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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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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Federal
Large Wide Mahogany Individual Bubble Glass Panes Doors Breakfront China Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large Wide Mahogany Individual Bubble Glass Panes Doors Breakfront China Cabinet
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pull Out Tray Desk Table 6 Inlayed Drawers Federal Style High Chest Dresser MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pull Out Tray Desk Table 6 Inlayed Drawers Federal Style High Chest Dresser MINT
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century American Four Post Bed Salem Massachusetts
Located in Hudson, NY
Beautiful American 18th century four poster bed retaining original red finish. Likely from Salem Massachusetts, this early Survivor is in...
Category

1790s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair of 18th Century Federal Giltwood Mirrors with Carved Eagle
Located in Solebury, PA
An outstanding pair of 18th‑century Federal giltwood mirrors, each surmounted by an exquisitely carved giltwood eagle perched on a plinth and flanked by flowing acanthus leaf scrolls...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Hickory White American Masterpiece Collection Demilune Sideboard for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Hickory White American Masterpiece Collection mahogany Demi Lune Sideboard. The sideboard with cross banding, felted center silver drawer above cabinet doors flanked by opposing door...
Category

20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

A Fine Inlaid Federal Sheraton Mahogany Chest, c.1820
Located in Savannah, GA
A fine inlaid federal sheraton mahogany chest of drawers, circa 1820. Six drawers with half columns and conforming top. Finely inlaid drawer fronts. Chestnut secondary wood. Po...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

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

Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Tiered Bedside Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Tiered Bedside Table. Measures 16" in width, 13" in depth and 27" in height.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

J&R Furniture Federal Walnut Hexagon Candle Stand Pedestal Table Kettle Plant
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid 20th century Federal inspired candle Stand by J&R Furniture Mfg Co of Salt Lake City Utah. Made from walnut with an inset hexagon top over turned column and tripod bade. Meas...
Category

Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Rare Antique Federal American Mahogany Secretary Writing Desk Gothic Bookcase
Located in Dayton, OH
A fine and impressive Federal Period Mahogany secretary and bookcase, circa 1830s. The bookcase features an eighteen pane gothic arched cabinet fro...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

4-Piece Federal Bedroom Set: Vanity, End Table, Dresser, Chest of Drawers
Located in Soquel, CA
4-Piece Federal Bedroom Set: Vanity, End Table, Dresser, Check of Drawers Elegant bedroom set from the Royal furniture Line by Robert W. Irwin and Ro...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique American Federal Flame Mahogany Secretary Writing Desk Gothic Bookcase
Located in Dayton, OH
A fine and impressive antique early 19th century Federal Period flame Mahogany secretary and bookcase. The bookcase features an eighteen pane Gothic arched cabinet...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

Antique Early American Federal Mahogany Gilt Mirror
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Antique Federal deep mahogany framed wall mirror with stunning carved frame with reeding, and original gold gilt fillet insert. Beautiful mahogany wood grain, quality American crafts...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Giltwood

Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Side Table and Sheet Music Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Side Table and Sheet Music Cabinet. Removable dividers. Measures 19.75" in width, 16.25" in depth and 25.5" in height
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

An Interesting Account of the Voyages and Travels of Captains Lewis and Clarke
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Fisher, William. An Interesting Account of the Voyages and Travels of Captains Lewis and Clarke, in the Years 1804-5, & 6... Baltimore: P. Mauro, 1813. 12mo. Illustrated. Rebound in...
Category

1810s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather, Paper

Large Double Pedestal Embossed Leather Top Mahogany Partners Desk MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large Double Pedestal Embossed Leather Top Mahogany Partners Desk MINT
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal Figured Maple Chest
Located in Acton, MA
Federal figured Maple Chest with a flame birch case. This elegant chest sits high ups up on a figured bracket for base. The four cock-beaded drawers feature inlayed cherry shield sha...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Maple

Vintage Federal Style Brass Urn Finial Cast Iron Fireplace Tool Set - 4 Pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Federal Style Brass Urn Finial Cast Iron Fireplace Tool Set - 4 Pc Set. Listing includes (1) stand, (1) shovel, (1) broom, and (1) set of tongs. Circa Late 20th Century. Meas...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

Early 20th C Federal Style Hand Carved Mahogany Piecrust Edge Tilt-top Tea Table
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
This is a magnificent Federal Style (or Federal Revival) early 20th century bench made solid mahogany Piecrust Edge Tilt-Top Tea Table with birdcage action. The top is exceptionally...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Federal Giltwood Banjo Clock
Located in Essex, MA
Typical form with white enamel dial and reverse painted waist and pendulum door. With key and pendulum.
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pennsylvania Cherry Tall Case Clock, Jedediah Weiss, Bethlehem
Located in Milford, NH
An exceptional Federal cherry tall case clock with a brass eight day works signed Jedediah Weiss Bethlehem, with beautiful inlay including a contrasting fan carving above the waist d...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Maple, Satinwood

