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
Extraordinary Pair of Fine Period Federal Inlaid Mahogany Console Tables
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very rare and extraordinary Pair of Antique Inlaid Consoles from New England and saiid to be from the Boston area.
Exquisite construction with D shaped tops and fine string inlays on the apron panels and Curly Maple inlaid panels in the center and diamond shapes on the tops of the legs. Raised on square tapering legs with string inlays.
Provenance: The Table Pair were previously owned by the American Actress Dina Merrill...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Maple
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
Unique Cocktail Cabinet, Dry Bar, Saks Fifth Ave
Located in Woodbury, CT
Rear and possibly unique federal style cocktail cabinet. Crotch veneer, mahogany with string inlay, original brass hardware signed by maker. Original removable tray, tapered leg with...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Crotch Mahogany Individual Glass Pains Door Drop Front Secretary Breakfront MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Crotch Mahogany Individual Glass Pains Door Drop Front Secretary Breakfront MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Needlework Sampler by Maria Morris, 1827
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique American Needlework Sampler by Maria Morris, 1827, a needlework sampler on linen panel having alphabet and numerals, above a religi...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Thread, Linen
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
$2,360 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
Large 8
Wide Mahogany Two Part individual Glass Panels Breakfront MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large 8' Wide Mahogany Two Part individual Glass Panels Breakfront MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Baker 4 Drawer Serpantine Front Bracket Feet Federal Bachelor Chest Dresser MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Banded Top Baker 4 Drawer Serpantine Front Bracket Feet Federal Bachelor Chest Dresser MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Federal Style Stained Mahogany Two-Drawer Side Table Nightstand, Circa 1940s
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 19th Century Eastlake Style Walnut and Marble Tip Oval Rolling Side Table.
Dimensions: 17.5" in width, 14" in depth and 28.25 inches in height.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Tall Tan Leather Wing Chairs on Solid Mahogany Stretcher Base Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of tall tan leather wing chairs on solid mahogany stretcher base mint!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Demilune Sideboard, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet or sideboard
By Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Mahogany, with satinwood string inlay, original brass hardware,...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mahogany Banded Inlay Drop Leaf Silver Drawer 5 Drawers Server Cart on Wheels
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mahogany Banded Inlay drop leaf silver drawer 5 drawers Expandable server cart cabinet on wheels MINT!.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
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
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
La Barge Large 33x48 Shield Shape Gold Leaf Gilt Wall Mirror MINT
By La Barge
Located in Rockaway, NJ
La Barge Large 33x48 Shield Shape Gold Leaf Gilt Wall Mirror MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror
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
American Federal Walnut One Drawer Patera Inlaid Bottle Box on Stand, VA C. 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal walnut hinged bottle box on stand with central oval and corner patera inlays, exposed dovetails, original interior bottle dividers, lower single drawer with oval aco...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Pair Of Federal Brass Ball Top Andirons
Located in Essex, MA
Ball top with scrolled legs and brass ball feet. Newly polished.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
$875 / set
Miniature Example Mahogany Bureau Bookcase
Located in Huntington, NY
Cabinet makers sample.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$2,320 Sale Price
20% Off
Ionic Column Plaster Architectural Study Objet D’art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A plaster study of an ionic column. Marked in pencil “American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, PA.” Rough unsealed plaster patina.
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Plaster
$750 Sale Price
21% Off
Fine Olive Green Leather Top Faux Bamboo Legs Flip Game Dining Table MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Fine Olive Green Leather Top Faux Bamboo Legs Flip Game Dining Table MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Faux Bamboo
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
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
New England Cherry Pembroke Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
A nice early 19th century New England Cherry Pembroke table with a cross stretcher support on tapered chamfered legs. White Pine secondary case wood with Oak leaf supports. Old refi...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
American Federal Mahogany Two-Drawer Stand with Original Gilt Brasses, C. 1810
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal figured mahogany two-drawer stand with carved molded edge top, original gilt floral ringed brasses, interior locks, and resting on turned bulbous pineapple legs...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Theodore Alexander One Drawer Leather Top Folding Top Game Table MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Theodore Alexander One Drawer Leather Top Folding Top Game Table MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
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
American Mahogany Card table
Located in Huntington, NY
American Federal Mahogany Inlaid & Figural 5-legged Games Table Card table with gate leg on
The shaped rectangular top above an Oval Inlaid Frieze with Flower medallions
on square t...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Mahogany Side Table with Fitted Interior Desk on Casters, 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal Mahogany one drawer side table with fitted interior desk, walnut diamond escutcheons, original four wooden knobs, and resting on turned bulbous ringed legs with the original brass casters. Secondary wood consist of white pine and tulip poplar...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
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
Tiger Maple Tall Chest, American 18th Century
Located in Doylestown, PA
A primitive and early New England tall chest with 5 graduated drawers, in tiger maple, circa 1790, in original finish and original brass hardware. Unusual sawbuck sides and dovetail...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
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
$3,800 / item
Kindel Winterthur Collection Mahogany Goddard Townsend Secretary Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
Kindel Winterthur Collection Mahogany Goddard Townsend Blockfront Secretary Writing Desk. Made from mahogany with a high sheen finish. This exception ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$4,900 Sale Price
30% Off
New England Painted Federal Side Table
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular top with decorative back panel. Faux bois top over a drawer with brass knobs and turned bamboo tapered legs.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Pine
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
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
$2,950 / set
Mahogany King Size Banded Headboard Poster Bed w/ Turned Finials MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mahogany King Size Banded Headboard Poster Bed w/ Turned Finials MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Pair of American Federal Male and Female Oil Painting Portraits
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of gilt framed oil painting portraits of a 19th Century man and lady.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Canvas
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
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
1940s Handley Johnson Handley Federal Mahogany Two-Drawer Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1940s Handley Johnson Handley Federal style Mahogany Two-Drawer Side Table
Measures 20" in width and 26.25" in height and 16" in depth.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
American Tavern Table, Pine and Poplar, Scrub Top, Circa 1800
Located in Hudson, NY
Very handsome scrub top work table or Tavern table. Retaining all of the original surface and it's beautiful breadboard top. Made in both Pine and poplar, this table is very solid an...
Category
1790s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Pine, Poplar
$2,240 Sale Price
30% Off
Antique American Cherry and Poplar Mid-Atlantic Region Large Corner Cupboard
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
This wonderfully displayed, early American Federal period Cherry "Gothic Chippendale" style Large Corner Cupboard has evidence of poplar secondary wood. The handsome gothic-barred gl...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Poplar
$6,760 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century American Federal Mahogany Flip Top Console Table
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal-style (19th Century) mahogany flip top console/card table with lyre base
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
The Pennsylvania Journal and The Weekly Advertiser, Issued June 16, 1787
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an June 16, 1787 issue of Philadelphia's "The Pennsylvania Journal, and The Weekly Advertiser," containing coverage of the Constitutional Convention. The magazine period...
Category
1780s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Paper
Pair of Early 19th Century Federal Hepplewhite Mirrors with Pineapple Finals
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of American Federal Hepplewhite Mirrors with Pineapple Finials. Wonderful pediment shaped eglomise panels with floral gilt. Gilded balls and columns. A true pair. Possibly Al...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
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
Baker Furniture Style Federal Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Four
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs
In the manner of Baker Furniture
USA, Late 20th Century
Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstere...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Philadelphia Federal Mahogany Work Table
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular top with rounded hinged ends opening to compartments over two drawers that open from both sides over a hinged door with tambour front and ends and back raised on turned t...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
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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