Skip to main content

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.

to
66
825
817
18
4
201,945
119,503
45,413
34,958
17,073
12,522
11,575
10,942
10,139
9,099
7,521
7,002
6,872
6,752
6,713
6,069
4,839
3,816
51
335
431
22
81
122
82
4
6
5
4
9
7
10
9
20
1
653
406
291
233
119
667
657
34
25
14
839
833
833
36
11
6
5
5
Style: Federal
19th Century American Hand Carved Gilded Pediment Eagle
19th Century American Hand Carved Gilded Pediment Eagle

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

American Federal Gilt Wood Convex Mirror with Perched Eagle to Flee, Circa 1820
American Federal Gilt Wood Convex Mirror with Perched Eagle to Flee, Circa 1820

American Federal Gilt Wood Convex Mirror with Perched Eagle to Flee, Circa 1820

Located in Charleston, SC

American Federal gilt carved wood and gesso convex mirror with perched eagle to flee, flanking acanthus scrolled foliage, interior circular spheres, ebonized reeded ring, and termina...

Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Gesso, Mirror, Wood, Giltwood, Ebony

Elmer O. Stennes, Weymouth MA Mahogany Grandmother Clock
Elmer O. Stennes, Weymouth MA Mahogany Grandmother Clock

Elmer O. Stennes, Weymouth MA Mahogany Grandmother Clock

By Elmer O. Stennes

Located in Milford, NH

A 20th century grandmother tall clock made by Elmer Stennes (1911-1975) of Weymouth Massachusetts. The mahogany case features an arched bonnet with delicate carved fretwork, and thre...

Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Federal Style Carved & Gilt Eagle Wall Brackets
Pair of Federal Style Carved & Gilt Eagle Wall Brackets

Pair of Federal Style Carved & Gilt Eagle Wall Brackets

Located in Milford, NH

A finely carved and gilt pair of eagle wall brackets with shaped base and spherule decoration. The pair of eagles are facing each other and date to the 19th century with brackets add...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Federal Butlers Desk
Federal Butlers Desk

Federal Butlers Desk

Located in East Aurora, NY

Very attractive Mahogany southern Federal Butlers Desk probably mid Atlantic states around 1820-30. Large bottle drawers on either side of a nicely fi...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

John Widdicomb Federal Green Lacquered Console or Entry Table, Newly Refinished
John Widdicomb Federal Green Lacquered Console or Entry Table, Newly Refinished

John Widdicomb Federal Green Lacquered Console or Entry Table, Newly Refinished

By John Widdicomb

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique Federal, Regency, or Hepplewhite style writing desk, entry table, sofa table, or console table By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1920s Green lacquered mahogany, with...

Category

1920s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century American 42 Star Flag, circa 1889
19th Century American 42 Star Flag, circa 1889

19th Century American 42 Star Flag, circa 1889

Located in Nantucket, MA

19th Century American 42 Star Flag, circa 1889, printed on linen period flag in the "Dancing Star" pattern. This was never an official U.S. flag sanctioned b y congress, but was made...

Category

1880s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Linen

18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / Cupboard
18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / Cupboard

18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / Cupboard

Located in Germantown, MD

A late 18th Century Federal Oak Corner Cabinet / cupboard. Measures 26.75" in width, 14.75" in depth, 36.75" in height. Side is 17.5" in depth.  

Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Oak

Vintage Cast-Iron Eagle Sculpture, Early 20th Century
Vintage Cast-Iron Eagle Sculpture, Early 20th Century

Vintage Cast-Iron Eagle Sculpture, Early 20th Century

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

This is a cast-iron figural eagle doorstop, circa early 20th century. The eagle is depicted with wings spread wide, perched and mounted to a square marble base. The eagle retains traces of its original gilt surface and is embossed with “F.O.E.” at its midsection, possibly referring to the Fraternal Order of Eagles.   The eagle is both the national bird and the national animal of the United States. The eagle motif has been widely used throughout American history, most notably as part of our Great Seal. The founders of the United States were fond of comparing their new republic with the Roman Republic, in which eagle imagery, usually the golden eagle, was prominent. On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the design for the Great Seal of the United States...

Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Marble, Iron

Antique Corner Cupboard Circa 1790 In Old Blue Paint American
Antique Corner Cupboard Circa 1790 In Old Blue Paint American

Antique Corner Cupboard Circa 1790 In Old Blue Paint American

Located in Hudson, NY

Very handsome late 18th early 19th century American Corner cupboard, found in a barn near West Stockbridge Massachusetts. It has an older but not original blue green painted surface ...

Category

1790s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Blown Glass, Pine

19th Century Federal Bow Front Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table
19th Century Federal Bow Front Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table

19th Century Federal Bow Front Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table

Located in Germantown, MD

A 19th Century Federal Bow Front Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table. Measures 30" in width, 19.5" in depth and 29" in height. Knee height 24.5"

Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Carved and Painted Wooden Eagle with Shield in the style of John Haley Bellamy
Carved and Painted Wooden Eagle with Shield in the style of John Haley Bellamy

Carved and Painted Wooden Eagle with Shield in the style of John Haley Bellamy

Located in Savannah, GA

In all original untouched condition including weathered paint, this wonderful Folk Art wall plaque speaks for itself. Substantial size. It looks to be made to be mounted on a ledge, ...

Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Rare Monumental Architectural 18th Century Painted Corner Cabinet Secretary
Rare Monumental Architectural 18th Century Painted Corner Cabinet Secretary

Rare Monumental Architectural 18th Century Painted Corner Cabinet Secretary

Located in Houston, TX

A monumental mid-18th century corner cabinet of architectural scale and sophistication, likely New England in origin, with rare integrated secretary interior. Beautifully weathered ...

Category

Mid-18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Fine 19th Century American Federal Period Mahogany Sofa
Fine 19th Century American Federal Period Mahogany Sofa

Fine 19th Century American Federal Period Mahogany Sofa

Located in Richmond, VA

Fine 19th century American federal period mahogany sofa on 6 turned and carved legs. Beautifully done, the arms and back rails are reeded and there are little rosettes carved where t...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Late 18th Century Dutch Marquetry Mahogany and Upholstered Armchair Desk Chair
Late 18th Century Dutch Marquetry Mahogany and Upholstered Armchair Desk Chair

Late 18th Century Dutch Marquetry Mahogany and Upholstered Armchair Desk Chair

Located in Germantown, MD

Late 18th Century Dutch Marquetry Mahogany and Upholstered Armchair Desk Chair Measures 25.5" in width, 23" in depth and 44.5" in height. Seat height is 20" and arm height is 27.5". ...

Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Ebonized Captain's Chair with Federal Style Eagle and Stars
American Ebonized Captain's Chair with Federal Style Eagle and Stars

American Ebonized Captain's Chair with Federal Style Eagle and Stars

Located in Austin, TX

A fine American captain's chair featuring the traditional Federal-style stenciled details on a Windsor chair style frame - a low-back armchair with a curved, horseshoe-shaped crest r...

Category

Early 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Leather Bound Ledger Magazine Holder Italian, 1950s
Leather Bound Ledger Magazine Holder Italian, 1950s

Leather Bound Ledger Magazine Holder Italian, 1950s

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Large footed leather bound "Ledger" magazine holder. Holds a dozen or so of your favorite design magazines while looking fabulous as a decor object. Plywood construction wrapped in p...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Furniture

Materials

Plywood

19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Poster Three Quater Size Bedframe
19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Poster Three Quater Size Bedframe

19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Poster Three Quater Size Bedframe

Located in Germantown, MD

A 19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Poster Three Quater Size Bedframe Measures 55" in width , 80.5" in Height to the top of the posters, Headboard is 50" in height, footboard is 1...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror

American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror

Located in Elkhart, IN

A Federal-style giltwood convex mirror crowned with a carved eagle, its wings outstretched above a laurel motif—an enduring symbol drawn from early American design. The circular fra...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Italian Hand-Made American Federal Style Eagle Mirror Style Friedman  Brothers
Italian Hand-Made American Federal Style Eagle Mirror Style Friedman  Brothers

Italian Hand-Made American Federal Style Eagle Mirror Style Friedman Brothers

By Friedman Brothers

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This Italian hand-made American Federal Style eagle mirror, in the manner of Friedman Brothers, is a striking example of neoclassical elegance and timeless craftsmanship. Topped with...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Gesso, Mahogany

Antique Federal Oval Dining Table
Antique Federal Oval Dining Table

Antique Federal Oval Dining Table

Located in North Palm Beach, FL

An exquisite antique mahogany Federal oval dining table. Federal-style—also known as Adam-style in Britain and Louis XVI style in France—flourished in the newly formed United States ...

Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Kittinger Brandy Board
Kittinger Brandy Board

Kittinger Brandy Board

By Kittinger Furniture Company

Located in Hanover, MA

Federal style mahogany console with a demilune top above a drawer and lower shelf.

Category

1960s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Large Jerry St. Clair Gilt & Polychromed Carved Eagle, Rockport ME
Large Jerry St. Clair Gilt & Polychromed Carved Eagle, Rockport ME

Large Jerry St. Clair Gilt & Polychromed Carved Eagle, Rockport ME

Located in Milford, NH

A large colorful example of a carved gilt and polychromed carved wooden eagle clutching a shield with arrows signed and dated 1989 on verso by Jerry St. Clair, Rockport, ME. Very goo...

Category

1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Federal Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Small Drop Leaf Table
Federal Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Small Drop Leaf Table

Federal Early 19th Century American Tiger Maple Small Drop Leaf Table

Located in Hudson, NY

Made in Vermont circa 1820 this fine old country drop leaf table retains if not its original surface a very old one. Constructed by a craftsmen using pegs and hand plained local tige...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Maple

The Pennsylvania Journal and The Weekly Advertiser, Issued June 16, 1787
The Pennsylvania Journal and The Weekly Advertiser, Issued June 16, 1787

The Pennsylvania Journal and The Weekly Advertiser, Issued June 16, 1787

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Presented is an June 16, 1787 issue of Philadelphia's "The Pennsylvania Journal, and The Weekly Advertiser," containing coverage of the Constitutional Convention. The magazine period...

Category

1780s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Paper

Huge Partners Desk
Huge Partners Desk

Huge Partners Desk

$5,995 / item

Huge Partners Desk

Located in Annville, PA

This is the Huge Partners Desk in the Niagara Furniture collection. This desk behemoth matches a number of other pieces which we produce. The fantastic solid mahogany top frame is in...

Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Banded Mahogany Partners Desk
Banded Mahogany Partners Desk

Banded Mahogany Partners Desk

Located in Annville, PA

This beautiful Banded Mahogany Partners Desk is crafted as an antique reproduction. The figural mahogany in the drawer and door panels displays a rich color and a fine grain that are...

Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

1800s American Federal Mahogany Butler's Secretary Desk
1800s American Federal Mahogany Butler's Secretary Desk

1800s American Federal Mahogany Butler's Secretary Desk

Located in Germantown, MD

An early 19th Century Federal Mahogany Butler's Secretary Desk recently refinished. Measure 45.75" in width, 21" in depth and 44" in height.

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Travis Court Collection Drexel Cabinet
Travis Court Collection Drexel Cabinet

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

Antique Tall Chest Of Drawers
Antique Tall Chest Of Drawers

Antique Tall Chest Of Drawers

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A handsome Antique Chest with fine traditional form and good color. Antique tall chest of drawers with three over two over four graduated drawers. T...

Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique 19th Century American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Antique 19th Century American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror

Antique 19th Century American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror

Located in Elkhart, IN

An antique Federal or Regency style giltwood convex mirror crowned with a carved eagle, its wings outstretched above a laurel motif—an enduring symbol drawn from early American desig...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Corinithian Column Plaster Architectural Study Objet D’art
Corinithian Column Plaster Architectural Study Objet D’art

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

Antique Mahogany Demilune Flip Top Console Game Table with Hidden Drawe
Antique Mahogany Demilune Flip Top Console Game Table with Hidden Drawe

Antique Mahogany Demilune Flip Top Console Game Table with Hidden Drawe

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Mahogany Demilune Flip Top Console Game Table with Rear Drawer. Item features a hidden pull out rear drawer with hand dovetail, flip top, nicely carved details, beautiful woo...

Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair Federal Mahogany Upholstered Armchairs Attrib. to Ephraim Haines, C. 1805s
Pair Federal Mahogany Upholstered Armchairs Attrib. to Ephraim Haines, C. 1805s

Pair Federal Mahogany Upholstered Armchairs Attrib. to Ephraim Haines, C. 1805s

By Ephraim Haines and Henry Connelly

Located in Germantown, MD

A Fine and Rare Pair of Federal Carved Mahogany Armchairs. Finely carved, stained and Upholstered. Newer upholstery. Attributed to Ephraim Haines (1775-1837) and Henry Connelly (1770...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Upholstery, Mahogany

Federal Style Marble Coffee Table
Federal Style Marble Coffee Table

Federal Style Marble Coffee Table

$796Sale Price|20% Off

Federal Style Marble Coffee Table

By Heritage-Henredon

Located in Pasadena, TX

Federal Style marble coffee table. Oval table in mahogany with white marble top. Carved Federal style legs. Dimensions: 34" x 22" x 18".

Category

Mid-20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Marble

Antique American 4 Poster Acanthus Carved Southern Bed in Mahogany, c. 1820
Antique American 4 Poster Acanthus Carved Southern Bed in Mahogany, c. 1820

Antique American 4 Poster Acanthus Carved Southern Bed in Mahogany, c. 1820

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

Period Antique Federal American 4 poster bed in West Indies mahogany, c. 1820. A fine example of a Southern bed featuring carved tobacco and acanthus leaves in a fine tight grained C...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Small Federal Mahogany Sideboard
Small Federal Mahogany Sideboard

Small Federal Mahogany Sideboard

Located in Annville, PA

An ideal sideboard for use in smaller spaces in the dining room this version of the Small Federal Mahogany Sideboard is also designed to wor...

Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany Partners Desk
Mahogany Partners Desk

Mahogany Partners Desk

Located in Annville, PA

A fine quality Mahogany Partners Desk from Niagara Furniture with raised door panels and a rich brown color finish similar to that found in English antiques. The three-paneled writin...

Category

2010s Federal Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Federal Drop-Leaf Table in Mahogany, circa 1825
Federal Drop-Leaf Table in Mahogany, circa 1825

Federal Drop-Leaf Table in Mahogany, circa 1825

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

A federal table in mahogany with drop-leaves, on turned legs with large leaf carvings and ending in casters. Offers one drawer with original wooden pull. Note: You should always req...

Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

NYC Federal Full Tester Bed Attributable to Lannuier w Four Floral-Carved Posts
NYC Federal Full Tester Bed Attributable to Lannuier w Four Floral-Carved Posts

NYC Federal Full Tester Bed Attributable to Lannuier w Four Floral-Carved Posts

By Charles-Honoré Lannuier

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

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

Pair of Early 20th Century Oval Painted Wooden Mullioned Windows
Pair of Early 20th Century Oval Painted Wooden Mullioned Windows

Pair of Early 20th Century Oval Painted Wooden Mullioned Windows

Located in Milford, NH

A fine pair of architectural wooden mullioned oval windows in mustard yellow paint on one side, white on the other, glazed with a wagon wheel or spoke design dating to the early 20th...

Category

Early 20th Century Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

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.