$6,677 / set
H 29.53 in W 38.59 in D 18.71 in
Pair of Blue Gustavian Chests of Drawers, Gustavian Style, Sweden
Located in Kastrup, DK
A refined and elegant pair of chests of drawers executed in the Gustavian style and painted in nuanced shades of blue with geometric ornamentation.
Brass
Pair of Elegant Light Blue Gustavian chest's of Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
Decorative pair of Swedish Gustavian-style chests of drawers, crafted in pine and finished in a beautiful light blue paint with an attractive aged patina, allowing the warm tones of ...
Brass
Swedish Gustavian Style Petite Blue/Green Chest
Located in Atlanta, GA
The finish has a custom painted finish in various blue and green hues, with a grey accent trim. This vintage Swedish Gustavian style chest is a cute sized piece which would work well...
Wood, Paint
Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Painted Mifnight Blue
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Gustavian dresser renovated to highest standard and painted in midnight blue. Fine moldings around drawers and fittings in solid brass. Marble top Width 84 cm / 33.1" Depth: 48cm /...
Wood
19th Century Blue Gustavian Pine Chest of Three Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
Gustavian style blue painted pine chest of three drawers with carved details along top resting on tapered feet.
Pine, Paint
19th Century Blue Painted Swedish Gustavian Chest of Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of elegant Gustavian chest of drawers painted in shades of blue, fitting their Swedish origin.
Brass
$2,100 / set
H 33.25 in W 35 in D 18.25 in
Pair of Gustavian Style Blue Painted Chest of Drawers Commodes
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Gustavian Style Blue Painted Chest of Drawers Commodes, A Pair Classic Pair Swedish Style Painted Chest of Drawers.
Brass, Bronze
$7,750 / set
H 30.5 in W 37.5 in D 18.75 in
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Chest of Drawers, Pair
Located in Round Top, TX
The newer, professionally applied blue custom painted finish is perfectly distressed to fit the age and grace of this lovely pair of Gustavian chests.
Brass
$4,500
H 32 in W 32.75 in D 17.5 in
Swedish Gustavian-Style Blue Chest of Drawers with Faux Marble Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined Swedish Gustavian-style chest of drawers. Crafted in pine, this piece is painted in a soft blue tone, a color popular beginning with late 19th-century Scandinavian interpre...
Wood
$8,250 / set
H 29.5 in W 38.25 in D 19 in
Pair, 19th Century Gustavian Style Blue Chest of Drawers or Nightstands
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of elegant Gustavian pine chests of three drawers painted in shades of blue and contrasting black top with simple geometric carving on each drawer.
Brass
$3,439
H 28.55 in W 29.53 in D 17.72 in
Late Gustavian Chest of Drawers in Blue-Green Finish, Sweden Circa 1790–1800
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Gustavian chest of drawers in a beautiful blue-green finish with a simple and harmonious expression, crafted with refined classical details.
Brass
$6,689 / set
H 31.7 in W 35.83 in D 17.52 in
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Breakfront Commodes
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant pair of Gustavian-style breakfront commodes from Sweden, circa 1840–1860. Each is painted in a light blue tone with a charming patina. Below the top runs a finely carved à l...
Pine
$2,389
H 30.12 in W 15.95 in D 13.78 in
Swedish Gustavian Bedside Table / Cabinet with Original Blue Paint
Located in Kastrup, DK
Small Gustavian bedside cabinet in pine with light blue paint and a beautiful patina. The piece has an elegant and refined appearance, enhanced by classic hand-carved details. The f...
Metal
$8,250 / set
H 30.5 in W 37.45 in D 19 in
19th Century Swedish Pair of Blue Chest of Three Drawers or Nightstands
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of elegant Gustavian oak chests of three drawers painted in soft shades of blue.
Brass
Classic Louis XV Style Midnight blue Chests with marble top
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Gustavian Hauptbyrå with marble slab and frame in midnight blue.