NYC Federal Full Tester Bed Attributable to Lannuier w Four Floral-Carved Posts
By Charles-Honoré Lannuier
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
An exceptional American Federal sleigh bed with tester in fine West Indies/ Cuban mahogany with beautifully-articulated floral and acanthus-leaf carvings, along the crest of the headboard and footboard, and on the four posts, attributable to the French-born cabinetmaker Charles-Honoré Lannuier...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Henredon Style Georgian Carved Mahogany Queen Size Poster Bed
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian or Federal style four poster queen size bed In the manner of Henredon USA, Circa 1980s Carved solid mahogany, with brass accents. Measures: 65.25"W x 89"D x 8...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Federal Chest
Located in Acton, MA
Circa 1830 cherry wood chest of drawers with. four beaded drawers. The top drawer being oversized for ample storage with three graduated drawers below. The piece is constructed with ...
Category

1830s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Council Flame Mahogany Two Drawers Console Table Server MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Council Flame Mahogany Two Drawers Console Table Server MINT
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Century Furniture Carved Mahogany Posters Queen Bed
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 20th century Furniture Company Federal Style poster queen size bed in very good vintage condition. Measures 64"in width, 87.5" in depth and stands 90" to the top of the poste...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Period Chest of Drawers, Circa 1800
Located in Doylestown, PA
A Federal period chest of drawers in mahogany with a deep top drawer decorated with satinwood inlay, over 3 smaller drawers on simple f...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

90" Baker Executive Partners Desk
Located in Pasadena, TX
Baker partners desk Stunning pedestal leather top executive desk made by BAKER. Functioning drawers on both sides serve as guest or partner de...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Burl

90"  Baker Executive Partners Desk
90"  Baker Executive Partners Desk
$12,800 Sale Price
36% Off
Antique Federal Style Mahogany Tilt Top Table With Spider Legs c1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Federal Style Mahogany Tilt Top Table With Spider Legs Unsigned C1920 Measures - 26 1/4" x 19" x 18 1/8" This Federal style tilt-top table, crafted circa 1920, features a ma...
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

"Liberty In the Form of the Goddess of Youth" Stipple Engraving, E. Savage, 1796
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a rare stipple engraving of “Liberty. In the form of the Goddess of Youth giving Support to the Bald Eagle.” This engraving was drawn, engraved, and published by Edward ...
Category

1790s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Paper

Federal Style Marble Coffee Table
Located in Pasadena, TX
Federal Style marble coffee table. Oval table in mahogany with white marble top. Carved Federal style legs. Dimensions: 34" x 22" x 18".
Category

Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Marble

Federal Style Marble Coffee Table
Federal Style Marble Coffee Table
$796 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique American Federal / Georgian style mahogany drop leaf dining table featuring rectangular form with two large drop leaves, gatelegs, and brass castors. Circa early 19th centur...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Low Profile Kidney Shape Burl Wood Compact Desk Writing Table Vanity MINT Italy
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Banded Inlayed Top Carved Legs Low Profile Kidney Shape Burl Wood Compact Desk Writing Table Vanity Made in Italy Italy.
Category

20th Century Italian Federal Furniture

Materials

Burl, Walnut

Pair of Federal Style Carved Gilt Eagle Wall Brackets
Located in Milford, NH
A finely carved and gilt pair of eagle wall brackets with shaped base and spherule decoration. The pair of eagles are facing each other and date to the 19th century with brackets add...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

1930 s Half-Moon Drop-Leaf Federal Coffee Table
Located in Burbank, CA
Antique coffee table for sale. Special table that has a half-moon shape and has leaves on either side that extend out. Great design, and in great vintage condition. Made of mahogany ...
Category

