American Federal Period Interior Design and Home Decor ~ Part I

Traditional Neoclassical Federal Design & Home Decor in the United States

Image © 2012-15 Restoration Fabrics & Trims

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.

This parlor is part of the Metropolitan Museum's Decorative Arts collection. It was built c. 1810 by William C. Williams in 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

The quintessential symbol of the Federal period is the American Bald Eagle. Other popular motifs included Greek and Roman style portraits and busts of patriotic leaders like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, urns and urn-shaped designs, stars and stripes. Themes drawn from nature included acanthus, tobacco leaves, shells, coral and birds.

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.

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.

___________________________

Classic America The Federal Style & Beyond

More than just wonderful photos, this book is a good read that links interior design to the socio-politics, history and architecture of the period.

Read More

 * * * * * * * * * * * 

Coming next time in Part II

Federal Period Interiors: Names to Know

and in Part III

Federal Period Fabrics, Wallpapers, Rugs, and Accessories

Follow Us & Keep in Touch

For the latest updates, news and special offers

Follow us on Pinterest and Facebook.

 * * * * * * * * * * * 

Looking for Federal Style Fabrics and Reproduction

Wallpaper to Inspire Your Color Palette?

 

Choose from a wide variety of period reproduction and vintage fabrics and trims from printed floral chintzes and toiles to silk damasks and velvets. Plus a collection of the most beautiful historic reproduction wallpapers.

For Historically sensitive home decorating at budget sensitive below-wholesale prices, visit Restoration Fabrics and Trims for Selection, Savings and Service.

Copyright Notice:  All Text and photos not otherwise credited are © 2019-24 Restoration Fabrics & Trims LLC. All rights reserved.  DO NOT COPY. This page is protected by Copyright Law. We will prosecute plagiarists.

 

Before You Go...
Please Leave Your John Hancock
or Add Your Own Declaration.

We'd Love to Hear From You.

The American Colonial Period Decorating Style: Practical, Eco-Friendly Home Decor Part 2

How to Accessorize Early American Colonial Period Decor

There are three basic principles to keep in mind

The spinning wheel above
is Available through Amazon.com

when decorating in historic Early American Colonial style:

1. Keep it simple: Hang a candle box on the wall. Find a super antique spinning wheel. Hang bundles of dried herbs.

2. Keep it natural: Twigs twined into wreaths, pinecones or apples piled in a wooden bowl, hand-made tapered candles.

3. Think hand-made and unique: The last thing you want is for your home decor items to look mass-produced, new (as in contemporary) and matched (as in furniture suites). One option is to make some simple items yourself. After all, “hand-crafted” by you is appropriate to both the independent spirit and the necessary thrift of American Colonial life.

Artist's Conception of an Interior of a New England settler's home in the 17th century, after an illustration by George H. Boughton (litho), American School / Private Collection / Peter Newark Pictures / The Bridgeman Art Library Available at AllPosters.com in a variety of sizes and formats.

Stencils and Samplers

The Sampler shown above was made by Mary Emmes
and is dated 1764. A reproduction of it is available in a
variety of formats and sizes at AllPosters.com

 As you can see clearly in the illustration of motifs in Part 1, samplers and embroidered designs were the source of many of the most popular motifs of Colonial America, as were the decorative stenciled designs used on earthenware and weaving and quilting patterns.

Bear in mind, however, that only those colonists who had the wherewithal to have the leisure to spend time on needlework or quilting or to have someone else do such handiwork would have had fancy woven coverlets, quilts, cross stitch, crewel or tapestries.

The early settlers and common folk would have had more simply and sometimes crudely made “bed rugs” or coarse blankets for warmth.

     

If you Don't have a Family Heirloom Sampler, Why not Create One? 

Cross Stitch Antique Style Samplers: More than 30 DesignsLearn More

Bucilla Heirloom Collection M.A. Hofman's Sampler Kit-12"X16"Learn More

A Schoolgirl's Work: Samplers from the Spencer Museum of ArtLearn More

A Maryland Sampling: Girlhood Embroidery 1738-1860Learn More

A Restored pre-Revolutionary War Rhode Island Interior

American Colonial Style Lighting

For Period Home Decorating 

Most colonists used simple wood or iron candle holders, usually placed on a table but sometimes mounted on the wall. The more prosperous would have used chandeliers (with candles) hand crafted from brass, pewter, or iron. Candles were made of tallow (rendered animal fat) and, later, bayberry and beeswax. 

Biedermann & Sons Traditional Hand-Dipped 10-Inch Long Tapered Candles 6 Pairs, Bayberry Green

In the 1600s, pilgrim and puritan housewives hand-dipped candles using the natural material found in all the colonies, the wax-like berries of the bayberry bush which came to be known as the Candle-Berry Tree. Biedermann and Sons recreates these candles with traditional techniques that make the 6 pairs of candles included in this set. Biedermann and Sons has specialized in unique candles and decorative accessories since 1956.

