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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
American Mahogany Oval Banded Top 3x16" Leaves Dining Banquet Table MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American Mahogany Oval Banded Top 3x16" Leaves Dining Banquet Table MINT. 3x16” leaves with an extended table length of 86”
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

New England Federal Period Hepplewhite Style Cherry Stand with Drawer
Located in Doylestown, PA
Antique Federal period cherry stand with a single drawer, made in New England, circa 1820. Designed after the style of George Hepplewhite, this elegant stand is crafted of rich cher...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Large Round Mid Century Metal Eagle Motif Serving Tray in Red White and Blue
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A very large round Americana metal serving tray. This piece will be great for serving drinks or hanging on a wall. It is created from metal and features an Americana Federal painted ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Metal

18th Century American Two Over Three Chest of Drawers
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of an 18th American chest of drawers in a two over three configuration, possibly a converted highboy top of Boston origin, with added finished molded top, original bra...
Category

18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

American Federal Gilt Wood Ebonized Eagle Girandole Convex Mirror, Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal gilt wood girandole convex mirror with perched spread wing eagle, connecting chains with hanging gilt balls, oak leaves with acorns, scrolled foliage medallion candle arms, circular brass bobeches, original ebonized reeded mirror with sphere mounted surround, and terminating with a lower foliage pendant...
Category

1810s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Vintage Regency Sheraton Drop Leaf Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Infuse your home with the classic charm of this handsome Sheraton-style drop-leaf table. Crafted from rich, warm mahogany, this piece showcases the elegant proportions and quality cr...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair Antique Brass Cannonball Andirons
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Bold form distinguish this pair of Antique Andirons. Large heavy andirons with cannonball tops mounted on thick square supports. The angled legs with flat feet, the back brass bars a...
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Pair of American Classical Style Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of American Classical style andirons having double knob urn finials over Doric column shafts, standing on plinth support over pair o...
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Federal Sheraton Mahogany Eagle Shield Flag Inlay Tilt Top Lamp Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Federal Sheraton Mahogany Eagle Shield Flag Inlay Tilt Top Lamp Table. Item features an inlaid central Eagle with shield and flag, tilt top, inlaid, solid wood construction, ...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century American Walnut Federal Drop-Leaf Table
Located in Charleston, SC
A Federal walnut drop leaf dining table with bold wood grain, tapered square legs terminating with brass and porcelain casters, and dovetailed construction. Very good overall conditi...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair Of American Federal Tables Boston Circa 1810
Located in Hudson, NY
A fine, rare to find matched pair of Boston federal servers / dressing tables with backboard and scrolled sideboards on rectangular tops. The frame has ...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Pine

Miniature Example Mahogany Bureau Bookcase
Located in Huntington, NY
Cabinet makers sample.
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Baker Mahogany Banded Top Hepplewhite Brass Castors Tapered Legs Sideboard MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker Mahogany Banded Top Hepplewhite Brass Castors Tapered Legs Sideboard MINT
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Bullseye Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Federal Bullseye Mirror. Circular concave gilt outer surround with attached spheres, and an ebonized and ribbed inner one. Planked wood...
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Smoked Glass, Wood

Federal Style, Giltwood, Convex Mirror, Regency Wall Mirrors, England, 19th C.
Located in Manhasset, NY
Federal Style, Giltwood, Convex Mirror, Wall, Console, or Pier Mirrors, England, 19th C. Rare pair of federal style mirrors designed and produced in England in the later half of the...
Category

19th Century English Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

American Federal Mahogany Églomisé Barley Twist and Acorn Wall Mirror, C. 1815
Located in Charleston, SC
American federal mahogany églomisé wall mirror with decorative carved acorn and barley twist motif. Mirror retains the original looking glass and wood backing, Early 19th century.
Category

1810s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany, Pine, Paint

American Federal Gilt Wood Ebonized Acanthus Foliage Convex Wall Mirror C 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal gilt wood and gesso acanthus foliage convex mirror with central ebonized molded reeded ring, interior lambs tongue border, exterior gilt wood circular spheres, and d...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Ebony, Mirror, Gesso, Pine, Giltwood

1920 s Silver Plated Caldwell Traditional Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's Caldwell silver plates sconces, traditional style.
Category

1910s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Baker Furniture Federal Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard Credenza, circa 1940s
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal style sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Baker Furniture, USA, circa 1940s Mahogany, with satinwood string inlay, mirrored backslash, and original...
Category

1940s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage American Federal Mahogany Beveled Glass Broken Arch Fretwork Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage American Federal Style Mahogany Beveled Glass Broken Arch Fretwork Wall Mirror. Item features beveled glass, beautiful wood grain, carved fretwork, quality American craftsman...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

