Rather than create a new furniture style, he interpreted fashionable European trends in a manner so distinguished and particular that he became a major spokesman for Neoclassicism in the United States, influencing a generation of American cabinetmakers.

A poor immigrant when he arrived in America from his native Scotland, Phyfe acquired wealth and fame through hard work, exceptional talent and the support of patrons.

Throughout the first half of the nineteenth century he made Neoclassical furniture for the social and mercantile elite of New York, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the American South where he was particularly popular.

Known during his lifetime as the "United States Rage", to this day remains America's best-known cabinetmaker,[3] establishing his reputation as a purveyor of luxury by designing high-quality furniture.

It was during the latter and final stages of the business’s history that perhaps the greatest challenge Phyfe ever faced emerged; how to cope with the new wave of historical revival styles.

[7] Ninety years later and only for the second time in history, a major retrospective on this iconic American craftsman and his furniture was again on view from 20 December 2011 – 6 May 2012, under the title "Duncan Phyfe: Master Cabinetmaker in New York".

Likewise, in one of the passages of the novel Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald, he wrote: "She wept all over a set that cost a fortune, in a Duncan Phyfe dining-room...".

Fran Lebowitz references his artistry as a fine companion for anyone in her piece “Pointers for Pets” from her collection Social Studies (1981): “Georgian silver and Duncan Phyfe sofas make wonderful companions, as do all alcoholic beverages and out-of-season fruits.”[10] One of the world's largest roadside attractions is a giant chair located in Thomasville, North Carolina.

The monument was erected in 1950, and the plaque located on its pedestal reads: "This chair is an exemplar and inspiration for future generations to emulate and perpetuate the achievements of our time-honored furniture designers and craftsmen.