Federal Desks and Writing Tables
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 American Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Leather, Walnut
20th Century Italian Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Burl, Walnut
19th Century American Antique Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
19th Century American Antique Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Walnut
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Mahogany
1820s American Antique Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Cherry, Mahogany, Poplar
20th Century English Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Leather, Mahogany
1810s American Antique Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
20th Century English Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Walnut
Late 20th Century American Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Wood, Walnut
19th Century English Antique Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Mahogany
20th Century English Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Leather, Hardwood
1980s American Vintage Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Late 19th Century French Antique Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Bronze
1930s French Vintage Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Leather, Walnut
1960s Danish Vintage Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
1970s Czech Vintage Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Birch, Mahogany
1960s Italian Vintage Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
1920s French Vintage Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Oak
Early 19th Century British Antique Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
1890s French Antique Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Wood, Rosewood, Leather
1930s American Vintage Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
1820s American Antique Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Marble, Brass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Bronze
20th Century American Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Mahogany, Walnut
19th Century American Antique Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Mahogany
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Leather, Fruitwood
Late 20th Century American Federal Desks and Writing Tables
Brass