Wood
18th Century Gustavian Blue Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Froxfield, Wiltshire
An 18th century Gustavian blue painted chest of drawers, Swedish, circa 1780.
18th Century Blue Gustavian Chest of Drawers
Located in Troy, MI
Gorgeous circa 1750's blue painted Swedish Gustavian chest. This solid, heavy piece is beautifully crafted with classic lines and a surprisingly modern welcome pop of color.
Brass
Pair, 19th Century Swedish Blue Gustavian Chest of Three Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of elegant Gustavian chest of drawers painted in shades of blue, fitting their Swedish origin.
Brass
Sold
H 30 in W 33.25 in D 18 in
Pair, Blue Gustavian Chest of Three Drawers Nightstands, Sweden circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
The newer, professionally applied blue custom painted finish is perfectly distressed to fit the age and grace of this lovely pair of Gustavian chests.
Brass
Sold
H 30.71 in W 31.5 in D 16.93 in
Pair of Swedish Light Blue Gustavian Chest of Drawers, Late 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A pair of light blue painted 3 drawer chests in Gustavian style with original brass hardware.
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Blue-Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
A blue-painted chest of drawers in Gustavian style from Sweden, circa 1860-1870.
Pine
Pair of Blue Painted Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Swedish Gustavian style chest of drawers. Blue painted with faux painted porphyry tops sitting above a dentil molding.
Pine
19th Century Gustavian Chest in Original Blue Paint
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
A period Gustavian chest with decorative detailing carved into the top drawer.
Wood
Pair of Painted Blue Gustavian Style Swedish Chests
Located in Atlanta, GA
Bring timeless Scandinavian charm into your home with this exquisite pair of Swedish chest of drawers. Painted in a soft, serene blue with a contrasting whitish-grey top, these chest...
Wood
Gustavian Chest Of Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Beautiful blue-grey Gustavian chest with original locks in working condition.
Wood, Paint
Pair, Blue Painted Swedish Gustavian Chest of Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of elegant Gustavian pine chests of three drawers painted in soft blue with pair of griffins highlighting the top drawer.
Brass
Blue Late 19th Century Swedish 3 Drawer Gustavian Chest
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Late 19th Century chest of drawers painted in Gustavian blue. This classic Gustavian style commode is a very versatile piece that works well in a foyer, living room or bedroom.
Brass
Pair of Blue Painted Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Swedish blue painted Gustavian style chest of drawers.
Pine
Pair, 19th Century Blue Gustavian Pine Chest of Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of elegant Gustavian pine chest of drawers with brass pulls on each drawer.
Brass
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Blue Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style painted pine wood chest of drawers from the 19th century.
Brass
Sold
H 30.71 in W 38.59 in D 16.15 in
Gustavian Style Blue Painted Chest of Drawers with Geometric Patterns
Located in Kastrup, DK
Decorative Gustavian-style chest of drawers in an elegant blue tone.
Brass
Period Gustavian Chest of 3 Drawers with Original Blue Paint
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Late 18th Century Swedish 3 drawers chest with original brass hardware and its Gustavian style blue color that has been restored at a later date.
Brass
Pair, 19th Century Blue Swedish Gustavian Chest of Three Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of elegant Gustavian pine chest of drawers with brass pulls on each drawer.
Brass
Large Blue Painted Gustavian Style Chest of Four Drawers, Denmark
Located in Round Top, TX
Large pine chest of four drawers flanked with turned columns and decorative carving along top and skirt. The newer, professionally applied blue layered painted finish with white und...
Brass
Sold
H 33.5 in W 38.5 in D 19.25 in
Antique Gustavian Style Blue Painted Chest of Drawers, Circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
A decorative Swedish Gustavian Style chest of drawers or nightstand painted in soft blue, typical of the Scandinavian taste for lighter palettes.
Wood, Paint
Pair, Blue Painted Gustavian Chest of Drawers, Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of elegant Gustavian pine chest of drawers painted in light shades of blue, fitting their Swedish origin.
