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Federal Home Accents

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 Borghese Eagle Bookends with Black Base
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a pair of vintage plaster cast American Eagle bookends. Designed in a Federal style by Borghese of Italy, the bookends feature a stoic gold eagle on top of a black base ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Home Accents

Materials

Plaster

Pair of Vintage Copper Plate US Capitol Bookends
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of vintage American style copper plated metal United States Capitol dome bookends (PRICED AS PAIR) Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Category

20th Century American Federal Home Accents

Materials

Copper

American Federal Mahogany and Spanish Cedra Sugar Chest on Stand, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany and Spanish cedra one drawer hinged sugar chest on stand with carved molded edge, exposed dovetails, wooden knobs, silver escutch...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Home Accents

Materials

Silver, Iron

Early American Stenciled Tiger Maple Pole Screen
Located in Savannah, GA
Mahogany and maple pole screen on a tripod base featuring a center urn, adjustable brass slide and a lead weighted bottom. Stenciled floral motif on screen...
Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Home Accents

Materials

Maple

Related Items
Cheetah Bookends Set of Two in Porcelain with Brass Base
Located in Paris, FR
Set of two bookends Cheetah in porcelain. On black porcelain socle with brass base. Elegant and subtle piece.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Federal Home Accents

Materials

Brass

Cheetah Bookends Set of Two in Porcelain with Brass Base
Cheetah Bookends Set of Two in Porcelain with Brass Base
$1,136 / set
H 9.45 in W 12.8 in D 4.14 in
Eagles Set of 2 Bookends
Located in Paris, FR
Bookends Eagles set of 2 made in gilt metal. On blackened metal base. Measures: L 14 x D 11.5 x H 17.5 cm each.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Federal Home Accents

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Metal

Eagles Set of 2 Bookends
Eagles Set of 2 Bookends
$520 / set
H 6.89 in W 5.52 in D 4.53 in
Antique Travel Trunk, English, Pine, Zinc Lined, Carriage Chest, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique travel trunk. An English, pine and zinc lined carriage chest dating to the Victorian period, circa 1900. A substantial, appealing ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Federal Home Accents

Materials

Zinc

American Eagle Hand Carved Seri Ironwood Bookends 1960
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
American Eagle Hand Carved Seri Ironwood Bookends circa 1960. Vintage sculpture of the American Eagle Carved in Seri Ironwood bookends. Handmade large carved wood eagle sculptures 1960s. Vintage pair of Seri Ironwood animal hand-carved sculpture of the American Eagle. Vintage Hand carved wooden beautiful design decorative bird eagle sculptures. Set of 2 carved wood figure of an Eagle sculptures from the 1960s. These eagle figure perched on a wooden trunk would be a great eye-catcher in any room or interior. Great condition. Natural dark brown color. Dimensions for each: 10.5" H x 4.5" W x 3.5" D. Vintage hand carved Ironwood Southwestern seri sculpture of eagles. Ironwood Hand crafted in amazing detail from one of earth's hardest natural ironwood. This are authentic art pieces crafted in the Sonoran Desert from native Olneya ironwood. Found almost exclusively in the desert of Arizona, this tree is truly one of nature's wonders. North American Southwestern desert ironwood gets its name from its amazing hardness and heavy weight (similar to petrified wood). Though this wood is very difficult to work, it is meticulously carved and etched to reveal incredible detail. in Very nice polished heavy dark wood, no dents with a smooth finish overall excellent condition with beautiful visible wood grains. "Mexican ironwood carvings is a handcraft that began with the Seri indigenous people of the state of Sonora. The wood comes from Olneya tesota, a Sonora Desert tree commonly called ironwood (palo fierro in Spanish). It is a slow growing important shade tree found in northwest Mexico and the southwest U.S. The wood it produces is so dense that it lacks air bubbles and sinks in water. The Ironwood comes from the heavy, dense heart wood that trees produce. The wood is one of the heaviest in the world. Traditionally, it was used for firewood and charcoal with some carving. In the mid-20th century, the Seri had to move from their traditional home of Tiburon Island to the mainland, around the same time tourism was developing in Kino Bay. The first to carve ironwood for sale was Jose Astorga...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Home Accents

