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Gustavian Daybeds

GUSTAVIAN STYLE

With clean lines and muted colors, antique Gustavian furniture is understated and elegant. It represents a more restrained version of the transition from Rococo to neoclassicism that was happening in France under Louis XVI. The style developed under Swedish King Gustav III, who reigned from 1771 until his assassination in 1792, and his son Gustav IV, who ruled until 1809. Although Gustavian furniture is mostly used to refer to pale painted cabinets, commodes, armchairs and other items, it involved a range of influences.

Gustavian-style furniture was inspired by discoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum as well as the grandeur of European palaces like Versailles, with local softwoods such as pine and birch. There was also an emphasis on natural light; crystal chandeliers and large mirrors played a role in radiating the fleeting daylight of winter, giving it a distinctive aesthetic.

Where earlier furniture was curvy and florid, this new era was more architectural, with tapered and fluted legs and rectangular and oval shapes. Luminous gilt contrasted with the palette of soft blues on upholstery and painted surfaces. Leading furniture builders included Gottlieb Iwersson, Louis Masreliez and Erik Öhrmark. The latter, a French-born Swedish decorator, designed the Sulla chair, a seat that was demonstrative of technical skill and precise craftsmanship and drew on Greek klismos chairs. Masreliez’s Sulla chair was made by Öhrmark and featured decorative ornamentation produced by Jean-Baptiste Masreliez, Louis’s younger brother.

While the wealthy had furniture carved with neoclassical details like scallops and rosettes, more affordable options were adorned with faux finishes that mimicked marble and stenciled patterns. The simple elegance of Gustavian furniture would have a long impact on Swedish design, informing the 20th-century appreciation for function and form. In the 1950s, IKEA mass-produced copies of a Gustavian commode designed by cabinetmaker Georg Haupt, who created pieces for the Royal Palace, making the furniture a fixture of everyday Swedish life.

Find a collection of antique Gustavian seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Gustavian
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Style Sofa Bench in Original Patina
Located in Wichita, KS
19th c. Swedish sofa bench in the Gustavian style wearing its original, natural patina. There are carved rosettes at each corner post and the tapered and fluted legs feature fluted, round caps. This sofa is covered in old linen...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

Gustavian Sofa in Pink Linen
Located in Faversham, GB
A wonderful Swedish sofa in Gustavian style made of Scots Pine. The seat ends collapse, allowing the bench to fold down into a flatbed, which extends the length of the sofa and prov...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Linen, Upholstery, Pine

18th Century White-Grey Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Sofa Bench, Antique Daybed
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A white-grey, antique Swedish Gustavian sofa bench, daybed with three large back pillows and two round pillows, made of hand carved Pinewo...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Pine

18th-19th Century White Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Daybed, Antique Sofa Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, antique Swedish Gustavian daybed made of hand crafted painted Pinewood with two round pillows, in good condition. The sides of t...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Cotton, Pine, Linen, Damask

19th Century Swedish Day-Bed
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Swedish 19th century daybed with carved decorative detailing throughout. This elegant daybed has the refined neoclassical style that defined the Gustavian era. The carved wood frame ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Paint Decorated Storage Bench, New Wool Shearling, Sweden, 19th C.
Located in Stamford, CT
Gustavian paint decorated storage bench, new wool shearling, Sweden 19th Century Wonderful gustavian bench or daybed having a brand new white wool shearling/sheepskin upholstery ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Wool, Wood

Fine 19th Century Gustavian Daybed Sofa
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Fine 19th century late Gustavian daybed sofa in its original color and fine carvings, circa 1810 Stockholm, Sweden. Attributed to Ephraim Stahl, (1767-1820). Supplier to the Royal Co...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Wood

Exceptional 18th Century Swedish Daybed
Located in New Orleans, LA
Highly decorative 18th century Swedish daybed with original patina.
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Gustavian Style Painted Daybed
Located in New Orleans, LA
A Swedish painted daybed with brass accents in the Gustavian style.
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Brass

A Gustavian Bench with Beautiful Plaster Caryatid Decoration on the back.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Gustavian Bench with Beautiful Plaster Caryatid Decoration on the back and hand carved all around.
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Upholstery, Pine, Plaster

