Gustavian Seating
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 Settee with Lion Heads in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A beautiful 19th century Swedish barrel back sofa settee in the Gustavian style, newly upholstered in linen, circa 1890. Hand scraped to reveal the original paint. The frame features...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Oval Back Wheat Sheaf Chairs
Located in Wichita, KS
A fabulous set of twelve Swedish Gustavian period dining chairs from Lindome, c. 1790. These side chairs have oval backs, pierced slats accented by carved wheat sheafs, cross stretch...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
Stockholm, Gustavian Style Armchair
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Limited edition reproductions by D. Larsson, inspired by the finest 18th - 19th-century Swedish furniture.
STOCKHOLM, This Gustavian style armchair is inspired by one of the finest ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Beech
Swedish Barrel Back Chair
By Anders Hellman
Located in Salisbury, GB
A superb Swedish period gustavian barrel back chair by Anders Hellman (1793-1825) in pale original paint with fine hand carved details and lions head decoration - elegant rear splaye...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Demilune Benches
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Grand pair of matching painted demi-lune form benches made in the Louis XVI Swedish Gustavian taste. The benches feature a painted frame with an intentionally aged, distressed patina...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Gustavian Seating
Materials
Brass
Pair, White Swedish Stools or Tabourets circa 1890-1910
Located in Round Top, TX
This pair of Swedish stools or tabourets have graceful saber legs while the upturned hand rests provide stability as well as balanced beauty to the pair.
Restored, later professional...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Muslin, Wood, Paint
Pair, White Painted Swedish Stools, circa 1900's
Located in Round Top, TX
This pair of Swedish Gustavian style stools or tabourets have graceful saber legs while the upturned hand rests provide stability as well as balanced beauty to the pair.
Restored, la...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Muslin, Wood, Paint
19th Century Swedish Classical Sofa
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
An unusual period Gustavian sofa with classical plaster decoration.
With rare lions paw feet and scraped to original paint. Newly upholstered in linen.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
Genuine Antique Gustavian Armchairs, Set of Two Swedish Handmade Padded Chairs
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine antique gustavian armchairs from Sweden made during the late 1700s. This pair of chairs have been scraped to the original paint which has become distressed and the wood under...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Style Unique Arm Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very Unique Swedish Gustavian Style Arm Chair. The seat is covered n Muslin. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Antique Pair of Swedish Gustavian Bergère Chairs in Old Paint Unrestored c1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Pair of Bergère Chairs from Sweden in the classic Gustavian style of furniture. Gustavian furniture was a leading style in Swedish architecture and interior decor during the ...
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
19th c. Swedish Late Gustavian Sofa Bench in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
This charming 19th century Swedish Gustavian sofa has been hand-scraped to reveal the original paint surface. Newly upholstered in linen with bolster pillows. This seat has the added...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Settee With Trundle
Located in Houston, US
This is a beautiful Swedish Gustavian settee with a pull out trundle. The settee was designed to provide stylish seating during the day and extra sleeping area at night. The mattress...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Hardwood, Pine
Small White Swedish Stool or Footrest, circa 1900's
Located in Round Top, TX
This petite Swedish stool or tabouret has a yoke shaped base with applied carved flower medallion.
The distressed patina of the later antique white painted finish adds to the charm.
...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Swedish Gustavian Period 1780s Painted Wood Sofa with Carved Crest and Apron
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period painted wood sofa circa 1780 with carved crest, tall arms with finials, carved apron and cylindrical fluted legs. Step into the elegance of the Swedish Gus...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Period Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
This stunning pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Period Chairs exemplifies the refined elegance and understated opulence characteristic of this influential design era. Originatin...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Original Gray Painted Gustavian Bench, Sweden circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
This lovely long bench is a wonderful example of Swedish Gustavian craftsmanship with it's delicately carved spindles, decoratively carved skirt and back all resting on turned fluted...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Pine, Paint
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Settee with Egyptian Carvings in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A beautiful Swedish Gustavian settee with a comfortable barrel-style back, hand-scraped to the original paint surface and newly upholstered in linen. The frame features carved bell f...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Pair, Gray Painted Swedish Gustavian Armchairs, circa 1920
Located in Round Top, TX
This pair of Swedish Gustavian style armchairs have a gently curved back, turned fluted legs and decorative carving embellishments which all add to the graceful appeal of each.
The n...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
White Swedish Gustavian Stool With Saber Legs, circa 1840
Located in Round Top, TX
This Swedish stool or tabouret has graceful saber legs and applied carving along the skirt and legs which adds an elegant touch.
