem Death of President George Washington 1800
Located in Portland, OR
An important & rare antique American political printed silk broadside, an elegy on the death of President George Washington, dated 1800.
A poem on the Death of President George Was...
Category
1790s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Silk
Oval Light Burl Wood Banded Inlayed Federal Style Center Coffee Table MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Oval Light Burl Wood Honey Amber Tone Banded Inlayed Federal Style Center Coffee Table MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Burl
Antique SHERATON styled Mahogany SIDEBOARD / Server, c. 1910’s
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Exquisite Mahogany Sheraton style Sideboard, c. 1910. Stunning flame mahogany wood grains. This cabinet is raised on 6 square tapered legs with spade feet and castors at the ends. T...
Category
1910s Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
1940s Mahogany Pinneaple Semi -Posters Full Size Bed Frame
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1940s Solid Mahogany pineapple Semi Posters Full Size Bed Frame. Measures 57" in width, 82" in length and 47" tall at the tip of the headboard p...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
c.1880s Fine One Drawer Inlayed Solid Crotch Mahogany Top Console Table MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
c.1880s Fine One Drawer Inlayed Solid Crotch Mahogany Top Console Table Server Petite Desk Sideboard w/ Backsplash MINT!
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Tea Table or Occasional Side Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style tea table or occasional side table
By Baker Furniture
USA, Late 20th Century
Mahogany, with beautiful satinwood inlaid marquetry, original ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
1940s Mahogany Bobbing Semi Post Full Size Bed Frame
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1940s Solid Mahogany Bobbing Semi Posters Full Size Bed Frame on original wheels. Wheels are removable. Measures 57.25" in width, 82.75" in leng...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Portrait of George Washington, by William Matthew Prior, circa 1840s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Portrait of George Washington, by William Matthew Prior (American: 1806 - 1873), circa 1840s, an oil on board quarter-length portrait of George Washington, after the famous, ...
Category
1840s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Federal Cherrywood Desk and Glassdoor Bookcase
Located in Sheridan, CO
A Late Federal Cherrywood Desk and Bookcase, Circa 1830.
This unique piece includes a folding desk and make a fabulous looking compact desk with plenty of storage in bookcase above. This was possibly a clerk's desk.
Includes plenty of storage and desk...
Category
Early 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Style Diminutive Two Part Inlaid Mahogany Bookcase Secretary
Located in Milford, NH
A wonderful diminutive size Federal style two part inlaid figured mahogany bookcase, its upper case with a shaped crest with three urn finials surmounting two bow front glass paneled...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome late 19th century drop-leaf dining table made in the Georgian influenced federal style. The mahogany table features a delicate satinwood thread inlay decorating the legs and...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
Late 20th Century Bombay Furniture Federal Style Mahogany Console Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 20th Century Bombay Furniture Federal Style Mahogany Console Table in very good vintage condition.
Measures 35" in width, 15" in depth and stands 29.5" tall.
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mid 20th Century Solid Mahogany Federal Kidney Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid 20th Century Solid Mahogany Federal Kidney Desk in great vintage condition. Top newly and professionally refinished and flawlessly working drawers
Measures 46" in width x 22" in...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Period Antique American Massachusetts Federal Carved Mahogany Sofa Circa 1800
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Period Antique American Massachusetts Federal Carved Mahogany Sofa. Curved and scrolled crest rail, with the arm rests terminating in carved pineapples and bulbs, set on fluted legs with brass casters, vertical stripe upholstery. Circa 1800. Solid Hardwood Construction and Hand Doweled Joinery. Eight way...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Hardwood, Mahogany
Antique Period American Federal Period Maple Tilt Top Side Table Late 18th C
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique Period Late 18th Century American Federal Period Maple Tilt Top Side Table with tripod pedestal base and a burl wood veneered top.
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Maple
"Martha Washington" Mahogany Upholstered Lolling Chair, circa 1930s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early vintage "Martha Washington" mahogany upholstered lolling chair, circa 1930s, having a large rose velvet upholstered back and generous seat, wit...
Category
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
PAIR of Federal Style Mahogany CABINETS, c. early 1900's
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Pair of Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Cabinets. Each stand has five dovetailed drawers with glass flower shaped knobs. These would be perfect as nightstands, lingerie ca...