"Facsimile of the Signatures to the Declaration of Independence" by A.H. Wray
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a handsome steel engraving, a patriotic composition of the facsimile signatures of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The engraving is from John H. Hinton’...
Category

1850s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Paper

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

Kindel Furniture Federal Carved Mahogany Twin Size Beds, Circa 1960s
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Regency style carved mahogany twin size beds By Kindel Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Each measures: 39.5"W x 80"D x 40"H. Good original vintage condit...
Category

1960s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Dome Shape Top Glass Shelves Two Drawer Compartment Curio Display Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Lovely vintage curio display cabinet with glass shelves and 2 bottom drawers compartment. Has built in light.
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Hankel-Harris Pull Out Desk Table Secretary 4 Drawer Bachelor Chest Dresser MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Hankel-Harris Pull Out Desk Table Secretary 4 Drawer Bachelor Chest Dresser MINT
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

American Grain-Painted Corner Cabinet Cupboard, New England, circa 1805
Located in Shippensburg, PA
An incredibly fine one-piece corner cupboard formerly acquired at Sotheby's in 2013 for $ 15,000. The original and beautifully worn surface is incredibly lively with a rich texture in the symmetrical brush strokes with the natural rubbing through the paint from over two-hundred years of gentle handling. It is crafted in one piece from pine primary woods and poplar secondary woods and features a nine-light glazed upper door with beautifully molded astragals that opens with a replaced brass knob to reveal an interior divided with two fixed shelves. The lower portion of the cabinet is missing its knob and opens to reveal the single shelf that evenly divides out the space. And most attractive is the size, which is delightfully diminutive and allows it to be a part of any space without overwhelming the interior. An untouched treasure. Provenance: * Alan McDonough, Dover, Massachusetts * Sotheby's, New York, Important Americana...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal Style Yew Wood Double Door Side Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 20th Century Federal Style Yew Wood Double Door Side Cabinet. Measures 42.5" in width, 23.5" in depth and 43" in height. Main area dimensions are 36.5" in width, 27" in hei...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Yew

Solid Cherry Multi Compartment Drop Front Secretary Desk w/ Drawer File Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Cherry Multi Compartment Drop Front Secretary Desk w/ Drawer File Cabinet
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Antique American Mid Atlantic States Federal Style Sideboard/ Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful American Federal style sideboard with a shaped bow front and darker banding. The top edge has string inlay framed moldings, The figured wood frieze drawer with fine brass b...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Neoclassic Adam Federal Style Window Bench as Found
Located in New York, NY
Nice Adam (Federal) style bench with tapestry fabric top (worn). This example will need to be reupholstered, it is structurally sound and sturdy, a...
Category

Early 20th Century Federal Furniture

Distressed Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Relaxed Federal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77216, Distressed Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Relaxed Federal Style. Regal hues, intricate details, and all-over symmetry create a neocl...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Federal Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Late Federal Mahogany Paw Foot Pier Table c. 1840
Located in Westfield, MA
This late Federal mahogany pier table, crafted around 1840, elegantly showcases the aesthetic preferences and skilled craftsmanship of its era. Featuring stately paw feet, this table...
Category

1840s Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Architectural White Paint Decorated Pediment Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and very Architectural form Pediment mirror in white paint with fluted panels flanking the mirror and decorated with egg and dart and craved ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Very Fine Bow Front Inlaid Mahogany 87" Tall Bookcase Shelfs Etagere MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Bow Front Inlaid Mahogany 87" Tall Bookcase Shelfs Etagere MINT!
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage American Federal Giltwood Eagle Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style wall mirror featuring a carved eagle with open wings standing on olive branches and 13 small spheres representing the original 13 colonies around ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Fruitwood Fold Top Game Table. Early 19th Century
Located in Houston, TX
This antique fold-top game table is a charming and functional piece from the early 1800s. It is crafted from beautifully aged fruitwood, displaying a warm, naturally rich patina tha...
Category

Early 19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Antique 19th Century 4 Drawers Pull Out Tray Flame Mahogany Bachelor Chest Brass
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Antique 19th Century Federal Style 4 Drawers pull out tray flame mahogany bachelor chest brass Pulls Dovetail Drawers.
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Assembled Set Of Six Federal Style Mahogany Upholstered Dining Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite set of Assembled Set Of Six Federal Style with fine carvings and inlays Mahogany Upholstered Dining Chairs. With quality orange and beige upholstery. Measurements: 1) 4 larger chairs are 21" in width x 22" in depth x 36" in height with Seat Height 18" 2) 2 smaller chairs...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

