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.
19th Century Federal Style Console Tables, Mahogany, Opposing Eagles, Marble
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of 19th Century Federal Eagle Carved Console Tables, Marble Tops, Carved Solid Wood These tables, with their elaborate boule inlays, sculptural eagles, and opulent materials, w...
Marble
19th Century Federal Bowfront Mahogany Bedside Chest Nightstand
Located in Germantown, MD
19th century Federal Bowfront Mahogany bedside chest nighstand. Good antique Condition. Dovetail drawers functioning perfectly. Original Hardware. Mea...
Brass
American Federal Mahogany Marble Top Satinwood & Ebony Inlaid Console, C. 1790
By Thomas Seymour
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany marble top console table with a molded edge top, carved floral corner medallions, ebony and satinwood banding, and resting on ebony inlaid tapered legs with the original brass barrel cupped casters. Console table retains the original marble top, Late 18th century. Attributed to Thomas Seymour...
Marble
Federal Cherry Wood Serpentine Front Sideboard Buffet by Morganton, Circa 1950s
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Federal or Hepplewhite style serpentine front sideboard, buffet, bar cabinet, or credenza By Morganton Furniture USA, Circa 1950s Gorgeous cherry wood, with origina...
Brass
American Federal Framed Print of Two Soldiers and Tent in The Back
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century black framed print of two 18th Century soldiers, one in a red military uniform holding a rifle, the other soldier wearing a tan uniform holding a drum \"2nd Cana...
Other
American Framed Print of Two Soldiers Talking
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century black framed print of a two 18th Century soldiers talking, one in a red jacket uniform and the other in a tan uniform in front of a gate of wooden spiked barrica...
Other
Thomas Seymour (Attrib) Mahogany Drop Leaf Breakfast Table from Badlam Family
By Thomas Seymour
Located in Milford, NH
A finely made one drawer drop leaf breakfast table with great original color and surface attributed to Thomas Seymour of Boston with rounded corner top, turned pedestal and outswept ...
Brass
$4,900Sale Price|30% Off
Kindel Winterthur Collection Mahogany Goddard Townsend Secretary Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
Kindel Winterthur Collection Mahogany Goddard Townsend Blockfront Secretary Writing Desk. Made from mahogany with a high sheen finish. This exception ...
Mahogany
Federal Style Carved Giltwood Wall / Console / Pier Mirror, Over Mantle , 1900s
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique Federal Style Carved Giltwood Wall / console / Pier mirror, 1900s A finely carved versatile mirror that can be used on the floor or over the mantle, console or hanging on ...
Mirror, Giltwood
Pair Marble Topped Side Tables With Mahogany Veneer Satinwood Inlay, Weiman USA
By Weiman
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Federal style mahogany veneered side tables with beautiful salmon colored shaped marble tops. The single drawer bowed front with banded satinwood inlay, the tapered legs and ...
Marble, Brass
Gilded Gold Wood Floor Mirror by John Richard
By John Richard
Located in Toledo, OH
Gilded floor mirror by John Richard. Mirror features a serpentine arched top with a paneled boarder throughout. Each section has a distressed mirror with a thin beveled edge. Carved ...
Wood
19th Century American Empire Mahogany and Gilt Ogee Wall Mirror.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th Century American Empire Mahogany and Gilt Ogee Wall Mirror. American Empire Period mahogany wood and gilt ogee wall mirror. The early 19th century mirror is in untouched condi...
Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood
Large American Wire Fireplace Screen
Located in Essex, MA
Hard to find size removed from an early American house with walk in fireplace north of Boston. Curved back to cover fireplace .
Iron
Currey And Company Creslow Decorative Blanket Chest Cabinet
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Currey And Company Creslow Decorative Blanket Chest Cabinet Dimensions : 33h x 18d x 48w This chest was made by Currey And Company and is called their Creslow Decorative cabinet....
Mahogany
$675 / set
Pair Of Federal Style Brass Andirons
Located in Essex, MA
Ball top with cylindrical support. Curved legs and ball feet. Fire dogs with brass ball finials. Newly polished.
Brass, Iron
Baker Furniture Style Federal Inlaid Mahogany Sideboard Credenza
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style serpentine front sideboard buffet or credenza In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Mid-20th Century Gorgeous mahogany, with satinwood inla...
Brass
Kittinger Federal Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard Credenza or Buffet
By Kittinger
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style bow front sideboard, credenza, or buffet server By Kittinger, “Williamsburg Adaptation” Collection USA, Circa 1980s Carved mahogany, with o...
Brass
Elmer O. Stennes Weymouth MA Eglomise Girandole Banjo Clock
Located in Milford, NH
A beautiful example of a hand made girandole banjo clock by well known Weymouth, Massachusetts clockmaker Elmer O. Stennes (1911-1975), with a signed circular face with brass ball surround, surmounted by a gilt carved eagle...
