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 Grain Painted and Stenciled Tall Clock by Rufus Cole
Located in Essex, MA
A Rare and Complete American Federal Tall Case Clock. Riley Whiting Wooden Works, original. A Rufus Cole Grain-Painted and Stenciled Case. S...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Pine
Early American Federal Period Flame Mahogany Antique Wash Stand
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and stunning Federal period (1789-1823) early American flame mahogany wash stand. circa 1810
Exquisitely hand-crafted in the Northeastern United States in the early 19th cent...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Alexander Hamilton Etching by Jacques Reich, published by G.P. Putnam, 1904
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a Jacques Reich etched head and shoulders portrait of Alexander Hamilton. Reich completed the portrait in 1904 and it was published by G.P. Putnam that same year.
Jacqu...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
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
Antique Federal Period Sheraton Mahogany Bow Front Chest c. 1830
Located in Westfield, MA
A classic of early 19th-century American craftsmanship, this Federal period Sheraton chest was made around 1830 and showcases richly figured solid mahogany. With its gracefully bowed...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
USA, Circa 1970s
Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats.
Measures:
Side chairs - 21.25"W...
Category
1970s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique Four Federal Tiger Maple Slat Back
Cane Seat Dinning Charis
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th Century Four Antique Federal Tiger Maple Slat Back & Cane Seat Dinning Charis with stylized scroll form rail over slat back, caned seats...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fantastic Set of 8 Walnut CW Kittinger Williamsburg Chippendale Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fantastic set of 8 dining chairs by Kittinger Furniture Company, crafted for the Colonial Williamsburg Collection, represents the finest in American reproduction furniture. Desi...
Category
1960s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$3,116 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Antique Pair of Federal Tiger Maple
Bird
s Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th Century Antique Pair of Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis with stylized form, caned seats, and splay legs, c1830...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique 2 Federal Tiger Maple
Bird
s Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th century Antique 2 Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis #3 with stylized scroll form rail over slat back, caned seat...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Solid flame Mahogany Turned Legs 3 Drawer Drop Leaf Sewing Stand Cabinet MINT
By J. Horner
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid flame Mahogany Turned Legs 3 Drawer Drop Leaf Sewing Stand Cabinet MINT
Drop Leaves are 10" long.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Birch Slant Front Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very nice early 19th century Federal Birch New England Slant Lid Desk likely New Hampshire in origin around 1800-1830. Made of solid Birch with four large graduated inlaid drawers ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Birch
1930s Federal Style Mahogany and Crewel Upholstered Settee
Located in Germantown, MD
1930s Federal Style Mahogany and Crewel Upholstered Settee in good condition.
Measures 44" in width, 24" in depth 38" in height. Seat height is 17" and arm height is 27". Seat inte...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
American Federal Swirl Mahogany Butler
s Desk New York, Circa 1800s
Located in Germantown, MD
An American Federal Swirl Mahogany Butler's Desk New York Circa late 18th Century to Early 19th Century , featuring three flawlessly working upper drawer, and A Abattant Door that o...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique American Federal Painted Walnut Side Table, Mid 19th Century
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautiful American colonial or Federal style painted walnut candle stand or side table
USA, Mid 19th Century
Measures: 24"W x 12"D x 24.25"H.
Good original vintage condition.
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Paint
American Federal Églomisé and Giltwood Trapezoidal Pier Mirror
By John Doggett
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Federal Églomisé and Giltwood Trapezoidal Pier Mirror with Green Ground, Attributed to Doggett School, Boston, circa 1815
A rare and architecturally distinctive early 19th-century American Federal mirror...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
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
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
Early 20th Century Federal Mahogany Pedestal Trifid Demilune Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th Century Federal Mahogany Pedestal Trifid Demilune Table with brass paw feet. Measures 25" in width, 13" in depth and stands 22.5" tall.
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Mahogany Inlaid Fold Top Card Table Console Table
Located in Germantown, MD
19th Century Federal Mahogany Fold Top Card Table of Console Table. Inlaid and Crotch Mahogany front and sides.
