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.
Baker Furniture Federal Carved Mahogany Shield Back Side Chairs or Dining Chairs
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back side chairs or dining chairs By Baker Furniture USA, Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered s...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Four Federal Style Drexel Travis Court Dining Chairs, 1940s
By Drexel
Located in Raymondville, TX
A vintage set of four federal style dining side chairs from Drexel's New Travis Court collection circa 1946. These klismos style chairs feature an x-form and scrolled back, saber leg...
Fabric, Chenille, Mahogany
Antique Set of Sixteen Federal Revival Shield Back Dining Chairs 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an absolutely fantastic antique set of sixteen Federal Revival shield back dining chairs, Circa 1920 in date. These chairs have been masterfully crafted in beautiful solid f...
Mahogany
Stickley Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seat...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of 6 Reupholstered Mahogany Carved Rose Back Dining Chairs
Located in Medina, OH
Set of 6 Reupholstered Mahogany Carved Rose Back Dining Chairs. Reupholstered in an abstract luxurious gold velvet by Manuel Canovas from Colef...
Fabric, Wood
Federal Mahogany Armchairs or Dining Captain Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back arm chairs or dining captain chairs USA, Circa 1970s Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Measures: 23...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Baker Furniture Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston" Collection USA, circa Late 20th century Solid carved m...
Velvet, 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 ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Baker Furniture Style Federal Inlaid Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Federal or Hepplewhite style dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1940s Carved mahogany frames, with satinwood and ebony inlay, and upho...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Satinwood
Baker Furniture Style Federal Inlaid Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Four
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Federal or Hepplewhite style dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1940s Carved mahogany frames, with satinwood and ebony inlay, and uph...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Satinwood
Baker Furniture Style Federal Inlaid Mahogany Armchairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style armchairs or dining captain chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1940s Carved mahogany frames, with satinwood and ebo...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Satinwood
Baker Furniture Style Federal Inlaid Mahogany Side Chairs or Dining Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style side chairs or dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1940s Carved mahogany frames, with satinwood and ebony inl...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Satinwood
Baker Furniture Style Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered se...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$3,450 / set
Vintage Baker Harvest Dining Chairs - Set of 6
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional set of six dining chairs from the renowned Baker Furniture "Harvest" collection represents the pinnacle of American craftsmanship and Neoclassical design. Each chair...
Fabric, Mahogany
$11,450Sale Price|21% Off
Set Eight (6+2) 19thc. American "Gothic Chippendale" Carved Mahog, Dining Chairs
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Exceptional Quality set of Eight (six sides, two arms) Antique American hand carved and pierced mahogany "Gothic Chippendale" style Dining Chairs with chamfered straight, moulded leg...
Mahogany
Federal Mahogany Shield Back Side Chairs or Dining Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back side chairs or dining chairs USA, Circa 1970s Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Measures: 21.25"W x...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Four
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs USA, Circa 1970s Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Measures: Side chairs - 21.25"...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Kindel Furniture Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of eight Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs By Kindel Furniture USA, Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Me...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Great set of 6 19th century federal style shield back mahogany dining chairs
Located in Richmond, VA
Great set of 6 19th century federal style shield back mahogany dining chairs, recently reupholstered. Great quality carving througho...
Mahogany
Assembled Set Of Six Federal Style Mahogany Upholstered Dining Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite set of Assembled Set Of Six Federal Style with fine carvings and inlays Mahogany Upholstered Dining Chairs. With quality orange and beige upholstery. Measurements: 1) 4 larger chairs are 21" in width x 22" in depth x 36" in height with Seat Height 18" 2) 2 smaller chairs...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Kindel Furniture Federal Carved Mahogany Arm Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style armchairs or dining captain chairs By Kindel Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Measures: ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Kindel Furniture Federal Carved Mahogany Side Chairs or Dining Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style side chairs or dining chairs By Kindel Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Measures: 20"W x...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of Four Federal Style Solid Mahogany Upholstered Dining Chairs, Refinished
Located in Germantown, MD
Set of Four mid-century Century Federal Style Mahogany Reupholstered Dining Chairs. Recently refinished and Reupholstered. Great vintage condition Measures 17" in width, 18" in dept...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set Of Eight Antique American Federal Dining Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
For restoration. Fine set of eight Period Federal side chairs, mahogany with serpentine crest rails, pierced vase form splat backs, serpentine seats upholstered in old horse hair wit...
Brass, Other
$9,000 / set
Set of 6 American Federal Hitchcock Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 6 American Federal Hitchcock style black painted side chairs with floral decoration on back.
1940s Set of Four Art Deco Dining Chairs
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - The chairs have been reupholstered some time ago.
Wood, Fabric
Custom Set of Eight Baker Furniture Ebonized Dining Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Two arm and six side chairs in a midcentury style with curved and open X form backs. The frames were custom ebonized, raised on square tapering legs, splayed in the back. The seats u...
