Federal Dining Room Chairs
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.
20th Century American Federal Dining Room Chairs
Brass
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Federal Dining Room Chairs
Velvet, Mahogany
19th Century Antique Federal Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Federal Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Federal Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
18th Century American Antique Federal Dining Room Chairs
Mid-20th Century American Federal Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
1970s Unknown Vintage Federal Dining Room Chairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary North American Federal Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
2010s Philippine Federal Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Federal Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Early 2000s Unknown Federal Dining Room Chairs
Rattan
Mid-20th Century Federal Dining Room Chairs
Rattan
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Federal Dining Room Chairs
Cherry
Late 20th Century American Federal Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Wood
2010s American Federal Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Dutch Federal Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Oak
1990s Italian Federal Dining Room Chairs
Fruitwood
20th Century Federal Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
Early 2000s American Federal Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century Antique Federal Dining Room Chairs
Rush, Mahogany
Late 20th Century Federal Dining Room Chairs
Oak
1840s American Antique Federal Dining Room Chairs
Pine
20th Century Federal Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany, Fabric
20th Century American Federal Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Federal Dining Room Chairs
Walnut
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Dining Room Chairs
Maple
20th Century American Federal Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany, Upholstery
Late 20th Century Federal Dining Room Chairs
Maple, Paint
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Dining Room Chairs
Maple