Federal Furniture
FEDERAL STYLE
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.
2
663
18
3
to
93
675
684
673
673
193,333
116,609
42,012
32,331
15,137
11,605
10,509
10,279
9,538
8,700
7,324
7,073
6,335
5,893
5,668
5,254
4,721
3,539
50
288
325
21
88
107
69
5
5
7
6
5
8
3
5
8
3
518
297
219
166
106
506
487
33
22
13
22
8
5
5
4
Style: Federal
Bracket Feet Mahogany 6 Drawers Brass Pulls Tall Lingerie Chest Dresser Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Bracket feet mahogany 6 drawers brass pulls tall lingerie chest dresser cabinet.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Federal Style Carved Ornate Tufted Parlor Set Newly Upholstered, Set of 4
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Federal Style carved ornate tufted parlor set newly upholstered in a cabernet leather - 4 piece set
Absolutely exquisite and rare antique, intricately detailed hand carved American Eagle topped 4 piece tufted leather library parlor set. This unique showstopper set is said to have been originally acquired from a former Illinois Governor’s Estate, consists of His & Hers wingback, scrolled armchairs, sofa and loveseat, each with an exquisite hand carved American Eagle top. Beautifully curved and scrolled wingback...
Category
1920s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
American, 18th Century, Birdcage Tilt Top Table Probably Philadelphia, Ca. 1780
Located in Vero Beach, FL
American 18th century birdcage tilt top table probably Philadelphia ca. 1780.
Very fine American mahogany tilt top table. The top is support...
Category
Early 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Deep Profile Antique Wing Arm Chairs Mahogany Legs Federal Style
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Deep Profile Antique Wing arm chairs mahogany legs Federal Style.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
NH Queen Anne Curly Maple Highboy Attributed to the Dunlap Workshop c 1760-1780
By Dunlap Cabinetmakers
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of a New Hampshire Queen Anne two part highboy in curly maple attributed to the Dunlap Workshop, circa 1760-1780, its upper case featuring a hand carved cornice...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Alabaster End Tables or Plant or Display Collums
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Alabaster end tables or plant or display collums.
Hand carved highly figured Alabaster made in Italy.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Alabaster
Early 20th Century Regency Carved Mahogany And Upholstered Settee
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th Century Regency Carved mahogany and Upholstered settee. It measures 40.75" in width, 23" in depth and stands 37.5" tall, with a seat height of 16". Arm height is 24", seat...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Corinithian Column Plaster Architectural Study Objet D’art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A plaster study of a corinthian column. Marked in pencil “American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, PA.” Rough unsealed plaster patina.
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Plaster
Ionic Column Plaster Architectural Study Objet D’art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A plaster study of an ionic column. Marked in pencil “American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, PA.” Rough unsealed plaster patina.
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Plaster
Nest of Three Biggs Virginia Federal Style Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid
Located in Germantown, MD
A Nest of three Biggs Virginia federal style mahogany and satinwood inlaid. Tables measure: Largest table: 22"w x 15"D x 28"H, larger table 18"W x 14.5"D x 27.5"H, Smaller table meas...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
American Federal Mahogany & Satinwood Butler's Desk with Paw Feet. NY, C. 1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal mahogany butler's desk with a carved molded edge, three upper drawers with original brass knobs, sliding fall front interior desk with Satinwood drawers and pigeon h...
Category
1810s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Painted Child's Windsor Chair, Early 19th Century
Located in Hallowell, US
New England rod back Child's Windsor side chair, with original surface.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Ash, Maple
Georgian Style Reverse Painted Glass Historical House Trumeau Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
Beautiful early 20th century Georgian style reverse painted glass historical house Trumeau mirror. Measures 24.75" in width, 40.5" tall and 3" in depth.