Fabric, Wood
$528Sale Price|34% Off
H 34 in W 24 in D 22 in
Pair of Cushman Furniture Co. Early American Carved Wood Captain's Dining Chairs
By H.T. Cushman Manufacturing Company
Located in East Freetown, MA
Pair of Cushman Furniture Company carved wood early American style captains chairs (with arms). These sturdy wooden dining chairs complement the set of four dining chairs that are al...
Wood
Set of Six Barbara Barry for Baker Oval X-Back Dining Chairs
By Barbara Barry, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A refined iconic set of six oval X-Back dining side chairs designed by Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture. The chairs feature darkly stained hardwood frames with a contrasting and su...
Fabric, Beech
$3,500 / set
H 35 in W 19.5 in D 21 in
Drexel Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Klismos Regency Style Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Drexel
Located in Germantown, MD
Set of Six Drexel Furniture Black Lacquered Chinoiserie Klismos Regency Style Dining Chairs. Four side chairs and two scroll arm captain chairs Measure 19.5" in width, 21" in depth...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Lacquer
$3,906Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 34.65 in W 19.69 in D 17.72 in
Antique Victorian Mahogany Carved Set of 6 Dining Chairs
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Victorian mahogany carved set of 6 dining chairs having a pretty shaped top rail with scrolled detail, carved centre splats, newly upholstered seats standing on turned reeded...
Other
Set of 6 mid 20th century carved dining chairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Set of 6 mid 20th century carved dining chairs circa 1940. Good quality set of of Swedish made dining chairs comprising of 2 carver armchairs and 4 single chairs. Made in beech whi...
Fabric, Beech
$2,395 / set
H 36 in W 17.75 in D 21 in
Kipp Stewart for Drexel Declaration Sculpted Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Kipp Stewart, George Nakashima, Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut dining chairs In the manner of George Nakashima By Kipp Stewart for Drexel, "Declaration" Collection USA, 1960s Measures...
Walnut
Set of Six Barbara Barry for Baker Spindle Back Dining Chairs
By Baker Furniture Company, Barbara Barry
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant set of six dining chairs designed by Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture, comprised of two armchairs and four side chairs. Each chair features a tall, architecturally propor...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Ole Wanscher mahogany desk or dining chair with arms
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
This chair is a lovely example of Ole Wanscher dining chair with arms was presumably made by Fritz Hansen during the 1970s and reupholstered in wool Boucle. The frame is most likely ...
Hardwood
$3,250 / set
H 36 in W 25 in D 25 in
Pair Hickory Chair Federal Style Mahogany & Inlay Upholstered Mahogany Armchairs
By Hickory Chair Furniture Company
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Hickory Chair Furniture Federal Style Upholstered Mahogany Armchairs in great vintage condition. Measures 25" in width, 25" in depth, 36" in height, 18" seat height. Arm heig...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of Ten Antique Shield Back Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
A lovely set of ten antique shield back dining chairs in the Sheraton style. They were made in England, and date from around the 1950’s. The quality is superb, they have beautifully...
Cotton, Wood
19th Century Federal Inlaid Mahogany Shield Back Side Chairs, Pair
Located in Houston, TX
A pretty pair of Federal Inlaid Mahogany Shield Back Side Chairs, 19th century. Detailed carvings. 35.25" H, 20.5" W, Depth of seat 16.5", Seat height, 17" In good condition having...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs USA, Circa 1970s Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Measures: Side chairs - 21.25"W...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 38.5 in W 21 in D 23.5 in
Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back side chairs and a pair of Chippendale style armchairs By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston" Collection USA, Late...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 38.5 in W 21 in D 23.5 in
Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Federal Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Four
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston" Collection USA, Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany fra...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 38.25 in W 20.25 in D 22 in
Baker Furniture Style Federal Carved Mahogany Shield Back Side Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back side chairs or dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 38.25 in W 20.25 in D 22 in
Baker Furniture Style Federal Carved Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Four
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seat...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 38.25 in W 20.25 in D 22 in
Baker Furniture Style Federal Carved Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of Eight Stickley Shield Back Upholstered Dining Chairs in Mahogany
Located in Milford, NH
A fine set of eight Federal style shield back dining chairs, two arm chairs and six side chairs, in mahogany with yellow foliate upholstered seats made by L & JG Stickley. The s...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 39 in W 20.52 in D 24 in
Baker Furniture Federal Carved Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Four
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs By Baker Furniture USA, Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Meas...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 38 in W 19.75 in D 20.25 in
Baker Furniture Style Federal Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Four
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstere...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 39 in W 22.5 in D 21.5 in
Baker Furniture Style Federal Carved Mahogany Side Chairs or Dining Chairs, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back side chairs or dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany frames...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 39 in W 22.5 in D 21.5 in
Baker Furniture Style Federal Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Four
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back side chairs or dining chairs In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa Late 20th Century Solid carved mahogany fr...
Upholstery, Mahogany