Category
1910s Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Period American Federal Highly Carved Mahogany Sofa Circa 1800
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Circa 1800 American Federal highly carved mahogany sofa with scrolled carved headrest, curvelinear arms and outswept hairy paw feet upholstered in a vintage old striated velvet fabric
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Velvet, Mahogany
Federal Maryland Walnut Corner Cupboard
Located in Bradenton, FL
An exceptionally fine large two piece Federal Walnut architectural corner cupboard 1780-1800 attributed to the Frederick County area of Maryland s...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Set of 4 Spaulding Federal-Style Sterling Silver Mint Julep Cups
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 Federal-style sterling silver mint julep cups. Made by Spaulding & Co. (part of Gorham) in Chicago, ca 1920. Each: Straight and gently tapering sides and molded rims. A wond...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Brass and Iron Hand Made Fireplace Tool Set With Stand
Located in Sheridan, CO
Exquisite set of hand made brass fireplace tools from England (late 1800s) along with hand forged iron brush from France (mid 1800s). Set includes shovel, fork, tongs, brush and stan...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
1800 Federal Style Brass and Wire Steeple Top Fire Fender
Located in Sheridan, CO
Fireplace surround in the Federal Style. American brass rail top and wire fire fender with brass ball faceted steeple top finials and wire work, New Y...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Fine Bench Made Carved Mahogany Serpentine Front Dovetail Drawers Vanity Desk
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Fine Bench Made Carved Mahogany Serpentine Front Dovetail Drawers Vanity Desk Dressing Table.
The discoloration spot is under the finish, finish ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
HONORE LANNUIER: Cabinetmaker From Paris - 1998 The Metropolitan Museum Of Art
By Charles-Honoré Lannuier
Located in Rochester, NY
Honore Lannuier: Cabinetmaker from Paris - Peter M. Kenney - 1998 The Metropolitan Museum of Art / Abrams. Softcover book - 253 pages - black/white and...
Category
1990s American Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
Antique 19th Century Federal Giltwood Convex Bullseye Eagle Acanthus Mirror 31"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 19th Century gold giltwood bullseye / convex wall mirror featuring a round frame carved with an American eagle with wings outstretched and bunches of acanthus leaves, over a ...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
New York Mahogany Federal Butlers Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A New York flame mahogany federal butler's desk with drop down (side snap operation) door revealing a green leatherette tooled work surface. The interior with a center door concealing storage and an inside drawer that is flanked by two "secret" panels with string inlay and further enhanced by pigeon holes and short and long drawers.
The overall desk presents with string inlay decorated deep top desk over three long drawers in rich flame mahogany veneers. The drawers with embossed brass hardware and the whole resting on bracket feet. Lacking a key.
Dimensions: 23 1/4" D, 47" W, 44 3/4" H
Condition: Please see all detail photos. Various age related wear include one missing tiny...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Philadelphia Federal Wardrobe / Armoire in West Indies Mahogany c. !820
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional American Federal wardrobe from Philadelphia in fine West Indies mahogany. Features split cylindrical columns with elaborate acanthus-carved Corinthian capitals flanking doors with book matched, crotch-mahogany panels. The stepped ogee-style crown molding, too, is expertly book matched, along with the concave base board...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Trumeau Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Trumeau Mirror with hand painted on board perched eagle with yellow background. Measures 21.5" tall and 11" in width.
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany, Paint
Antique American Federal Mahogany Feathers Plume Wall Vanity Mirror 26"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique mahogany Americna Federal style carved wall or vanity mirror with applied gilt plumage / trio of feathers accent.
Dimensions:
13" x 1" x 25.75" / Mirror - 8.875" x 13.875" (...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany
19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Pembroke Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Pembroke Table . Measures 17.5" in width close, 34" in width open, 24.5" in depth and stands 26" tall.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Baker Mahogany Satinwood Bow Front Sideboard Historic Charleston Collection MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker Mahogany Satinwood Bow Front Sideboard Historic Charleston Collection MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique Federal Mahogany & Giltwood Figural Eagle Wall Mirror 19th C
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Ask About Reduced In-House Shipping Rates - Reliable Service & Fully Insured***
An antique Federal wall mirror offers shaped mahogany frame having giltwood figural eagle crest, fl...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Windsor Highchair In Original Paint Circa 1820
Located in Hudson, NY
Beautiful American, windsor, arrow-back high chair in original surface.
Circa 1820, this chair is in excellent condition with an incredible surface history.
The splayed legs are much...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple, Paint
Early 20th Century Federal Mahogany Pedestal Trifid Demilune Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th Century Federal Mahogany Pedestal Trifid Demilune Table with brass paw feet. Measures 25" in width, 13" in depth and stands 22.5" tall.
