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.
to
77
815
807
18
4
198,678
115,354
44,200
33,291
16,619
12,252
10,858
10,850
9,991
8,905
7,347
6,674
6,472
6,405
6,266
6,143
4,912
3,742
49
329
429
22
88
118
81
5
6
1
4
7
7
8
9
17
1
646
409
265
214
109
638
625
40
30
20
829
824
825
31
12
8
5
5
Style: Federal
Antique Federal Period Mahogany Sheraton Deck Top Chest of Drawers c. 1820
Located in Westfield, MA
A stunning Federal period Sheraton deck-top chest of drawers, crafted in rich mahogany and dating to circa 1820, this piece showcases the elegance and symmetry characteristic of earl...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
American Federal Tiger Maple One Drawer Stand with Turned Ringed Legs C. 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal tiger maple one drawer stand with original wood knob, turned bulbous ringed legs, and the original pointed feet. Secondary wood co...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple, Poplar
Antique Mahogany Tilt Top Federal Sheraton Pedestal Base Side Tea Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Mahogany Tilt Top Federal Sheraton Pedestal Base Side Tea Table. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: (Flat): 29.5" H x 24" W x 19.75" D (Top).
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Walnut Round Drum Center Side Table Stand w/ Drawers Johnson Furniture Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Walnut Round Drum Center Side Table Stand w/ Drawers Johnson Furniture Mint!
Amazing burl walnut wood pattern top!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of 6 American Federal Hitchcock Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 6 American Federal Hitchcock style black painted side chairs with floral decoration on back.
Category
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
$9,000 / set
Federal Mahogany Brass Gallery Tapered Legs Serpentine Inlayed Sideboard MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Federal Mahogany Brass Gallery Tapered Legs Serpentine Inlayed Sideboard MINT with manufacturer registered number.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rare 19th Century New York Mahogany One-Drawer Étagère with Four Shelves
Located in Milford, NH
A rare form mahogany one drawer four shelf étagère with hinged top shelf for displaying books, prints or photographs, reverse acorn finials, nicely turned shelf supports, punched bra...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal-Style Mahogany Bow-Front Sideboard With Carved Backsplash and Brass Hard
Located in Elkton, MD
The sideboard features detailed carvings on the back panel and three drawers with original brass hardware. It stands on fluted legs with spade feet and includes a curved backsplash t...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Solid Mahogany Brass Pull 4 Drawer Bracket Feet Night Stands Tables MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Solid Mahogany Brass Pull 4 Drawer Bracket Feet Night Stands Tables MINT
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Beacon Hill Individual Panes Bubble Glass Doors Mahogany Butler Desk Breakfront
By Beacon Hill
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Beacon Hill Individual Panes Bubble Glass Doors Mahogany Butler Desk Breakfront MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Federal Style Carved Ornate Tufted Sofa and Loveseat Newly Reupholstered
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Federal Style Carved Ornate Tufted Parlor Set Newly Reupholstered in a Cabernet Leather - 2 Piece Set
Absolutely exquisite and rare antique, intricately detailed hand carved American Eagle topped 2 piece tufted leather library parlor set. This unique showstopper set is said to have been originally acquired from a former Illinois Governor’s Estate, consists of wingback, scrolled sofa and loveseat, each with an exquisite hand carved American Eagle top. Beautifully curved and scrolled wingback...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather
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
American Federal Period Mahogany Secretary Chest with Eagle Inlay, New England
Located in Norwood, NJ
A handsome American Federal period mahogany secretary chest, stylistically attributable to New England, (possibly Boston or Salem, Massachusetts), circa 1800–1820. The piece reflects...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair Of Federal Mahogany Side Chairs
Located in Essex, MA
With arched backs with pierced splats with small carved rosettes. Drop in seats and raised on square tapered legs with H form stretchers.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$1,850 / set
Armorial Service of Samson Chinese Export Porcelain for the American Market
By Edmé Samson
Located in Essex, MA
Partial set of Samson hand painted Chinese Export style porcelain for the American Market.
In beautiful orange trim with hand printed gilt motif. American eagle in centre with Shi...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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 Mahogany
Gilt Dolphin Upholstered Harp Stool with Paw Feet, NY C 1815
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany harp stool with a carved molded back, flanking gilt dolphin supports, adjustable upholstered seat with a turned bulbous shaft, and resting...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Federal Mahogany Console or Entry Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style console or entry table
By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston" Collection
USA, Circa 1980s
Mahogany, with inlaid satinwood marquetry.
Me...
Category
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
Mahogany c1940s 3 Drawer Shelves Sideboard Credenza Console MINT
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mahogany c1940s 3 Drawer Shelves Sideboard Credenza Console MINT
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Antique American Federal Mahog.
