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
Vintage Custom Black Walnut 1pc Corner Cabinet Federal Style
Located in Parkesburg, PA
Features Quality handmade construction, beautiful black walnut wood grain, ( not signed ),broken arched pediment with finial, deep recessed panel doors, single dovetailed drawer, bra...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
Pair of Alabaster End Tables or Plant or Display Collums
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Alabaster end tables or plant or display collums.
Hand carved highly figured Alabaster made in Italy.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Alabaster
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
1920s Federal Style Satinwood Inlaid Flame Mahogany Serpentine Card Table
Located in Germantown, MD
1920s Federal style satinwood inlaid flame mahogany serpentine card table in good antique condition. Very sturday. Measures 36" in width, 17" in depth when closed and 34" open and st...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
George Washington Signature Collage
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an original George Washington signature, presented framed with an oval chromolithographed portrait of George Washington printed by E. C....
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
1940s Federal Style Genuine Mahogany Pembrooke Drop-Leaf Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
1940s vintage federal style mahogany drop leaf table in good vintage condition with felt lined drawer.
Measure 15.5" Wide folded, 36" wide open, 23"...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Georgian Style Reverse Painted Glass Historical House Trumeau Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
Beautiful early 20th century Georgian style reverse painted glass historical house Trumeau mirror. Measures 24.75" in width, 40.5" tall and 3" in depth.
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Mahogany, Paint
19th C Crotch Mahogany Federal Drop Leaf Breakfast Dining Table with Drawer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique 19th century Crotch Mahogany federal drop leaf breakfast dining table w/ drawer. Item Drop leaf sides, twin carved legs, (1) faux drawer, (1) dovetailed drawer, rolling caste...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Gilt-Wood & Eglomise Painted Mirror
Located in New York, NY
This American Federal gilt-wood mirror dates
Circa 1790, it’s lower rectangular antique mirror plate below
A black, white & gold verre e...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Early 20th Century Regency Carved Mahogany And Upholstered Settee
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th Century Regency Carved mahogany and Upholstered settee. It measures 40.75" in width, 23" in depth and stands 37.5" tall, with a seat height of 16". Arm height is 24", seat...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Hollywood Regency Tole Lamps
Located in Nashville, TN
This is a beautiful pair of Hollywood Regency style Italian tole lamps! The bases are black marble with gold gilt leaves rising up from them to the ...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Corinithian Column Plaster Architectural Study Objet D’art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A plaster study of a corinthian column. Marked in pencil “American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, PA.” Rough unsealed plaster patina.
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Plaster
Federal Style Carved Ornate Tufted Parlor Set Newly Upholstered, Set of 4
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Federal Style carved ornate tufted parlor set newly upholstered in a cabernet leather - 4 piece set
Absolutely exquisite and rare antique, intricately detailed hand carved American Eagle topped 4 piece tufted leather library parlor set. This unique showstopper set is said to have been originally acquired from a former Illinois Governor’s Estate, consists of His & Hers wingback, scrolled armchairs, sofa and loveseat, each with an exquisite hand carved American Eagle top. Beautifully curved and scrolled wingback...
Category
1920s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Pair of Federal Style Gilt Bronze 2 Lite Sconces Early 20th Cent 'One Pair Only'
Located in Atlanta, GA
One pair of federal style gilt bronze 2 light sconces. Handsome gilt bronze and substantial weight and presence. Perfect for any room.
Category
Early 20th Century European Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
American Federal Painted Child's Windsor Chair, Early 19th Century
Located in Hallowell, US
New England rod back Child's Windsor side chair, with original surface.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Ash, Maple
French Federal Style Antiqued Chandelier, 6 Bulbs
Located in Plainview, NY
A stylish French federal style chandelier made in antiqued fashion. The metal frame has a beautiful pewter antique finish. The chandelier is e...
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Metal
Ionic Column Plaster Architectural Study Objet D’art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A plaster study of an ionic column. Marked in pencil “American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, PA.” Rough unsealed plaster patina.
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Plaster
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
Federal Style Circular Mirror, Giltwood Wall / Pier / Vanity
Located in Stamford, CT
Federal style circular mirror, giltwood wall / Pier / vanity
A Petite Federal style mirror that would compliment any Hollywood Regency or Mid-Century Modern décor. fine giltwood c...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Stickley Solid Dark Cherry Panels Full Size Headboard
Located in Germantown, MD
A federal style, solid dark cherry full size Headboard in very good condition by Stickley. Measures 61.5" in width and stands 42.25 inches tall.