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century American Walnut Federal Style Drop-Front Desk
Located in Louisville, KY
Circa 1830's, this walnut Federal Sheraton style plantation desk has a single front drawer on the lower desk and double doors on the upper piece. The double doors open to reveal intr...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Barbara Barry Style Mahogany Dining Chairs by Hickory Chair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome set of six mahogany dining chairs featuring a generous seat and round back in the style of Barbara Barry. Made by Hickory Chair with fluted or reeded legs in the front. The ...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Tall Chest Of Drawers
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A handsome Antique Chest with fine traditional form and good color. Antique tall chest of drawers with three over two over four graduated drawers. T...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Architectural Wooden Fan Form Element in Old White Paint
Located in Milford, NH
A nice example of an architectural wooden radial fan form element in old white paint, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century, in very good overall condition, with some minor p...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Kindel Furniture Federal Banded Mahogany Dining Table, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Federal or Regency style extension dining table
By Kindel Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Gorgeous book-matched mahogany...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Satinwood, Mahogany
Federal Mahogany Swell Front Card Table, Bell Flower & Eagle Inlay, C1830
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Ask About Lower In-House Shipping Rates - Reliable Service, Competitive Rates & Fully Insured***
An antique Federal game table offers mahogany construction in swell front form wi...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Vintage Federal Style Pembroke Table - a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
Exquisite pair of inlay mahogany pembroke tables featuring squared tapered legs on casters. This pair of pembroke tables will immediately eleva...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Crotch Mahogany Individual Glass Pains Door Drop Front Secretary Breakfront MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Crotch Mahogany Individual Glass Pains Door Drop Front Secretary Breakfront MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of 4 Drawer Banded Top Demi Lune Consoles Dressers Brass Drop Pulls MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of 4 Drawer Banded Top Demi Lune Consoles Dressers Brass Drop Pulls MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Corner Cupboard in Early Yellow Paint with Glazed Doors & Barrel Back
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of a one piece Federal period New England corner cupboard with a barrel back , a molded cornice with dentil molding surmounting two upper case glazed glass multi-panel...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Pine
Federal Bow Front Hepplewhite Chest
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very nice and clean Federal Mahogany Hepplewhite chest with cock beaded drawers and resting on a tall French foot. Very good condition ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique 18th Century Pine Wall Hanging Corner Cabinet With Painted Blue Interior
Located in Peabody, MA
An 18th century New England hanging pine corner cupboard ca. 1760 with a Prussian-blue arched interior and paned glass doors.
Category
Mid-18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Pine, Paint
American Empire Pier Mirror, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
An early Empire giltwood pier mirror with rope twist split column, flower basket and leaf blocks with acorn spherules and original mercury glass, c.1815-1840.
29 inches wide by 5 ¼...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique Mahogany Demilune Flip Top Console Game Table with Hidden Drawe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Mahogany Demilune Flip Top Console Game Table with Rear Drawer. Item features a hidden pull out rear drawer with hand dovetail, flip top, nicely carved details, beautiful woo...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Style Carved Mahogany Queen Size Poster Bedstead
Located in Germantown, MD
An American Federal Style carved Mahogany Queen size Bedstead in great vintage condition. Measures 63.5" in width, 89" in depth and 88" in height to the top of the urn finials. Head...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Rare Pair Antique American Federal Convex "Bullseye" Mirrors, Circa 1850-1870.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Rare Pair Antique American Federal Convex "Bullseye" Mirrors, Circa 1850-1870. Carved Gilt Wood and Metal.
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Metal
19th Century Federal Eagle Gilt Wood Bullseye Mirror
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Federal Eagle Round Gilt Wood Frame Mirror. The frame consists of 15 round balls framed by garlands and flowers with an eagle with wide spread wings atop of frame.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Huge Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
This is the Huge Partners Desk in the Niagara Furniture collection. This desk behemoth matches a number of other pieces which we produce. The fantastic solid mahogany top frame is in...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
All Rosewood Double Glass Doors Adjustable Shelves Pull Out Desk Secretary MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
All Rosewood Double Glass Doors Adjustable Shelves Pull Out Leather Top Desk Secretary MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Compatible Bronze Bouillotte Table, Desk Lamps, Tole
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Compatible Bronze Bouillotte Table Lamps, Tole
The set having matching shades and finials with compatible bases, one urn form and one column form. Both are bronze having bro...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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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