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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
Antique American Federal Style Drop Leaf Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique American federal style cherry wood drop leaf table, 19th century. With a 2 board top, a frieze drawer, square tapered legs and S shaped stretcher bars. Nice old cherry...
Category

19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

Antique Federal Trumeau Flame Mahogany Reverse Painted Mirror 19thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique Federal Trumeau Flame Mahogany Reverse Painted Mirror with Satinwood Inlay 19thC Measures - 5...
Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

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

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

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

Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Drop Leaf Table
Located in Southampton, NY
Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Drop Leaf Table Double leaf and features one gate for each table top. Leg closes in and out on each side. Masterfully crafted. 41.5” wide x ...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood, Maple

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

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

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

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

Federal Style Sabin Crest -O- Gold Warranted 22K Gold Dinner Plate, Set of 6
Located in Plainview, NY
A Classical American federal style set of 6 vintage Sabin Crest-O-Gold 22K Gold Trim dinner Plates. Used to serve your favorite dessert or t...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Gold

American 19th Century Brass Fender
Located in Southampton, NY
Category

Early 19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture

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 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

"Georgius Washington" Engraving by Giuseppe Longhi, 1817
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a handsome engraved portrait of George Washington by Italian artist Giuseppe Longhi. Titled “Georgius Washington” this engraving was published in Padua, Italy in 1817. The composition is based on a drawing by Longhi himself, but certainly influenced by the Gilbert Stuart and John Trumbull portraits. Washington is depicted in a head and shoulders pose, with his chest to the left but his head angled to the right. He wears a dark coat and vest and a white shirt and ruffled cravat. The father of our country, George Washington was the commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War (1775-83) and served two terms as the first United States president...
Category

1810s Italian Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Paper

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

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

1970s Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

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

19th Century Federal Curly Tiger Figured Walnut Butler s Fall Front Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Curly Tiger Figured Walnut Butler two-part Fall Front Desk. Hand-rub refinished recently. Drawers operating smoothly. Measures 42" in width, 22" in depth and 88" in ...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Antique Early 19th Century Federal Giltwood Wall Sconces with Eagles
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of antique early 19th century federal giltwood wall sconces with eagles.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

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

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

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

Late 18th/Early 19th Century American Tilt-Top Table
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 18th/early 19th century American tilt-top table is a graceful survivor of early American furniture, crafted from solid mahogany with a round top made from a single board—an...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

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

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

Neoclassical Revival Lyre-Back Settee
Located in Trenton, NJ
This exquisite lyre-back settee reflects the enduring influence of the Federal and Neoclassical styles on early 20th-century American design. The double lyre splats form the focal po...
Category

20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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

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

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

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.