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.
Classic Federal 19th C. Carved And Gilt Two-part Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A classic two- part Federal mirror with tall carved and gilt turned supports and corner rosettes for the surround. A slim bar separates the mirror. Dimensions: H. 36", W. 20 1/4", D...
Mirror, Giltwood
32" Wide & 79" Tall Solid Cherry Cylinder Style Secretary Desk Beveled Glass
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Narrow 32" Wide & 79" Tall Solid Cherry Cylinder Style Secretary Desk w/ Beveled Glass Bookcase MINT
Brass
Federal Giltwood Banjo Clock
Located in Essex, MA
Typical form with white enamel dial and reverse painted waist and pendulum door. With key and pendulum.
Brass
$2,950 / set
Pair of American Classical Style Andirons
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of American Classical style andirons having double knob urn finials over Doric column shafts, standing on plinth support over pair o...
Brass
Federal Style Inlaid Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
An elegant Federal-style mahogany chest of drawers, featuring a beautifully figured top centered by an oval satinwood and contrasting wood inlaid patera, framed by a crossbanded bord...
Mahogany
American Federal Floral Painted Settee
Located in Queens, NY
American Federal floral painted Hitchcock style settee with roll back
Federal 2 Drawer Huntboard, Serving Table
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An elegant and simple mahogany two drawer huntboard server. The rich mahogany with satinwood edge, with polished brass handles. the table with nicely turned legs and brass castors.
Brass
American School Portrait of a Federalist Gentleman C. 1825-1845
Located in Atlanta, GA
An intimate early 19th-century oil on canvas portrait of an unidentified gentleman, probably American School, circa 1825–1845, presented bust-length within a painted oval reserve and...
Canvas, Giltwood, Paint
Jonathan Charles 66/92' Diamet Round 8 board Extendable Dining Table Single Base
By Jonathan Charles, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Jonathan Charles 66/92' Diamet Round 8 board Extendable Dining Table Single Base 13" extension boards leaves
Mahogany
19th Century Federal Eglomise Decorated Wall or Table Mirror
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century federal eglomise decorated wall or table mirror having a wonderfully gilt decorated frame under an eglomise glass panel depicting a baske...
Mirror, Wood
Federal Giltwood Mirror with Reverse-Painted Tablet, Washington Motif
Located in Houston, TX
A striking American Federal mirror featuring a beautifully detailed reverse-painted glass tablet centered with a classical urn and drapery moti...
Giltwood
$4,800 / set
Near-Pair Set of American Federal Card Tables
Located in New York, NY
A set of two Federal mahogany folding card tables. Handcrafted circa 1825. They are a near-identical pair with the legs varying slightly in...
Mahogany
Baker Mahogany Banded Top Hepplewhite Brass Castors Tapered Legs Sideboard MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker Mahogany Banded Top Hepplewhite Brass Castors Tapered Legs Sideboard MINT
Brass
Federal Style Solid Stained Cherry Triangular Drop-Leaf Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Federal Style Solid Cherry Triangular Drop-Leaf Side Table, opens to nice 28" in diameter round side table. Dimensions: 25" in width, 25" in depth and 24.5" in height closed.
Cherry
$875 / set
Pair Of Federal Brass Ball Top Andirons
Located in Essex, MA
Ball top with scrolled legs and brass ball feet. Newly polished.
Brass, Iron
Federal Style Vintage Mahogany and Gilded Table by Bevan-Funnell
Located in Wichita, KS
Elegant vintage Federal-style table crafted in rich mahogany with refined gilded accents. This classic form features beautifully balanced proportions, a warm, luminous finish, and a ...
Giltwood, Mahogany, Wood
Federal Mahogany Shield Back Dining Chairs, Set of Six
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Federal or Hepplewhite style shield back dining chairs USA, Circa 1970s Solid carved mahogany frames, with upholstered seats. Measures: Side chairs - 21.25"...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$750Sale Price|21% Off
Ionic Column Plaster Architectural Study Objet D’art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A plaster study of an ionic column. Marked in pencil “American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, PA.” Rough unsealed plaster patina.
Plaster
Individual Glass Pane Double Doors Pencil Inlay Flame Mahogany Show Case
Located in Rockaway, NJ
C. 1920s flame mahogany individual glass panes double doors display cabinet curio showcase.
Mahogany
Fine Federal Period Sheraton Mahogany Card or Gaming Table circa 1800
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of a Federal Period, Sheraton mahogany card or gaming table with turret corners, checkered inlay around the folding top edge, a shaped frieze with an oval patera, all ...
Brass
Striking Pair of Federal Carved Giltwood Girandole Convex Mirrors, Circa 1790s
Located in Germantown, MD
A striking pair of Federal Period (1780-1820) Girandole mirrors with facing eagle crests and convex mirror plates. The giltwood carving throughout is incredibly crisp and detailed. T...
