The Federal Period

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The Federal Period

The time after the Revolutionary War when America was beginning a new

consciousness, marked by its recently acquired independence, was called the Federal

Period. American furniture makers still modeled designs from England but soon created

styles with balanced proportions and symmetrical lines associated with classical design.

Styles were generally named for the monarchs who reigned or for the design influences

that prevailed at the time the style was introduced. There was usually a time lag before the

style became popular in America because much of America’s colonial population lived in

rural areas where tradition was important and fashions changed slowly. A new style might

be introduced in Boston at the same time an old style was still popular in the country.

The architectural designs emphasized high ceilings and large open areas which

allowed for more decorative elements. A federal period parlor would typically have been

decorated with the classically inspired wallpaper and moldings, swag curtains, and a carpet

that resembled a Roman tiled floor. The use of decorative cotton dimity or chintz

slipcovers were to protect the wool upholstery from insects and sun during the summer.

Furniture from this period is characterized by a delicate, geometric look and the

use of classical motifs as urns and swags. Inlay, veneer, carving, and paint are used for

decoration. Chairs have turned, reeded or tapered legs and square or shield shaped backs.

The names of two English designers, Thomas Sheraton and George Hepplewhite are

closely associated with these styles. One of the most popular designs was the Windsor

chair which was used in every room of the house by the Federal Period. Many of the

popular styles are shown on the page attached to this report.

A lot of the furniture was made out of native black walnut, yellow pine, white oak,

maple rose and satinwood. To lower the cost of the furniture the designers painted

surfaces to simulate a rich wood or marble or gilded to imitate bronze mounts. The most

popular kind of wood was the mahogany which made richer and more figured cuts.

Mahogany wood made desks, sewing tables, Pembroke tables, sideboards, shield, oval and

square-back chairs.

The Federal Period signaled the change from the master craftsmen, to the mass

production of furniture.

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