Measures 36" in width, 17.5" in depth folded, 35" in depth unfolded a...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Etched Brass Federal Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of federal andirons in polished brass with decorative urn and leaf etching to front faces, having turned finials and spurred knees to legs with well-formed ball and eagle talo...
Category
1880s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Mahogany Rectangular Tilt Top Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Federal Mahogany Rectangular Tilt Top Side Table.
MEASUREMENTS: 27.75″ wide x 16.5" Dx 28″ in height .
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Mahogany
American Federal style Mahogany and Gold Wall Mirror
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal style mahogany and gold trim wall mirror having an arched top and a gold urn finial placed in the center of the arch
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold
Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Demilune Sideboard, Newly Restored
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet or sideboard
By Baker Furniture
USA, circa 1980s
Mahogany, with satinwood string inlay, original brass hardware, and felt...
Category
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / Cupboard
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / cupboard.
Measures 26.75" in width, 14.75" in depth, 36.75" in height. Side is 17.5" in depth.
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Oak
19th Century Federal Style Gilded Eglomise Trumeau Mirror with Mother
Child
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a sweet gilded trumeau mirror with Federal styling. The eglomise panel depicts a mother and child. The mirror portion does show age wear.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mirror, Giltwood
Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Two Tier Barley Twist Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid century Federal style Mahogany two tier barley twist side table in very good vintage condition. Measures 18.25" square and stand...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century New England Tilt-Top Tripod Table
Located in Vero Beach, FL
New England Federal tilt-top tripod table tiger maple, circa 1810
Beautiful American tripod tilt-top candle stand table. It was created during the Federal era...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
A Pair of Federal Knife Blade Andirons with Brass Details
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of early 19th century American knife blade andirons with cast brass urn finials and desirable brass collar below the shaft, standing on arched legs and penny feet. Circa 1800
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
19th Century Regency Style Mahogany Hexagonal Sewing / Work Table
Located in Germantown, MD
19th Century Regency Style Mahogany Hexagonal Sewing / Work Table
MEASUREMENTS: 21.5″ wide x 16.5" Dx 30.5″ in height .
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Mahogany
Virginia Metal Crafters Federal Style Polished Brass Dolphin Fireplace Tool Set
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite set of Federal Style Polished Brass Dolphin Fireplace Tool Set by Virginia Metal Crafters. Excellent vintage condition.
Vir...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Bronze Eagle
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal style (19/20th Cent) bronze figure of eagle on white four tier marble base
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
American Federal Banquet Dining Table in Mahogany w/ Extension Leaves, Seats 18
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
From Malcolm Forbes' estate Timberfield, an elegant and long mahogany dining table with three sections, American, circa 1830. The rectangular top above ...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Mahogany and Inlaid Sideboard
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a small, but sophisticated American Federal inlaid mahogany bow front breakfront sideboard. The top has a straight edge over a central drawer and central tambour cabinet door...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Birdseye Maple Bow Front Chest Of Drawers
Located in Essex, MA
With a bow front with inlaid decoration over four conforming drawers and ending on bracket feet. Original brass handles. Possibly made in New Hampshire.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple, Maple
Set Eight (6+2) 19thc. American "Gothic Chippendale" Carved Mahog, Dining Chairs
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Exceptional Quality set of Eight (six sides, two arms) Antique American hand carved and pierced mahogany "Gothic Chippendale" style Dining Chairs with chamfered straight, moulded leg...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$11,450 Sale Price
21% Off
Large Jerry St. Clair Gilt
Polychromed Carved Eagle, Rockport ME
Located in Milford, NH
A large colorful example of a carved gilt and polychromed carved wooden eagle clutching a shield with arrows signed and dated 1989 on verso by Jerry St. Clair, Rockport, ME. Very goo...