Brass
Antique Victorian Federal Style Brass, Wood & Wrought Iron Coat Rack with Eagle
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Victorian Federal Style Brass, Wood, and Wrought Iron Coat Rack with Eagle Finial This striking Antique Victorian Federal Style coat rack features a solid wood top fitted wi...
Brass
Pair of Federal Eagle Carved Gilt Wall Sconces, Two Lights, 19th Century
Located in Stamford, CT
A fine pair of two-light wall sconce. Each ribbon form in the Federal taste having gilt tassels and bow design with ebonized hi lights. Both depicting a winged eagle in flight. Hard...
Wood
Pair of Late 20th Century Bernhardt Maple and Cherry Upholstered Armchairs
By Bernhardt
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Late 20th Century Bernhardt Maple, Cherry and Upholstered Armchairs Measures 21" in width, 24" in depth and 32" in height. Seat height 18. Arm height 25.5". Seat Interior...
Upholstery, Cherry, Maple
Fine and Rare Early 19th Century Kentucky Cherry Huntboard
Located in Richmond, VA
Fine and rare Federal period Kentucky cherry huntboard. Three crossbanded drawers sitting over 6 rope twisted legs and turned feet. Fine example of the period. Purchased estate fresh...
Cherry
19th Century Federal Style Gilded Mahogany Wall Mirror With Phoenix Crest
Located in Los Angeles, CA
True antique Federal style gilded wall mirror, circa 19th century. A carved Phoenix crest surmounts the mahogany frame. The original glazed mirror is flanked by foliate garlands and ...
Mirror, Mahogany
Pennsylvania Cherry Tall Case Clock, Jedediah Weiss, Bethlehem
Located in Milford, NH
An exceptional Federal cherry tall case clock with a brass eight day works signed Jedediah Weiss Bethlehem, with beautiful inlay including a contrasting fan carving above the waist d...
Metal, Brass
A Federal Eglomise Mirror, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
A Federal parcel-gilt eglomise two plate mirror depicting theater actress, 19th century. 11 ¾ inches wide by 24 ¼ inches tall; mirror plate 8 ½ by 13 ¾ inches
Mirror, Wood
American Federal Flame Birch Breakfront Bookcase
Located in Essex, MA
American Federal Style Birch and Birch Veneered Breakfront Bookcase with Secretary Interior. Exquisitely chosen bookmatched birch panels retaining a wonderful patina and color. Dia...
Birch, Mahogany
Federal Style Circular Mirror, Giltwood Wall / Pier / Vanity
Located in Stamford, CT
Federal style circular mirror, giltwood wall / Pier / vanity A Petite Federal style mirror that would compliment any Hollywood Regency or Mid-Century Modern décor. fine giltwood c...
Mirror, Giltwood
American Federal Style Giltwood Eagle Crest Convex Mirror, Mid-20th Century
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 fram...
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique Federal Style Flame Mahogany Display China Cabinet By Councill
By Councill
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Federal Style Flame Mahogany Display China Cabinet by Councill This carved, banded, and flame mahogany cabinet is manufactured by Councill Furniture. It features two glass a...
Mahogany
$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.
Federal Inlaid Mahogany Dresser Chest by National Furniture, Circa 1960s
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style bow front four-drawer dresser or chest of drawers By National Furniture Co. of Mount Airy USA, Circa 1960s Mahogany, with inlaid satinwood ...
Brass
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
Early 20th C Federal Style Hand Carved Mahogany Piecrust Edge Tilt-top Tea Table
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
This is a magnificent Federal Style (or Federal Revival) early 20th century bench made solid mahogany Piecrust Edge Tilt-Top Tea Table with birdcage action. The top is exceptionally...
Mahogany
Victorian Refurbished Mahogany Sheet Music Cabinet, Ca 1900s
Located in Germantown, MD
A Victorian Refurbished Mahogany Sheet Music Cabinet, Circa 1900s Measures 19.75" in width, 15" in depth and 37.5" in height. Sheet Music slots are 15" in width, 12" in depth, 3" in ...
Mahogany
Federal Style Mahogany Fold-Top Card Table Console Table, Refinished
Located in Germantown, MD
A recently refinished Federal Style Genuine Mahogany Fold-Top Card Table Console Table Measures 36" in with, 36" in depth , opened, 18" in depth folded and stands 30" tall.
Hardwood, Mahogany
Antique Late Federal Mahogany Paw Foot Chest of Drawers c. 1840
Located in Westfield, MA
This impressive Late Federal period chest of drawers dates to around 1840 and is crafted from richly figured mahogany with a stately pr...
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
Antique American Federal Period Mahogany One Drawer Drop Leaf Table c. 1830
Located in Westfield, MA
Step into a world of classic American elegance with this Antique American Federal Period Mahogany One Drawer Drop Leaf Table, crafted around 1830. This piece is a sterling example of...
Mahogany
Pair of Antique Early 19th Century Federal Giltwood Wall Sconces with Eagles
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of antique early 19th century federal giltwood wall sconces with eagles.
