The Differences Between Colonial and Federal Style Architecture

While writing a post about how to identify different types of architectural styles of homes, I ran across some interesting information that required further study. So many sites were using terms interchangeably – and incorrectly – that I felt it was my duty to uncover the truth. I first took on the task of learning the differences between modern and contemporary architecture. Now I’m tackling the challenge of identifying the more nuanced differences between colonial and Federal architecture.

This second challenge wasn’t easy, but I forged on, chasing clues across the internet to find the best information to bring to you, dear readers, as any good detective would. To understand what this style of architecture is and how they’re different, we have to start with a brief history lesson.

How the Styles Got Their Names

King George I was crowned the king of England in 1714, and it was during this time that an architectural style began to rise in popularity. This style remained popular in Britain until the 1800s and is generally referred to as Georgian style of architecture. This is in honor of kings George I – IV, who reigned during this time. Meanwhile, Great Britain had a little colony across the sea known as America.

The 1700s were a crazy time to be in America because so much was happening. We were forming our own identity and didn’t really want to be under the rule of the king. In the early 1700s, most of our troubles were with the French, but our irritations with the British were beginning to develop.

Fast-forward through the years – with a quick stop to say hello as George Washington is born in 1732 and a slight detour to watch Ben Franklin fly a kite in a thunderstorm in 1751 – to 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed and war was declared on Britain. Then we make a final stop in 1783, at the end of the Revolutionary War.

Now that we know what was happening during this time (the four kings George and the American Revolution), we can have a better understanding of architectural styles and why they’re named what they are.

The type of architecture that was built from the 1700s to the 1800s is referred to as Georgian, if you’re referring to English and British architecture. In America, the style is referred to as colonial. Get it? Because we were a colony of England, and everything we did was highly influenced by that fact.

After 1783, when we declared our independence from Great Britain, we divorced ourselves from all things British. As a result, the homes and the architecture of the time began to distinguish themselves as well from the Georgian/colonial style. The architecture of this time period, 1783 to 1815, became known as Federal style.

So when you refer to a style of architecture that was popular in America from 1700 to 1783, you’d call it colonial. If you were in England, you’d call it Georgian. They are one and the same, and which term you use depends simply on which side of the pond you’re on.

After the war, American architecture took off, and then 1783 to 1815 welcomed the Federal style.

Now that that’s all out of the way, let’s talk about how we can tell the difference between these styles today.

Colonial Style Architecture

Image: Stenton House by James Logan, 1730

These homes are very distinctive and very popular on the East Coast, which, of course, makes sense since that’s where our original 13 colonies were located. There are a number of variations of the colonial style that can be found throughout the United States, including Dutch colonial, French colonial, Spanish colonial and more. While each of these variations have factors that make them unique, they still maintain the basic architectural characteristics that make them a colonial.

Key Features of Colonial Homes

The key defining feature of a standard colonial is symmetry. These homes are typically rectangular, “four over four” homes – two rooms on each side of a staircase, two rooms deep and two stories high – with one or more chimneys on either end of the home.

• Plain, sparse ornamental decor on the exterior
• Iron-forged hardware
• Double-hung windows with shutters, dormers and paneled doors with sidelights topped with transoms
• Built using fieldstone or split shingles
• Steeply pitched roof with abrupt gables
• Front porch that is often supported by a grouping of columns featuring the “classical orders” of architecture
• Roots in early Greek and Roman architecture
• Center entry floor plan with simple, classical details

Some keywords to describe colonial architecture include restrained, symmetrical, balanced and orderly.

In England, this architectural style was common in country home retreats owned by the wealthy. So when the style became popular in the United States, it was typically used in homes built for well-off people who wanted to emulate the style of the British aristocracy.

Fun fact: Colonial homes were the first homes to feature the double-hung window.

Federal Style Architecture

Image: Ives House by Caleb Ormsbee, circa 1803

After 1783, architects wanted to distance themselves from the heavy-handed influence of Great Britain and started to adapt the popular colonial style to their own preferences. Federal style (also called Federalist style) was named because at this time, the Federalist Party was the most dominant in American politics. They had controlled most of Congress and were the primary supporters of the ratification of the Constitution. Not only did this style of home become incredibly popular, the style was also very popular for the buildings that were being constructed for our new government.

Key Features of Federal Homes

These homes aren’t dramatically different from colonial homes. They, too, are symmetrical structures with a “four over four” layout. However, these homes are a bit more ornate than their colonial brothers. Look for these features in Federal style homes:

• Side-abled or hip roof with a moderate to low pitch
• Segmental and sometimes rounded arched doors and windows
• Brick, clapboard or matchboard
• Brass hardware with wood or iron decorative fences
• Plaster ceiling medallions inside with elaborate mantel moldings
• Taller and narrower than colonial homes
• Narrower columns and moldings
• Semi-circular or elliptical fanlight over the front door with narrow sidelights flanking each side
• Central or interior chimneys
• Interior oval, circular or octagonal shaped rooms

A few keywords to describe Federal style architecture include relaxed, decorative and symmetrical.

While the colonial home was initially designed for wealthy families, the Federal home became more common for the average homeowner. This was due to the fact that most homeowners were now very patriotic to the new United States and wanted to own a home that felt more American in style.

Fun fact: Federal homes were the first style of home to prominently feature an eagle as an architectural detail.

If you’re in the market for a home and aren’t sure if you’re looking at a colonial or Federal style home, don’t worry! They’re nearly one and the same. But in the meantime, you can refer back to this post to help you figure it out. While you’re here, don’t forget to check out our mortgage calculator to find out how much home you can afford before buying that gorgeous colonial (or Federal!) home you’ve had your eye on.

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