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.
1920s Silver Plated Six-Light Colonial Style Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
1920s six light Federal style chandelier. Made of brass with a silver finish. Price includes restoration. This can be seen at our location in ...
Brass
Monumental Traditional Brass Curved Glass 12 Light Foyer Cylindrical Chandelier
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...
Brass
Large 4 Light Court House Lantern
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is the type of early lamp used to light government and bank buildings in the early 20th Century. At 12 x 19 inches its one of the largest lamp globes we have offered. The lamp f...
Brass
$960Sale Price|41% Off
French Federal Style Antiqued Chandelier, 6 Bulbs
Located in Plainview, NY
A stylish French federal style chandelier made in antiqued fashion. The metal frame has a beautiful pewter antique finish. The chandelier is e...
Metal
Federal Style, Chandelier, Bronze, Ebony, Europe, 1960s
Located in Stamford, CT
Federal Style, Bronze Angel Motif Chandelier, Bronze, Ebony, Europe, 1960s A nicely case bronze and ebony chandelier in the Federal taste. The body having a strong bronze form with ...
Bronze
1940s Federal Style 6-Arm Brass Chandelier Nickel Plated with Original Patina
Located in New York, NY
This federal style 6 light chandelier is original to the 1940's and is nickel pated over brass with the original patina. It has elegant arms surrounding an urn shaped body and featur...
Brass, Nickel
$2,200
H 15 in Dm 10.5 in
French Green Flower Ball Crystal Prisms Maison Baguès Style Chandelier, 1920s
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 3 lights inside. Will be newly rewired with certified US UL socket for the USA and appropriate socket for all other countries and ready to hang. Clear and green crystal prism...
Crystal
Monumental Two-Tiered 12-Light Silvered Chandelier w/ Crown
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptional antique European chandelier, dating to the early 20th century, distinguished by its dramatic crown-form silhouette and fine...
Metal
Bakalowits Chandelier, 1960s
Located in Wien, Au
Bakalowits chandelier, 1960s Original condition.
Nickel
Large Driftwood Lantern
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Wonderful handmade driftwood lantern. Each piece of natural driftwood is wired on to a metal frame to form a unique piece.
Driftwood
Workstead House Cord Pendant Large
By Workstead
Located in Floyd, VA
The HOUSE CORD PENDANT LARGE makes a bold statement via an iconic domestic form. Creating a graphic beam of light both above and below, the shade’s inte...
Brass
Art Deco 4-Arm Chandelier in Glass & Brass, Sweden, 1940s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Odense, DK
This exquisite 4-arm chandelier embodies the elegance and craftsmanship of 1940s Swedish Art Deco design. Featuring softly curved arms in finely aged brass, each supports a delicatel...
Brass
Classical Basket Chandelier in antique Biedermeier Style glazed
Located in Berlin, DE
Finely engraved bronze. Net grid with hand ground crystal stones.
Brass
Large French Bronze Lantern
Located in Washington, DC
A six sided large French Bronze Lantern. French.
Bronze
Italian Flowers Eight Light Tole Chandelier Gilded Metal, European, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A Hollywood Regency mid-century gilt tole flower chandelier, the fixture requires eight European E14 candelabra bulbs, each bulb up to 40 watts. This light has a beautiful patina and...
Metal
Venini Murano Glass Foyer Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A very glamorous five-tier Murano glass foyer chandelier on a brass frame.
Murano Glass
12-Light Italian Glass and Gilt Brass Chandelier, circa 1980s
By Murano 5
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Very elegant, high quality 12- arm crystal and gold -silver plated brass chandelier, Italy, circa 1980s. The condition is excellent.
Brass
$1,018
H 32.29 in Dm 10.24 in
Large Antique 1920s Hexagonal Brass & Frosted Glass Lantern Hall Pendant Light
Located in Steinheim am Albuch, BW
Large and highly decorative antique lantern pendant light from the 1940s. This elegant single-light hall lantern features a hexagonal bra...
Brass
Vintage Chapman Solid Brass Bouillotte Pendent Light
By Chapman Manufacturing Company
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gorgeous Solid brass Three light Bouillotte Pendent Light by Chapman Lighting. Mint condition. Black solid brass shade, 8" solid brass chain with original brass ceiling canopy. ready...
Brass
Large Brass Hexagon Shape Lantern Chandelier 9 Light Beveled Glass
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Gorgeous Large Brass Hexagon Shape Lantern Chandelier 9 Light Beveled Glass Dimensions : 44" Tall X 22" Wide X 22" Deep This lantern has beveled glass and is stunning! It has 9 lig...
Brass
Large Courthouse Eagle Globe Lamp
Located in Peekskill, NY
This lamp features a 16 inch diameter milk glass globe. I think thats the largest globe we have ever offered and it does make a statement. The decorative elements definitely say muni...
Glass
Elegant 1940's brass chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant 1940's brass chandelier, the patina is allot nicer in person
Brass
Brass Antique German Classic Lustre Neoclassical Chandelier
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our beautifully restored old chandelier from Berlin! This exquisite piece has been professionally refurbished with love and expertise, and its electrical wiring is compat...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Bronze Federal Style "Liberty" Alabaster Dome Chandelier
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Wonderful bronze and slag glass Liberty chandelier. The Liberty chandelier is a very popular chandelier for commercial and residential use. It gives off an alabaster amber glow and s...
Alabaster, Bronze
Federal Style Green Bronze Chandelier with Gilt Swan Heads
Located in Stamford, CT
Federal Style Green Bronze Chandelier With Gilt Swan Heads. This lovely chandelier is certain to illumine any room in the home.
Bronze
1920s Acid Etched Frosted Glass Federal Style Globe Pendant Light
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1920s, Federal style, acid etched, frosted glass, globe pendant light depicting American eagle and stars and stripes with brass fitter, chain and canopy. The pendant is newly wired a...
Brass
Regency Style Six-Arm Bronze Swan Decorated Chandelier
Located in Stamford, CT
A regency style six-arm bronze swan decorated chandelier. This six-arm chandelier depicting swans chained to a centre ball decorated with a ebony finish. The whole supported by a set...
Bronze
Caldwell Scalloped Edged Glass Sunburst Ceiling Light
Located in New York, NY
A Caldwell scalloped edged glass sunburst ceiling light with ridged vertical lines suggesting sunrays, the glass interior to diffuse three candela...
Brass
1910 Federal Style EF Caldwell Six-Light Chandelier with Figural Eagles
Located in New York, NY
Federal style chandelier made by EF Caldwell of New York in 1910. It features figural eagles centered on the well of the fixture. This item ca...
Elegant Four-Light Swirl Glass Chandelier
Located in Peekskill, NY
This lamp is a well detailed and elegant antique brass four-light chandelier. The shades make it very special. Finding a perfect matching set of Opaline swirl shades in color, size a...