Restored, solid/stable and ready to be enjoyed. Later...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Swedish Gustavian Style Upholstered Painted Bench
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish hand carved, solid wood and hand painted Gustavian bench upholstered in a floral silk blend fabric. Wonderful addition to any style home, used formally or informally in an en...
Category
Early 2000s European Gustavian Seating
Materials
Silk, Wood
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 out section to the front, but it has since...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine, Paint
Fine 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Fine 19th century Swedish sofa from the Gustavian period in its original colour newly upholstered in a raw linen. Ca 1810 Sweden.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
19th Century Swedish Painted Hall Bench, Trundle Bed
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Swedish painted hall bench ~ trundle bed is the perfect selection for the active family! By day, a handsome, country style hall bench ~ by nig...
Category
1880s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Good set of Six Swedish 19th c Provincial Gustavian Chairs
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Good set of six Swedish provincial 19th century Gustavian chairs. ca 1810 Sweden
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Original Gray Painted Gustavian Bench with Storage, Sweden circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
This exceptional Gustavian bench is a special find. Note the original pale gray painted finish (with blue undertones) with decorative finials and carved bow in teal blue/green. The f...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine, Paint
Antique Early 19th Century Gustavian Sofa / Bench, By a Swedish Cabinetmaker
Located in Odense, DK
A stunning antique late Gustavian sofa/bench, skillfully crafted by a talented Swedish cabinetmaker of the era. This exquisite piece showcases the hallmark elements of Gustavian desi...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Fine Pair of Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Fine pair of Swedish early 19th century late Gustavian chairs in their original finish by master chair maker Melchior Lundberg (active in Stockholm 1795-1834) . Ca 1810 Stockholm, Sw...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Bench, Swedish with Griffons, 19th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
With significant size and presence, this armed bench has a long single seat and three separate upholstered back rests and upholstered arm rests. The elaborately carved wood is painte...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Rare Period 1740-60s era Swedish Gustavian Baroque Bergere Chair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Carved distressed painted frame. Upholstered. 41 1/2" h x 26 3/8" w x 23 1/2" d. Seat height 20 1/4".
Condition
Splits in wood. Paint loss. Chips and nicks in wood. Minor stains to ...
Category
1740s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Walnut
Swedish Style Rams Head Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Style Rams Head Chair. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Antique Swedish Lift Top "Kökssoffa" Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Turn of the 19th - 20th century Swedish lift top bench or bed in a light blue color. These were placed in farm house kitchens and typically the milkmaid's bed, thus the name "kökssof...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine, Paint
Pair Of Gustavian Style Armchairs With Gilt Plume & Shell Motif
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of distressed white paint decorated armchairs with back splats having carved gilt plume and shell motif.
The chairs with inset carved geometric motifs, baluster form armrest sup...
Category
20th Century Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Painted Gustavian Bench Raised upon Tapered Fluted Legs
Located in Houston, TX
Painted Gustavian bench raised upon tapered fluted legs. Newly covered in a tufted off-white seat cushion. Painted finish not original with some losses.
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Corner Banquette
Located in Wichita, KS
A rare period Gustavian corner banquette, profusely carved with unique variation of wood decor that is different on the inside and outside of the sofa, circa 1790. Newly upholstered ...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Pair, Gustavian Style White Arm Chairs, Sweden circa 1940
Located in Round Top, TX
This pair of Swedish arm chairs have a gently curved back, cabriolet legs and decorative carving embellish the skirt and top which all add to the graceful appeal of each.
The newer p...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Pair, White Painted Gustavian Style Armchairs, Sweden circa 1900's
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, Swedish white painted armchairs with carved details along edges, top of back and bottom of seat; turned fluted legs.
The newer, professionally applied antique white painted fin...
Category
20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Sofa Bench in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A long 19th c. Swedish sofa bench from the Gustavian period, hand-scraped to reveal the original paint, circa 1800. This beautiful sofa has been newly upholstered in linen and has un...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
19th c . Swedish Gustavian Painted Stools Signed by Johannes Ericsson
Located in Wichita, KS
Beautifully carved pair of Swedish benches from the late Gustavian period, newly upholstered in linen with nailhead trim, circa 1830. Signed by Johannes Ericsson, 1803-1865, a chair ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
18th Century Long Gustavian Stool /Bench
Located in Salisbury, GB
A very good late 18th century Swedish period Gustavian long stool/ bench in original colour - this has been dry scraped back to its original patina which is wonderful - four front ha...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Settee
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a beautifully elaborated c. 1800 Swedish Gustavian bench or settee. The bench retains its original painted surface which has acquired a superb natural patina over its 200 yea...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Swedish Gustavian Period Bench with Antique Linen
Located in Charleston, SC
Very rare. Swedish Gustavian period bench, circa 1800, finished on all three sides with Guilloché carvings on carved round fluted legs. Scraped to original cream /white finish and u...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Bespoke Gustavian Style Bench
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Stunning bespoke Swedish Gustavian style painted bench with reeded panels and decoration.
