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
Duke of Wellington Portrait
Located in Queens, NY
Copy of a portrait painting titled "Duke of Wellington" showing him in red military uniform
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Paint
Potthast Brothers Mid Century American Federal Mahogany Handcrafted Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Potthast Brothers Mid-Century American Federal Mahogany Handcrafted Side Table in good vintage condition. Measures 18" in width, 15" in depth and stands 28.5" in height.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Broyhill USA Federal Style Broken Arch
Finial Cherry Wood Wall Dresser Mirror
By Broyhill
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pre-owned Broyhill Federal Style Broken Arch & Finial Wall Dresser Mirror. Item feature a solid wood frame, beautiful wood grain, nicely carved details, quality American craftsmanshi...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
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
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
Antique English Copeland Late Spode Toby Jug Pitcher Colonial Englishman
Located in Dayton, OH
19th century Copland Late Spode English Staffordshire rare porcelain toby jug in the shape of asdeated colonial Englishman holding a cup and pitcher. 180288...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$164 Sale Price
30% Off
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
Pair of Federal Style Mahogany Bedside Chests
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mahogany and figured mahogany nightstand, the reeded edge bowfront top with protruding corners with leaf carved and reeded uprights, with three graduated drawers with verdigris bra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
$8,514 / set
Federal 19th Century American Mahogany Serpentine Table
By Samuel Field McIntire
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A superb quality and extremely rare early 19th
century American federal period mahogany dressing
table of serpentine form having well figured top
over two frieze drawers retaining original lions
mask brass handles raised on elegant carved and
reeded turned tapering legs
Attributed to “Samuel Field McIntire, Salem, Massachusetts’
(Samuel Field McIntire who worked in Salem, at the start
of the early 19th century was the son of Samuel McIntire...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Quality Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table By Brandt
By Brandt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
CA. 1950's. With the Maryland company label and genuine mahogany label. An elegant classical style mahogany dining table with deep leaves. The frieze and square tapering legs are str...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Mahogany Federal Style Silver Chest by Henkle Harris
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mahogany Federal Style Silver Chest by Henkle Harris. The medium colored mahogany with a burl center panel with lift up top to reveal several felt fitted drawers for silver flatware...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Gillinder
Sons Washington Bust, 1876
By Gillinder
Sons
Located in Savannah, GA
A Gillinder & Sons milk glass portrait bust of George Washington for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia.
3 ½ inches wide by 3 ¼ inches deep by 6 inches tall
Category
1870s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Milk Glass
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
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
Kittinger Williamsburg Restoration Federal Mahogany Tilt Top Table Candle Stand
By Kittinger
Located in Dayton, OH
A Federal style mahogany candle stand by Kittinger, circa 1970s. Williamburg Restoration line. Features a rectangular top with serpentine edge over a baluster turned base with cabrio...
Category
1970s Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$630 Sale Price
30% Off
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
Vintage French Empire Federal Style Small Brass Bouillotte Tole Desk Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Federal Style Small Brass Bouillotte Tole Metal Table Lamp with Shade and Eagle Finial. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 20" H (to finial) x 12.5" H (to li...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Antique Federal Style Flame Mahogany Display China Cabinet By Councill
By Councill
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Federal Style Flame Mahogany Display China Cabinet by Councill
This carved, banded, and flame mahogany cabinet is manufactured by Councill Furniture. It features two glass a...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Fruitwood Fold Top Game Table. Early 19th Century
Located in Houston, TX
This antique fold-top game table is a charming and functional piece from the early 1800s. It is crafted from beautifully aged fruitwood, displaying a warm, naturally rich patina tha...
Category
Early 19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Jonathan Charles 66/92
Diamet Round 8 board Extendable Dining Table Single Base
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Jonathan Charles 66/92' Diamet Round 8 board Extendable Dining Table Single Base
13" extension boards leaves
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique American Maple Chest-On-Chest
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The tall chest-on-chest finely crafted in maple with tiger maple drawers. The top chest has a cavetto cornice over two short drawers flanking a center short drawer with a finely carv...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
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
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
Antique Col Ebenezer Crafts Publick House Hotel Advertisement Sign 56"
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique salvaged Col. Ebenezer Crafts' Publick House of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, est. 1771 sign. Wood construction hand painted in white with black and white lettering around ...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
$2,100 Sale Price
30% Off
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
19th Century American Federal Secretary, Seymour School, Boston
By John
Thomas Seymour
Located in Essex, MA
Important American Federal Period Secretary. School of John and Thomas Seymour, Boston, circa 1820. Mahogany and Mahogany Veneered Case on Pine Secondary Wood. Two Gothic Fenestra...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
$880 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Mahogany Secretary Desk
Located in Annville, PA
Inspired by an antique desk and bookcase this Large Mahogany Secretary Desk from Niagara Furniture is impressive in both it’s design and scal...
