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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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Style: Federal
Place of Origin: American
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

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

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

Stickley Federal Solid Cherry Wood Pembroke Tea Tables, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal style Pembroke nightstands, end tables, or tea tables By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, late 20th century Solid cherry wood, with original brass hardware...
Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Federal Eagle American 50 Star Flag with Brass Eagle Pole, 19th Century
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Monumental 50 star American Flag with antique Federal Eagle brass and wood pole. A patriotic piece suitable for any home. This set includes both ...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze

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

American Federal Drop Leaf Dining Table in West Indies Mahogany New York, c 1820
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A handsome American Federal or Empire Pembroke table in fine West Indies mahogany with two drop leaves. This period breakfast table is supported by a reeded, vase-turned column on a ...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique 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

Federal Style, Painted Wood, Cane, Ebonized Bar Cart, USA, 1970s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Hollywood Regency Style, Painted Wood, Cane, Ebonized Three-Tier Bar Cart, USA, 1970s A three tier fully refinished painted wood, cane, and brass rolling bar cart produced in the Un...
Category

1970s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Federal Style Burl Mahogany Nightstand Side Table Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th Century Federal Style Burl Mahogany Nightstand Side Table Cabinet. Features one dovetail joint drawer and divided lower cab...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Burl

MINT Brass Gallery Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard Thomasvill
Located in Rockaway, NJ
MINT Brass Gallery Crotch Mahogany Serpentine Front Federal Sideboard by Thomasville.
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal Style Mahogany Three-Seat Bench
Located in Astoria, NY
Federal Style Mahogany Three-Seat Bench, the back splats with X and column form spindles, with blue and red checkered cushion on fluted tapered feet. 32" H x 53" W x 18" D; seat: 18...
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Antique Ca. 1820 Federal Era Trompe L oeil Painted Chest
Located in Peabody, MA
American Federal era chest of drawers in its original trompe l’oeil mustard painted finish, ca. 1820.
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Mid-19 Century Federal Mahogany With Inlay Table
Located in Charleston, SC
This handsome English mahogany server, c. 1850, features a narrow, rectangular surface over an apron outfitted with 2 drawers having beautiful hardware. The whole rests upon square t...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Henkel Harris Federal Cherry Extension Dining Table with Three Leaves
Located in Germantown, MD
Henkel Harris Federal Style Solid Cherry Extension Dining Table with Three Leaves Excellent Vintage Condition with crafty inlaid legs. Each leaf is 12" wide. Leaves are securely stor...
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Satinwood

Federal Period Massachusetts Mahogany Secretary Desk with Cylinder Tambour
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of a Federal mahogany two part secretary desk, with a dentil molded cornice surmounting an upper bookcase with two 16 pane glazed glass doors with satinwood line inlay, opening to three interior shelves, over a lower case with a cylinder tambour, opening to a compartmentalized interior with central open valanced cubbies flanked by eight fitted drawers over a felted writing surface and three long drawers with flame mahogany bookmatched veneers, line inlay, and punched oval brasses, and dovetailed construction, all supported by four splayed feet. This splendid secretary desk most likely is of MA origin and dates to circa 1790-1810 and is in very good condition, with some surface & shelf restorations, minor escutcheon and surface losses, as well as light wear commensurate with age and use. Includes a 2001 bill of...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Crotch Mahogany Federal Style Hickory Chair Sideboard MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Crotch Mahogany Federal Style Hickory Chair Sideboard MINT!
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture Federal Banded Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style drop leaf dining table By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Beautiful book-matched banded mahogany, with satinwood string inlay, and brass-cappe...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century American Giltwood Convex Girandole Mirror
Located in Essex, MA
Period American Federal convex girandole mirror of monumental size. Giltwood with original gilding and mirror. New York.
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

American Federal Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard with Tapered Cuffed Legs, C. 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany bow front sideboard with three frieze drawers over central hinged cabinet doors, flanking hinged doors with fitted interior single drawers, period brasses, ...
Category

