The first really great American furniture designer was Duncan Phyfe, and most of his work resulted from the influence of Sheraton and Hepplewhite. He work was well-proportioned furniture. He used simplicity in design and woods of finest quality. Although he made other articles of furniture, tables, chairs, and sofas were his specialty.

One type of his chairs is horseshoe-shaped in the seat, with straight, turned front legs. Many of the chairs have brass animal feet. Back legs of the Duncan Phyfe chairs are curved. The lyre was a favorite design used in table pedestals. His chief wood was mahogany, and the upholstery materials included silk, brocade, satin, wool, and horsehair.