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Mahogany, Paint
Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Demilune Sideboard, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet or sideboard
By Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Mahogany, with satinwood string inlay, original brass hardware,...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Mahogany Dining Table with Leaves with Brass Clips
Located in New York, NY
Table has 2 end sections and 2 leaves and brass clips. The table can be used as a pair
of side table against the wall. Great color and patina
Dimensions with leaves: Width 50 1/2...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Brunschwig and Fils Boscobel Restoration Medford Inn 1804 Hand-Printed Wallpaper
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Brunschwig and Fils Boscobel Restoration Medford Inn 1804 hand-printed wallpaper. Very unusual paper - it is marked as custom hand-printed for the Boscobel Restoration, Inc. with a copyright date of 1977. The Boscobel Restoration is a rebuilt historic mansion (see images 9 and 10) in Garrison, NY using salvaged parts of an original Federal-period home that was demolished in the 1950s. This is a historic pattern, marked on the paper as "Medford Inn, 1804" and a registered design of the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities. The Medford Inn (see image 11) was built in 1804 and became known as a well-known hotel located on Main Street in Medford, Massachusetts.
The design of the paper hearkens back to Roman tradition of wall decoration, with a trompe l’oleil effect that mimics ornate panelling and stone inlay. As per the this paper was also produced in a brown colorway and is part of the Digital Public Library of America and Historic New England...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Paper
Late 19th Century Federal Walnut And Upholstered Window Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 19th Century Federal Walnut and Upholstered Window bench with Yellowish gold color upholstery and burl walnut front panel. It measures 40" in width...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
19th Century Federal Bowfront Mahogany Bedside Chest Nightstand
Located in Germantown, MD
19th century Federal Bowfront Mahogany bedside chest nighstand. Good antique Condition. Dovetail drawers functioning perfectly. Original Hardware. Mea...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Federal Style Antiqued Chandelier, 6 Bulbs
Located in Plainview, NY
A stylish French federal style chandelier made in antiqued fashion. The metal frame has a beautiful pewter antique finish. The chandelier is e...
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Metal
Travis Court Collection Drexel Cabinet
By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, TX
Travis Court Drexel buffet
Georgian style mahogany buffet cabinet featuring 3 drawers and shelving below. Brass pulls.
Measures: 36" Width x 18" De...
Category
1960s North American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Classical Mirror Circa 1820
Located in Hudson, NY
An American federal mirror of exceptional quality depth and design. With a perfect warm patina and retaining the original gold gilding and mirr...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Pair of Hollywood Regency Tole Lamps
Located in Nashville, TN
This is a beautiful pair of Hollywood Regency style Italian tole lamps! The bases are black marble with gold gilt leaves rising up from them to the ...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Crystal
American Philadelphia Empire Cheval Mirror, circa 1825
By Anthony Quervelle
Located in Dereham, GB
American Philadelphia Empire mahogany cheval mirror, circa 1825.
Certainly has the quality of top Philadelphia cabinet maker.
The oval mirror with ribbon moulding on front of frame,
fan carving on top and bottom of mirror frame,
mirror sitting in tapering reeded columns with flared petals and turnings on top.
Tulip carving at bottom,with the column square edges supporting the reeded cross stretcher,
medallion turnings on outside,
carved corbels each side,above
shaped reeded end supporting legs with scrolled ends,
turnings under with brown china wheels...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Federal Style Gilt Bronze 2 Lite Sconces Early 20th Cent 'One Pair Only'
Located in Atlanta, GA
One pair of federal style gilt bronze 2 light sconces. Handsome gilt bronze and substantial weight and presence. Perfect for any room.
Category
Early 20th Century European Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Early 19th Century American Sheraton Inlaid Cherry Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique early 19th century American Sheraton Inlaid cherry table
Additional information:
Materials: Cherry Wood
Color: Sienna
Period: early 19th century
Styles: American, Fede...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Federal Drop Leaf Table. American, circa 1825
Located in Incline Village, NV
Nicely proportioned and well made early 19th century American mahogany drop leaf table with no restorations and in completely origina...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Style Gilded Carved Wood Mirror, 19th Century
Located in Southampton, NY
Federal Style Gilded Carved Wood Mirror, 19th Century
Carved wood American Federal style parcel-gilt wall mirror featuring a broken scroll pediment, solid wood frame, nicely carved...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Federal Style Circular Mirror, Giltwood Wall / Pier / Vanity
Located in Stamford, CT
Federal style circular mirror, giltwood wall / Pier / vanity
A Petite Federal style mirror that would compliment any Hollywood Regency or Mid-Century Modern décor. fine giltwood c...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Set of 10 Federal Style Dining Chairs Attributed to Nathan Margolis, Hartford CT
Located in Milford, NH
A fine set of ten Federal style mahogany dining chairs attributed to Lithuanian / American well known furniture maker Nathan Margolis, of Hartford CT, two ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Vintage Brandt Flip Top Piano Style Small Wooden Writing Desk Table
By Brandt
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage brandt flip top Piano style small wooden writing desk table. Item features rolling casters, flip top, lower shelf stand, original label, very nice vintage item, quality Ameri...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Full Size Pencil Inlaid Mahogany Federal SideBoard Server Buffet by Baker MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Full Size Pencil Inlaid Mahogany Federal SideBoard Server Buffet by Baker MINT!