Pine, Paint
Sold
H 30.32 in W 37.41 in D 19.1 in
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Blue-Painted Pine Chests of Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of chests of drawers in the Gustavian style, executed in blue-painted pine.
Brass
Sold
H 32.29 in W 40.95 in D 17.72 in
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers in Blue Shades
Located in Kastrup, DK
Swedish Gustavian style chest of drawers painted in blue shades.
Pine
Sold
H 29.75 in W 39.25 in D 19.5 in
Blue Painted Gustavian Chest of Three Drawers, Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
A large decorative Gustavian style pine chest of drawers painted in blue shades.
Brass
Sold
H 36.82 in W 41.74 in D 22.84 in
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Tallboy 1840 Grey Blue
Located in Lewes, England
C 1840 antique Swedish Gustavian painted chest of drawers commode with detailed decorative motifs on the top rail and brass detailing. It has 3 drawers with brass ring pulls and a...
Pine
Sold
H 30.75 in W 33 in D 16.25 in
Pair, 19th Century Gustavian Blue Painted Chest of Drawers or Nightstands
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of decorative Gustavian style chest of drawers painted in shades of blue, fitting their Swedish origin.
Brass
Sold
H 32 in W 48 in D 22 in
18th Century Light-Blue Swedish Gustavian Pair of Chests, Oakwood Cabinets
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique pair of Swedish Gustavian chests with two drawers each, made of hand carved oakwood, supported by four straight tapered feet, in good condition.
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 34 in W 29 in D 18.5 in
Gustavian Style Custom Painted Blue and Ecru Commodes / Cabinets / Chests, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These are a personal favorite! The finish turned out to be wonderful. This is an offering for a pair of mid-century Gustavian style cabinets with caned fronts and three interior draw...
Cane, Wood
Sold
H 34 in W 19 in D 18.5 in
Gustavian Style Custom Painted Blue and Ecru Commodes / Cabinets / Chests, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These are a personal favorite! The finish turned out to be wonderful. This is an offering for a pair of mid-century Gustavian style cabinets with caned fronts and three interior draw...
Cane, Wood
Sold
H 33.47 in W 50.4 in D 21.26 in
Painted Chest of Drawers in Gray-Blue and Gustavian from the 1790s
Located in Lejre, DK
Painted chest of drawers in gray-blue and Gustavian from the 1790s.
Wood
Sold
H 32.13 in W 40.13 in D 22.63 in
Swedish Gustavian Style Blue Painted Bowfront Chest of Drawers ca. 1800
Located in Shippensburg, PA
NORTHERN EUROPEAN BOWFRONT CHEST OF DRAWERS IN THE ENGLISH TASTE Probably Sweden or Denmark ca. 1800 Pine and mixed woods with later bluish-black paint over original inlaid veneers a...
Brass
Sold
H 32 in W 43.5 in D 21.4 in
Danish 1820s Late Gustavian Blue Grey Painted Wood Chest with Three Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish late Gustavian 1820s distressed blue grey painted wood chest with three graduating graduating drawers and bracket feet.
Brass
Sold
H 30.5 in W 20.125 in D 20.125 in
Swedish Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers in Distressed Blue Paint, circa 1920
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare and beautifully patinated Gustavian-style chest of drawers, crafted in Sweden around 1920.
Wood, Pine
Pair of Painted Gustavian Chest of Drawers
Located in South Salem, NY
Pair of pale blue painted Swedish Gustavian style chest of drawers with faux marble top and dovetail joinery, Circa early 20th century.
Wood
Sold
H 31.25 in W 40.75 in D 18.25 in
Blue Painted Gustavian Pine Chest of Three Drawers, Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
This lovely Gustavian pine chest of drawers has the simple yet elegant lines that reveal its Swedish country style.
Pine, Paint
Sold
H 30 in W 38 in D 19 in
Pair, Blue Painted Gustavian Chest of Three Drawers, Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of decorative Gustavian style pine chest of drawers painted in shades of blue, fitting their Swedish origin.
