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-Century Federal American Eagle Giltwood Bracket
Located in Pearland, TX
A superb vintage mid-century Federal American giltwood and gesso eagle wall bracket. This regal eagle has fine details with outstretched wings and a lovely gilt patina. It's the perf...
Gesso, Giltwood
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
$2,100Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Col Ebenezer Crafts Publick House Hotel Advertisement Sign 56"
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique salvaged Col. Ebenezer Crafts' Publick House of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, est. 1771 sign. Wood construction hand painted in white with black and white lettering around ...
Hardwood, Paint
Baker Williamsburg Colonial 8839 Mahogany Federal Inlay Extension Dining Table B
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Baker Williamsburg Colonial (Pattern 8839) Mahogany Federal Style Banded Extension Dining Table (B). Item features a (3) 18" skirted leaves,...
Brass
American Federal Style Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
American Federal Style Mahogany Single Drawer Side Table Measures 18" in width, 18" in depth, 30" in height.
Mahogany
Early 1900s Carved Walnut Durfee Case Elliot Movement 5 Tube Grandfather Clock
By Walter Durfee
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite early 1900s grandfather clock is a fine example of American craftsmanship, featuring a richly carved walnut Durfee case paired with an exceptional Elliot 5-tube chimin...
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Bowfront Bachelor Chest of Drawers
Located in Germantown, MD
A beautifully hand-rubbed refinished Mid-20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Bowfront Bachelor Chest of Drawers. Measures 36.25" in width, 19.5" in depth and stands 32" in height. Bo...
Brass
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.
Giltwood
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Federal Style Parcel Gilt Mahogany Wall Mirror C. 20th
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Federal Style Parcel Gilt Mahogany Wall Mirror C. 20th Measures - 50"h x 29"w x 2"d
Mirror, Mahogany
Early 19th Century Federal Period American Red Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Wiscasset, ME
An early 19th century New England Federal period tall chest in old red paint featuring five graduated dovetailed drawers and retaining original brasses. Molded base with heavy turne...
Wood
Early 19th Century Federal Bold Tiger Maple Drop Leaf Dining Table
Located in Milford, NH
A Federal tiger maple drop leaf dining table with bold wood grain, tapered square legs terminating with brass casters, and dovetailed construction. Very good overall condition, with...
Brass
Kindel Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Extension Dining Table, Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Federal or Hepplewhite style extension dining table By Kindel Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Gorgeous book-matched mahogany, with inlaid satinwood marquetry. Measures: 80...
Mahogany, Satinwood
Antique Federal Period Mahogany Work Table with Pineapple Carved Pillars c. 1840
Located in Westfield, MA
This Antique Federal Period Mahogany Work Table, dating to around 1840, is a striking example of American craftsmanship from the Federal period. The piece is made from richly grained...
Mahogany
Late Federal Style Cherry Side Table, Circa 1st Quater 19th Century
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late Federal Style Cherry Single Drawer work table Side Table, Circa 1st Quater 19th Century Measures 31" in width, 22.75" in depth and 29" in height. Knee clearance is 22".
Cherry
19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Pembroke Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Federal Style Mahogany Pembroke Table . Measures 17.5" in width close, 34" in width open, 24.5" in depth and stands 26" tall.
Mahogany
Potthast Brothers Mid Century American Federal Mahogany Handcrafted Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Potthast Brothers Mid-Century American Federal Mahogany Handcrafted Side Table in good vintage condition. Measures 18" in width, 15" in depth and stands 28.5" in height.
Mahogany
Baker Furniture Federal Cherry Wood Tea Table or Occasional Side Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Regency style carved cherry wood occasional side table or tea table By Baker Furniture, "Milling Road" Collection USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 30.5"W x 3...
Cherry
$12,500 / set
Pair Of American Federal Tables Boston Circa 1810
Located in Hudson, NY
A fine, rare to find matched pair of Boston federal servers / dressing tables with backboard and scrolled sideboards on rectangular tops. The frame has ...
Mahogany, Pine
BAKER Bow Front Banded Top & 4 Drawers Pull Out Desk Bachelor Chest Dresser MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
BAKER Bow Front Banded Top & 4 Drawers Pull Out Desk Bachelor Chest Dresser MINT!