1970 s American Heirloom Hand Stained Top Grain Hide Leather Waste Can
Located in San Diego, CA
1970's American Leather wrapped over removable tin waste can . by Heirloom , nice worn patina with the inside tine shows marks due to normal wear and tear can be resprayed if desired.
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Tin

Banded Top Mahogany Inlayed Bracket Feet 11 Drawers Dresser Credenza MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Bow front banded top mahogany inlayed bracket feet 11 drawers dresser credenza MINT!.
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

Vintage Decorative Crafts Inc American Federal Carved Wood Gold Gilt Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Decorative Crafts Inc American Federal Carved Wood Gold Gilt Wall Mirror. Item features gold gilt and brown distress painted finish, carved finials, solid wood frame, nicely ...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Banded Double Pedestal Tripod Base Mahogany 72" Long Dining Table 2 Leaves MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Banded Double Pedestal Tripod Base Mahogany 72" Long Dining Table 2 Leaves MINT 2X22" Leaves.
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique American Federal Period Mahogany One Drawer Drop Leaf Table c. 1830
Located in Westfield, MA
Step into a world of classic American elegance with this Antique American Federal Period Mahogany One Drawer Drop Leaf Table, crafted around 1830. This piece is a sterling example of...
Category

1830s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

Federal Partners Desk in Mahogany, Philadelphia, circa 1820
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A beautiful Philadelphia partners desk in mahogany with gadrooned top and apron resting on center pedestal with carved baluster and legs, and ending in brass casters with lions' paw ...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Painted Chinoiserie Two Doors Server Cabinet by Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Double door chinoiserie style small credenza server cabinet by Drexel Heritage.
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Late 19th Century American "Federal" Style Convex Mirror.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Late 19th Century American "Federal" Style Convex Mirror. Carved Wood with Gold and an Eagle Perched on Top.
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

19th Century Carved and Painted Ship s Billethead
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Carved and Painted Ship's Billethead, second half 19th Century, a scroll carved and painted wooden ornament from the bow of a ship. A billethead was a smaller carving used in place of a figurehead, mounted under the bowsprit of a ship. As the 19th Century progressed and the age of clipper ships saw a move towards ever more extreme clipper bows, there was a need to eliminate unnecessary weight aboard ship, especially in the bow (to avoid burying the nose into every wave), so billet heads...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Bracket Feet Mahogany 6 Drawers Brass Pulls Tall Lingerie Chest Dresser Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Bracket feet mahogany 6 drawers brass pulls tall lingerie chest dresser cabinet.
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Federal Period Mahogany Sheraton Deck Top Chest of Drawers c. 1820
Located in Westfield, MA
A stunning Federal period Sheraton deck-top chest of drawers, crafted in rich mahogany and dating to circa 1820, this piece showcases the elegance and symmetry characteristic of earl...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Large Mahogany Credenza
Located in Annville, PA
Decorative and functional this great quality four part Large Mahogany Credenza from Niagara Furniture can solve a lot of your storage and display needs either at home or in the workp...
Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Amber Yew Wood 4 Drawers Door Compartments c1979s Federal Style Sideboards MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Amber Yew Wood 4 Drawers Door Compartments c1979s Federal Style Sideboards MINT
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Yew

Pair Of 18th Century Boston Federal Bell Metal Andirons
Located in Essex, MA
Lemon top with ball and claw feet and brass urn form log stops.
Category

1790s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th C. Mirror American Wood Carved Federal
Located in Newfoundland, PA
Early wood carved Federal mirror. This would be a wonderful addition to your decor. Please be sure to check our storefront for more wonderful decorating pieces that range from Primit...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Federal Wing Chair
Located in New York, NY
Federal Wing Chair Massachusetts Circa 1790 Primary Wood: Mahogany Secondary Woods: Maple, Birch, White Pine Height: 45 1/2 inches Wid...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Maple, Pine

Pair of Yew Wood Banded Two One Drawer End Tables Nightstands Tapered Leg MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Yew Wood Banded Two & One Drawer End Tables Nightstands Tapered Leg MINT
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Yew

Fine Federal Period Sheraton Mahogany Card or Gaming Table circa 1800
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of a Federal Period, Sheraton mahogany card or gaming table with turret corners, checkered inlay around the folding top edge, a shaped frieze with an oval patera, all ...
Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal Style Mahogany Chest of Drawers with Lift Top
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal style 19th century mahogany chest of drawers with 2 lower drawers above dummy drawers having a lift top with replaced brass...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

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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