Brass
Sold
H 29 in W 31.5 in D 16.25 in
Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Blue Painted Chests of Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
Mid-19th-century Swedish Gustavian pair of pine chests of drawers featuring classic carved details throughout.
Brass
Sold
H 29.75 in W 33.25 in D 17.75 in
Pair of Gustavian Blue Painted Chest of Drawers, Sweden circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of decorative Gustavian style pine chest of drawers painted in shades of blue, fitting their Swedish origin.
Brass
Sold
H 33.5 in W 37 in D 17.75 in
Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Wood Chest in Pale Blue Hues, Mid-20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood chest from the mid-20th century.
Wood
Sold
H 31.75 in W 32.5 in D 18.75 in
Pair, Blue Painted Gustavian Chest of Drawers with Greek Key Design, circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of elegant Gustavian chest of drawers painted in shades of blue, fitting their Swedish origin.
Wood, Paint
Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers, Late 18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Blue Gustavian Style chest of drawers on tapered legs.
Wood
Sold
H 33.75 in W 33.75 in D 18.25 in
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Blue Chest of Three Drawers with Greek Key Design
Located in Round Top, TX
A decorative Gustavian style chest of drawers with canted fluted sides raised on tapered fluted feet.
Brass
A Gustavian Style Chests Painted in a Blue/Grey
Located in New York, NY
A painted Swedish-style dressers with four spacious drawers each and brass pulls. Perfect for bringing both elegance and functionality to your home.
Brass
Sold
H 30.75 in W 36.5 in D 14.5 in
Pair Blue Painted Gustavian Chest of Drawers With Black Top Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
The newer, professionally applied layered blue (with soft white undertone) painted finish is perfectly distressed to fit the age and grace of this stunning pair of Gustavian chests.
Brass
Sold
H 42.5 in W 47 in D 22 in
19th Century Blue-Grey Swedish Gustavian Chest, Neoclassical Pinewood Commode
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-blue, grey antique Swedish Gustavian commode made of hand carved painted Pinewood, in good condition.
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 30.25 in W 34 in D 17.25 in
Pair Gustavian Blue Painted Chest of Drawers w/ Greek Key Pattern, circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of decorative Gustavian style chest of drawers painted in shades of blue, fitting their Swedish origin.
Brass
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style blue painted breakfront chest of three drawers, dating from the 19th century.
Pine
Sold
H 30 in W 40.5 in D 18.5 in
Antique Pair of Blue Painted Gustavian Chest of Drawers Nightstands from Sweden
Located in Round Top, TX
Captivating in every way, this enchanting pair of oak chest of drawers is a wonderful find. The delicate blue painted finish contrasts beautifully with the traditional faux marble pa...
Wood
Sold
H 31 in W 35.5 in D 19 in
Antique Pair of Gustavian Chest of Drawers Nightstands Painted Blue with White A
Located in Round Top, TX
The blue painted finish is captivating in this pair of chest of drawers, along with the soft dove white finish of the top.
Wood
Gustavian Style Two Drawer Commode in Blue Paint
Located in Milford, NH
A fine Gustavian style two drawer commode with slight serpentine form, in blue paint with subtle bronzed metal ormolu accents on the corners and feet matching the drawer pulls. Dates...
Metal
Blue Chest of Drawers, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Blue and white painted chest of drawers with four drawers and small pilasters on the sides. The setting is new and was subsequently patinated. The decoration is based on historical m...
Wood
Sold
H 29 in W 37.5 in D 18.75 in
Gustavian, Swedish Painted Commodes, Greek Key, White and Blue Paint Distressed
Located in Stamford, CT
Gustavian, Swedish Painted Commodes or Nightstands, Greek Key Motif, White and Blue Paint Distressed Pair of Gustavian commodes or nightstands designed and produced in Sweden in the...