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
American Philadelphia Empire Cheval Mirror, circa 1825
By Anthony Quervelle
Located in Dereham, GB
American Philadelphia Empire mahogany cheval mirror, circa 1825.
Certainly has the quality of top Philadelphia cabinet maker.
The oval mirror with ribbon moulding on front of frame,
fan carving on top and bottom of mirror frame,
mirror sitting in tapering reeded columns with flared petals and turnings on top.
Tulip carving at bottom,with the column square edges supporting the reeded cross stretcher,
medallion turnings on outside,
carved corbels each side,above
shaped reeded end supporting legs with scrolled ends,
turnings under with brown china wheels...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
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
American, 18th Century, Birdcage Tilt Top Table Probably Philadelphia, Ca. 1780
Located in Vero Beach, FL
American 18th century birdcage tilt top table probably Philadelphia ca. 1780.
Very fine American mahogany tilt top table. The top is support...
Category
Early 18th Century American Antique 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
Antique Early 19th Century American Sheraton Inlaid Cherry Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique early 19th century American Sheraton Inlaid cherry table
Additional information:
Materials: Cherry Wood
Color: Sienna
Period: early 19th century
Styles: American, Fede...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany Striped Upholstered Chairs, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany chairs with striped Upholstery. Very good vintage condition.
Chairs have been reupholstered down the road. Measure 17" in width, 20" in depth and ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of Deep Profile Antique Wing Arm Chairs Mahogany Legs Federal Style
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Deep Profile Antique Wing arm chairs mahogany legs Federal Style.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
19th Century Federal Drop Leaf Table. American, circa 1825
Located in Incline Village, NV
Nicely proportioned and well made early 19th century American mahogany drop leaf table with no restorations and in completely origina...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th-C. American Federal Style Tiger Maple Chest or Commode
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a timeless piece. It is a 19th century tiger maple chest of drawers. Note the feet and fluting! It also has peg construction. The hardware may or may not be original. It is i...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Mahogany Demi Lune Banded Inlayed Glass Tops Console Sofa Tables Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mahogany Demi Lune Banded Inlayed glass tops console sofa tables MINT!
comes with glass tops.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Late 19th Century Federal Walnut And Upholstered Window Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 19th Century Federal Walnut and Upholstered Window bench with Yellowish gold color upholstery and burl walnut front panel. It measures 40" in width...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
American Classical Mirror Circa 1820
Located in Hudson, NY
An American federal mirror of exceptional quality depth and design. With a perfect warm patina and retaining the original gold gilding and mirr...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Pair of Antique Louis XVI Style Giltwood Wall Sconces with Eagles
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Antique Louis XVI Style giltwood wall sconces
Additional information:
Materials: Wood
Color: Gold
Period: early 19th century
Place of Origin: France
Styles: Federal
...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Full Size Pencil Inlaid Mahogany Federal SideBoard Server Buffet by Baker MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Full Size Pencil Inlaid Mahogany Federal SideBoard Server Buffet by Baker MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Beacon Hill Collection Federal Style Banded Mahogany Nightstand
By Beacon Hill
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal style single drawer occasional side table or nightstand
By Beacon Hill Collection
USA, mid-20th century
Mahogany, wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Empire Pier Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
Early Empire Mahogany Pier Table with the original marble. Nicely carved hairy paw feet sitting under the turned crotch Mahogany veneered columns under a banded inlay frieze. Old, po...
Category
Early 19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
White Blue Color Pictorial Antique Chinese Oriental Rug
Located in New York, NY
A mid20th-century Chinese Peking carpet with an animal motif in white and blue
circa 1950, measures: 3'1' x 5'8".
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Antique Walnut George III Open Pediment Wall Curio Cabinet Federal Eagle Shelf
Located in Dayton, OH
George III style wall curio or display cabinet, circa mid 20th century. Made of walnut featuring a broken pediment top, interior shelves with optional inser...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Walnut
2 Global Views Colonial Williamsburg Beaufort Yellow Ginger Jars Urns Vase
By Global Views
Located in Dayton, OH
Global Views Colonial Williamsburg Ginger Jars, in Yellow. Made from ceramic inspired by the fluted urn-shaped finials that crown a green japanned bedstead in the Governor’s Palace i...