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Ca. 1820 Federal Era Trompe L'oeil Painted Chest
Located in Peabody, MA
American Federal era chest of drawers in its original trompe l’oeil mustard painted finish, ca. 1820.
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Mahogany Pembroke Table, Gordon’s Fine Furniture, Inc.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Vintage Mahogany Pembroke table, Gordon’s Fine Furniture, Inc.
A Classic Pembroke table by Gordon’s Fine Furniture, Inc. made of mahogany with...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Wingback Chair with Blue Upholstery
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Federal period mahogany American wingback armchair in blue upholstery. In very good condition and nicely re-upholstered. Structurally sound and comfort...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
American-Market "Peace, Plenty and Independence" Liverpool Creamware Jug
Located in Downingtown, PA
"Peace, Plenty and Independence" Liverpool Transfer Decorated Creamware Jug,
Circa 1800
The "Peace, Plenty and Independence" Liverpool transfer decorated creamware jug has a black transfer print on one side depicting a spread wing eagle perched atop a cannon flanked by symbols of Peace and Plenty with the other side with the "Farmer's Arms," the front with "Samuel & Rachel Hayne.s" within a wreath above four lines of verse, inspired by Cupid's Lessons, reading, "My love is Fix'd, I cannot range,I like my choice,Too well to change". a second stanza not shown read " Long may we live, Happy may we be, Blest with content, And from misfortune be".
Dimensions: 10 1/8 inch height x 9 inches wide x 6 1/4 inches deep.
The print of an eagle with its wings spread standing on a cannon above a medallion containing the words, “PEACE, PLENTY, and INDEPENDENCE.” This is flanked by two allegorical figures. The figure on the left represents “plenty” holding a cornucopia, while the one on the right represents “peace” using her torch to set fire to instruments of war.
The New York Historical...
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Creamware, Pottery
19th Century Federal Style Gilded Eglomise Trumeau Mirror with Mother & Child
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a sweet gilded trumeau mirror with Federal styling. The eglomise panel depicts a mother and child. The mirror portion does show age wear.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mirror, Giltwood
Antique American Federal Gilt Carved Overmantle Triple Mirror with Gold Eagle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Federal gilt carved overmantle triple mirror with gold eagle. Item featured is an Impressive item, gold gold gilt carved eagle pediment, mahogany wood frame, triple ...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany
Empire Pier Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
Early Empire Mahogany Pier Table with the original marble. Nicely carved hairy paw feet sitting under the turned crotch Mahogany veneered columns under a banded inlay frieze. Old, po...
Category
Early 19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Antique Louis XVI Style Giltwood Wall Sconces with Eagles
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Antique Louis XVI Style giltwood wall sconces
Additional information:
Materials: Wood
Color: Gold
Period: early 19th century
Place of Origin: France
Styles: Federal
...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Federal Turned Legs Mahogany Low Side Table Tea Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A federal style turned legs Mahogany low Side Table. Table has been recently refinished and is in very good condition. Measures 26" W x 22" D x 15" H.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany Striped Upholstered Chairs, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany chairs with striped Upholstery. Very good vintage condition.
Chairs have been reupholstered down the road. Measure 17" in width, 20" in depth and ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
2 Global Views Colonial Williamsburg Beaufort Yellow Ginger Jars Urns Vase
By Global Views
Located in Dayton, OH
Global Views Colonial Williamsburg Ginger Jars, in Yellow. Made from ceramic inspired by the fluted urn-shaped finials that crown a green japanned bedstead in the Governor’s Palace i...