Birch Flap-Top Games Table
By John
Thomas Seymour
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
This is a spectacular antique American Federal New England period highly figured mahogany and satin birch Flap-top serpentine Games or Card Table in the manner of the workshop of Joh...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Rosewood, Birch
$7,750 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Revival French Style Sideboard ca.1915–1930
Located in Louisville, KY
Stunning detail and the highest quality construction is found in this American Federal Revival sideboard with French influence. While it is Federal Revival at the structural level, i...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple, Mahogany, Maple, Burl
Vintage Traditional Flip Top Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This charming vintage flip top side table embodies classic elegance with its rich mahogany finish, fluted legs, and timeless brass hardware. Expert...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Tripple Rush Seat Solid Linen Upholstery Cushion Bench Sattee Sofa Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very decorative antique tripple rush seat solid linen upholstery cushion bench sattee sofa mint!
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Rush, Chestnut
Duncan Phyfe Style 5 Drawer Ribbon Mahogany Chest
Located in Pasadena, TX
This finely crafted 5 drawer chest is made by Huntley Furniture Co.
It's made of ribbon mahogany in the Duncan Phyfe style.
It has gingerbreading along the top and a wheat carving on...
Category
1940s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Mahogany Federal Style Crotch Mahogany Brass Pulls 7 Drawers High Chest Dresser
Located in Rockaway, NJ
MINT Mahogany Federal Style Crotch Mahogany Brass Pulls 7 Drawers High Chest Dresser
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Colonial Mfg Co Beige Painted Tall Case Federal Style Grandfather Clock
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Colonial Mfg. Co Beige Painted Tall Case Federal Style Grandfather Clock. Item features a working lock and key, includes all parts pictured. Very ...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Matched Pair Of Federal Mahogany Servers
Located in Essex, MA
Each with a rectangular top over a long drawer and a pair of small drawers all with wood knobs surrounding an arched apron. All flanked by reeded carving and each with circular taper...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$8,500 / set
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
Antique Terra Cotta Federal Eagles
Pair
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Early antique federal eagles [pair] beautiful glaze. ca 1900, came from an antique collectors personal collection, you can see a repair on one of the eag...
Category
Early 20th Century French Federal Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
$1,240 Sale Price
77% Off
Pair of Federal Eagle Carved Gilt Wall Sconces, Two Lights, 19th Century
Located in Manhasset, NY
A fine pair of two-light wall sconce. Each ribbon form in the Federal taste having gilt tassels and bow design with ebonized hi lights. Both depicting a winged eagle in flight. Hard...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair Mid-Century Century Red Oak Pressback Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair Mid-Century Century Red Oak Pressback Armchairs.
Great vintage condition
Measures 24" in width, 22" in depth and 43" in height. Seat height is 18"
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Oak
Monumental Traditional Brass Curved Glass 12 Light Foyer Cylindrical Chandelier
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
A monumental mansion size solid brass and curved glass cylindrical foyer chandelier.
This light fixture is extremely large with a striking presence.
The photographs truly do not do it justice.
It features 12 candelabra sockets with black accents around the top and bottom rim and gold metal decorative filigree decorations. .
The fixture comes with a heavy duty chain and ceiling cap.
The glass curves around the perimeter and adds a touch of elegance.
(Chain and wire measure 37 inches long)
What an elegant traditional chandelier...
Category
1980s Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Two Drawer Stand In Original Red Surface 1810 - 1825
Located in Hudson, NY
A very sturdy and charming, painted two drawer stand. American Circa 1810 to 1820. Made it popular with pine secondary wood likely Northern New England, likely Maine, retains the ori...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Pine, Poplar
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 side chairs or dining chairs
In the manner of Baker Furniture
USA, Circa Late 20th Century
Solid carved mahogany fr...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique Flame Mahogany Secretary Breakfront Display Hutch by Robert W Irwin Co
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Federal Style Flame Mahogany Flip Down Secretary Breakfront Display Hutch by The Robert W. Irwin Co.
This gorgeous Antique Federal Style Flame Mahogany Flip Down Secretary B...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Marble Top Red Lacquered Serpentine Chests, a Pair
Located in Hudson, NY
Bright and bold, a pair of red lacquered chests of drawers. Three serpentine drawer fronts open with metal bail handles. Tops are serpentine cut Carrara marble.
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
Baker Furniture Federal Carved Mahogany Shield Back Side Chairs or Dining Chairs
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back side chairs or dining chairs
By Baker Furniture
USA, Late 20th Century
Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered s...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Baker Furniture Federal Carved Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Four
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs
By Baker Furniture
USA, Late 20th Century
Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats.