Seat height - 17"
This bench has been painted in an F&B Old White No.4
Reference: 8339
D...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Fine Set of Six 18th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Fine set of six Swedish 18th century Gustavian chairs in their original colour. ca 1790 Sweden.
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Late 18th Century Transition Chairs in Original Color
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of transition chairs made in Stockholm about 1780:s. Chairs that are made between the rococo period and the gustavian period are called transition chairs. So for example the b...
Category
1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
Pair of 18th Century Gustavian chairs, made in Stockholm
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair gustavian chairs in original color, about 1780, made in Stockholm,
attributed to Johan Lindgren, who became member of Stockholms chair mak...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
Pair of Late 19th Century Swedish Gripsholm Armchairs
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Scandinavian Gripsholm Painted Grey Armchairs, A Pair
A pair of elegant Swedish armchairs, modeled after the traditional Gripsholm type. The model is named after the Gripsholm castl...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Sofa 'Trägsoffa'
Located in Wichita, KS
This is a stunning 18th c. Swedish Trägsoffa (sofa bed) from the Gustavian period newly upholstered in linen, circa 1790. Shaped arms and beautiful guilloche carving around the seat ...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Stool made in Stockholm about 1790
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Gustavian stool made in Stockholm about 1790. The stool is hand crafted with an elegantly leaf shaped border. The stool has fine originally paint with much of indigenous textures r...
Category
1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood, Birch
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Blue Painted Sofa 'Trägsoffa'
Located in Wichita, KS
This is a stunning 18th c. Swedish Trägsoffa (sofa bed) from the Gustavian period wearing blue paint and newly upholstered in linen, circa 1790. Shaped arms and beautiful carving det...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
18th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Stockholm, SE
Four gustavian chairs made in Sweden about 1790. The chairs secondary color have been removed and what is left, is the original color.
Category
1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
Gustavian Bucket chair, made in Stockholm
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Swedish Gustavian Bucket Chair. Made in Stockholm about 1790.
Decorated with beautiful lion heads at the armrest and leaf shaped border.
The legs are elegantly carved.
Gently hand ...
Category
1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood, Birch
Antique Genuine Swedish Gustavian Style Country House Bench or Sofa
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish sofa in gustavian style. The sofa is a genuine country house furniture made by hand around 1820 in northern Sweden. The frame is m...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Gustavian Window Seat
Located in Salisbury, GB
A very beautiful Swedish period gustavian window seat - window seats are differentiated by stools and benches because they are carved on all four sides - and are quite rare
This exa...
Category
Early 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
6 equal chairs, early 19th Century, Late Gustavian, made by Ephraim Sthal
Located in Stockholm, SE
6 Late Gustavavian chairs made by Ephraim Ståhl. The chairs are beautifully hand carved with nail clippers and leaf shaped decorations.
The chairs are made by Ephraim Stahl, who wor...
Category
1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
Early 19th Century Late Gustavian pair of gilded stools, made in Stockholm
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of banquets made in Stockholm, Sweden, about 1810.
The banquetes are gilded, with sable formed legs. The legs corner are decorated with fleurons. As well as the sideboards, w...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
Gustavian, Italian Renaissance Style, Chair, Burlap, Distressed Paint, Giltwood
Located in Stamford, CT
Gustavian, Italian Renaissance Style, Chair, Burlap, Distressed Paint, Giltwood
A Gustavian paint decorated armchair. The later burlap tweed upholstery added to this piece creates w...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Burlap, Wood
Early 19th Century Late Gustavian chair
Located in Stockholm, SE
Chair made in Sweden about 1800. The original and first secondary color give the chairs surface indigenous textures. The seat is original as well as the leather.
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Gustavian seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Gustavian seating for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gustavian seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Ephraim Stahl, Hendrix Allardyce, Boet, and Johan Hammarström. 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $295 and tops out at $27,600 while the average work can sell for $4,764.
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