Materials

Wood

American Eagle Hand Carved Seri Ironwood Bookends 1960
American Eagle Hand Carved Seri Ironwood Bookends 1960
$650 / set
H 10.5 in W 4.5 in D 3.5 in
Midcentury French Riviera Storage Chest / Bench in Bamboo and Wicker, Italy 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning French Riviera style storage chest or bench, fully hand-made in bamboo, curved rattan, and hand-woven wicker. This incredibly stylish and unique piece was produced in Italy ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Home Accents

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Velvet, Wood

circa 1800 Extra Large Antique Original Paint German Blanket Chest Coffer Trunk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning, extra large circa 1800 hand painted German clothes trunk or marriage coffer chest with Acanthus leaf painting I have recently purchased a very large collection of these original, antique painted wardrobes...
Category

Early 1800s European Antique Federal Home Accents

Materials

Pine

Antique Pole Screen, Early Victorian Rosewood Fire Screen
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pole screen, early Victorian fire screen, circa 1840. Raised on a robust rosewood Stand with good colour and grain interest...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Federal Home Accents

Materials

Tapestry, Rosewood

Antique Pole Screen, Early Victorian Rosewood Fire Screen
Antique Pole Screen, Early Victorian Rosewood Fire Screen
$1,767
H 57.09 in W 20.48 in D 19.69 in
19th C Paint Decorated Pennsylvania Blanket Chest
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th c paint decorated Pennsylvania blanket chest (Lancaster County) The blanket chest is dovetailed case and has original bracket feet. Ori...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Home Accents

Materials

Wood

19th C Paint Decorated Pennsylvania Blanket Chest
19th C Paint Decorated Pennsylvania Blanket Chest
$3,116 Sale Price
20% Off
H 22.5 in W 43 in D 20 in
Antique 18th Century Spanish Leather Trunk with Decorative Nailhead Detailing
Located in Madrid, ES
An excellent example of the classic dome top Spanish "arcón" or travel chest / trunk. Constructed of wood, the exterior is completely covered in a dark brown leather and the top and front feature studded brass nails arranged in decorative patterns. The nailheads themselves are decorated with raised star shape. The functioning lock mechanism (key included), hasp and side carry handles are original and made of wrought iron. Included are a pair of matching studded leather "feet" or supports which raise the trunk off of the floor allowing air to circulate, thus protecting the bottom from moisture. A solid and useable trunk...
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Federal Home Accents

Materials

Wrought Iron

1940s Maple Conveyor Belt Room Screen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Industrial 1940s conveyor belt room screen made up of wood slats with rounded ends. Entire screen connected with canvas and rivets. Stands up very easily...
Category

1940s American Vintage Federal Home Accents

Materials

Maple

1940s Maple Conveyor Belt Room Screen
1940s Maple Conveyor Belt Room Screen
$4,250
H 63.25 in W 96 in D 1 in
Superbe 17th Century French Blanket Chest or Trunk
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Superbe 17th century French blanket chest or trunk.
Category

Mid-17th Century French Antique Federal Home Accents

Materials

Iron

Superbe 17th Century French Blanket Chest or Trunk
Superbe 17th Century French Blanket Chest or Trunk
$4,500
H 29 in W 42.75 in D 25.5 in
Pair of Hollywood Regency Gold Gilt "Book" Bookends by Borghese
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of "book" bookends in a gold gilt finish on a faux green leather covers by Borghese of Italy, circa 1970s. The pair is in great vintage condition and our made of cas...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Federal Home Accents