Category
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
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
American-Market "Peace, Plenty and Independence" Liverpool Creamware Jug
Located in Downingtown, PA
"Peace, Plenty and Independence" Liverpool Transfer Decorated Creamware Jug,
Circa 1800
The "Peace, Plenty and Independence" Liverpool transfer decorated creamware jug has a black transfer print on one side depicting a spread wing eagle perched atop a cannon flanked by symbols of Peace and Plenty with the other side with the "Farmer's Arms," the front with "Samuel & Rachel Hayne.s" within a wreath above four lines of verse, inspired by Cupid's Lessons, reading, "My love is Fix'd, I cannot range,I like my choice,Too well to change". a second stanza not shown read " Long may we live, Happy may we be, Blest with content, And from misfortune be".
Dimensions: 10 1/8 inch height x 9 inches wide x 6 1/4 inches deep.
The print of an eagle with its wings spread standing on a cannon above a medallion containing the words, “PEACE, PLENTY, and INDEPENDENCE.” This is flanked by two allegorical figures. The figure on the left represents “plenty” holding a cornucopia, while the one on the right represents “peace” using her torch to set fire to instruments of war.
The New York Historical...
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Creamware, Pottery
Federal Style Carved Giltwood Wall / Console / Pier Mirror, Over Mantle , 1900s
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique Federal Style Carved Giltwood Wall / console / Pier mirror, 1900s
A finely carved versatile mirror that can be used on the floor or over the mantle, console or hanging on ...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
19th Century Federal Bowfront Mahogany Bedside Chest Nightstand
Located in Germantown, MD
19th century Federal Bowfront Mahogany bedside chest nighstand. Good antique Condition. Dovetail drawers functioning perfectly. Original Hardware. Mea...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Seth Thomas Rosewood Office Calendar No 2 No 3 Clock Case Federal
Located in Dayton, OH
An exception and rare federal style case for a Seth Thomas calendar clock model No 2 or No 3. Manufactured in the last quarter of the 19th c...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Rosewood
Federal Style Gilded Carved Wood Mirror, 19th Century
Located in Southampton, NY
Federal Style Gilded Carved Wood Mirror, 19th Century
Carved wood American Federal style parcel-gilt wall mirror featuring a broken scroll pediment, solid wood frame, nicely carved...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Mid-Century Federal Turned Legs Mahogany Low Side Table Tea Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A federal style turned legs Mahogany low Side Table. Table has been recently refinished and is in very good condition. Measures 26" W x 22" D x 15" H.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Sheraton Mahogany Campaign Officers Desk
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and most unusual Federal period mahogany campaign field desk from the early 19th century. Believed to have been used as a maritime sea capta...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Mahogany, Poplar
Antique Federal Style Gilt Gold Convex Wall / Console / Pier Mirror, Distressed
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique Federal style gilt gold convex wall / console / pier mirror, distressed
Antique, Federal Style, 19th C. round wall mirror bearing a subtle convex center glass. Detailing ...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
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
Federal Style Wood Fireplace Mantel
Located in Sheffield, MA
19th Century American white painted fireplace mantle with strong molding and handsome detailing.
Dimensions of opening: 32.45" w x 29.13" h
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Monumental Traditional Brass Curved Glass 12 Light Foyer Cylindrical Chandelier
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
A monumental mansion size solid brass and curved glass cylindrical foyer chandelier.
This light fixture is extremely large with a striking presence.
The photographs truly do not do it justice.
It features 12 candelabra sockets with black accents around the top and bottom rim and gold metal decorative filigree decorations. .
The fixture comes with a heavy duty chain and ceiling cap.
The glass curves around the perimeter and adds a touch of elegance.
(Chain and wire measure 37 inches long)
What an elegant traditional chandelier...
Category
1980s Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
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
English Regency Set of Eight Mahogany Dining Room Chairs W/ Reeded Legs C. 1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal mahogany bow front two drawer work table with original circular foliate brasses, diamond bone escutcheons, ebony string inlays, ...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique American Federal Gilt Carved Overmantle Triple Mirror with Gold Eagle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Federal gilt carved overmantle triple mirror with gold eagle. Item featured is an Impressive item, gold gold gilt carved eagle pediment, mahogany wood frame, triple ...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, 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
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
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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