Giltwood
$1,125Sale Price|55% Off
19th Century Ovoid Shaped Breche Violette Marble Federal Mahogany Coffee Table
Located in Lomita, CA
The novel shape and color of this Breccia marble coffee table will turn heads and transform a living or work space. This vintage Federal ovoid marble-top and inlaid mahogany or cherr...
Breccia Marble
Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Trestle Drop Leaf Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Trestle two drawer Drop Leaf Table. Measures 56.25" in width with leaves open, 36.25" in width ...
Mahogany
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Gilt Bronze Bust of George Washington, Federal Style, 1840
Located in Montreal, QC
Although the first American President has been much portrayed in paint and bronze; I have not been successful in locating another bronze on which this is based. He is dressed as General Washington...
Bronze
American Federal Mahogany Églomisé Barley Twist and Acorn Wall Mirror, C. 1815
Located in Charleston, SC
American federal mahogany églomisé wall mirror with decorative carved acorn and barley twist motif. Mirror retains the original looking glass and wood backing, Early 19th century.
Mirror, Mahogany, Pine, Paint
Vintage Traditional Flip Top Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This charming vintage flip top side table embodies classic elegance with its rich mahogany finish, fluted legs, and timeless brass hardware. Expert...
Brass
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.
Brass
Vintage Federal Flame Mahogany Tall Chest of Drawers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This stately vintage Federal-style tall chest of drawers, crafted from magnificent flame mahogany, exudes timeless elegance and sophisticated charm. The exceptional grain of the flam...
Mahogany
$1,445Sale Price|31% Off
Neoclassical Revival Mahogany Lyre-Back Settee, Kittinger Style
By Kittinger
Located in Trenton, NJ
This exquisite lyre-back settee reflects the enduring influence of the Federal and Neoclassical styles on early 20th-century American design. The double lyre splats form the focal po...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid 20th Century Solid Mahogany Federal Kidney Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid 20th Century Solid Mahogany Federal Kidney Desk in great vintage condition. Top newly and professionally refinished and flawlessly working drawers Measures 46" in width x 22" in...
Brass
Mid Century Federal Style Mahogany Writing Desk with 7 Drawers
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern highboy dresser by Bassett Furniture features hardwood construction, original walnut finish, durable formica top, four dovetailed drawers with chrome accented...
Brass
American Federal Rectangular Giltwood Eagle Pediment Wall Mirror
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal (19th Century) rectangular giltwood wall mirror surmounted on a stepped platform with a carved gilt eagle holding metal chain swags over an an egg and dart design f...
Giltwood
Vintage George Washington Bust Bookends
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a set of vintage cast iron bookends, featuring the bust of George Washington. These head to shoulder likenesses celebrate the impressive legacy of our first President. ...
Iron
20th C. Cohaset Colonial Federal Style Cherry Full Size Headboard by Hagerty
Located in Germantown, MD
20th Century Cohaset Colonial Gederal Style Cherry Full Side Headboard by Hagerty, in great vintage condition. MEASUREMENTS: 59.5″ wide x 3" Dx 77″ in height . Hole to hole is 53"
Cherry
Baker Furniture Historic Charleston Federal Inlaid Mahogany Console
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style console or entry table By Baker Furniture, "Historic Charleston" Collection USA, Circa 1980s Mahogany, with inlaid satinwood marquetry. Me...
Mahogany, Satinwood
Monumental Philadelphia Federal Period Gilt & Mahogany Eagle Mirror
By John Pollard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Monumental American Federal Gilt and Mahogany Eagle Mirror with Oak Garland Swags, Attributed to a Philadelphia Workshop of John Pollard, Circa 1800 A monumental and masterfully car...
Gesso, Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood
Fine Antique Federal Period Cherry One Drawer Hepplewhite Stand c. 1820
Located in Westfield, MA
This fine Federal period cherry stand, dating to around 1820, embodies the elegant simplicity and refined craftsmanship of early 19th-century American furniture. The stand features c...
Cherry
Cute little pair of 1940's copper outdoor sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A cute little pair of 1940's copper outdoor/indoor sconces, the patina is so much nicer in person
Copper
Quality Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table By Brandt
By Brandt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
CA. 1950's. With the Maryland company label and genuine mahogany label. An elegant classical style mahogany dining table with deep leaves. The frieze and square tapering legs are str...
Mahogany
Light Walnut Chest on Chest Dresser High Boy Brass Pulls by Thomasville MINT!
By Thomasville, Thomas Chippendale
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Bracket Feet Chippendale Style Light Walnut Chest on Chest Dresser High Boy Brass Pulls by Thomasville MINT!
Oak
Vintage Mahogany Pembroke Table, Gordon’s Fine Furniture, Inc.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Vintage Mahogany Pembroke table, Gordon’s Fine Furniture, Inc. A Classic Pembroke table by Gordon’s Fine Furniture, Inc. made of mahogany with...
Mahogany
American Queen Anne Curly Maple Drop Leaf Table
Located in East Aurora, NY
A very attractive early Federal Queen Anne Curly Maple Drop leaf table with a great aged color and patina on an older refinished surface. Looks ...
Maple