Brass
Federal Tilt-Top Tripod Table, Tiger Maple, New England, Circa 1810
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...
Maple
New England Federal Period Hepplewhite Style Cherry Stand with Drawer
Located in Doylestown, PA
Antique Federal period cherry stand with a single drawer, made in New England, circa 1820. Designed after the style of George Hepplewhite, this elegant stand is crafted of rich cher...
Brass
Kindel Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Sideboard Credenza With Brass Gallery
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Hepplewhite or Federal style sideboard, buffet, or credenza By Kindel Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Mahogany, with satinwood inlay, and original brass hardware and gallery...
Brass
$630Sale Price|30% Off
Kittinger Williamsburg Restoration Federal Mahogany Tilt Top Table Candle Stand
By Kittinger
Located in Dayton, OH
A Federal style mahogany candle stand by Kittinger, circa 1970s. Williamburg Restoration line. Features a rectangular top with serpentine edge over a baluster turned base with cabrio...
Mahogany
$1,600 / set
Set of Burl Wood Oval Nesting Tables by Baker
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of oval Baker nesting stacking side end lamp tables stands.
Burl
1920's Caldwell Federal Style Bronze Sconces with Mirror
Located in New York, NY
1920 Caldwell bronze double light sconces federal style with convex mirror inset
Bronze
Baker Furniture Federal Inlaid Mahogany Tea Table or Occasional Side Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style tea table or occasional side table By Baker Furniture USA, Late 20th Century Mahogany, with beautiful satinwood inlaid marquetry, original ...
Brass
Baker Banded Mahogany One Drawer Drop Leaves Pembroke End Side Lamp Table MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker Banded Mahogany One Drawer Drop Leaves Pembroke End Side Lamp Table MINT! 2x8” leaves with an extended table diameter of 31"
Brass
Antique Four Federal Tiger Maple Slat Back & Cane Seat Dinning Charis
Located in Norton, MA
Early 19th Century Four Antique Federal Tiger Maple Slat Back & Cane Seat Dinning Charis with stylized scroll form rail over slat back, caned seats...
Wood
Pair of Federal Cannonball Iron and Brass Andirons, Circa 1800s
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair Early 19th Century Federal iron and Brass Large Cannon Ball Andirons. Measures 13.5" in width, 21.5" in depth and 21" in height.
Brass, Iron
$1,295Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique American Federal / Georgian style mahogany drop leaf dining table featuring rectangular form with two large drop leaves, gatelegs, and brass castors. Circa early 19th centur...
Mahogany
Large 88" Wide Beveled Glass Gold Leaf Back Paint Decorated Break Front Cabinet
By Kittinger Furniture Company, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large 88" Wide Beveled Glass Gold Leaf Back Paint Decorated Break Front Cabinet MINT!
Brass
American Federal Blanket Chest, c.1820
Located in Savannah, GA
A Federal painted blanket chest, circa 1820. 48 inches wide by 20 ½ inches deep by 26 ½ inches tall
Wood
Charak Lacquered Mahogany Banded Round Dining Table w/ 2 Leaves Inlaid Legs Mint
By Charak Furniture Company, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern solid teak pull out roll top desk drawers chair mint. Two table leaves measuring 18''.
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century American "Federal" Style Convex Mirror.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Late 19th Century American "Federal" Style Convex Mirror. Carved Wood with Gold and an Eagle Perched on Top.
Mirror, Wood
Federal Style Flip-top Mahogany Table
By Big Rapids Furniture Company
Located in San Francisco, CA
Who doesn’t love versatility? Especially in tight spaces. On offer here is an elegant flip-top piece that folds open with a gate-leg mechanism to serve as a full-size table for games or intimate dining. Then, with good manners, it folds back up to be tucked against a wall as a console table. Crafted in Michigan by Big Rapids Furniture...
Mahogany
American Mahogany Oval Banded Top 3x16" Leaves Dining Banquet Table MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American Mahogany Oval Banded Top 3x16" Leaves Dining Banquet Table MINT. 3x16” leaves with an extended table length of 86”
Mahogany
Antique Late Federal Flame Mahogany Chest of Drawers c. Late 1830s
Located in Westfield, MA
This exquisite Late Federal period chest of drawers, dating from the late 1830s, is a stunning example of American craftsmanship. The c...
