Federal Blanket Chests
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.
19th Century American Antique Federal Blanket Chests
Iron
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Blanket Chests
Brass
19th Century Chinese Antique Federal Blanket Chests
Brass
1820s American Antique Federal Blanket Chests
Silver, Iron
Mid-19th Century North American Antique Federal Blanket Chests
Wood
Early 1800s European Antique Federal Blanket Chests
Pine
Mid-19th Century Swiss Antique Federal Blanket Chests
Iron
Mid-20th Century European Federal Blanket Chests
Teak
Late 19th Century Hungarian Antique Federal Blanket Chests
Pine
Early 19th Century Romanian Antique Federal Blanket Chests
Iron
Mid-19th Century Hungarian Antique Federal Blanket Chests
Pine
Early 20th Century Federal Blanket Chests
Wood
1860s Romanian Antique Federal Blanket Chests
Steel
19th Century Antique Federal Blanket Chests
Oak
17th Century Spanish Antique Federal Blanket Chests
Iron
1960s American Vintage Federal Blanket Chests
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Federal Blanket Chests
Mahogany
1820s American Antique Federal Blanket Chests
Poplar
1770s American Antique Federal Blanket Chests
Cherry
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Blanket Chests
Poplar
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Blanket Chests
Cherry, Cedar
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Blanket Chests
Wood