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.
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Style: Federal
Kittinger 5 Drawers Pull Out Tray Mahogany Federal Style Bachelor Chest Dresser
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Kittinger 5 drawers pull out tray mahogany federal style bachelor chest dresser.
Lockable drawer.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Federal Mahogany Side Table with Fitted Interior Desk on Casters, 1820
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal Mahogany one drawer side table with fitted interior desk, walnut diamond escutcheons, original four wooden knobs, and resting on turned bulbous ringed legs with the original brass casters. Secondary wood consist of white pine and tulip poplar...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Needlework Sampler by Maria Morris, 1827
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique American Needlework Sampler by Maria Morris, 1827, a needlework sampler on linen panel having alphabet and numerals, above a religi...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Thread, Linen
Harvin Co Brass Federal Style Branch Leg Ball and Claw Andirons, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Harvin Co brass federal style branch leg ball and claw andirons - a pair. Item features branch legs, ball and claw feet, original stamp, quality Amer...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Early 20th Century E.F. Caldwell Leaded Glass Lantern
Located in Canton, MA
A hexagonal leaded glass lantern. The glass panels are wheel engraved with a curved foliate flower basket design. The top panels slant to the top and have clear round glass pieces. T...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Lead
19th Century American Federal 19x22 Picture Frame
Located in Hallowell, US
12.5 x 22.5 19th century American Federal picture frame circa 1825
Rabbet dimensions: 12.5" x 22.5"
Frame profile: 3.5"
Depth: 3...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
American Federal Philadelphia Brass Andirons Faceted Acorn Top
Located in Wells, ME
American Federal Philadelphia cast brass faceted acorn top large andirons. The motif of faceting is repeated in the stepped faceted column as well as on the acorns. The columns rest ...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Federal Mahogany Tall Gentleman's Chest
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Federal style mahogany and figured mahogany Gentleman's chest of drawers, the bowfront reeded edge top with protruding corners above leaf carved capital and reeded column supports,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
American Federal Brass Ball and Steeple Top New York Andirons
Located in Wells, ME
American Federal period brass ball and steeple top andirons. The belted balls are surmounted by a spire that adds height and elegance to these ear...
Category
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
1940s Federal Style 6-Arm Brass Chandelier Nickel Plated with Original Patina
Located in New York, NY
This federal style 6 light chandelier is original to the 1940's and is nickel pated over brass with the original patina. It has elegant arms surrounding an urn shaped body and featur...
Category
1940s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Nickel
Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Inlaid Mahogany and Satinwood Coffee Table
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Georgian style coffee or tea table
By Baker Furniture "Historic Charleston" Collection
USA, circa 1980s
Mahogany, with satinwood inlay and brass ha...
Category
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century American Federal Wall Mirror with Eagle Crest
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning and rare antique American Federal giltwood wall mirror dating to the first half of the 19th century. The fine quality example surmounted by a large carved figural eagle cr...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood, Paint
Pair of Large American Federal Style Brass Ornate Andirons
Located in Germantown, MD
Amazingly decorated pair of large American Federal style brass ornate andirons.
This is very heavy and in polished brass ornate with carved brass flowers...
Category
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Antique Federal Mahogany Work Table/ Nightstand Attributed to Isaac Vose, Boston
By Isaac Vose
Located in Miami, FL
A very handsome Federal work table in fine West Indies mahogany with fold-down leaves. There are two drawers with two rounded columns flanking each side. Drawers have the original turned pulls. Top rests on a square column that gradually widens ending with ogee moldings and rests on quatre-form base with concave arches. Table rests on foliate-carved scrolls that end in carved lions' paw feet with original porcelain casters. Attributed to highly regarded cabinetmaker, Isaac Vose...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Sheraton Mahogany Campaign Officers Desk
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and most unusual Federal period mahogany campaign field desk from the early 19th century. Believed to have been used as a maritime sea capta...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Mahogany, Poplar
Early 20th Century Federal Style Continental Brass Lanterns, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a wonderful pair of Federal style brass lanterns with eagle pediment. They have a made in Holland label. They are not wired and were likely operated via oil.
Category
Early 20th Century European Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
1940s Federal Style Brass And Inlaid Mahogany and Satinwood Sideboard
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a special piece! I love the size and inlaid details in the corners. This is a 1940s Federal style sideboard with brass gallery. The height from the floor to the serving surfa...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rare Antique Federal American Mahogany Secretary Writing Desk Gothic Bookcase
Located in Dayton, OH
A fine and impressive Federal Period Mahogany secretary and bookcase, circa 1830s. The bookcase features an eighteen pane gothic arched cabinet fro...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Antique Mahogany Banded Satinwood Inlay 5 Drawer Federal Bachelor Chest Dresser
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique mahogany banded satinwood inlay 5 drawer federal bachelor chest dresser. Item features banded satinwood inlay, beautiful wood grain, working l...
