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.
Mid-20th Century European Federal Furniture
Mirror, Giltwood
Early 1800s English Antique Federal Furniture
Creamware, Pottery
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Glass, Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Leather, Wood
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Federal Furniture
Metal
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Giltwood
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany, Maple
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany, Mirror
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass, Iron
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Mirror, Cherry
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Breccia Marble
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Composition
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Thread, Linen
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Cherry
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Wood
1790s Antique Federal Furniture
Maple, Wood
1970s Vintage Federal Furniture
Mahogany
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Glass, Mirror, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Walnut
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Brass
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Mirror, Giltwood
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Satinwood, Mahogany
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Wool
1770s American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Furniture
Wood
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Porcelain
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
1960s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Gold Leaf
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Glass, Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Silver
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Glass, Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Rush, Chestnut
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Brass
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Canvas
1950s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Brass, Iron
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass, Iron
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Lead
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Burl
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Furniture
Wood