Gustavian Secretaires
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
Gustavian, Swedish Secretaire Desk, White Paint, Pinewood, Sweden, 1900s
Located in Stamford, CT
Gustavian, Swedish Painted Secretaire Desk, White Paint, Pinewood, Sweden, 1900s
Gustavian secretaire desk or storage cabinet designed and produced in Sweden in the early part of th...
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Paint
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Fall Front Desk
Located in Wichita, KS
An 18th century Swedish fall-front bureau from the Gustavian period wearing beautiful black paint, circa 1790. Original brass hardware and locks. This secretary displays neoclassical...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Painted Swedish Gustavian Style Secretary
Located in Houston, US
Really beautiful Swedish secretary with drop front, interior drawers, cubbies and a secret compartment. Two doors sit on two drawers on the top and there are two small drawers over t...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Brass
18th c. Swedish Painted Secretary with Library
Located in Wichita, KS
This is an exceptional Swedish secretary with library, circa 1780. This secretary has retained its original brass hardware and locks and is wearing black paint on the exterior with b...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Paint
Swedish Gustavian Painted Secretary Cabinet Bookcase
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gustavian Painted Secretary Cabinet Bookcase, Sweden
Antique Swedish secretary cabinet in Gustavian Style. The cabinet is a well crafted pie...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Brass
19th Century Antique Gustavian Style Painted Secretary Bureau
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Early 19th Century Swedish Slant Front secretary with solid columns,
Sweden, 1800-1810
Solid oak,
Standing on a block feet Swedish Gustavian slan...
Category
1810s Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Oak
Oak Secretary Bureau With Painted Finish from Sweden circa 1760-1800
Located in Round Top, TX
This oak secretary or "bureau" reflects the grace and class of Swedish styling from the early 1800's.
The dramatic serpentine drawers and carved outer panel of the drop down desk add a romantic touch, accented by brass pulls and key escutcheon.
The traditional interior with 12 unique, small drawers and central “cubbie” with two petite drawers offers perfect space to organize.
Under the desk top is three standard large size drawers and upper narrow drawer, each has two brass pulls used to open drawer.
It was later professionally painted with an exceptional layered salmon/desert pink...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Tall Blue Painted Secretary from Sweden, circa 1800-20
Located in Round Top, TX
This striking oak secretary is an elegant statement piece crowned with an elaborate latticework bonnet and finials.
The entire secretary has been given a professional custom layered ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wrought Iron
Gustavian Style Drop Front or Slant Front Secretary, Late 19th Century
Located in South Salem, NY
This late 19th-century Gustavian style drop-front secretary bookshelf is a true embodiment of timeless sophistication. Adorned with a later gray pa...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Swedish 1820s Late Gustavian Period Painted Slant-Front Desk with Five Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Late Gustavian period secretary from circa 1820, with tan/cream painted finish, slant-front desk, five drawers, carved reeded motifs and bracket feet. Embrace the timeless ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style 1850s Blue Gray Painted Slant Front Secretary
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style slant front secretary from circa 1850 with blue gray painted finish and off white trim. This Swedish Gustavian style slant front secretary, dating back to circa 1850, is a magnificent blend of elegance and practicality. It boasts a serene blue-gray painted finish, gracefully accented with off-white trim, encapsulating the essence of Gustavian design. The subtle yet sophisticated color palette ensures that it would seamlessly integrate into a variety of interior schemes, from traditional to more contemporary settings.
