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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
Vintage Federal Style Figured Mahogany Huntboard with Brass Hardware
Located in Morristown, NJ
Early 20th c., Federal Style huntboard made from rich mahogany and featuring classic design elements that reflect high-quality craftsmanship. The table is crafted from solid mahogan...
Category

1910s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Italian Hand-Made American Federal Style Eagle Mirror Style Friedman Brothers
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Italian hand-made American Federal Style eagle mirror, in the manner of Friedman Brothers, is a striking example of neoclassical elegance and timeless craftsmanship. Topped with...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Gesso, Mahogany

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

Mid Century Federal Gray Enamel Mahogany Bedside Chest of Drawers
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid Century Federal Style Gray Enamel Mahogany Bedside Chest of Drawers. Drawers open and close very smoothly. Measures 21.5" in width, 16.5" in depth and 30" in height.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Enamel

American Federal Mahogany Tall Case Clock, Silas Hoadley, CT, Circa 1820
By Silas Hoadley
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany one day tall case clock with the original brass ball finials resting on three carved upper capitals, decorative intertwined fret work, arched hood with bras...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carved and Painted Wooden Eagle with Shield Attributed to John Haley Bellamy
Located in Savannah, GA
In all original untouched condition including weathered paint, this wonderful Folk Art wall plaque speaks for itself. Substantial size. It looks to be made to be mounted on a ledge, ...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Federal Style Mahogany Bedside Chest
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mahogany and figured mahogany nightstand, the reeded edge bowfront top with protruding corners with leaf carved and reeded uprights, with three graduated drawers with verdigris bra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage Biggs Old Sturbridge Village Federal Mahogany Spider Leg Candle Stand
Located in Dayton, OH
Biggs Furniture Old Sturbridge Village Collection Federal Candle or Sculpture Stand, circa last half 20th century. Made from mahogany with an Octagonal inlaid and crossbanded top ove...
Category

Late 20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Style Tri-Panel Gold Leaf Wall Mirror
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal Revival style gilt wall mirror featuring fluted corinthian pilasters partitioning 3 beveled mirror panes under a pediment with decorative dentil moulding ending in v...
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror

19th Century American Federal Secretary, Seymour School, Boston
By John Thomas Seymour
Located in Essex, MA
Important American Federal Period Secretary. School of John and Thomas Seymour, Boston, circa 1820. Mahogany and Mahogany Veneered Case on Pine Secondary Wood. Two Gothic Fenestra...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Stickley Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seat...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Duke of Wellington Portrait
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of a portrait painting titled "Duke of Wellington" showing him in red military uniform
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Paint

Late 20th-C. Federal Style Gilt Composition Wall Brackets For Plates - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of Federal style gilt composition wall brackets. They have an indentation for plates. They are unmarked and in very good condition.
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Composition

Baker Furniture Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston" Collection USA, circa Late 20th century Solid carved m...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany

Broyhill USA Federal Style Broken Arch Finial Cherry Wood Wall Dresser Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pre-owned Broyhill Federal Style Broken Arch & Finial Wall Dresser Mirror. Item feature a solid wood frame, beautiful wood grain, nicely carved details, quality American craftsmanshi...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Federal Gilt-Wood Eglomise Painted Mirror
Located in Huntington, 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

Elmer O. Stennes Weymouth MA Eglomise Girandole Banjo Clock
By Elmer O. Stennes
Located in Milford, NH
A beautiful example of a hand made girandole banjo clock by well known Weymouth, Massachusetts clockmaker Elmer O. Stennes (1911-1975), with a signed circular face with brass ball surround, surmounted by a gilt carved eagle...
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Poster Three Quater Size Bedframe
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Poster Three Quater Size Bedframe Measures 55" in width , 80.5" in Height to the top of the posters, Headboard is 50" in height, footboard is 1...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

19th C. Carved And Gilt Convex Mirror for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Originally purchased in Boston. A classic deep convex mirror with multiple surrounds. The outer decorated with X shaped motifs on each side, a deep curved band with gilt spheres, an ...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Four Federal Style Drexel Travis Court Dining Chairs, 1940s
Located in Harlingen, TX
A vintage set of four federal style dining side chairs from Drexel's New Travis Court collection circa 1946. These klismos style chairs feature an x-form and scrolled back, saber leg...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Chenille, Mahogany