Mahogany, Giltwood, Hardwood
American Mahogany & Gilt Dolphin Upholstered Harp Stool with Paw Feet, NY C 1815
By Duncan Phyfe
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany harp stool with a carved molded back, flanking gilt dolphin supports, adjustable upholstered seat with a turned bulbous shaft, and resting...
Wrought Iron
19th Century American cherry one drawer stand with turned legs and feet
Located in Richmond, VA
Great little 19th Century American cherry one drawer stand with turned legs, feet and 2 board top
Cherry
American Federal Style Flag with Brass Pole and Stand
Located in Queens, NY
"American Federal-style (19/20th Century) bronze eagle base flag pole with eagle finial and flag. The fringed army flag has been replaced with a sta...
Bronze
American Federal Gilt Wood & Ebonized Acanthus Foliage Convex Wall Mirror C 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal gilt wood and gesso acanthus foliage convex mirror with central ebonized molded reeded ring, interior lambs tongue border, exterior gilt wood circular spheres, and d...
Ebony, Mirror, Gesso, Pine, Giltwood
Late Federal Gentleman’s Chest
Located in East Aurora, NY
Federal Mahogany Gentleman’s tall chest. Nicely scalloped cut apron and tall French feet. one top large drawer used for hats and two narrow drawers on either side, one with divider...
African Mahogany
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
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 fr...
Mirror, Giltwood
Kittinger Federal Inlaid Mahogany Serpentine Front Sideboard Credenza
By Kittinger
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style serpentine front sideboard, buffet server, or credenza By Kittinger USA, Circa 1970s Carved mahogany, with satinwood inlay, and original br...
Brass
Baker 4 Drawer Serpantine Front Bracket Feet Federal Bachelor Chest Dresser MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Banded Top Baker 4 Drawer Serpantine Front Bracket Feet Federal Bachelor Chest Dresser MINT!
Brass
Mid Century Federal Gray Enamel Mahogany Bedside Chest of Drawers
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid Century Federal Style Gray Enamel Mahogany Bedside Chest of Drawers. Drawers open and close very smoothly. Measures 21.5" in width, 16.5" in depth and 30" in height.
Enamel
Pair of Early 19th Century Federal Hepplewhite Mirrors with Pineapple Finals
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of American Federal Hepplewhite Mirrors with Pineapple Finials. Wonderful pediment shaped eglomise panels with floral gilt. Gilded balls and columns. A true pair. Possibly Al...
Giltwood
960'sPair of Crystal & Square Brass Bases Ornate Shades 25" Tall Table Lamps
Located in Rockaway, NJ
960'sPair of Crystal & Square Brass Bases Ornate Shades 25" Tall Table Lamps
Crystal, Brass
Connecticut Mahogany Slant Front Desk, c.1800
Located in Savannah, GA
A Connecticut mahogany slant front desk on french feet with original 15 star eagle pulls, circa 1800. Some provenance and notations with dates on lopers. Friction fit interior door....
Mahogany
Pair of Fine Elegant Alabaster Marble Onion Shape Bases Table Lamps Clean!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Fine Elegant Alabaster Marble Onion Shape Bases Table Lamps Clean!
Marble
Vintage American Federal Giltwood Eagle Bullseye Convex Mirror
Located in Elkhart, IN
A Federal or Regency 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 c...
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique Miniature Portrait on Bone with Fitted Case 14-Karat Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Dating from the late 17th century and done in the Federalist style, this finely detailed and well executed hand painted miniature portrait on bone of a period nobleman can be worn as...
Gold
$2,250
Regency Brass Andirons
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a classic pair of American Federal c. 1800 Solid Brass Andirons. The andiron are of classical form but are detailed with an unusual Corinthian Column capitol located just bel...
Brass, Iron
Early 19th Century American Federal Folding Fire Fender Screen New York 1810
Located in Litchfield, CT
Fine and rare antique early 19th century American Federal folding fire fender screen New York circa 1810. Woven iron screen with brass top. Hinged sides fold flat. Thin and elegan...
Brass, Iron
Late Federal Mahogany Six Drawer Chest
Located in Acton, MA
Late Federal Mahogany Six Drawer Chest . This wonderful chest is the epitome of "High Style" and upper class. Between the spectacular Crotch Mahogany drawer fronts and the superb mah...
Mahogany
Vintage Sheridan Federal Style Mahogany Wood Tilt Top Accent Side Tea Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Sheridan Federal Style Mahogany Wood Tilt Top Accent Side Tea Table. Item features a round tilting top, tripod pedestal base, solid wood construction. Circa Mid 20th Century....