Category
19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Tiger Maple Tripod Table, American, Early 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Tiger Maple Tripod table, top with chamfered corners also inlaid with mother of pearl, circles, hearts & triangles. Turned standard raised on down swept legs terminating in spade feet.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
American Federal Mahogany Tall Case Clock, Silas Hoadley, CT, Circa 1820
By Silas Hoadley
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Federal mahogany one day tall case clock with the original brass ball finials resting on three carved upper capitals, decorative intertwined fret work, arched hood with bras...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Green Persian Mahal Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from a 20th century Persian Mahal rug.
15'' x 18''
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
19th Century New England Tilt-Top Tripod Table
Located in Vero Beach, FL
New England Federal tilt-top tripod table tiger maple, circa 1810
Beautiful American tripod tilt-top candle stand table. It was created during the Federal era...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Maple
Large E.F. Caldwell Gilt Bronze and White Glass Pendant Light
Located in Canton, MA
A Federal style pendant lantern with opalescent glass and patinated bronze with gilt bronze details. It is of a scale appropriate for an institut...
Category
Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Set of Burl Wood Oval Nesting Tables by Baker
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of oval Baker nesting stacking side end lamp tables stands.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Burl
Charak Lacquered Mahogany Banded Round Dining Table w/ 2 Leaves Inlaid Legs Mint
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern solid teak pull out roll top desk drawers chair mint.
Two table leaves measuring 18''.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of American Classical Style Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of American Classical style andirons having double knob urn finials over Doric column shafts, standing on plinth support over pair o...
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Antique American Federal Mahog. & Birch Flap-Top Games Table
By John & Thomas Seymour
Located in Charleston, SC
This is a spectacular antique American Federal New England period highly figured mahogany and satin birch Flap-top serpentine Games or Card Table in the manner of the workshop of Joh...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Birch, Mahogany, Rosewood
Early 19th Century American Giltwood Convex Girandole Mirror
Located in Essex, MA
Period American Federal convex girandole mirror of monumental size. Giltwood with original gilding and mirror. New York.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Early 19th Century New York Sofa, Probably by Duncan Phyfe
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Charleston, SC
Great example of an early 19th century New York sofa from the federal period. Probably by Duncan Phyfe. Not marked or signed, but the quality and pattern are indicative of his shop. ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Style Wood Fireplace Mantel
Located in Sheffield, MA
19th Century American white painted fireplace mantle with strong molding and handsome detailing.
Dimensions of opening: 32.45" w x 29.13" h
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Lovely Federal Mahogany and Marble Vanity with Bronze Details
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant mahogany Federal style antique vanity table having gorgeous bronze details and white marble top. There's a single drawer and two mini si...
Category
19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Marble
Near-Pair Set of American Federal Card Tables
Located in New York, NY
A set of two Federal mahogany folding card tables. Handcrafted circa 1825. They are a near-identical pair with the legs varying slightly in...
Category
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Style Mahogany Bedside Chest
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mahogany and figured mahogany nightstand, the reeded edge bowfront top with protruding corners with leaf carved and reeded uprights, with three graduated drawers with verdigris bra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Federal Furniture
Materials
Wood
Kindel Furniture Federal Style Banded Mahogany Extension Dining or Game Table
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal style banded mahogany extension dining table or game table
By Kindel Furniture
USA, late 20th century
Measures: 37.75" W x 44" D x 29" H. Extends to 6...
Category
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
NYC Federal Full Tester Bed Attributable to Lannuier w Four Floral-Carved Posts
By Charles-Honoré Lannuier
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional American Federal sleigh bed with tester in fine West Indies/ Cuban mahogany with beautifully-articulated floral and acanthus-leaf carvings, along the crest of the headboard and footboard, and on the four posts, attributable to the French-born cabinetmaker Charles-Honoré Lannuier...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Diminutive Federal Inlaid Mahogany Chest of Drawers, First Quarter 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
Diminutive Federal Inlaid Mahogany chest of drawers, first quarter 19th century.