American Federal Bostonian Game Table , circa 1815
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A fine Boston Federal game table in mahogany with fire gilded bronze doré ormolu mounts in the corners of the apron and original brass paw foot casters. Carving is well articulated and form is reminiscent of Federal Boston cabinet maker Isaac Vose...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

Gillinder Sons Washington Bust, 1876
By Gillinder Sons
Located in Savannah, GA
A Gillinder & Sons milk glass portrait bust of George Washington for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. 3 ½ inches wide by 3 ¼ inches deep by 6 inches tall
Category

1870s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Milk Glass

Antique Federal Period Mahogany Work Table with Pineapple Carved Pillars c. 1840
Located in Westfield, MA
This Antique Federal Period Mahogany Work Table, dating to around 1840, is a striking example of American craftsmanship from the Federal period. The piece is made from richly grained...
Category

1830s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Friedman Bros. Chippendale Federal Style Giltwood Italian Mirrors W/ Eagles - 2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
Timeless appeal! This is a pair of Italian carved giltwood mirrors with federal chippendale styling. They are in very good condition and have removable carved giltwood eagles. Ship...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Poplar

Zabihi Collection beige Blue Color Pictorial Antique Chinese Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th-century Chinese Peking carpet with an animal motif in beige and blue circa 1910, measures: 3' x 5'8".
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Federal Furniture

Materials

Wool

Federal Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Small Drop Leaf Table
Located in Hudson, NY
Made in Vermont circa 1820 this fine old country drop leaf table retains if not its original surface a very old one. Constructed by a craftsmen using pegs and hand plained local tige...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Maple

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 and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

American Federal Wingback Chair with Blue Upholstery
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Federal period mahogany American wingback armchair in blue upholstery. In very good condition and nicely re-upholstered. Structurally sound and comfort...
Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Charak Mahogany Inlaid Individual Bubble Glass Butlers Desk Breakfront Cupboard
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Charak Mahogany Inlaid Individual Bubble Glass Butlers Desk Breakfront Cupboard Mint. Numbered and Dated cabinet by the manufacturer.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal Bronze Clear Pebbled Glass Lantern Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This early 20th Century hanging lantern exudes timeless charm. Its bronze frame and clear pebbled glass showcase a classic design, capturing the essence of the Federal style, making ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique American Federal Mahogany Reverse Painted Eagle Trumeau Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique American Federal Mahogany Reverse Painted Eagle Trumeau Wall Mirror. Circa Mi...
Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

American Federal Relief Carved Mahogany Card Table, New York, circa 1810
Located in Stockton, NJ
American Federal relief carved mahogany card table. The double-elliptical crotch mahogany book-matched veneered hinged top above a central pedestal with foliate and swag carved detail terminating on four fluted cabriole legs and brass lion paw cups on casters. This card table is illustrated in "Four Centuries of American Furniture" Oscar P. Fitzgerald, pp.93 " The richly grained mahogany top takes a double-elliptic shape. The top rotates to rest on the skirt, which encloses a storage space for game equipment...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique American Federal Maple Wood Canopy Single Twin Poster Bed Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Federal Maple Wood Canopy Single Twin Poster Bed Frame with Carved Finials (Color indoors is more true to images 2 and 3). Buyer will...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Maple

Neoclassical American Empire Side or Lamp Table in Mahogany, circa 1820
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A neoclassical American Empire work table in mahogany and crotch mahogany with two drawers with convex fronts. Top rests on cylindrical column over a quatre-from base and terminating...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Potthast Brothers Mid Century American Federal Mahogany Handcrafted Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Potthast Brothers Mid-Century American Federal Mahogany Handcrafted Side Table in good vintage condition. Measures 18" in width, 15" in depth and stands 28.5" in height.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Fine 19th Century American Federal Period Mahogany Sofa
Located in Richmond, VA
Fine 19th century American federal period mahogany sofa on 6 turned and carved legs. Beautifully done, the arms and back rails are reeded and there are little rosettes carved where t...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Large Mahogany Secretary Desk
Located in Annville, PA
Inspired by an antique desk and bookcase this Large Mahogany Secretary Desk from Niagara Furniture is impressive in both it’s design and scal...
Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique American Maple Chest-On-Chest
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The tall chest-on-chest finely crafted in maple with tiger maple drawers. The top chest has a cavetto cornice over two short drawers flanking a center short drawer with a finely carv...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