Category
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
White Blue Color Pictorial Antique Chinese Oriental Rug
Located in New York, NY
A mid20th-century Chinese Peking carpet with an animal motif in white and blue
circa 1950, measures: 3'1' x 5'8".
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Pair of Mahogany Demi Lune Banded Inlayed Glass Tops Console Sofa Tables Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mahogany Demi Lune Banded Inlayed glass tops console sofa tables MINT!
comes with glass tops.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Federal American Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Breakfast Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 19th century Federal drop leaf dining table. Made from mahogany with a rectangular form featuring shaped corners over turned and reeded legs le...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Banded Top Mahogany Inlayed Bracket Feet 11 Drawers Dresser Credenza MINT!
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Bow front banded top mahogany inlayed bracket feet 11 drawers dresser credenza MINT!.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique American Federal Style Drop Leaf Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique American federal style cherry wood drop leaf table, 19th century. With a 2 board top, a frieze drawer, square tapered legs and S shaped stretcher bars. Nice old cherry...
Category
19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Antique Federal Style Gilt Gold Convex Wall / Console / Pier Mirror, Distressed
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique Federal style gilt gold convex wall / console / pier mirror, distressed
Antique, Federal Style, 19th C. round wall mirror bearing a subtle convex center glass. Detailing ...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
English Regency Set of Eight Mahogany Dining Room Chairs W/ Reeded Legs C. 1810
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal mahogany bow front two drawer work table with original circular foliate brasses, diamond bone escutcheons, ebony string inlays, ...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Primitive Antique Green Painted Barrel Back Windsor Caboose Tavern Arm Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique barrel back windsor style chair finished in apple green enamel paint.
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Boston State House Staffordshire Blue & White Pottery Plates
Located in Downingtown, PA
Boston State House Staffordshirepair of pottery plates
John Rogers & Son,
1825
This Rogers underglaze blue printed plate of the Boston State Ho...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Pearlware, Pottery
Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany and Satinwood Demilune Sideboard Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style demilune cabinet or sideboard
By Baker Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Flame mahogany, with satinwood banding and inlay and original b...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Kindel Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style bow front sideboard buffet or credenza
By Kindel Furniture
USA, Circa 1980s
Mahogany, with satinwood banding and original brass hardw...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Two Tier Barley Twist Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid century Federal style Mahogany two tier barley twist side table in very good vintage condition. Measures 18.25" square and stand 27.5" tall.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Polished Brass Mail Slot and Door Knocker
Located in Sheffield, MA
Add a touch of vintage antique charm to your entry front door with this "Two-in-One" brass mail slot and door knocker. Ready to mount. Screws not inclu...
Category
20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Brass Fireplace Finial Andirons Classical Federal
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Ornate brass fireplace finial Andirons classical Federal Elegance
Set of brass andirons. Oversize. No label.
Measures: 26.5 tall x 13 width x...
Category
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Pair of Petite Cut Glass Crystal Decanters, C1930
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous petite pair of cut glass crystal decanters in excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Not cloudy or stained. Some wear to bottom edge.
Category
1930s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Antique Federal Figural Eagle Giltwood Wall Mirror circa 1840
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Federal wall mirror offers frame with figural giltwood eagle at crest and having flanking inverted bellflower garland, c1840
Measures - 27''H x 19.5''W x 2.5''D.
Catalog...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Federal furniture made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, Kindel Furniture, Drexel, and Edward F. Caldwell & Co.. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $115,000 while the average work can sell for $2,800.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Antique Bronze Drawer Pull
Commode Grey
Flower Commode
Four Panel Asian Art
Fine Wood Inlaid Cabinet
Chinese Gilt Panel
Corner Display Cabinet French
Deco Brass Panel
Clocks With Cherubs
Counter Top Display Case
Wood Door Knobs
Curved Glass Door Cabinet
Desk With Return
Chest Of Drawers Leather Top
Classic Buffet
Commodes With Flowers
Antique Chinese Robe
Distressed Antique Brass