American Federal Period Interior Design and Home Decor
Ranked #689 in Arts & Design, #8,214 overall
Traditional Neoclassical Federal Design & Home Decor in the United States
American Federal Style is a distinct type of Neo- classical Design. American Federal architecture and interior decorating were encouraged as a political statement as well as an aesthetic.
This article explains the historical importance of Traditional Neoclassical Federal style and how you can create this much loved type of interior decor in your own home.
From period appropriate colors and wallpapers to historic fabrics, furniture, and accessories, you will find plenty of information, pictures, and resources about Traditional Neoclassical Federal Design and Home Decor in the United States.
The Neoclassical American Federal style was an intentional adaptation of the Neoclassical genre by America's Founding Fathers. Harkening back to the democracy of Ancient Greece and the Roman Republic, Neoclassicism was embraced as a representation of and inspiration for the new nation's ideals by those who supported a Federalist style of government after the Revolutionary War. Federal design peaked in popularity between 1785 and the 1820s, but because it has a timeless and classic quality, its influence lives on.
Federal style integrates English and European influences and was concurrent with the Georgian period in England. Federal neoclassic architecture, furniture, interior design, and home decor is plainer than the Georgian colonial style, with simpler decorative motifs often framed as panels and friezes. It is luxurious yet understated, with graceful lines and a simple elegance that appealed to the tastes and philosophy of the founders of the new United States of America.
The Federal style is often confused with the American Colonial style (which pre-dated the Revolutionary war and the Federal period) and the Early American style which coincided with the Federal period but refers to the more rustic, casual style that characterized most homes. Federal refers to the formal neoclassical style adapted by the affluent.
The parlor is part of the Metropolitan Museum's Decorative Arts collection. It was built c. 1810 by William C. Williams iin Richmond, Virginia Source: Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
Note the careful spacious furniture arrangement and placement of select accessories which is a hallmark of Federal home decor.
Popular Motifs in Federal Style Decor
& Characteristics of Federal Furniture and Accessories
There was an emphasis on oval shapes for windows, hardware, decorative embellishments and even architecture (like the White House's Oval Office). Oval sunburst designs and reeded columns were important elements in just about anything from exterior decoration to fireplace mantels and furniture inlays.
Prior to the Federal era, the homes of the Colonial period featured a central hall opening onto four square rooms. Federal design, however, favored curves above rectangles and rooms often had simple curved plaster walls and rounded Palladian style arched doorways and windows. Ceilings, doorways, and mantels were often adorned with simple plaster garlands and swags draped in curvilinear arcs.
Federal Style furniture, like all Neoclassical design, is typically light, graceful and simple, with clean edges and straight lines. Regional styles ranged from hand-painted details (Boston) to elaborately carved chair backs (Charleston). Decorative features included tapered legs and the use of contrasting veneers and inlays of geometric designs. Brass feet and drawer pulls with round brass rings were popular on earlier and larger pieces of furniture.
Duncan Phyfe's Burgeoning New York Furniture Workshop and Factory on Fulton Street
Names You Should Know
in Federal Design and Decor
Duncan Phyfe (1768-1854) was a Scottish-American furniture maker who emmigrated to the United States in 1784. His New York "manufactury" lasted through the 1840s and in later years he also made furnishings in the Late Greek (Napoleonic and Victorian Greek Revival), Rococo, and Gothic Revival styles.Robert Adam (1728-1792), a Scottish architect whose revolutionary neoclassical style was extremely influential in England and America and was the dominant style from the late 1700s through the mid-1800s.
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) The third President of the young United States of America was passionate about classical architecture and ideals. He designed Monticello, his home, as well as The University of Virginia and the Virginia State Capitol to represent both the look and philosophy of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Jefferson was strongly influenced by Robert Adam, Thomas Chippendale, Thomas Sheraton, and George Hepplewhite.
Josiah Wedgewood (1730-1795) the English potter who became famous for his cream figured bas-relief style black basalt and jasperware (blue and green) wares. He was related by marriage to the Darwins, a family of prominent abolitionists like his own.
Photo shows a Duncan Phyfe style lyre back chair upholstered in a fabric with a neoclassical wreath motif. Similar fabrics are available at Restoration Fabrics & Trims.
The Federal Color Palette
For Period Decorating
The Federal Period in America uses a range of white, buff, and gray neutrals in homage to the Greek and Roman statuary it draws inspiration from. It also tends to feature slightly more saturated colors than the light and delicate palette of the concurrent Georgian period in England.
Federal Blue and creamy off-white is perhaps the color scheme one thinks of first, but yellow, rose, lilac, cinnamon browns and shades of green from pale to bold were popular, along with the patriotic palette of red, white and blue. Brass hardware and Pewter and Silver accessories provided an additional touch of elegance and formality. Floors were polished wood or covered with machine woven carpeting was imported from Europe.
Remember, computer monitors do not accurately and consistently depict colors, so the photo should be considered an approximation.
Fabrics & Trims for Federal Period Home Decor
Gold braid, cords, tassels, galoon, needlework, and decorative flat tape were used to trim tablecovers. Most windows remained uncovered as they were the major light source, supplemented by candles.
Don't see what you're looking for here? Let us know. We have hundreds of fabrics and trims and would be happy to check our inventory for you.
Historic Reproduction Federal Style Wallpapers
Provide the Right Setting for Your Period Home Decor
The papers below are reproduced from original period designs and are available exclusively at Restoration Fabrics & Trims and Old House Interiors.
We are Proud to Be the Home Decor Squid Angel
We are honored to have earned our wings in March, 2011 and hope you'll take a look at "Wing-ing it on Squidoo" to see some of the best lenses we've found in our neighborhoods and as a visitor to other areas on Squidoo.