Mahogany
American Federal Bronze Eagle
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal style (19/20th Cent) bronze figure of eagle on white four tier marble base
Bronze
Pair of American Federal Style Figured Maple Side or End Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of Figured Maple Sheraton Federal Side or End Tables. New England Northshore or New Hampshire form. Wonderfully executed in figured maple. Custom made in the early 20th centu...
Maple
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
Wood
$10,257 / item
Federal Style Mahogany Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mahogany and figured mahogany veneered dresser, the reeded edge top with protruding corners and a central bowfront with leaf carved and reede...
Mahogany
Federal Style Stained Mahogany Two-Drawer Side Table Nightstand, Circa 1940s
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 19th Century Eastlake Style Walnut and Marble Tip Oval Rolling Side Table. Dimensions: 17.5" in width, 14" in depth and 28.25 inches in height.
Brass
American Federal Period Mahogany Secretary Chest with Eagle Inlay, New England
Located in Norwood, NJ
A handsome American Federal period mahogany secretary chest, stylistically attributable to New England, (possibly Boston or Salem, Massachusetts), circa 1800–1820. The piece reflects...
Brass
American Federal Bostonian Game Table , circa 1815
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A fine Boston Federal game table in mahogany with fire gilded bronze doré ormolu mounts in the corners of the apron and original brass paw foot casters. Carving is well articulated and form is reminiscent of Federal Boston cabinet maker Isaac Vose...
Brass, Ormolu
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...
Brass
1807 "A Map of the Country..." by Samuel Lewis, Revolutionary War Map
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is “A Map of the Country from Rariton River in East Jersey to Elk Head in Maryland, Shewing the several Operations of the American and British Armies, in 1776 & 1777.” The...
Paper
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
Brass Candelabra with Four Arms Vintage Signed
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage brass candelabra in continental or traditional style has 4 figurative arms and heavy, stable round base. Each candle holder is fitted...
Brass, Metal, Bronze
Pair Banded Top 4 Drawers 31" High Small Chests End Tables Night Stands MINT
By Councill
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair Banded Top 4 Drawers 31" High Small Chests End Tables Night Stands MINT
Brass
Early 20th Century Federal Mahogany Pedestal Trifid Demilune Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th Century Federal Mahogany Pedestal Trifid Demilune Table with brass paw feet. Measures 25" in width, 13" in depth and stands 22.5" tall.
Brass
$4,675 / item
Burled Partners Desk
Located in Annville, PA
This beautiful burled partners desk by Niagara Furniture is crafted as an antique reproduction. The fine quality veneers in the drawer and door panels displays a rich color similar t...
Leather, Wood
An Exceptional Philadelphia Federal Sofa, Circa 1820–1830
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
An Exceptional Philadelphia Federal Sofa, Circa 1820–1830 — With Magnificent Cornucopia Arms This grand Philadelphia Federal sofa, crafted circa 1820–1830, stands as a striking testa...
Wood
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,...
Brass
$2,275Sale Price|30% Off
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.
Brass
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...
Upholstery, Mahogany
American Federal Gilt Wood Ebonized Eagle Girandole Convex Mirror, Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal gilt wood girandole convex mirror with perched spread wing eagle, connecting chains with hanging gilt balls, oak leaves with acorns, scrolled foliage medallion candle arms, circular brass bobeches, original ebonized reeded mirror with sphere mounted surround, and terminating with a lower foliage pendant...
Brass, Gold Leaf
$880Sale Price|20% Off
Large American Federal Style Eagle Wood Carved Two-Light Sconce
Located in Vero Beach, FL
This wood carved and gold gilded antique sconce features a majestic eagle with spread wings beneath a tied bow. The candle arms are of patinated scrolled brass and very finely detail...
Brass
Neoclassical Federal Pedestal Sideboard in Mahogany, circa 1815
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A very long and elegant American Federal, pedestal sideboard in mahogany with mahogany inlaid bandings along the borders. Inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and...
Mahogany
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...
Thread, Linen
Council Flame Mahogany Two Drawers Console Table Server MINT
By Councill
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Council Flame Mahogany Two Drawers Console Table Server MINT
Brass