1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Connecticut Mahogany Slant Front Desk, c.1800
Located in Savannah, GA
A Connecticut mahogany slant front desk on french feet with original 15 star eagle pulls, circa 1800. Some provenance and notations with dates on lopers. Friction fit interior door....
Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Federal Style Mahogany Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mahogany and figured mahogany veneered dresser, the reeded edge top with protruding corners and a central bowfront with leaf carved and reede...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Sheraton Federal Mahogany Magazine Rack Book Stand Side End Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Sheraton Federal Style Mahogany Magazine Rack Book Stand Side End Table. Item features solid brass hardware and one drawer. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 27" H x 18...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Federal Mahogany Satinwood Inlay Narrow Dropleaf Pembroke Side Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique Federal Mahogany Satinwood Inlay Narrow Dropleaf Pembroke Side Table with Sin...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Waldorf Astoria Morgan Suite Federal White Wood Mantel
Located in New York, NY
Federal style mantel in a contemporary production of white painted wood and decorated with floral bouquets and swags. This mantel was acquired from the Morgan Suite of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. This mantel is one of the available matching pairs. The matching mantel was acquired from the Carnegie Suite of the Waldorf Astoria NYC...
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Antique 18th Century American New England Fan Back Maple Windsor Arm Chair 1780
Located in Portland, OR
A good antique 18th century American fan/comb back New England maple Windsor armchair, Massachussetts, circa 1780. A very handsome late 1700s maple windsor armchair from the Federal period, the chair having a fan shaped back with plain spindles connecting to the seat through a continuous armrail, and terminating to 'paw' shaped handrests. The armrail is supported at the front with a pair of turned spindled supports, the shaped seat is raised on four finely turned legs joined by a 'H' frame turned stretcher. These early American Windsor chairs...
Category

1780s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Maple

Pair Large 19th C. American Federal Empire Brass Curtain Tie Backs.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Pair Large 19th C. American Federal Empire Brass Curtain Tie Backs. An elegant pair of American Empire floral motif curtain tie backs. Large, 5 Inc...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Mahogany Dining Table with Leaves with Brass Clips
Located in Huntington, 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 Dimension...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Inlaid Mahogany Bookmatched Veneer 26" Round Top Lamp Side Occasional Table MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Inlaid Mahogany Bookmatched Veneer 26" Round Top Lamp Side Occasional Table MINT
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Mahogany and Needlepoint Upholstered Footstool.
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Mahogany and Blue Needlepoint Upholstered Footstool. Measures 19" in width, 14" in depth and 11" in height.
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Upholstery

Mid-20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Bowfront Bachelor Chest of Drawers
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautifully hand-rubbed refinished Mid-20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Bowfront Bachelor Chest of Drawers. Measures 36.25" in width, 19.5" in depth and stands 32" in height. Bo...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Federal Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Mahogany Chest of Drawers. Measures 36" in width, 20" in depth and 34" in height.
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture Historic Federal Inlaid Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style bow front sideboard buffet or credenza By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston" Collection USA, Late 20th Century Gorgeous book-matched fl...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Round 20" in Diameter Inlayed One Drawer Burl Wood Tapered Legs Stand End Table
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Round 20" in Diameter Inlayed One Drawer Burl Wood Tapered Legs Stand End Side Occasional Lamp Table MINT!
Category

20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Burl

1920s Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid Federal Style Fold-Top Console or Card Table
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th century Mahogany and satinwood Inlaid Federal style Fold-Top Console or Card Table in very good antique condition. Measures 36" in width, 17" in depth folded and 34" i...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Federal Inlaid Mahogany Sideboard, circa 1800-1820
Located in Houston, TX
A refined Federal mahogany inlaid sideboard, circa 1800-1820, possibly southern. It embodies the elegance and architectural restraint of the early American republic. Crafted in ric...
Category

Early 19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

Huge Partners Desk
Huge Partners Desk
$5,995 / item
19th Century Federal Inlaid Mahogany Demilune Fold Top Console / Card Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Inlaid Mahogany Demilune Fold Top Console / Card Table in clean antique Condition. Measures 36" in width, 17.5" in depth folded, 35" in depth unfolded and 29.5...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style convex bullseye wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches. USA, Mid 20th Century Giltwood frame, with ori...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Federal Style Carved Mahogany Mirrored Display Cabinet by Pulaski, 20th C
Located in Big Flats, NY
A Federal style display case by Pulaski offers mahogany construction with broken arch crest having central carved finial over case having double glass doors opening to shelved and mi...
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Glass, Mirror

Pair of Kittinger Style Tall Wingback Chairs Mint Frames as is Upholstery
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Kittinger Style Tall Wingback Chairs Mint Frames as is Upholstery
Category

20th Century American 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

Hickory Chair Federal Flame Mahogany Buffet Server or Hall Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous traditional Federal or Hepplewhite style buffet server, hall or entry table, or occasional side table By Hickory Chair, "Historical James River Plantations...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

A Fine Highly Figured Federal Style Pier Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A more diminutive Federal style Pier Mirror with traditional form and particularly rich color and graining. Highly figured mahogany pier mirror with a dimensional crest and two facet...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

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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