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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
Federal Style Mahogany Bedside Chest
Federal Style Mahogany Bedside Chest

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

Antique American Mid Atlantic States Federal Style Sideboard
Antique American Mid Atlantic States Federal Style Sideboard

Antique American Mid Atlantic States Federal Style Sideboard

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Beautiful American Federal style sideboard with a shaped bow front and darker banding. The top edge has string inlay framed moldings, The figured wood frieze drawer with fine brass b...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

American Federal Center Pedestal Games Table, circa 1815
American Federal Center Pedestal Games Table, circa 1815

American Federal Center Pedestal Games Table, circa 1815

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

An exceptionally handsome and very well crafted classical Philadelphia Federal games table in premium mahogany with turned and finely carved pedes...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair Mid-20th Century Federal Style Canon Ball Brass Fireplace Low Andirons
Pair Mid-20th Century Federal Style Canon Ball Brass Fireplace Low Andirons

Pair Mid-20th Century Federal Style Canon Ball Brass Fireplace Low Andirons

Located in Germantown, MD

A pair of Mid-20th Century Federal Style Canon Ball Brass Fireplace Andirons Please inquire about the Matching Fireplace Fender and fire place tools set available in our inventory in...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Petite Cut Glass Crystal Decanters, C1930
Pair of Petite Cut Glass Crystal Decanters, C1930

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

Federal Style Parcel Gilt Decorated Mahogany Frame Mirror
Federal Style Parcel Gilt Decorated Mahogany Frame Mirror

Federal Style Parcel Gilt Decorated Mahogany Frame Mirror

Located in Germantown, MD

A Federal Style Parcel Gilt Decorated Mahogany Frame Mirror in great vintage condition. Measures 21" in width and 44" in height

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood

Vintage Regency Federal Gilt Eagle Mirror
Vintage Regency Federal Gilt Eagle Mirror

Vintage Regency Federal Gilt Eagle Mirror

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Make a commanding statement of historical elegance with this stunning vintage Regency Federal style gilt mirror, proudly dated "NOV 11 1958" on its reverse. Dominated by a proudly perched eagle, a quintessential symbol of strength and heritage, this piece features a circular frame adorned with classic ball detailing and ornate, flowing acanthus leaf carvings. The rich gilt finish exudes an old-world opulence, transforming this mirror from a mere reflective surface into a captivating work of mid-century artistry. It's an exceptional choice for gracing an entryway, becoming a focal point above a mantel in a distinguished living room, or adding a touch of gravitas to a traditional or Hollywood Regency inspired office. In great vintage condition, this authentic 1958 mirror...

Category

1950s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Antique American Federal Hepplewhite Mahogany Slant Drop Front Secretary Desk
Antique American Federal Hepplewhite Mahogany Slant Drop Front Secretary Desk

Antique American Federal Hepplewhite Mahogany Slant Drop Front Secretary Desk

Located in Dayton, OH

This antique American Federal period Hepplewhite slant-front desk is meticulously crafted from warm, richly grained mahogany dating back to the early 19th century (circa 1800–1820). ...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Mahogany Wood Federal Style Credenza / Sideboard
Antique Mahogany Wood Federal Style Credenza / Sideboard

Antique Mahogany Wood Federal Style Credenza / Sideboard

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Elevate your dining space with this exquisite Early 19th Century Mahogany Wood Federal Style Sideboard/Credenza with a charming backsplash over a shaped top. Crafted in the distingui...

Category

1820s Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Federal Stained Cherry Candlestand
19th Century Federal Stained Cherry Candlestand

19th Century Federal Stained Cherry Candlestand

Located in Southampton, NY

19th Century Federal Stained Cherry Candlestand The warm, reddish-brown finish on the wood suggests it may be cherry, common choices during that period. The table features a simple,...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

New England Painted Federal Side Table
New England Painted Federal Side Table

New England Painted Federal Side Table

Located in Essex, MA

Rectangular top with decorative back panel. Faux bois top over a drawer with brass knobs and turned bamboo tapered legs.

Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Pine

Hudson Valley 18th or 19th Century Wall Cabinet Original Paint Surface
Hudson Valley 18th or 19th Century Wall Cabinet Original Paint Surface

Hudson Valley 18th or 19th Century Wall Cabinet Original Paint Surface

Located in Hudson, NY

This is a little gem of a piece. Created Created in the in the Hudson valley, USA, circa 1790-1805. The beautiful raised panel doors We're completely hand carved Period The Chisel ma...

Category

Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Etched Brass Federal Andirons
Etched Brass Federal Andirons

Etched Brass Federal Andirons

Located in Greenwich, CT

A pair of federal andirons in polished brass with decorative urn and leaf etching to front faces, having turned finials and spurred knees to legs with well-formed ball and eagle talo...

Category

1880s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Extraordinary Pair of Fine Period Federal Inlaid Mahogany Console Tables
Extraordinary Pair of Fine Period Federal Inlaid Mahogany Console Tables

Extraordinary Pair of Fine Period Federal Inlaid Mahogany Console Tables

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A very rare and extraordinary Pair of Antique Inlaid Consoles from New England and saiid to be from the Boston area. Exquisite construction with D shaped tops and fine string inlays on the apron panels and Curly Maple inlaid panels in the center and diamond shapes on the tops of the legs. Raised on square tapering legs with string inlays. Provenance: The Table Pair were previously owned by the American Actress Dina Merrill...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Maple

American Federal Mahogany “Martha Washington” Lolling Armchair ca. 1800
American Federal Mahogany “Martha Washington” Lolling Armchair ca. 1800

American Federal Mahogany “Martha Washington” Lolling Armchair ca. 1800

Located in Shippensburg, PA

AMERICAN FEDERAL INLAID-MAHOGANY LOLLING "MARTHA WASHINGTON" ARMCHAIR Massachusetts, ca. 1780-1800 purchased from Bernard and S. Dean Levy, Inc. of New York in 1966 Item # 401JNI25P...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

American Federal Southern Walnut Hinged Two Drawer Inlaid Sugar Chest, VA C 1820
American Federal Southern Walnut Hinged Two Drawer Inlaid Sugar Chest, VA C 1820

American Federal Southern Walnut Hinged Two Drawer Inlaid Sugar Chest, VA C 1820

Located in Charleston, SC

American Federal Southern walnut hinged top sugar chest with oval string inlays, two flanking drawers with brass pulls, central diamond escutcheons, and resting on the original turne...

Category

1820s American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany Striped Upholstered Chairs, a Pair
Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany Striped Upholstered Chairs, a Pair

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

Set of 10 American Silver Bicentennial Plates of Historical Moments
Set of 10 American Silver Bicentennial Plates of Historical Moments

Set of 10 American Silver Bicentennial Plates of Historical Moments

Located in Queens, NY

SET of 10 American Mid-Century pewter Bicentennial plates of historical moments each having a different scene in relief (PRICED AS SET

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Pewter

Antique American Federal Gold Giltwood Overmantle 66" Triple Mirror
Antique American Federal Gold Giltwood Overmantle 66" Triple Mirror

Antique American Federal Gold Giltwood Overmantle 66" Triple Mirror

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique American Federal Gold Giltwood Overmantle 66" Triple Mirror. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: 25" H x 66.5" W x 4.75" D.

Category

19th Century Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

1960 Baker Furniture Mahogany Federal Style Chest On Stand Ornate Brass Hardware
1960 Baker Furniture Mahogany Federal Style Chest On Stand Ornate Brass Hardware

1960 Baker Furniture Mahogany Federal Style Chest On Stand Ornate Brass Hardware

1960s charming Chest on Stand manufactured by Baker Furniture Company, one of America's most respected traditional Furniture Makers. Stunning crafted in figured flame mahogany with 4...