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Federal Style Hand Painted Tole Tinder Wood Box
Located in Nashville, TN
A handsome Federal style hand painted tole tinder wood box. Ebonized lacquer paint overpainted with a federal eagle holding olive branches and arrows and crested with a Union shield. The Eagle is surrounded with nautical stars above and below. The sides are hand painted with a border of vines and berries...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Metal
Turkish President Ataturk Rug
Located in New York, NY
A mid-20th century turkish sivas rug with the former president Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
Measures: 4'4'' x7'
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk;[b] c. 1881[c] – 10 November 1938) was a Turkis...
Category
20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Wool
Pair of Federal Style Solid Cast Brass by Puritan Co. C1955
By Puritan Ironworks Company
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of sand cast brass andirons by the Puritan Ironworks co. Canon all style with a pierced fleur de LIS.
In excellent vintage condition with mi...
Category
1950s Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Early 1900s Carved Walnut Durfee Case Elliot Movement 5 Tube Grandfather Clock
By Walter Durfee
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a spectacular clock with what I believe is a solid carved walnut Durfee case and and has an Elliot of London movement. The case has some signs of wear and is in it's original...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Federal Eglomise Decorated Wall or Table Mirror
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century federal eglomise decorated wall or table mirror having a wonderfully gilt decorated frame under an eglomise glass panel depicting a baske...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Beacon Hill Collection Federal Style Banded Mahogany Nightstand
By Beacon Hill
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal style single drawer occasional side table or nightstand
By Beacon Hill Collection
USA, mid-20th century
Mahogany, wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Painted Chinoiserie Two Doors Server Cabinet by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Double door chinoiserie style small credenza server cabinet by Drexel Heritage.
Category
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Early 19th-C. Federal Style Faux Tortoise Eglomise Trumeau Mirror
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a wonderful piece! Firstly, it should be noted that it may even be as early as the later part of the 18th century. Note the simplicity of the trumeau that depicts a single pi...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Pair of Classical Federal Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine pair of American classical Federal andirons, having urn finials over Doric column shafts standing on square plinths with scalloped base, over shaped legs having spurred knees an...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
19th Century American Hand Carved Gilded Pediment Eagle
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th century American hand carved gilded pediment eagle.
Antique decorative hand carved and gilded wooden pediment eagle. The expressive sculpture w...
Category
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Antique Federal Brass Iron Spiral Twist Finial Branch Legs Ball Claw Andirons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Federal brass and cast iron spiral twist finial branch legs ball & claw andirons. Item features remarkable authentic patina, spiral twist...
Category
Early 20th Century English Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Rare Child's Camphor Wood Chest, Leather Bound and Brass Embellished
Located in Essex, MA
Early 19th century child's camphor wood chest
--Original black leather binding and brass tacks.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Petit English Multi Drawer Compartment Mahogany Leather Top Desk
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Beautiful English petit mahogany desk console entry lobby table with leather top.
Category
20th Century English Federal Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Baker Furniture Federal Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard Credenza, circa 1940s
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal style sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet
By Baker Furniture,
USA, circa 1940s
Mahogany, with satinwood string inlay, mirrored backslash, and original...
Category
1940s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Federal Eglomise Wall or Table Mirror
Located in Stamford, CT
A finely detailed Eglomise decorated wall or table mirror having a glass eglomise panel of a young girl in a wooded area flanked in a Fine gilt frame reminiscent of the time of manuf...
Category
1890s Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Federal Partners' Desk in Mahogany, Philadelphia, circa 1820
Located in Miami, FL
A beautiful Philadelphia partners desk in mahogany with gadrooned top and apron resting on center pedestal with carved baluster and legs, and ending in brass casters with lions' paw ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Federal Faceted Brass Cannonball Branch Feet Cast Iron Andirons, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Federal Faceted Brass Cannonball Branch Feet Cast Iron Andirons - a Pair. Item features large impressive size, ball and claw branch feet, great original patina, facet...
Category
20th Century English Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Neoclassical American Empire Side or Lamp Table in Mahogany, circa 1820
Located in Miami, FL
A neoclassical American Empire work table in mahogany and crotch mahogany with two drawers with convex fronts. Top rests on cylindrical column over a quatre-from base and terminating...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Southampton Mahogany Gallery Top Brass Drop Pull One-Drawer End Table Stand
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mahogany brass hardware one shelf end table nightstand.
Category
20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage American Mahogany Federal Style Broken Pediment Wall Hanging Mirror
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage American mahogany federal style broken pediment wall hanging mirror 48",
Federal style wall mirror, circa 1950s. Made from mahogany with scrolled ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Brass George Washington Andirons
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage pair of brass George Washington Andirons, likely mid 20th century, cast brass shallow full length figure of George Washington standi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Materials
Brass
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.
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