American Federal Games/Card Table with Tobacco Leaf Carvings, Baltimore, c. 1820
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A lovely Federal card table in fine mahogany with hinged rectangular top pivoting and opening to a square supported by a turned column with tobacco leaf carvings over a round base with carved knurling reminiscent of pineapples. Four "C" shaped legs are reeded and rest on brass lion claw...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Federal American Brass Eagle Door Knocker, circa 1900
Located in Pearland, TX
A fine large antique American Federal eagle brass door knocker, circa 1900. This regal door knocker is nicely cast and heavy, weighing over 2.5 lbs, in the form of a stately eagle wi...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

18th century Virginia inlaid walnut desk
Located in Richmond, VA
Great period Virginia inlaid walnut slant front desk with a family history of being made in Rockingham County. Nice proportions, incredible color and beautifully executed interior.
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Poplar, Walnut

Pair of Twin Size Mahogany Canopy Beds by Smith Watson MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Twin Size Mahogany Canopy Beds by Smith & Watson MINT
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Style Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
American Federal Style Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table Measures 18" in width, 18" in depth, 30" in height.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

Vintage French Empire Federal Style Small Brass Bouillotte Tole Desk Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Federal Style Small Brass Bouillotte Tole Metal Table Lamp with Shade and Eagle Finial. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 20" H (to finial) x 12.5" H (to li...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Antique English Copeland Late Spode Toby Jug Pitcher Colonial Englishman
Located in Dayton, OH
19th century Copland Late Spode English Staffordshire rare porcelain toby jug in the shape of asdeated colonial Englishman holding a cup and pitcher. 180288...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Banded and Pencil Inlayed Mahogany Bow Front Federal Sideboard Brass Hardware
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Banded and Pencil Inlayed Mahogany Bow Front Federal Sideboard Brass Hardware
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Antique Late Federal Mahogany Paw Foot Chest of Drawers c. 1840
Located in Westfield, MA
This impressive Late Federal period chest of drawers dates to around 1840 and is crafted from richly figured mahogany with a stately pr...
Category

1840s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Demi Lune One Drawer Mahogany Console Entry Hall Table MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Demi Lune One Drawer Mahogany Console Entry Hall Table MINT
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century Federal Period American Red Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Wiscasset, ME
An early 19th century New England Federal period tall chest in old red paint featuring five graduated dovetailed drawers and retaining original brasses. Molded base with heavy turne...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Kittinger Williamsburg Restoration Federal Mahogany Tilt Top Table Candle Stand
Located in Dayton, OH
A Federal style mahogany candle stand by Kittinger, circa 1970s. Williamburg Restoration line. Features a rectangular top with serpentine edge over a baluster turned base with cabrio...
Category

1970s Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Kindel Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style bow front sideboard buffet or credenza By Kindel Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Mahogany, with satinwood banding and original brass hardw...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Neoclassical Federal Pedestal Sideboard in Mahogany, circa 1815
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A very long and elegant American Federal, pedestal sideboard in mahogany with mahogany inlaid bandings along the borders. Inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Federal Style Mahogany and Tooled Leather Top Lyre Base Coffee Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Federal Style Mahogany and Tooled Leather Top Lyre Base Coffee Table Measures 35.5" in width , 18" on depth, 16.5" in height.
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Vintage Mahogany Pembroke Table, Gordon’s Fine Furniture, Inc.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Vintage Mahogany Pembroke table, Gordon’s Fine Furniture, Inc. A Classic Pembroke table by Gordon’s Fine Furniture, Inc. made of mahogany with...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Federal Flame Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Discover the enduring elegance of the Federal period with this magnificent vintage flame mahogany chest of drawers. This exquisite piece showcases the unparalleled beauty of flame ma...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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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