Meas...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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
Brass and Iron Hand Made Fireplace Tool Set With Stand
Located in Sheridan, CO
Exquisite set of hand made brass fireplace tools from England (late 1800s) along with hand forged iron brush from France (mid 1800s). Set includes shovel, fork, tongs, brush and stan...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
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 outstretched wings standing on foliate branches and 13 small spheres representing t...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
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
Great set of 6 19th century federal style shield back mahogany dining chairs
Located in Richmond, VA
Great set of 6 19th century federal style shield back mahogany dining chairs, recently reupholstered. Great quality carving througho...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Kittinger Brandy Board
Located in Hanover, MA
Federal style mahogany console with a demilune top above a drawer and lower shelf.
Category
1960s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$1,795
Drexel Heritage Federal Inlaid Satinwood Demilune Console Table
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style console or entry table
By Drexel Heritage
USA, Circa 1980s
Banded and inlaid satinwood, with paint decorated details.
Measures: 56"W x 21...
Category
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Satinwood, Paint
Antique Federal Period Tambour Secretary in Mahogany and Birdseye Maple c. 1800
Located in Westfield, MA
An exceptional Federal period tambour secretary, crafted around 1800, showcasing a sophisticated combination of figured mahogany and vibrant birdseye maple. This piece beautifully ex...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Bone, Birdseye Maple, Mahogany
Currey And Company Creslow Decorative Blanket Chest Cabinet
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Currey And Company Creslow Decorative Blanket Chest Cabinet
Dimensions : 33h x 18d x 48w
This chest was made by Currey And Company and is called their Creslow Decorative cabinet....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Elmer O. Stennes Weymouth MA Eglomise Girandole Banjo Clock
By Elmer O. Stennes
Located in Milford, NH
A beautiful example of a hand made girandole banjo clock by well known Weymouth, Massachusetts clockmaker Elmer O. Stennes (1911-1975), with a signed circular face with brass ball surround, surmounted by a gilt carved eagle...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Monumental Giltwood Federal Neo-Classical Style Eagle Sconces Mirrors - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a large scale pair of Federal style carved giltwood sconces with carved eagles. The pair are not electrified. Each can support three candles . The sconces show heavy neo-clas...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Henkel Harris Federal Cherry Extension Dining Table with Three Leaves
Located in Germantown, MD
Henkel Harris Federal Style Solid Cherry Extension Dining Table with Three Leaves
Excellent Vintage Condition with crafty inlaid legs. Each leaf is 12" wide. Leaves are securely stor...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Satinwood
American Federal Silhouettes of Livingston Family Members
Located in New York, NY
Snipping a profile from paper with scissors, and mounting the result to a contrasting sheet of paper, became a popular diversion among the European and American upper classes in the ...
Category
1830s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
Gilt Bronze Bust of George Washington
Located in Montreal, QC
Although the first American President has been much portrayed in paint and bronze; I have not been successful in locating another bronze on which this is based. He is dressed as General Washington...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$600 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Federal Carved And Gilt Finished Eagle
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine Federal Period carved and gilt Eagle with strong carving, classic form and protective stance. The eagle with wings spread and its head turned to the left. The lower beak is a ...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Iron
Baker Furniture Style Federal Cherry Wood Sideboard Buffet
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style sideboard, buffet, or credenza
In the manner of Baker Furniture
By Tom Seely Furniture
USA, Late 20t...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Boston Artistic Carving Company Gilt
Polychrome Eagle with Shield
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of a carved and polychrome wooden eagle with shield probably from the Boston Artistic Carving Company. This well known company was active in Boston from the late 19th ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Pair of Vintage Copper Plate US Capitol Bookends
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of vintage American style copper plated metal United States Capitol dome bookends (PRICED AS PAIR)
Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Copper
Pair 1920s Federal Satinwood Inlaid Mahogany Large Demilune Console Tables
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of 1920s American Federal Inlaid Mahogany Large Demilune Console Tables . Measures 48" in width, 24" in depth and stands 30.5" tall.
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
Federal Mahogany Shield Back Side Chairs or Dining Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back side chairs or dining chairs
USA, Circa 1970s
Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats.
Measures: 21.25"W x...
Category
1970s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, 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.
Still Thinking About These?
All Recently ViewedMore Ways To Browse
Burled Walnut Desk
Burnished Bamboo
Butter Table
Cabinet Dowel
Cabinets With Metal Inlay
Cameo Glass Bowl
Campaign Chest 1970
Campaign Chest Camphor
Canopic Jars
Canton Chinese Bowl
Cardinal Sculpture
Carrera Marble Dining Table
Carved Boar
Cast Grape Vine
Ceramic Cheetah
Ceramic Giraffe
Ceramic Pagoda
Ceramic Spanish Jug