Root Unscented 12-Inch Hand Dipped Taper Candles, Raw Beeswax Color, 12-Count Box

For centuries, tapered candles have been formed by meticulously hand-dipping. Root takes this traditional process to another level by continuously dipping our tapers to create up to 35 individual layers of wax. The result is a satin-like finish with solid, consistently colored, unscented wax throughout. Our timeless observation: You can't rush perfection. Box of 12 candles, each 12-inches tall with a burn time of 12 hours each.

Courting Candle Holder with Red Dish ~ Free Bees Wax Candle Included

From the 1600's to the 1800's... If a young gentleman looked OK with the colonial father, the candle was placed high up when lit so that the daughter and young man had a lot of courting time... If Dad had any doubts...the candle would be placed lower in the spiral and be extinguished sooner. When the candle burned out, the "date" was over. 6" wide and 6¾" high. Fits a standard taper candle. Includes rustic pan, spiral courting candle holder, wooden hammer gauge and a free pure bees wax candle.

Piedmont Room, Guildford County North Carolina, circa 1766
Courtesy of AllPosters.com

 

 

American Colonial Kitchen Accessories

Useful by Necessity; Charming by Design 

 

J.K. Adams* Hickory Wood Heritage Colonial Cutting Board

  ~ 21-1/4-Inch-by-6-1/4-Inch-by-1-Inch cutting board
  ~ Hickory wood; hand-sanded smooth edges; hand-stained
  ~ Handcrafted and finished in Vermont, U.S.A.
  ~ Hand wash with warm soapy water and dry promptly

*A 2nd-Generation, Family-Owned Company: Kitchen storage solutions by J.K. Adams make it easy to save on valuable kitchen space while enjoying the best of USA-made craftsmanship. The family-owned company provides everything from pot hooks and spice bottles to wooden spice carousels, kitchen-knife blocks, bread boxes, wine racks, pot racks, and more. J.K. Adams' wooden kitchen items feature renewable and sustainable wood in Maple, Cherry, Walnut, Alder, Ash, or Hickory varieties. A thoughtful choice for gift giving, the high-quality kitchen items provide sleek designs and convenient functionality for year after year of everyday convenience

Lodge 60" Tall Boy Camp Dutch Oven Tripod

Bayou Classic 6 Quart Cast Iron Soup Pot and Lid
with Loop Handle. Also Available in Other Sizes.  
  

Legendary American Cookware

Still Made the Original Handcrafted Way

The oldest cookware in America made with traditional methods for over 200 years. Left to right: Pioneer tea kettle, chestnut roaster, Ben Franklin stein, healthy popcorn popper, frontier frying pans, Homestead rolling pin, and Old West shot glasses. All from Jacob Bromwell.

 

 

 

To see a collection of historically appropriate fabrics that will help you recreate an Early American Colonial period interior decor in your home. Please visit Restoration Fabrics & Trims. (Page will open in a new browser window.)

 * * * * * * * * * * * 

If you missed Part 1 of American Colonial Period Decorating Style
Please click here to read it 

 * * * * * * * * * * * 

Coming next time:

American Federal Period Interior Design
and Home Decor

 * * * * * * * * * * *

Follow Us & Keep in Touch

For the latest updates, news and special offers

  Join us on Twitter     

You can also find us on Facebook.

 * * * * * * * * * * * 

We've Come a Long Way from Quill Pens and Parchment...

But We'd Still Love to Hear From You Personally... 

Post your message below or contact us 
via any of the above links. 

Thank you!

Copyright Notice:  All Text and photos not otherwise credited are © 2009-15 Restoration Fabrics & Trims LLC. All rights reserved.  DO NOT COPY. This page is protected by Copyright Law. We will prosecute plagiarists. We previously published parts of this post on Squid

Choosing Appropriate Upholstery Fabrics for Period Decorating: Part III

 

How can I determine durability of a fabric if the Wyzenbeek or Martindale rating is not available?

What to look for: 
Fabric Construction

Fabrics with tighter weaves and higher thread counts, like denims and twills, are more durable. (Plus fabrics with tighter weaves are generally easier to clean.) Woven fabrics are generally more durable than printed fabrics. Fabrics woven from yarns that are the same size and strength (known as a balanced weave) last longer than fabrics woven from a combination of thick and thin yarns.

What to look for: Types of Fabrics

Dense plush fabrics like velvet (especially velvets with high percentage wool mohair and linen content) and high-end chenille will withstand abrasion very well.  Leather and some of the new micro-fibers are also very durable.

Flat surface fabrics like some damasks, brocades, satins and silks that have long yarns on the surface, are also subject to higher wear and lower abrasion ratings.

Summary: Fabric Durability

Whether a fabric is made from natural or synthetic fibers is not enough to determine durability. Durability is the result of a combination of factors. If the number of double rubs (Wyzenbeek) or Martindale rating is not available, your interior decorator or reputable experienced seller of a fabric should be able to provide an informed and professional judgment regarding the appropriate use of a particular fabric.

Although durability is a very important factor to consider when investing in fabric for your home, there are other considerations. To be continued...

COMING NEXT:

Other considerations when choosing fabrics or your home

 

Follow us on Pinterest and Facebook

   
    

Choosing Appropriate Upholstery Fabrics for Period Decorating: Part II

What makes a fabric durable?

