Federal Furniture
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.
Early 20th Century Federal Furniture
Brass
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mirror, Wood
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
Mid-19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Walnut, Paint
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Carrara Marble
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Cherry, Maple, Satinwood
Late 18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Metal
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Maple, Pine, Paint
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass, Iron
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
Early 19th Century North American Antique Federal Furniture
Wood
1910s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Brass
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Brass, Iron
Late 20th Century Federal Furniture
Fruitwood, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Mirror, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
Mid-19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
1820s North American Antique Federal Furniture
Maple
1780s American Antique Federal Furniture
Leather, Fabric, Paper
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
20th Century Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mirror
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Giltwood
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Mahogany, Satinwood
Late 20th Century American Federal Furniture
Upholstery, Cherry, Maple
1820s American Antique Federal Furniture
Mirror, Giltwood
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Maple
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Iron
18th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Furniture
Wood, Glass
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood
19th Century Unknown Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
1880s American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Federal Furniture
Mirror, Wood
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Maple
Mid-20th Century Italian Federal Furniture
Mirror, Poplar
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
Early 1800s American Antique Federal Furniture
Pine
1880s American Antique Federal Furniture
Brass
19th Century Antique Federal Furniture
Wood
20th Century Federal Furniture
Mirror, Giltwood
Late 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Mirror, Wood
1980s American Vintage Federal Furniture
Fruitwood, Walnut
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Silver
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
20th Century American Federal Furniture
Brass
Early 19th Century American Antique Federal Furniture
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary American Federal Furniture
Marble, Brass
Early 20th Century Unknown Federal Furniture
Leather