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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
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

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

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

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

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

Pair of Brass George Washington Andirons
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage pair of brass George Washington Andirons, likely mid 20th century, cast brass shallow full length figure of George Washington standi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of 6 Tier Faux Bamboo Bottom Drawer Cherry Bookcases Round Ball Finials
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of 6 Tier Faux Bamboo Bottom Drawer Cherry Bookcases Round Ball Finials
Category

20th Century American 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

Henkel Harris Federal Inlaid Cherry Wood Flip Top Console Game Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style flip top demilune console game table By Henkel Harris USA, 1990s Beautiful cherry wood, with inlaid ebony and satinwood marquetry. Measure...
Category

1990s American Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Ebony, 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

"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

Set of Four Federal Style Solid Mahogany Upholstered Dining Chairs, Refinished
Located in Germantown, MD
Set of Four mid-century Century Federal Style Mahogany Reupholstered Dining Chairs. Recently refinished and Reupholstered. Great vintage condition Measures 17" in width, 18" in dept...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Late 18th Century Dutch Marquetry Mahogany and Upholstered Armchair Desk Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 18th Century Dutch Marquetry Mahogany and Upholstered Armchair Desk Chair Measures 25.5" in width, 23" in depth and 44.5" in height. Seat height is 20" and arm height is 27.5". ...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Early 19th Century Fall-Front Desk
Located in Buchanan, MI
Handsome and functional Regency mahogany fall front desk, server, entry way piece, great inlay, elegant form. Exceptional exaggerated arched foot.
Category

19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satin

Federal Style Crotch Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
Located in Germantown, MD
A Federal Style Mahogany Secretary Bookcase, Circa 1950s. Size is 38" wide, 16" deep and 69" tall.  
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Kindel Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Extension Dining Table, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Federal or Hepplewhite style extension dining table By Kindel Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Gorgeous book-matched mahogany, with inlaid satinwood marquetry. Measures: 80...
Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

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

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

Henredon Burl Walnut Round Center Lamp Side Occasional Table Stand Shelves Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Henredon Burl Walnut Round Center Lamp Side Occasional Table Stand Shelves Mint!
Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Drexel Heritage Federal Inlaid Satinwood Demilune Console Table
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

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 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

Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs USA, Circa 1970s Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Measures: Side chairs - 21.25"...
Category

1970s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

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

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

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

Federal Mahogany Armchairs or Dining Captain Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back arm chairs or dining captain chairs USA, Circa 1970s Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Measures: 23...
Category

1970s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Vintage Federal Style Triple Pedestal Drop-Leaf Dining Table, circa 1940s
Located in Germantown, MD
Very practical Vintage Federal Style Triple Pedestal Drop-Leaf Dining Table. Triple pedestal terminating with antique brass lion paw feet. Original...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

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 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

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

Rare Early 19th Century American Porcelain Pitcher by Tucker Hemphill
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine and rare, early 19th century Tucker and Hemphill porcelain pitcher. Of classic form with typical polychrome floral sprays to both sides and gilt decoration. Tucker and Hemphill was the important first large-scale producer of porcelain in America. They operated in Philadelphia from 1826-1838, and pieces are extraordinarily hard to find and highly coveted by American collectors. For comparable examples, visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art's online collection. Simply a wonderful piece of early American porcelain...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

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

Antique Federal Period Mahogany Three Drawer Stand with Embossed Pulls c. 1820
Located in Westfield, MA
This Antique Federal Period Mahogany Three Drawer Stand, dating to around 1820, exemplifies the refined elegance of Federal-period design. Crafted from rich mahogany, the piece displ...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Boho Brass Cuff Pediment Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace boho-chic charm with this vintage brass cuff pediment mirror. Its striking brass frame, featuring a unique cuffed pediment design, adds a bold, eclectic vibe to your decor. P...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

New York Federal / Sheraton Pembroke or Drop-Leaf Table in Mahogany, circa 1810
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A fine example of an American Federal drop-leaf table in West Indies mahogany, from New York, circa 1810. The solid rectangular top with curved drop-leaves features a beautiful figur...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Vintage Cast-Iron Eagle Sculpture, Early 20th Century
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a cast-iron figural eagle doorstop, circa early 20th century. The eagle is depicted with wings spread wide, perched and mounted to a square marble base. The eagle retains traces of its original gilt surface and is embossed with “F.O.E.” at its midsection, possibly referring to the Fraternal Order of Eagles.   The eagle is both the national bird and the national animal of the United States. The eagle motif has been widely used throughout American history, most notably as part of our Great Seal. The founders of the United States were fond of comparing their new republic with the Roman Republic, in which eagle imagery, usually the golden eagle, was prominent. On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the design for the Great Seal of the United States...
Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Marble, Iron

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

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

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

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

Pair of Large Gilt American Federalist Mirrors
Located in Hudson, NY
Mirrors are from circa 1825-1835 and were made in either New York or Boston. Both mirrors come with their original glass and wood backing. Sold as is, as a pair (one mirror panel has...
Category

1830s American Antique Federal Furniture

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

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

1890s Era Solid Mahogany Chippendale Corner Cabinet Cupboard Hand Blown Glass
Located in Long Branch, NJ
1890s Era Solid Mahogany Chippendale Corner Cabinet Cupboard Hand Blown Glass Measures 44 wide x 93 tall x 22 deep sides 30 inches against wall This 2 piece corner cabinet is de...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Fine Set Of Seven Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A set of very well made and solid feeling Shield Back dining chairs with mahogany frames and custom upholstery. The frames have a graceful back splat with a feather crest and side ta...
Category

20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Fabric, 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

Set Of Eight Antique American Federal Dining Chairs for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
For restoration. Fine set of eight Period Federal side chairs, mahogany with serpentine crest rails, pierced vase form splat backs, serpentine seats upholstered in old horse hair wit...
Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass, Other

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

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

Early 1900s Carved Walnut Durfee Case Elliot Movement 5 Tube Grandfather Clock
By Walter Durfee
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite early 1900s grandfather clock is a fine example of American craftsmanship, featuring a richly carved walnut Durfee case paired with an exceptional Elliot 5-tube chimin...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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 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

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

1920 s Caldwell Federal Style Bronze Sconces with Mirror
Located in New York, NY
1920 Caldwell bronze double light sconces federal style with convex mirror inset
Category

1910s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Windsor Highchair In Original Paint Circa 1820
Located in Hudson, NY
Beautiful American, windsor, arrow-back high chair in original surface. Circa 1820, this chair is in excellent condition with an incredible surface history. The splayed legs are much...
Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Maple, Paint

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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