1810s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal 2 Drawer Huntboard, Serving Table
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An elegant and simple mahogany two drawer huntboard server. The rich mahogany with satinwood edge, with polished brass handles. the table with nicely turned legs and brass castors.
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

"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

Early 19th Century Portrait of Naval Captain William Compton Bolton
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early 19th Century Portrait of Naval Captain William Compton Bolton (Anglo-American: 1799 - 1849), circa 1830s, an oil on canvas half-length portrait of a sea captain holding a spygl...
Category

1830s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Canvas

19th Century Federal Bow Front Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Bow Front Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table. Measures 30" in width, 19.5" in depth and 29" in height. Knee height 24.5"
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Kindel Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Extension Dining Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Federal or Hepplewhite style extension dining table By Kindel Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Gorgeous book-matched mahogany, with inlaid satinwood. Measures: 38W x 44"D x...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Fine early 19th century Federal Mid Atlantic Arched Door Corner Cupboard
Located in Milford, NH
An impressive two piece Federal corner cupboard in poplar and pine, its upper case with a swan’s neck split pediment crest with central urn finial flanked by two carved rosettes surm...
Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

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

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

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

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

American Federal Banjo Wall Clock
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal banjo design wall clock with gold stenciling and painted glass ship scene panel. (Not working)
Category

18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass

Block Front Carved Decorated Scallops Bracket Feet 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

Mahogany

American Mahogany Federal Work Table with Barley Twist Legs on Casters, C. 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany Federal two drawer hinged work table with a ratcheted white pine writing surface, fitted interior for ink wells, original brass sandwich glass knobs, lower connecti...
Category

1810s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Federal Hepplewhite Tiger Maple Game Table c. 1830
Located in Westfield, MA
This Antique Federal Hepplewhite Game Table, circa 1830, features a striking facade of tiger maple, renowned for its vibrant grain and luminescent quality, while the remainder of the...
Category

1820s American 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

Antique Mahogany Compact 20x35 Writing Table Console Desk Side Drawer Leather
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Antique Mahogany Compact 20x35 Writing Table Console Desk Side Drawer Leather
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

Large American Federal Style Eagle Wood Carved Two-Light Sconce
Located in Vero Beach, FL
This wood carved and gold gilded antique sconce features a majestic eagle with spread wings beneath a tied bow. The candle arms are of patinated scrolled brass and very finely detail...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

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

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

19th C. Federal Style Satinwood Inlaid Mahogany Fold Top Card or Console Table
Located in Germantown, MD
1890s Federal style satinwood inlaid flame mahogany serpentine fold top card table or console table in good antique condition. Two available. Very sturday. Measures 35.5" in width, 1...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

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

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

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

Admiral Eagle Federal Round Bull’s-Eye Wall Mirror
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Beautiful round mirror with eagle surmount. In a bronze hue. A great example of the American federal style.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Resin, Plastic

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

La Barge Large 33x48 Shield Shape Gold Leaf Gilt Wall Mirror MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
La Barge Large 33x48 Shield Shape Gold Leaf Gilt Wall Mirror MINT
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror

Large 88" Wide Beveled Glass Gold Leaf Back Paint Decorated Break Front Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large 88" Wide Beveled Glass Gold Leaf Back Paint Decorated Break Front Cabinet MINT!
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal Style Upholstered Settee
Located in Dallas, TX
Federal Style Upholstered Settee, Reeded Mahogany Frame with Gilded Acanthus Leaf & Swans. Federal style is characterized by bold patriotic symbols such as eagles, shield-shaped chai...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Federal Tiger Maple Tripod Table, American, Early 19th Century
Located in Huntington, NY
Tiger Maple Tripod table, top with chamfered corners also inlaid with mother of pearl, circles, hearts & triangles. Turned standard raised on down swept legs terminating in spade feet.
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Late Federal Mahogany Six Drawer Chest
Located in Acton, MA
Late Federal Mahogany Six Drawer Chest . This wonderful chest is the epitome of "High Style" and upper class. Between the spectacular Crotch Mahogany drawer fronts and the superb mah...
Category

1820s 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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