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.
Pair Federal Neoclassical Brass Mirror Supports or Drapery Curtain Tie Backs
Located in Litchfield, CT
Pair antique early 19th c. American Federal neoclassical brass round mirror supports or drapery tiebacks. These also may be used to hand pictures. Unusual size - measure 2" diameter ...
Brass
Pair Large 19th C. American Federal Empire Brass Curtain Tie Backs.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Pair Large 19th C. American Federal Empire Brass Curtain Tie Backs. An elegant pair of American Empire floral motif curtain tie backs. Large, 5 Inc...
Brass
19th Century French Empire Classical Gilt Brass Curtain Drapery Tie Backs
Located in Litchfield, CT
Set 4 antique 19th century French Classical gilt brass curtain tie backs for the American Federal Market. Each measures 4 1/8" diameter and will stand 6" out from the wall. The attac...
Brass
$4,500 / set
H 3.5 in Dm 4.5 in
Set of Four American Cast Brass Floral Tie Backs, Harvin, Baltimore, Circa 1890
Located in Charleston, SC
Set of four American cast brass tie backs with mounting screw and floral motif. Stamped Harvin, Baltimore. Late 19th / Early 20th Century.
Jaquard Woven American Coverlet 19th C.
Located in Istanbul, TR
American coverlets are woven bed coverings that have a rich history in the United States. They were widely popular from the late 18th century through...
Wool
$532 / set
H 8.67 in W 3.55 in D 3.94 in
Pair of French Solid Brass Curtain Tiebacks – Floral Motif – 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of French Solid Brass Curtain Tiebacks – Floral Motif – 1970s Description: This is a pair of heavy solid brass curtain tiebacks, crafted in France in the 1970s. Each piece feat...
Brass
Jacquard Woven American Coverlet 19th C.
By K. M. Seifert & Co.
Located in Istanbul, TR
American coverlets are woven bed coverings that have a rich history in the United States. They were widely popular from the late 18th century through...
Wool
Antique French Ornate Bronze Curtain Rod Support Brackets
Located in Toronto, ON
An antique French pair of sculpted gilt bronze curtain hooks or tie-backs richly decorated with shell motifs.
Bronze
19th Century American Ticking Stripped Pillows/Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These amazing early red and white striped ticking pillows are in great condition and are sold in pairs.
Cotton
19th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
19th Century French Tapestry Pillow 19" X 13", it also has it's pair as well for whom that is interested, … more
Wool
Antique French 19th Century Pair of Drapery Tassels
Located in Doha, QA
A beautiful large pair of 19th century antique drapery Tassels. The colours are wonderful -yellow, gold and dark orange,-can fit with a lot of differen...
Wool, Cotton, Velvet
$236
H 5.71 in W 1.58 in D 4.34 in
Antique Bronze Curtain Tie-Back, Louis XVI Style, France, Circa 1880
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/6772-6 - Elegant antique bronze tie-back, perfect to support Your curtain or your belt or Your scarf in an elegant and functional way.
Bronze
$354
H 10.24 in W 5.52 in D 0.79 in
Long Single Curtain Tie-Back, Brass, Antique French Design, Circa 1880
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
S.N. Long single curtain tie-back for a large curtain, to collect and embellish it with a simple object. Also useful for belt or scarf in an elegant and...
Brass
Large Brass French Curtain Tie-Backs Second Empire
Located in SAINTE-COLOMBE, FR
Large Brass French Curtain Tie-Backs Second Empire This handsome matching pair of solid grass curtain tie-backs / drapery finials feature swirling acanthus leaves and flower bud ro...
Brass, Steel
$390
H 10.24 in W 3.94 in D 7.88 in
Large Rococo-Style Curtain Hook in Gilt Bronze, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Large and very decorative curtain hook in gilt bronze Bronze, fire-gilded Cast and finely chased Stamped “JC” on the reverse Description: Single, richly ornamented curtain hook wit...
Bronze