Paint
Small 19th Century Swedish Blue Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish painted blue and grey commode, circa 1890. Three drawers opening with ringlet handles, one key. Beaded edge to the top. Later paint. Measures: Height 35", width 37", ...
Pine
Pair of Painted Blue 19th C. Swedish Chests
Located in Atlanta, GA
Bring timeless Scandinavian charm into your home with this exquisite pair of 19th-century Swedish chest of drawers. Painted in a soft, serene blue with a contrasting whitish-grey top...
Wood
19th Century Dutch Blue Chest of Drawers
Located in Carmine, TX
Chest of drawers hand-made in The Netherlands in the early 1800s using oak and with beautiful blue patina.
Oak
Sold
H 27.17 in W 24.41 in L 27.17 in
1850 Swedish Chest Blanket Box Original Polychromatic Jamtland Paint Finish Blue
Located in Lewes, England
Extremely rare antique Swedish country gustavian blanket box chest in the original hand painted polychromatic finish in the Jamtland style. Beautiful light blues, darker blues, re...
Pine
19th Century Swedish Blue Chest of Three Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
A decorative Gustavian style pine chest of three drawers with canted sides raised on four tapered fluted feet.
Pine, Paint
Louis White Oak Dresser with 6 Drawers
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Louis XVI style 6 drawer dresser in a beautiful natural white oak finish. The elegant design of this Louis XVI nightstand features intricate detailing and craftsmanship that exudes l...
Oak
Custom Coquillage Plaster Fixture
Located in New York, NY
Custom Coquillage plaster fixture. Please note this fixture can be customized in different sizes. Lead time is 10-12 weeks. Please inquire. NOTE: We highly recommend that our plas...
Plaster
Panoplie Iron Tripod Floor Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iron tripod floor lamp with slender legs and tapered feet. New wiring and new linen shade. Sold individually and newly made by Panoplie. Please inquire for current lead time. Measure...
Iron
Blue and White Porcelain Tulipiere Vase
By Bo Jia for Middle Kingdom
Located in Manassas Park, VA
This vase is a traditional porcelain tulipiere from Jingdezhen, a town long distinguished by imperial patronage. In the 17th century tulipiere were used to grow tulip bulbs indoors ...
Porcelain
$7,500 / item
H 9.85 in Dm 14.18 in
Stunning Florian Schulz Double DUOS Brass Pendant Lamp with Side Counter Weights
By Florian Schulz
Located in Berlin, DE
Really beautiful Florian Schulz double posa pendant lamp with one E 27 / model a bulb in polished brass. Each lamp and newly wired.
Brass
Golden French 1960s Pendant Flush Light
Located in New York, NY
A stunning 1960s French polished solid brass round disc fixture with 16 solid glass orbs. Five-light sources which emit light downward through the glass as well as up toward the ceil...
Brass
$3,356Sale Price|20% Off
H 59.85 in W 33.86 in D 1.97 in
Antique 19th Century Gold Leaf Gilt French Louis Philippe Mirror
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful and tall antique French mirror is completely gold leaf gilt and is made in Louis Philippe style with it's typical rounded upper corners. The mirror frame has a classic...
Gold Leaf
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and etched glass pendant light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Oxidation present to brass Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches): "H x "W ...
Brass
$4,200
H 36 in W 37 in D 21 in
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Oversized Bergere Marquise Armchair
Located in Charleston, SC
19th century French Louis XVI style bergère marquise upholstered armchair in painted wood frame with neoclassical architecture embellished hand-carved foliates, rosettes and tapered ...
Fabric, Wood, Paint
$2,500 / item
H 17.72 in Dm 14.97 in
Soda Blown Murano Glass High Coffee Table in Petrol by Yiannis Ghikas
By Miniforms, Yiannis Ghikas
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Soda was born upside-down, with a puff of air. It weighs 20 kilos, and it is blown, drawn out and shaped by three master glassmakers. The result is a single volume of glass with thre...