Category
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Federalist style ornate Giltwood Mirror surmounted by an American Eagle
Located in Leesburg, VA
Antique Federalist style ornate Giltwood Mirror surmounted by an American Eagle
Anonymous
United States of America; probably early 20th century
Giltwood, glass
Approximate size: 55...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Antique Solid Mahogany c1920s 30" Square Game Dining Table MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Antique Solid Mahogany c1920s 30" Square Game Dining Table MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Light Walnut Chest on Chest Dresser High Boy Brass Pulls by Thomasville MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Bracket Feet Chippendale Style Light Walnut Chest on Chest Dresser High Boy Brass Pulls by Thomasville MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Oak
Mid 20th Century Solid Mahogany Federal Kidney Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid 20th Century Solid Mahogany Federal Kidney Desk in great vintage condition. Top newly and professionally refinished and flawlessly working drawers
Measures 46" in width x 22" in...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Breakfast Table in Mahogany with Drop-Leaves, circa 1815
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A Federal breakfast table in mahogany with a rectangular top and drop-leaves whose corners end in cyma curves, with inverted turned wooden fini...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Baker Furniture Federal Cherry Wood Tea Table or Occasional Side Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style carved cherry wood occasional side table or tea table
By Baker Furniture, "Milling Road" Collection
USA, Late 20th Century
Measures: 30.5"W x 3...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Set of 4 Elegant Tapered Legs Mahogany Federal Nesting Side End Tables MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of 4 Elegant Tapered Legs Mahogany Federal Nesting Side End Tables MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Queen Anne Curly Maple Drop Leaf Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very attractive early Federal Queen Anne Curly Maple Drop leaf table with a great aged color and patina on an older refinished surface. Looks ...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
Antique Pair of Federal Birch Wood Dinning Charis
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th Century Antique Pair of Federal Biech Wood Dinning Charis with stylized scroll form rail over slat back, caned seats, and splay legs, c1830.
Measures- 33.5''H x 17.5''W...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair Federal Style Mahogany and Maple with Cane Seat Side Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair Federal Style Mahogany back and Maple Frame with Cane Seat Side Chairs.
Measures 18" in width, 18" in depth and 33" in height. Seat height is 17"
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Maple
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
Antique Pair of Federal Tiger Maple
Bird
s Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis #2
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th Century Antique Pair of Federal Tiger Maple & Bird's Eye Cane Seat Dinning Charis with stylized scroll form rail over slat back, caned seats, and splay legs, c1830.
Mea...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
Kindel Furniture Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of eight Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs
By Kindel Furniture
USA, Late 20th Century
Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats.
Me...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
1970
s American Heirloom Hand Stained Top Grain Hide Leather Waste Can
By Heirloom
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
Pair of Late 20th Century Bernhardt Maple and Cherry Upholstered Armchairs
By Bernhardt
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Late 20th Century Bernhardt Maple, Cherry and Upholstered Armchairs
Measures 21" in width, 24" in depth and 32" in height. Seat height 18. Arm height 25.5". Seat Interior...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Cherry, Maple
Letter Fragment and Antique Coins in Burgundy Matting and a Gilt Frame
Located in Queens, NY
American (19th Cent) fragment of antique paper with handwritten script and numerical calculations framed in a burgundy mat above two copper coins in a blue mat mounted in a gold wood...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Copper
Down Filled Tassels Blue
Gold Upholstery Turned Legs Chaise Lounge MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Down Filled Tassels Blue & Gold Upholstery Turned Legs Chaise Lounge MINT!
All redone like new c.1920s
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique Letters with Central Oval Portrait in a Wooden Frame
Located in Queens, NY
American (19th Century) copy collection of two letters from the 1830s in a white mat with a central oval printed portrait of a gentleman (Otis Cafron) in a gold wooden frame.
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold
Federal Style Oversized Architectural Elements as Garden Trellises - One of Four
Located in Nashua, NH
One of a set of four matching over sized glassless window frames originally holding 25 glass panes that were acquired from a 1790 Federal home. Someone with Yankee ingenuity took the...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood, Hardwood, Paint
American Federal Carved Giltwood Eagle Pediment Wall Mirror
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal style (20th Century) large carved giltwood wall mirror with carved eagle pediment, scroll detail, and two decorative columns featuring five-pointed stars.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
American Federal Rectangular Giltwood Eagle Pediment Wall Mirror
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal (19th Century) rectangular giltwood wall mirror surmounted on a stepped platform with a carved gilt eagle holding metal chain swags over an an egg and dart design f...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
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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