Special thanks to Steve for the Angel Squid Art used in this module.
Federal Style Accessories for Period Home Decorating
Valley Forge Heritage Series Antiqued 3-Foot x 6-Foot Striped Full Fan Bunting
The Heritage Series is manufactured by the leader more...0 points
Wallace American Chippendale 18/10 20-Piece Flatware Set
American Chippendale's century-old style is a true more...0 points
Reed & Barton American Federal Sterling Silver 5 Piece Hostess Set
Reed & Barton offers a distinctive collection more...0 points
Croscill Home Glasgow Federal Valance, Red
Pairing traditionally styled patterns with rich, s more...0 points
Zodax Eclectic Allure Chippendale Nickel and Ceramic Serving Platter, Large
Expect the unexpected with the Eclectic Allure col more...0 points
Ore International Oval Side Table, Cherry
Accent your living area with the rich tones of a c more...0 points
Savoy House Lighting KP-5-302-BK Monticello Collection 3-Light Outdoor Hanging Entry Lantern, Black Finish with Clear Watered Glass
Designed by Karyl Pierce Paxton with a flair for t more...0 points
Ledu L567BR 3-Bulb candelabra table lamp, 23 high, black parchment shade, brass base
Three-way switch lights one, two or all three bulb more...0 points
Progress Lighting P3802-10 2-Light Americana Wall Bracket with Delicate Arms and Candelabra Lamps, Polished Brass
Two-light wall bracket in the timeless Amerciana c more...0 points
Reed & Barton Monticello 4-Piece Stainless Steel Hostess Set
Monticello is a classically-styled stainless patte more...0 points
Get a Historic 13 Star US Flag
For Your Federal Period Home or Interior Decor
And Other Patriotic Accessories for Federal Period Decor
From Left to RIght: Parian Style Thomas Jefferson Bust, Great Seal of the U.S. Area Rug, "Betsy Ross" flag, and Houdon's Bust of George Washington. Click on above photos to see item page.
Federal Style Accents for Bed and Bath Decor
See a Slide Show of American Federal Era Period Rooms
And Read About Them
The photo on the right is the c.1810 drawing room of the Craig House from Baltimore, Maryland, from the Metropolitan Museum's Decorative Arts Collection. You see it in person at the Met, where it is on diplay in Gallery 724.
Antique & Vintage Finds for Federal Period Style Home Decorating
Above top: "The Signing of the Declaration of Independence" by John Trumbull (1756 - 1843) is Available at AllPosters.com
Lower right: "A Close View of John Hancocks Signature on a Reproduction of the Declaration of Independence" by Todd Gipstein. Available at AllPosters.com
Please Leave Your John Hancock
or Add Your Own Declaration
You do not need to be a member of Squidoo to visit our lenses or leave comments, but if you'd like to make your own lens, have more "voting" rights, and earn some extra cash for yourself or your favorite charity,
I would like to personally invite you to join our community!
-
-
JoshK47
Mar 15, 2012 @ 11:25 am | delete
- How delightfully patriotic! Thanks for sharing!
-
-
-
annaadri
Mar 10, 2012 @ 2:30 pm | delete
- A nice looking lens, some beautiful stuff!
-
-
-
greenlungsofpoland
Mar 7, 2012 @ 6:33 pm | delete
- What a great lens some awesome information a beautiful presentation
-
-
-
mihgasper
Feb 29, 2012 @ 2:58 am | delete
- Very informative lens. Knowing more about our (or others') history makes us better persons. Thumb up!
-
-
-
TheCheshireCat
Nov 2, 2011 @ 3:10 pm | delete
- Not my favorite style -- too formal and stuffy for me, but still interesting to read about.
-
- Load More
The Federal Style Jefferson Diplomatic Reception Room at the U.S. State Department in Washington D.C. features a room-size Oriental Rug, a typical feature in Federal Decor.
Photo courtesy of http://www.state.gov/
Fond of Federal? Like this Lens?
Please Cast Your Yea Vote Here
This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.
About the author of American Federal Neoclassical Interior Design
Be a Tweetie...
Follow Us on Twitter
For Updates, Advance Sales Notices and Special Tweets!
For More About Neoclassical Interior Decor
You may not use them without our written permission.
© 2011 Restoration Fabrics & Trims LLC. All rights reserved.
by ---Chazz
Hello and welcome. My name is Chazz and I am a Cephalopodic (aka Squidoo Addict), Giant Squid, and Squid Angel. When I can tear myself away from Squidoodling,... more »
- 100 featured lenses
- Winner of 33 trophies!
- Top lens » Top 10 Interior Decorating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Explore related pages
- Gothic Revival Victorian Home Decor Gothic Revival Victorian Home Decor
- The 4 Basics of Victorian Interior Design and Home Decor The 4 Basics of Victorian Interior Design and Home Decor
- Historic, Vintage & Reproduction Home Decorating Fabrics Glossary Historic, Vintage & Reproduction Home Decorating Fabrics Glossary
- Historic Wallpaper: If Walls Could Talk Historic Wallpaper: If Walls Could Talk
- Historic Decor and Interior Decorating Tips for Period Homes Historic Decor and Interior Decorating Tips for Period Homes
- Traditional Neoclassical Interior Design and Home Decor Traditional Neoclassical Interior Design and Home Decor
We Recommend
Classic America: The Federal Style and Beyond
Amazon Price: $60.17 (as of 05/28/2012)
The Best Resource of Federal Designs
Federal Style Patterns 1780-1820 with CD-Rom
Amazon Price: $67.91 (as of 05/27/2012)