Blown Glass
Pair Of Exceptional Antique Louis XVI Carved Wing Back Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of wing back chairs with solid and sturdy heavily carved frames with bell flowers, egg/dart and foliate motifs. The chairs with fixed back and seat, manchettes, custom upholster...
Fabric, Wood
$7,681
H 80.32 in W 55.91 in D 19.69 in
Genuine Swedish Rococo Cabinet from the Late 1700s, Made by Hand in Solid Pine
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine Swedish rococo cabinet from the late 1700s. The cabinet is made in two parts and very well crafted from solid pine around 1770 to 1780. Healthy and stable frame with old hard...
Pine
Wonderful Swedish Glazed Art Deco Sideboard in Oak 1940s
Located in Meer, VAN
Art Deco Cabinet in Oak, Sweden, 1940s. Very distinct Art Deco cabinet with glass sliding doors, well executed in oak, oak veneer and oak burl veneer. It origins from Sweden, 1940s....
Oak
Pair of French Bergere Armchairs
Located in Chireno, TX
Pair of French bergere armchairs circa 1895-1905. Upholstered in light neutral linen with feather and down cushions. Sold together priced $6,800 for the pair.
Linen, Upholstery, Wood, Down
Sturehov, Gustavian Style Armchair
Located in Allerum, SE
Limited edition reproductions by D. Larsson, inspired by the finest 18th - 19th-century Swedish furniture. STUREHOV, This fine Gustavian style armchair is inspired by a remarkable...
Beech
$3,295
H 78 in W 42 in D 15 in
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Bookcase or Vitrine, Bronze
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late nineteenth century French Louis XVI style mahogany bibliotheque or bookcase is finished with bronze banding. Its corners feature bronze fluting and the side panels are also...
Bronze
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.
Shopping for a commode or a chest of drawers?
Commode is the French term for a low chest of drawers, but it is also sometimes used to denote any case piece with a particularly intricate design. The commode dates to circa 1700 France, where it was used as an alternative to a taller cabinet piece so as to not obscure paneled, mirrored or tapestried walls. Coffers, or chests, which were large wooden boxes with hinged lids and sometimes stood on ball feet, preceded chests of drawers, a fashionable cabinet furnishing that garnered acclaim for its obvious storage potential and versatility. The term commode was also used to refer to a piece of bedroom furniture — a washstand or nightstand that contained a chamber pot.
As time passed, French and British furniture makers led the way in the production of chests of drawers, and features like the integration of bronze and ornamental pulls became commonplace. Antique French commodes in the Louis XV style were sometimes crafted in mahogany or walnut, while an Italian marble top added a sophisticated decorative flourish. This specific type of case piece grew in popularity in the years that followed.
So, what makes a chest of drawers different from a common dresser? Dressers are short, and chests of drawers are overall taller pieces of furniture that typically do not have room on the top for a mirror as most dressers do. Tallboys and highboys are variations of the dresser form. Some chests of drawers have one column of four to six long drawers or three long drawers in their bottom section that are topped by a cluster of small side-by-side drawers on the top. To further complicate things, we sometimes refer to particularly short chests of drawers as nightstands.
Even though chests of drawers are commonly thought of as bedroom furniture to store clothing, these are adaptable pieces. A chest of drawers can house important documents — think of your walnut Art Deco commode as an upgrade to your filing cabinet. Nestle your chest near your home’s front door to store coats and other outerwear, while the top can be a place to drop your handbag. Add some flair to your kitchen, where this lovable case piece can hold pots, pans and even cookbooks.
When shopping for the right chest of drawers for your home, there are a few key things to consider: What will you be storing in it? How big a chest will you need?
Speaking of size, don’t dream too big. If your space is on the smaller side, a more streamlined vintage mid-century modern chest of drawers, perhaps one designed by Paul McCobb or T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, may best suit your needs.
At 1stDibs, we make it easy to add style and storage to your home. Browse our collection of antique and vintage commodes and chests of drawers today.