Durability of upholstery fabrics is determined by multiple factors including the type of fabric, how the fabric is woven, the design of the furniture, how the fabric is finished, maintenance requirements and type and frequency of usage.  

Commonly used Fabric durability tests and standards

 When considering durability ratings, terms you will find include Wyzenbeek and Martindale. These names refer to the two tests most commonly used to rate durability. In addition to testing abrasion (double rubs), these performance tests also consider seam slippage, pilling, crocking, tensile strength and usage, but they are neither comparable nor equivalent as the results do not correlate.

Heavy duty, for example, is a Wyzenbeek rating of at least 15,000, while a Martindale rating of around 12 to 18 is considered heavy duty.

In North America, the Wyzenbeek test is usually used. This consists a machine that pulls actual samples of the fabric tight rubs them with an approved fabric (usually cotton duck) in a back and forth motion. The number of double rubs counted before yarn breaks occur or noticeable wear is recorded is the abrasion rating.

In Europe, the Martindale test is used more frequently. In the Martindale method, the approved fabric may be worsted wool or cotton duck. and instead of back and forth, the fabric is rubbed in a figure 8 motion until wear is detected.

More about Fabric durability

In addition to yarn breakage, types of wear may include pilling and crocking.   

Pilling is when small fuzzy balls or nibs are formed on the surface of a fabric. This may be a normal part of wear but some fibers and weaves are more prone to pilling.  Fabrics made of angora, cashmere, and wool that have short or loose fibers are more likely to pill, as you may already know from having that happen to your favorite sweater.

Some manufactured fibers such as acrylic, nylon or polyester also have a tendency to pill. Most pilling is a result of friction which loosens the fibers. Loose fibers will tangle and form “pills.” Pilling can also be caused by improper cleaning.

To avoid pilling, look for tightly twisted yarns and fabrics with tighter weaves.

Crocking is the term used to describe what happens when dye from one dry fabric rubs off onto another dry fabric. Crocking occurs most often with linen, cotton and polyester fabrics dyed with black, blue or red pigments since more saturated colors make it a lot harder to remove all excess dyes during finishing of these fabrics.

There are other factors and treatments that can affect durability and may be added to increase the strength and durability of a fabric.  A latex backing applied to loosely woven fabrics, for example, will stabilize the yarns, minimizing their ability to rub and resulting in longer wear. To be continued...

COMING NEXT:

How can I determine durability of a fabric
if the Wyzenbeek or Martindale rating is not available?

       

Follow us on Pinterest and Facebook

Choosing Appropriate Upholstery Fabrics for Period Decorating

Choosing Appropriate Upholstery Fabrics for Period Decorating: Part I

 This blog provides general information about Upholstery Fabrics that you will want to consider when selecting your interior decorating fabrics.

Many of us restoring or adapting historic homes will want to use vintage or antique furniture that will likely require re-upholstering. Others may want to purchase new reproduction furniture, but may want to purchase their own fabric in order to use a more appropriate or higher quality fabric than the manufacturer may offer.

Upholstery Fabric durability

 

There are many different types of fabrics suitable for historically appropriate home décor use. Whatever your decorating style, it is important to know some basic facts in order to be an informed consumer and select the fabric best suited to your needs. Some fabrics last longer than others and will withstand more wear and tear while others are suitable only for uses that do not entail a lot of use.

When choosing upholstery fabrics for interior decorating one important thing you will want to consider is durability or strength, which is determined by standard industry testing methods. When thinking about durability the first thing most people consider is abrasion. 

It is important to remember that abrasion is only one of several factors that contribute to a fabric’s long term performance, but abrasion ratings are a standardized and commonly used way to measure and indicate performance so we’ve decided to start with those.

Fabric strength or durability is rated by “rubs,” which is literally a test that determines fabric strength by rubbing the taut fabric back and forth (a double rub is once in each direction) to simulate the wear a fabric would get from someone sitting on and getting up from an upholstered seat. 

In general, North America uses the Wyzenbeek test to determine durability. A rating of 3,000 double rubs is considered to be equivalent to one year of use as upholstery.

A fabric rating of 3,000 to 9,000 double rubs is considered light duty. Light duty fabrics are suitable for upholstery if the piece being upholstered is mainly decorative or only used occasionally, such as when guests visit or a chair that is more of a decorator accent and does not get regular and consistent use. 

Fabrics rated from 9,000 to 15,000 double rubs are considered medium duty and are versatile and appropriate for use in many rooms that get typically average use, such as a living room or family room.

If a fabric is rated 15,000 double rubs, it means it is considered heavy duty for upholstery use.  This is what you need to look for if the piece you are upholstering gets daily and heavy use or if you have pets or active children who will also be using it.   

For a fabric to be rated “commercial” it must have a rating of at least 30,000 double rubs.

If the double rub rating of a fabric is not available, there are other things you can do or look for to find out if a fabric is appropriate for your intended application.

That, dear readers, will be the topic of our next two posts.

COMING NEXT:

What makes a fabric durable? More about Fabric durability testing.Types of tests.

How can I determine durability of a fabric if a “rubs” rating is not available?

 

Follow us on Pinterest and Facebook