Category

Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

American Federal Relief Carved Mahogany Card Table, New York, circa 1810
American Federal Relief Carved Mahogany Card Table, New York, circa 1810

American Federal Relief Carved Mahogany Card Table, New York, circa 1810

Located in Stockton, NJ

American Federal relief carved mahogany card table. The double-elliptical crotch mahogany book-matched veneered hinged top above a central pedestal with foliate and swag carved detail terminating on four fluted cabriole legs and brass lion paw cups on casters. This card table is illustrated in "Four Centuries of American Furniture" Oscar P. Fitzgerald, pp.93 " The richly grained mahogany top takes a double-elliptic shape. The top rotates to rest on the skirt, which encloses a storage space for game equipment...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Federal Style Mahogany and Leather Flip Top Demilune/Game Table by Weimann
Federal Style Mahogany and Leather Flip Top Demilune/Game Table by Weimann

Federal Style Mahogany and Leather Flip Top Demilune/Game Table by Weimann

By Weiman

Located in Chicago, IL

Federal Style Mahogany and Leather Flip Top Demilune/Game Table by Weimann Elegant Federal style flip-top demilune game table by Weimann featuring a beautifully grained mahogany ext...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Wood

Very fine early 19th center Portsmouth, NH federal inlaid sideboard
Very fine early 19th center Portsmouth, NH federal inlaid sideboard

Very fine early 19th center Portsmouth, NH federal inlaid sideboard

Located in Richmond, VA

Very fine early 19th century Portsmouth, NH federal inlaid sideboard. Impressive inlays , fine quality crotch veneers, inlaid turrets with sand shading, beautifully turned legs. Pr...

Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

19c Shield Back Inlaid Mahogany Chairs (Pair)
19c Shield Back Inlaid Mahogany Chairs (Pair)

19c Shield Back Inlaid Mahogany 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...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

19th Century Federal Eglomise Wall or Table Mirror
19th Century Federal Eglomise Wall or Table Mirror

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

Antique American Federal Cherry Stand
Antique American Federal Cherry Stand

Antique American Federal Cherry Stand

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A classic American Federal stand here in cherry. With an overhanging square plank constructed top over a single frieze drawer with a small metal knob pull. Raised on square tapering ...

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Brunschwig and Fils Boscobel Restoration Medford Inn 1804 Hand-Printed Wallpaper
Brunschwig and Fils Boscobel Restoration Medford Inn 1804 Hand-Printed Wallpaper

Brunschwig and Fils Boscobel Restoration Medford Inn 1804 Hand-Printed Wallpaper

By Brunschwig & Fils

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

Pair of American Federal Male and Female Portraits
Pair of American Federal Male and Female Portraits

Pair of American Federal Male and Female Portraits

Located in Queens, NY

PAIR of American 19th Century gilt framed oil painting portraits of lady holding book and man with white rolled up paper

Category

19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Paint

Vintage French Empire Federal Style Small Brass Bouillotte Tole Desk Table Lamp
Vintage French Empire Federal Style Small Brass Bouillotte Tole Desk Table Lamp

Vintage French Empire Federal Style Small Brass Bouillotte Tole Desk Table Lamp

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage French Empire Federal Style Small Brass Bouillotte Tole Metal Table Lamp with Shade and Eagle Finial. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 20" H (to finial) x 12.5" H (to li...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Federal Corner Cupboard in Early Yellow Paint with Glazed Doors & Barrel Back
Federal Corner Cupboard in Early Yellow Paint with Glazed Doors & Barrel Back

Federal Corner Cupboard in Early Yellow Paint with Glazed Doors & Barrel Back

Located in Milford, NH

A fine example of a one piece Federal period New England corner cupboard with a barrel back , a molded cornice with dentil molding surmounting two upper case glazed glass multi-panel...

Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Glass, Pine

American Federal style Mahogany and Gold Wall Mirror
American Federal style Mahogany and Gold Wall Mirror

American Federal style Mahogany and Gold Wall Mirror

Located in Queens, NY

American Federal style mahogany and gold trim wall mirror having an arched top and a gold urn finial placed in the center of the arch

Category

20th Century American Federal Furniture

Materials

Gold

American Regency-Style Perched Eagle Acanthus Giltwood Wall Mirror
American Regency-Style Perched Eagle Acanthus Giltwood Wall Mirror

American Regency-Style Perched Eagle Acanthus Giltwood Wall Mirror

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Substantial Federal-Style mirror featuring inset glass (not convex) within a deep, gilt resin frame adorned by an eagle perched on laurel at the top and acanthus detail below (ca. Mi...

Category

1960s American Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

Monumental Traditional Brass Curved Glass 12 Light Foyer Cylindrical Chandelier
Monumental Traditional Brass Curved Glass 12 Light Foyer Cylindrical Chandelier

Monumental Traditional Brass Curved Glass 12 Light Foyer Cylindrical Chandelier

By Frederick Cooper

Located in Jensen Beach, FL

A monumental mansion size solid brass and curved glass cylindrical foyer chandelier. This light fixture is extremely large with a striking presence. The photographs truly do not do it justice. It features 12 candelabra sockets with black accents around the top and bottom rim and gold metal decorative filigree decorations. . The fixture comes with a heavy duty chain and ceiling cap. The glass curves around the perimeter and adds a touch of elegance. (Chain and wire measure 37 inches long) What an elegant traditional chandelier...

Category

1980s Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

R&W Wilson Coin Silver Soup Ladle
R&W Wilson Coin Silver Soup Ladle

R&W Wilson Coin Silver Soup Ladle

By Robert Wilson, William Wilson

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Coin silver soup ladle by R&W Wilson, Philadelphia. Period monogram "J"; fiddleback. Robert & William Wilson, 1825-1846. 2.95 troy oz. 10 5/16" x 3" w. We are a family business that...

Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Silver

Kindel Dining Chairs Shield Back Model 76-082
Kindel Dining Chairs Shield Back Model 76-082

Kindel Dining Chairs Shield Back Model 76-082

$3,196Sale Price / set|20% Off

Kindel Dining Chairs Shield Back Model 76-082

By Kindel Furniture

Located in Lake Worth, FL

For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Set of 6 Kindel Hepplewhite...

Category

1980s Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique John Burger New York Federal Classical Silver Teapot
Antique John Burger New York Federal Classical Silver Teapot

Antique John Burger New York Federal Classical Silver Teapot

Located in New York, NY

Federal Classical coin silver teapot. Made by John Burger in New York, ca 1790. Straight and oval with long diagonal spout; silver-mounted high-looping and leaf-capped stained-wood h...

Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Silver

Elegant Comfortable Antique Club Chair with New Boucle Upholstery
Elegant Comfortable Antique Club Chair with New Boucle Upholstery

Elegant Comfortable Antique Club Chair with New Boucle Upholstery

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Elegant and especially luxurious antique club chair having glossy mahogany frame with inlay satinwood and handsome turned legs. New boucle upholstery is top drawer with marshmellow ...

Category

1940s English Vintage Federal Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Mahogany, Satinwood

Upholstered Window Seat Bench
Upholstered Window Seat Bench

Upholstered Window Seat Bench

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A delightful small bench with wonderful transitional, Federal, and Louis XVI charm. The bench is upholstered in woven fabric with gently rolled arms, piped trims, and a brass tacked ...

Category

20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture

Materials

Brass

Painted Chinoiserie Two Doors Server Cabinet by Drexel
Painted Chinoiserie Two Doors Server Cabinet by Drexel

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

Vintage Hand Painted Hitchcock Rush Seat Chairs - Set of 2
Vintage Hand Painted Hitchcock Rush Seat Chairs - Set of 2

Vintage Hand Painted Hitchcock Rush Seat Chairs - Set of 2

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This exquisite pair of antique Hitchcock-style side chairs is a masterwork of 19th-century American craftsmanship. Featuring the iconic Federal silhouette, each chair is finished in ...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

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.