Swedish Gustavian Four Drawer Chest
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very Unique Swedish Gustavian Style 4 drawer chest of drawers. its been restored and
Vintage 1910s Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Four Drawer Chest
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very Unique Swedish Gustavian Style 4 drawer chest of drawers. its been restored and
Wood
Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian style 3 drawer chest, its been restored and repainted with Milk paints "Oyster
Wood
Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Gustavian Style 3 drawer Chest. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Mora Clock Chest
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian Mora clock chest, its been restored and repainted with milk paints
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined Gustavian-style chest of drawers from Sweden, crafted in pine and painted in warm
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Style Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Gustavian Style 3 drawer chest of drawers. its been restored and repainted
Wood
Chest Of Drawers Swedish Gustavian Style
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian style Chest of Drawers. its been restored and repainted with Milk
Wood
Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant Swedish chest of drawers embodies the timeless simplicity and charm of the Gustavian
Pine
Vintage Gustavian Painted 3 Drawer Chest
Located in Dallas, TX
The Vintage Gustavian Painted 3 Drawer Chest is a charming piece of furniture with a unique painted
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Wood Chest
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian-style painted wood chest from the Mid-20th Century. This mid-century chest from
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian Style Chest Of Drawers. its been restored and repainted with Milk
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Style 5 Drawer Chest
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Gustavian Style 5 Drawer Chest. Its been restored and repainted with Milk
Wood
Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very unique Gustavian Style 3 drawer chest of drawers. its been restored and repainted
Wood
Gustavian Style 17 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very unique 17 drawer Gustavian style Chest of drawers. its been restored and repainted
Wood
Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Very unique Gustavian Style 3 drawer chest of drawers. it was restored and repainted with
Wood
Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very unique Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers. its been restored and repainted
Wood
1880s French Gustavian Oak Chest of Drawers
Located in High Point, NC
1880s French Gustavian Oak Chest of Drawers. This understated chest exemplifies the Gustavian
Oak
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest
Located in Dallas, TX
Late 19th century Swedish Gustavian distressed painted navy chest with brass hardware. These chests
Wood
Swedish Gustavian 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers. its been restored and repainted with Milk
Wood
Gustavian Style Three Drawer Chest of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest. its been restored and repainted with Milk paints
Pine
Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers, its been restored and repainted with
Birch
Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers, its been restored and repainted with
Birch
Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Unique Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers, its been restored and repainted with
Birch
Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers . its been restored and repainted with
Birch
Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very Unique Swedish Gustavian style 3 drawer chest of drawers. its been restored and
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Style 4 Drawer Chest of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very unique and very Big Swedish Gustavian 4 drawer chest of drawers. its been restored
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Swedish chest of drawers is a fine example of Scandinavian craftsmanship and design
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Gustavian Style 3 drawer chest of drawers. its been restored and
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very High Quality High Class Gustavian 3 drawer chest of drawers. its been restored and
Wood
Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very Unique 3 drawer Gustavian style chest of drawers. it has a very unique finish. The
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer chest of drawers. Its been restored and repainted
Wood
19th century Gustavian influenced chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Gustavian influenced chest of drawers circa 1870. Good quality Scandinavian chest of
Pine, Paint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century Swedish Gustavian-style chest of drawers reflects the understated elegance and
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Grey Chest of Drawers
Located in Dallas, TX
The 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Grey Chest is a beautifully crafted piece of furniture with a
Wood
$4,880 / set
2 Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is an unusual set of 2 Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers. They have been restored and
Wood
Swedish Gustavian and Empire Chest of Drawers
Located in Kramfors, SE
Chest of drawers from northern Sweden made during the transition time between the Gustavian and
Pine
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Chests of Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A classic pair of Gustavian-style chests of drawers crafted from solid pine and featuring a
Pine
20th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined 20th-century Swedish Gustavian-style chest of drawers, showcasing the timeless elegance
Pine
Gustavian Style Unique 7 Drawer Chest of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style Unique 7 Drawer Chest of Drawers. its been restored and repainted with
Wood
Pair of Swedish Gustavian-style Chests of Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautifully matched pair of late 19th-century Gustavian-style chests, showcasing the refined
Pine
Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest of Drawers . Its been restored and repainted with
Wood
Gustavian Style Unique 4 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style Unique 4 Drawer Chest Of Drawers . its been restored and repainted with
Wood
Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest of Drawers . Its been restored and repainted with
Wood
Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest of Drawers. Its been restored and repainted with
Wood
Unique Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Unique Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers, its been restored and repainted with
Birch
Unique Swedish Gustavian 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Unique Swedish Gustavian 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers . its been restored and repainted with
Pine
Antique Gustavian Style Swedish Empire Chest of Drawers Commode
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Gustavian Style Swedish Empire Chest of Drawers Commode.
Wood
19th Century Large Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
19th Century Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers, Germany, 1850 Ashwood A decorative Swedish
Ash
Antique Gustavian Style Swedish Empire Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Gustavian Style Swedish Empire Commode Chest of Drawers
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style Matching Mirror & Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Gustavian Style Matching Mirror & Chest Of Drawers. They been restored and
Mirror, Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very unique Swedish Gustavian Style 3 drawer chest of drawers. its been restored and
Pine
Swedish Gustavian-Inspired Three-Drawer Chest with Painted Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautifully tailored Swedish Gustavian-inspired three-drawer chest, crafted with the refined
Wood
Gustavian Style Rare Greek Key 2 Drawer Chest Set
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Very RARE and unique set of 2 Gustavian style Greek Key chest of drawers. They have been
Wood
Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers. Its been restored and repainted with
Berlin Iron
Gustavian Style Unique Deep 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Gustavian style deep 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers. With a depth of 7 inches in each
Wood
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
Wood
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.