Category
2010s Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$5,145 / item
Pair of American 19th Century Grain Painted Cannonball Twin Beds
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of American Federal Grain Painted and Decorated Twin Cannonball Beds. Most likely Maine. Circa 1830. Retaining original paint decoration of the Federal Period
Mixed woods, ma...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
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
$3,185 Sale Price
35% Off
Federal Mahogany Inlaid Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
A fine Federal mahogany inlaid sofa with an arched camel back, with scroll arms on six legs, the beautifully upholstered cushion backrest, seat, and arms ...
Category
1790s North American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$2,655 Sale Price
70% Off
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
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
Mid-Century Federal American Eagle Giltwood Bracket
Located in Pearland, TX
A superb vintage mid-century Federal American giltwood and gesso eagle wall bracket. This regal eagle has fine details with outstretched wings and a lovely gilt patina. It's the perf...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Gesso, Giltwood
Demi Lune One Drawer Mahogany Console Entry Hall Table MINT
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Demi Lune One Drawer Mahogany Console Entry Hall Table MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Late Federal Mahogany Paw Foot Chest of Drawers c. 1840
Located in Westfield, MA
This impressive Late Federal period chest of drawers dates to around 1840 and is crafted from richly figured mahogany with a stately pr...
Category
1840s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Baker Furniture Style Federal Inlaid Mahogany Flip Top Demilune Console Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style flip top demilune console game table
In the manner of Baker Furniture
USA, Circa Late 20th Century
Beautiful mahogany, with satinwood and e...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Ebony, Mahogany, Satinwood
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
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
Baker Furniture Federal Mahogany and Satinwood Demilune Cabinet, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet or sideboard
By Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Flame mahogany, with satinwood banding and inlay, and original brass ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
American Federal Center Pedestal Games Table, circa 1815
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
An exceptionally handsome and very well crafted classical Philadelphia Federal games table in premium mahogany with turned and finely carved pedes...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
"Apotheosis" of George Washington Creamware Jug- Large Size
Located in Downingtown, PA
Ascending to Glory:
A Monumental Liverpool Creamware Jug Celebrating Washington's Apotheosis
Historical Context: From Man to Myth
George Washington's...
Category
Early 1800s English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Creamware, Pottery
Antique Federal Style Cherry Butterfly Drop Leaf Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A handsomely carved and finished Federal style cherry butterfly drop leaf table with fine traditional form and great color. On four carved l...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
An Exceptional Philadelphia Federal Sofa, Circa 1820–1830
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
An Exceptional Philadelphia Federal Sofa, Circa 1820–1830 — With Magnificent Cornucopia Arms
This grand Philadelphia Federal sofa, crafted circa 1820–1830, stands as a striking testa...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
John Nicholl Federal Tall Case Clock
By John Nicholl
Located in New York, NY
Federal Tall Case Clock
Made and Signed by John Nicholl, (1784-1862)
Belvidere, New Jersey Circa 1825
Primary Wood: Mahogany, Mahogany Ven...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Maple
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
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
Vintage Polished Brass Mail Slot and Door Knocker
Located in Sheffield, MA
Add a touch of vintage antique charm to your entry front door with this "Two-in-One" brass mail slot and door knocker. Ready to mount. Screws not inclu...
Category
20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Dome Shape Top Glass Shelves Two Drawer Compartment Curio Display Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Lovely vintage curio display cabinet with glass shelves and 2 bottom drawers compartment. Has built in light.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Federal Sheraton Mahogany Eagle Shield Flag Inlay Tilt Top Lamp Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Federal Sheraton Mahogany Eagle Shield Flag Inlay Tilt Top Lamp Table. Item features an inlaid central Eagle with shield and flag, tilt top, inlaid, solid wood construction, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Blanket Chest, c.1820
Located in Savannah, GA
A Federal painted blanket chest, circa 1820.
48 inches wide by 20 ½ inches deep by 26 ½ inches tall
Category
1820s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Federal Style Mahogany Two Drawer Work Stand
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique Federal style mahogany end table with two shallow working drawers on front and faux drawers on verso, each with two brass kno...
Category
19th Century 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
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 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 Federal Style Mahogany Hinged Top Hall Table with Single Drawer C1930
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote***
Antique Federal Style Mahogany Hinged Top Hall Table with Drawer C1930.
Measures - 31.5"H x 60"W x...
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$1,320 Sale Price
20% Off
Bracket Feet Mahogany 6 Drawers Brass Pulls Tall Lingerie Chest Dresser Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Bracket feet mahogany 6 drawers brass pulls tall lingerie chest dresser cabinet.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
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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