Materials

Plaster

Pair of Hollywood Regency Gold Gilt "Book" Bookends by Borghese
Pair of Hollywood Regency Gold Gilt "Book" Bookends by Borghese
$220 Sale Price / set
20% Off
H 7.5 in W 9 in D 5 in
Previously Available Items
Vintage "1776" Brass American Eagle Bookends by Colonial Virginia
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
These appealing vintage brass bookends depict a bald eagle preparing for flight after perching on a base inscribed with “1776.” The bookends were made by Colonial Virginia, a crafter...
Category

1970s American Vintage Federal Home Accents

Materials

Brass

Vintage Brass Eagle with Shield Bookends
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a pair of brass vintage eagle bookends. The bookends depict an eagle, with its wings tucked behind its body and head turned in profile. The eagle supports a Union Shield on i...
Category

20th Century Japanese Federal Home Accents

Materials

Brass

Vintage George Washington Standing Bookends
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Offered is a vintage set of George Washington bookends. The bookends depict George Washington standing, with his hand resting on a classical column. Washington wears a suit with long...
Category

20th Century American Federal Home Accents

Materials

Bronze

Vintage George Washington Standing Bookends
Vintage George Washington Standing Bookends
H 6.25 in W 3.63 in D 2.25 in
Vintage American Eagle Bookends by Baldwin Brass
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Offered is a set of vintage brass eagle bookends. Each bookend depicts a wingspread eagle clutching a bundle of arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in the right talon. When ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Home Accents

Materials

Brass

Vintage "1776" Brass American Eagle Bookends by Colonial Virginia
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is an appealing set of vintage brass bookends. The bookends each depict a spread-wing bald eagle perched on a rectangular base, stamped with the date “1776.” The bookends were m...
Category

1970s American Vintage Federal Home Accents

Materials

Brass

Vintage Borghese Eagle Bookends with Black Base
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a pair of 20th century vintage American eagle bookends. The eagles are depicted with widely spread wings and arched heads, turned to the side. They are rendered in a Federal ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Home Accents

Materials

Plaster

Vintage "1776" Brass American Eagle Bookends by Colonial Virginia
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is an appealing set of vintage brass bookends. The bookends each depict a spread-wing bald eagle perched on a rectangular base, stamped with the date “1776.” The bookends were m...
Category

1970s American Vintage Federal Home Accents

Materials

Brass

Vintage U.S. Great Seal Bookends, Circa 1950s
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Offered is a vintage set of brass bookends featuring an eagle with widely spread wings. The eagle holds arrows and an olive branch in its talons and appears with a large shield again...
Category

1950s American Vintage Federal Home Accents

Materials

Brass

Vintage Cast Iron Eagle Bookends
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Offered is a pair of cast iron eagle bookends. These bookends each feature a perched eagle with large wings, tucked behind their bodies. The eagles' heads look to the right. The deta...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Home Accents

Materials

Iron

Vintage Cast Iron Eagle Bookends
Vintage Cast Iron Eagle Bookends
H 6.63 in W 5.25 in D 1.63 in
Vintage Borghese Eagle Bookends with Black Base
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a pair of 20th century vintage plaster cast American eagle bookends. The eagles are depicted with widely spread wings and arched heads, turned to the side. They are rendered ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Home Accents

Materials

Plaster

Vintage "1776" Brass American Eagle Bookends by Colonial Virginia
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is an appealing set of vintage brass bookends. The bookends each depict a spread-wing bald eagle perched on a rectangular base, stamped with the date “1776.” The bookends were m...
Category

1970s American Vintage Federal Home Accents

Materials

Brass

Vintage "1776" Brass American Eagle Bookends by Colonial Virginia
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is an appealing set of vintage brass bookends. The bookends each depict a spread-wing bald eagle perched on a rectangular base, stamped with the date “1776.” The bookends were m...
Category

1960s American Vintage Federal Home Accents

Materials

Brass

Federal home accents for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Federal home accents for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage home accents created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal home accents made in a specific country, there are North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original home accents, popular names associated with this style include Virginia Metalcrafters, and Hubley Manufacturing Company. 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 home accents differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $225 and tops out at $20,000 while the average work can sell for $395.