18th Century Gustavian Swedish Grey Daybed with Carved Rosettes and Fluted Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period grey painted daybed from the 18th century with out-scrolling sides, fluted apron and legs and carved rosettes. Step into an ambiance of timeless elegance with this 18th-century Swedish Gustavian daybed. Painted in a classic Gustavian grey that exudes sophistication, the finish is tantalizingly distressed to allow hints of the original wood to emerge. The weight and solid construction of this piece attest to its heritage—born of exceptional craftsmanship and designed to stand the test of time. Feast your eyes on the exquisitely out-scrolling sides, fluted apron, and legs that effortlessly marry form and function. Elegant carved rosettes grace each knee, imbuing the daybed with a touch of floral flair. For modern practicality, the daybed is fully reupholstered in a new, heavy canvas duck fabric...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

19th Cent Gustavian Daybed, Chaise, Swedish Paint Distressed, Sheepskin, Sweden
Located in Stamford, CT
18th / 19th century Gustavian daybed, chaise lounge, Swedish paint distressed, new wool upholstery A fine example of Gustavian home furnishings. The large daybed...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

Related Items
Bronze and Leather Daybed or Bench by Nicos Zographos
Located in Atlanta, GA
Bronze and caramel color leather daybed or bench, designed by Nicos Zographos, American, circa 1960s. Retains warm original patina to the bronze.
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19th Century Black Swedish Gustavian Fållbänk, Antique Pinewood Fall Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black, antique Swedish Gustavian FÅLLBÄNK, fall bench composed with a storage space below sitting area, made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good con...
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Art Deco black wood and leather daybed sofa. Art Deco daybed sofa, from France, from 1930s Art Deco period. Black wood frame and leather upholstery. Conservative restoration of woode...
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Early 20th Century French Gustavian Daybeds

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Art Deco Black Wood and Leather Day Bed Sofa
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Stunning 19th Century Art Nouveau Cast Iron French Daybed
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Fantastic French Caning Daybed or Bench 1950
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Fantastic, original and rare daybed or bench made in France in 1950. Composed of a metal structure cover entirely in cane. 4 metals arms are covered in rattan. Seat have a wave sha...
Category

20th Century French Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

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Fantastic French Caning Daybed or Bench 1950
Fantastic French Caning Daybed or Bench 1950
H 35.04 in W 79.14 in D 38.19 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Mahogany Day Bed
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19th century French Napoleon III mahogany day bed is a masterful study in classical architecture melded with timeless French craftsmanship and an understated elegance that will trans...
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Antique Genuine Swedish Gustavian Pine Provincial Sofa Bench
Located in Kramfors, SE
Northern Swedish Gustavian provincial sofa crafted in pine, showcasing its original scraped paint. This sofa, dating back to the early 19th century, around 1800 to 1810, exemplifies ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

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19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut Daybed or Bench
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive 19th century walnut daybed or bench seat made in the grand French Napoleon III period. The walnut frame features large round padd...
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19th Century French Antique Gustavian Daybeds

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18th Century Swedish Gustavian Country Bench
Located in Kramfors, SE
Gustavian country bench from the late 18th century. The bench is made in the very north of Sweden, close to the Finnish border in an area called Tornedalen. The bench is unusual and ...
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18th Century Swedish Gustavian Country Bench
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Country Bench
H 33.86 in W 70.08 in D 22.45 in
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian sofa from Skellefteå Västerbotten, Northern Sweden. Scraped by hand to its original color. The sofa has some retouches. The kitchen sofa...
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1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Pine

Swedish Early 19th Century Gustavian Painted Sofa
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish early 19th century gustavian painted sofa circa 1810. Stunning sofa in original paint.  This would have been a day bed with a pull ou...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Pine, Paint

French Mid-Century Modern Sofa / Day Bed by A R P & Yves Klein Blue Style Fabric
By A. R. P.
Located in New York, NY
An early French Architectural Mid-Century Modernist sofa / daybed by A.R.P. Atelier de Recherche Plastique and with a fabric color similar to Yves Klein Blue. The sofa / divan presen...
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Previously Available Items
19th century Gustavian Sofa Bed
Located in Charleston, SC
Gustavian sofa bed, Sweden circa 1850 with beautiful Gustavian details; openwork lyres and foliage carved back. The finish has been scraped to reveal much of the original cream/whit...
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Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