Mahogany
$1,540Sale Price|30% Off
Antique 18th Century American Federal Crotch Mahogany Chest of Drawers Dresser
Located in Dayton, OH
This classic antique chest of drawers, characteristic of late 18th-century and early Federal-period craftsmanship, features a compact, straight-front design built from solid mahogany...
Mahogany
Refinished Federal Style Mahogany Side Table with Sheet Music Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th Century Federal style Satinwood Inlaid mahogany side table with sheet music cabinet. Freshly Refinished Measures 22" in with, 16" in depth and 27.25" in height. Sheet Mus...
Mahogany, Satinwood
Federal Inlaid Mahogany Highboy Dresser by National Furniture, Circa 1960s
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style bow front highboy dresser or chest of drawers By National Furniture Co. of Mount Airy USA, Circa 1960s Mahogany, with inlaid satinwood marq...
Brass
American Mahogany and Cherry Stenciled Gilt Hinged Game Table, PA. Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany and cherry hinged game table with a one board top, central carved floral basket, stenciled gilt turned ringed center column, and resting on scrolled acanthu...
Brass
American Tavern Table, Pine and Poplar, Scrub Top, Circa 1800
Located in Hudson, NY
Very handsome scrub top work table or Tavern table. Retaining all of the original surface and it's beautiful breadboard top. Made in both Pine and poplar, this table is very solid an...
Pine, Poplar
American Federal Period China Cabinet
Located in Essex, MA
Period American Federal, Possibly Baltimore, library or China cabinet. Mahogany of Hepplewhite form with symmetrically divided drawers in base and upper case with paned glass and ori...
Mahogany
Federal Style Shield Back Chairs with Faux Tortoise Leather Seats, pair
Located in Wichita, KS
A refined pair of Federal style shield back armchairs featuring elegant proportions and classic neoclassical detailing. Each chair is crafted in richly toned wood with delicately car...
Leather, Wood
Historic World War I Era Blue Star Service Flag, circa 1917
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Historic World War I Era Blue Star Service Flag, circa 1917, a linen flag having a single blue star stitched onto a white canton on a red field. A World War I flag honoring a...
Linen
19th C. American Federal Brass Cannonball Andirons with Aged Patina - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
19th C. American Federal Brass Cannonball Andirons with Aged Patina - a Pair. Item features desirable aged patina to brass, large cannonball ...
Brass
Baker Furniture Style Federal Mahogany Bow Front Sideboard Credenza or Buffet
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Federal or Hepplewhite style sideboard, credenza, or buffet server In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa Mid-20th Century Carved mahogany, with original brass har...
Brass
Kittinger Double Pedestal SOLID Mahogany 1x24" Extension Board Leaf MINT!
By Kittinger
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Kittinger Double Pedestal Solid Mahogany 1x24" Extension Board Leaf MINT! 1x 24" leaf with an extended table length of 104".
Mahogany
Historic World War I Era Rare Three Star Service Flag, circa 1917
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Historic World War I Era Rare Three Star Service Flag, circa 1917, a linen flag having three blue stars hand-stitched onto a white canton on a red field. A World War I flag h...
Linen
$8,500 / set
Matched Pair Of Federal Mahogany Servers
Located in Essex, MA
Each with a rectangular top over a long drawer and a pair of small drawers all with wood knobs surrounding an arched apron. All flanked by reeded carving and each with circular taper...
Mahogany
Banded Top Mahogany Inlayed Bracket Feet 11 Drawers Dresser Credenza MINT!
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Bow front banded top mahogany inlayed bracket feet 11 drawers dresser credenza MINT!.
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Portrait of Naval Captain William Compton Bolton
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early 19th Century Portrait of Naval Captain William Compton Bolton (Anglo-American: 1799 - 1849), circa 1830s, an oil on canvas half-length portrait of a sea captain holding a spygl...
Canvas
American Federal Style Mahogany & Satinwood Inlaid Sofa Green Striped Upholstery
Located in Morristown, NJ
A refined American Federal style sofa crafted in richly toned mahogany with luminous satinwood inlay, featuring gracefully scrolled ends, tapered and fluted legs, and elegant neoclas...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Satinwood, American Mahogany
Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Piecrust Birdcage Tilt-Top Table.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Early 20th Century Federal Style Mahogany Piecrust Birdcage Tilt-Top Table. Magnificent mahogany tilt-top table. The top is exceptionally carved with a piecrust outside edge. The ta...
Mahogany
Great Early 19th Century American Federal Four Poster Bed and Nightstand
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Presenting a beautifully crafted early 19th-century American Federal Four Poster Bed, an exquisite example of timeless craftsmanship. This bed showcases the elegant and understated s...
Wood
American Federal Mahogany Bow Front One-Drawer Server with Brass Pulls. C.1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal mahogany bow front one-drawer server with a one board top, original brass floral pulls and escutcheon, and resting on the original turned bulbous ringed legs, Early ...
Brass