The upper section houses a slant front desk, which, when opened, reveals an intricately organized interior. Multiple drawers of varying sizes encircle a central door, while vertical compartments...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Brass
18th Century Grey Swedish Gustavian Pine Two Part Bureau - Antique Secretaire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 18th Century, light-grey, white antique Swedish Gustavian two part bureau made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian secretaire is composed with two...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Metal
18th Century Grey Swedish Gustavian Two Part Pine Secretary - Scandinavian Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, white antique Sweden Gustavian two part bureau with a writing flap made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian writing table, desk is com...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Metal, Brass
Gustavian Style 1840s Gray Painted Drop Front Secretary with Graduated Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style drop front secretary from circa 1840 with gray painted finish, writing area and three graduated drawers. This Swedish Gustavian style drop-front secretary, ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Swedish 1790s Gustavian Period Two-Part Painted Secretary with Slant Front Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period two-part tall secretary from circa 1790 with elegant carved décor, creamy white painted finish and multiple inner drawers inside the slant-front desk. Disc...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Secretary in Mahogany With Inlaid wood and Brass Handles from the 1790s
Located in Lejre, DK
Light mahogany secretary decorated with inlaid wood decorations and brass handles from around the 1790s.
Measurements in cm: H:130 W:107 D:48
Category
1790s Danish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
1780s Gustavian Period Swedish Grey Painted Drop-Front Secretary with Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period grey painted drop-front secretary from circa 1780 with multiple inner drawers and four drawers on the façade. Discover the sublime craftsmanship of this Sw...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Early 19th Century Blue Painted Swedish Gustavian Period Slant-Front Secretary
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish late Gustavian period painted wood slant-front secretary from the early 19th century with light blue painted finish and carved bracket feet. This exquisite Swedish late Gustavian period painted wood slant-front secretary, dating back to the early 19th century, exudes grace and understated elegance. Painted in a serene light...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
1820s Swedish Wooden Desk
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden cabinet created in 1820s Sweden. Tall, slender, and painted in an inviting reddish ochre, this cabinet presents an air of familiarity and amicable function. This discreet se...
Category
1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
18th c. Swedish Early Gustavian Secretary with Library
Located in Wichita, KS
A Swedish early Gustavian period secretary with library from the 18th century with shaped cornice, scalped apron, and original bronze hardware. The upp...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Paint
Swedish Gustavian Style 1820s Grey Blue Painted Slant Front Desk Secretary
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood secretary circa 1820 with slant front desk, carved fluted motifs, three drawers and carved feet. Transport yourself to the elegant Swedish Gust...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
18th-19th Century Grey Swedish Gustavian Two Part Pinewood Bureau, Secretaire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 18th-19th century, light-grey, white antique Swedish Gustavian two part bureau made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian secretaire is composed wit...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Swedish Gustavian Period 1790s Painted Slant Front Secretary with Three Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period painted wood secretary from the late 18th century, with slant front desk, multiple drawers, dark painted interior, th...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Brass
18th Century Swedish Neoclassical Painted Secretary Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
18th century Swedish neoclassical painted secretary desk will make the perfect addition to your home whether your decor is modern, traditional,...
Category
1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Steel
Swedish Gustavian Style 19th Century Painted Slant Front Desk with Three Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood secretary from the 19th century, with slant front desk, multiple drawers, grey painted interior, three dr...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Brass
19th Century Swedish Secretary with Clock
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Swedish Secretary with Clock. Having a painted exterior and a contrasting paint interior. The crown has dental molding detail and the...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint
20th Century White-Grey Swedish Gustavian Two Part Pinewood Bureau, Secretary
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, white antique Swedish Gustavian two part bureau with a writing flap made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian secretaire is composed with two upper doors, three large drawers and many small storage spaces, enhanced by detailed wood carvings. The doors have the original window panes in glass. The secretary writing table, desk represents the Neoclassical Greek style with the original bronze hardware and key. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1910-1920...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Metal, Bronze
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Two Part Pine Bureau, Scandinavian Secretaire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 18th - 19th Century, dark-grey antique Swedish Gustavian two part bureau with a writing flap made of hand crafted painted pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian secretaire i...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Metal, Bronze
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Secretary
Located in San Angelo, TX
This beautiful and unique 19th century Swedish Gustavian writing desk is perfect for any room or hallway. The colors are amazing with th...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Pine, Paint
Swedish Gustavian 1790s Painted Slant-Front Desk with Carved Diamond Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period slant front desk from the late 18th century, with carved diamond motifs, multiple drawers, original lock and key. Created in Sweden during the last decade ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Three Part Pine Bureau, Scandinavian Secretaire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 18th century, dark-grey antique Swedish Gustavian three part bureau, secretaire made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The arched upper section of the Scandinavi...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Metal, Brass
Antique Swedish Secretary Cabinet 19th Century
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century Swedish Secretary Desk with open book shelves above the fall front desk and bottom cabinet doors. The desk section has multiple sma...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Writing Bureau or Secretaire
Located in Kramfors, SE
Painted writing bureau or secretaire from Sweden made during the early 1800s, 1810 to 1820. The bureau is a folk art furniture from the area Hälsingland in Sweden and is made in gustavian style. The bureau is a prime example of the Swedish gustavian period with clean, elegant lines and a timeless expression. A fun detail is the secret compartment hidden in the middle of the interior, see picture. This bureau is a solid antique furniture...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Pine
19th Century Swedish antique rustic Gustavian Secretary with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
A Swedish antique rustic Gustavian slant front secretary from early 19th century that is perfect for any home.