19th century Gustavian Sofa Bed
19th century Gustavian Sofa Bed
H 35 in W 78.75 in D 21.5 in
18th Century Gustavian Swedish Grey Daybed with Carved Rosettes and Fluted Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period grey painted daybed from the 18th century with out-scrolling sides, fluted apron and legs and carved rosettes. Step into an ambiance of timeless elegance with this 18th-century Swedish Gustavian daybed. Painted in a classic Gustavian grey that exudes sophistication, the finish is tantalizingly distressed to allow hints of the original wood to emerge. The weight and solid construction of this piece attest to its heritage—born of exceptional craftsmanship and designed to stand the test of time. Feast your eyes on the exquisitely out-scrolling sides, fluted apron, and legs that effortlessly marry form and function. Elegant carved rosettes grace each knee, imbuing the daybed with a touch of floral flair. For modern practicality, the daybed is fully reupholstered in a new, heavy canvas duck fabric...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Sweedish Gustavian Daybed Circa 1790s
Located in New York, NY
Elegant handcarved Sweedish Gustavian daybed / settee with gilted wood decor along the top edge of the backrest. . An exceptionally rare example of Gustavian workmanship. Circa 1790s...
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Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

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Fabric, Wood, Paint

Sweedish Gustavian Daybed Circa 1790s
Sweedish Gustavian Daybed Circa 1790s
H 46.5 in W 76 in D 27 in
18th Century Gustavian Sofa Bench In Original Gray Paint, Sweden
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Late 18th century sofa or settee bench with old grey paint and the Unbeatable Original Patina. The sofa has been carefully and professionally hand-scraped in order recover ...
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Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

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Pine

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa with Original Paint
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
End of 18th century Swedish Gustavian Sofa or Daybed, featuring greyish old paint and its original patina. Sofa has carefully and professionally been hand scraped to rediscover the o...
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Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

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Pine

19th century Swedish Gustavian Sofa Bed
Located in Charleston, SC
Early 19th century Swedish Gustavian sofa with carved decoration around the apron and storage/bed underneath the seat. Hand dry-scraped to its most original color and newly upholstered seat in linen. Long and narrow sofa...
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Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Linen, Pine, Paint

19th century Swedish Gustavian Sofa Bed
19th century Swedish Gustavian Sofa Bed
H 36.75 in W 84.25 in D 19 in
Swedish Gustavian Settee Daybed
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This handsome Swedish Gustavian settee or daybed is an amazing way to add more seating to any space. Its worn finish has a fantastic patina an...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

Swedish Gustavian Settee Daybed
Swedish Gustavian Settee Daybed
H 35.38 in W 81 in D 24.75 in
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Sofa Bench with Egyptian Carvings in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A rare 19th c. Swedish sofa from the Gustavian period hand-scraped to its beautiful, original paint with original cushions. Fine carvings, ca 1800, Stockholm, Sweden. This piece features decoratively carved detailing of bell flowers around the frame with acanthus leaves on the legs. Sphinx heads adorn the arms and the sides depict a typical Gustavian scene with a pair of griffons. Attributed to master chair maker, Ephraim Sthal (1767-1820), who worked in Stockholm and was one of the main furniture makers for the Royal Court, King Gustav III...
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19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Wood, Paint

18th c. Swedish Gustavian Daybed Sofa Bench with Griffons in Original Patina
Located in Wichita, KS
An exceptionally rare, hand-carved Swedish Gustavian period sofa or daybed, circa 1790, hand-scraped to reveal the original paint surface and newly upholstered in antique linen with ...
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18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

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Linen, Wood, Paint

Swedish Gustavian Daybed
Located in New Orleans, LA
Sweeping graceful sides are accented with flower and leaf garland. Egg & dart carving decorates the three sides of the base of the sofa. Upholstered in European burlap.
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18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Burlap, Wood

Swedish Gustavian Daybed
Swedish Gustavian Daybed
H 36 in W 94 in D 27 in
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Upholstered Trag Sofa in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
This is a stunning 18th c. Swedish Trag Sofa from the Gustavian period hand-scraped to reveal the original paint surface and newly upholstered in antique ...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

19th Cent Gustavian Daybed, Chaise, Swedish Paint Distressed, Sheepskin, Sweden
Located in Stamford, CT
18th / 19th century Gustavian daybed, chaise lounge, Swedish paint distressed, new wool upholstery A fine example of Gustavian home furnishings. The large daybed...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

Gustavian daybeds for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Gustavian daybeds for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage daybeds created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gustavian daybeds made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for daybeds differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $6,000 and tops out at $10,500 while the average work can sell for $8,250.

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