Federal Furniture
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.
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Porcelain
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Mirror
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Mahogany
2010s Federal Furniture
Leather, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Marble, Brass
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Federal Furniture
Mirror, Wood
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Cherry
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Cherry
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany, Giltwood
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Brass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
2010s Federal Furniture
Leather, Mahogany
17th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Gold, Gold Leaf
2010s Federal Furniture
Mahogany
2010s Federal Furniture
Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
1920s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Bronze
2010s Federal Furniture
Leather, Wood
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass, Steel, Wire
2010s Federal Furniture
Leather, Mahogany
2010s Federal Furniture
Mahogany
2010s Federal Furniture
Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany, Walnut
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Cherry
18th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Porcelain
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Giltwood, Wood, Mirror
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany, Satinwood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Birch
2010s Federal Furniture
Mahogany
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Bronze
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany, Satinwood
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Abalone, Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Silver
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Pine
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass, Steel
Early 1800s English Antique Federal Furniture
Paper
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany, Satinwood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany, Satinwood
1910s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Bronze
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass, Bronze
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Glass, Rosewood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Glass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Upholstery, Walnut
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Fabric, Wood
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Mahogany
1910s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Bronze
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Maple