Federal Corner Cupboards
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.
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Mahogany
1820s American Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Metal
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Brass
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Glass, Pine
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Corner Cupboards
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Pine
19th Century American Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Brass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Cherry, Poplar
Mid-20th Century Federal Corner Cupboards
Walnut
1810s American Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Glass, Mahogany, Rosewood, Pine, Paint
1830s English Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Brass
20th Century French Federal Corner Cupboards
Marble
Early 1900s English Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Mahogany
20th Century English Federal Corner Cupboards
Hardwood
Early 1900s European Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Other
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Pine, Paint
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Wood, Pine, Paint
1970s American Vintage Federal Corner Cupboards
Cherry
Late 18th Century Danish Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Pine
1760s British Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Pine
Late 18th Century English Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Mahogany
1870s American Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Mahogany
1970s American Vintage Federal Corner Cupboards
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Mahogany, Glass
1990s American Federal Corner Cupboards
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Federal Corner Cupboards
Bronze
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Cherry
1810s American Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Brass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Cherry
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Pine
19th Century American Antique Federal Corner Cupboards
Cherry