This originalpainted features a slanted top that pulls down to make a ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Pine
Swedish Secretary Bureau
Located in South Salem, NY
A late 19th century Swedish secretary bureau with a drop front writing surface. Two over three drawers sits atop ogee bracket feet. Later paint.
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
18th Century Black Swedish Gustavian Oak Bureau - Antique Drop Front Secretaire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Swedish Gustavian bureau made of hand crafted painted Oakwood, in good condition. The Scandinavian writing table, desk features man...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Metal, Brass
Antique Gustavian Secretary Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
Antique Gustavian drop-front secretary cabinet, hand-crafted in the early 19th Century in Sweden. It has a warm, light gray painted exterior with hi...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Swedish Secretaire Cupboard
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Swedish 19th Century painted secretaire cupboard in the Gustavian style.
This cupboard dates from the late 19th Century and consists of two cupboard doors below the secretaire fal...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Paint
'60s Slim Leg Secrétaire / Vanity with Inlay of Elm and Walnut, Sweden
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
This exceptional beautiful and rare slim high leg secrétaire / vanity combined with elm and walnut open book and follow-up veneered drawers and open book veneered doors is a absolute...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Elm, Walnut
Late 18th Century Swedish Secretary Cabinet with Historic Paint
Located in South Salem, NY
Splendid early antique Gustavian style secretary cabinet, made in Sweden, circa late 19th century. This rustic cabinet retains its historic p...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Painted Wood Slant-Front Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish mid-19th century painted wood Gustavian style slant-front desk or secretary with three lower drawers standing on short tapered feet.
Here are the measurements: 48" W x 2...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Continental Gustavian Painted Secretary
Located in New York, NY
Continental Gustavian-style (Possibly Swedish/ Danish 18th Century) off-white painted secretary with carved column sides and carved simple swag and t...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Antique Genuine Northern Swedish Gustavian Style Country Escritoire or Secretary
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine antique Swedish escritoire. This escritoire, or secretary desk, is an authentic Swedish country house furniture piece in Gustavian style. Made in northern Sweden around 1820 ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Pine
1800s Gustavian Period Swedish Cream Grey Painted Slant-Front Desk with Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Gustavian period Swedish cream/grey painted slant-front desk from circa 1800 with three drawers and tapered feet. Emanating timeless Swedish elegance, this Gustavian period slant-f...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Brass
19th Century Gustavian Tall Black Writing Desk Secretaire, Sweden 1820
Located in Berlin, DE
This beautiful 19th century Gustavian tall black writing desk secretaire was made in Sweden around 1820. It remains its original paint and is in a ...
Category
1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Pine
19th Century Swedish Small Gustavian Fall Front Desk with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian fall front desk from Burtrask Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden.
Scraped by hand to its original color.
Small cute model in child size.
Fits so nicely i...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Secretaires
Materials
Pine
Gustavian secretaires for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Gustavian secretaires for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage secretaires created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gustavian secretaires 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 secretaires differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,164 and tops out at $29,500 while the average work can sell for $6,950.
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