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Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest of Drawers, circa 1960
Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest of Drawers, circa 1960

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest of Drawers, circa 1960

Located in Atlanta, GA

A charming small chest of drawers in the Gustavian style, crafted in Sweden circa 1960. Painted in

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Chest Of Drawers Swedish Gustavian Style Unique 4 Drawer
Chest Of Drawers Swedish Gustavian Style Unique 4 Drawer

Chest Of Drawers Swedish Gustavian Style Unique 4 Drawer

Located in Hollywood, FL

This is a unique Swedish Gustavian Style 4 drawer Chest of Drawers. It has just been restored and

Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Antique Swedish Gustavian Style Chest with Good Clean Lines
Antique Swedish Gustavian Style Chest with Good Clean Lines

Antique Swedish Gustavian Style Chest with Good Clean Lines

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish Gustavian style wooden chest from the turn of the 19th and 20th century. This antique

Category

Early 20th Century French Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style Green Painted Chest of Drawers Dresser
Swedish Gustavian Style Green Painted Chest of Drawers Dresser

Swedish Gustavian Style Green Painted Chest of Drawers Dresser

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Green Painted Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Bureau. This three drawer bureau is based on

Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Swedish Gustavian Style Black Painted Commode Chest of Drawers
Swedish Gustavian Style Black Painted Commode Chest of Drawers

Swedish Gustavian Style Black Painted Commode Chest of Drawers

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Wonderful hand painted textured Gustavian style chest of drawers. This commode has been constructed

Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

A Handsome Swedish Gustavian Alder Root Parquetry Chest
A Handsome Swedish Gustavian Alder Root Parquetry Chest

A Handsome Swedish Gustavian Alder Root Parquetry Chest

Located in San Francisco, CA

A handsome Swedish Gustavian alder root parquetry 3-drawer chest; the well-figured top with canted

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests o...

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian-Inspired Chest of Drawers with Greek Key Motif
Swedish Gustavian-Inspired Chest of Drawers with Greek Key Motif

Swedish Gustavian-Inspired Chest of Drawers with Greek Key Motif

Located in Atlanta, GA

A handsome Swedish Gustavian-inspired chest of drawers, crafted with the clean symmetry and

Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Wood Chest with Reeded Accents
Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Wood Chest with Reeded Accents

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Wood Chest with Reeded Accents

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood chest with two drawers, carved reeded accents, swag hardware

Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian-Style Painted Chest of Drawers, 20th Century
Swedish Gustavian-Style Painted Chest of Drawers, 20th Century

Swedish Gustavian-Style Painted Chest of Drawers, 20th Century

Located in Shippensburg, PA

SWEDISH GUSTAVIAN-STYLE PAINTED CHEST OF DRAWERS Northern European, 20th Century 39 1/4" H x 21 1

Category

20th Century European Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Gustavian Style Three-Drawer Chest with Carved Reeded Motifs
Gustavian Style Three-Drawer Chest with Carved Reeded Motifs

Gustavian Style Three-Drawer Chest with Carved Reeded Motifs

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish Gustavian style three-drawer chest with creamy painted finish, carved reeded motifs on

Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Swedish Gustavian Painted Small Commode Chest of Drawers Nightstand
Swedish Gustavian Painted Small Commode Chest of Drawers Nightstand

Swedish Gustavian Painted Small Commode Chest of Drawers Nightstand

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Hand painted, in a wonderful Scandinavian neutral green color, Gustavian style chest of drawers or

Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Swedish Gustavian Empire Style Painted Chest
Swedish Gustavian Empire Style Painted Chest

Swedish Gustavian Empire Style Painted Chest

Located in Dallas, TX

19th century Swedish Gustavian Empire style painted chest. You're exploring a piece that blends

Category

Antique 19th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Chest - Antique Pinewood Nightstand
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Chest - Antique Pinewood Nightstand

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Chest - Antique Pinewood Nightstand

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Neoclassic chest with a painted faux finish marble top, in good

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Scrubbed Pine Hand Carved Chest of Drawers
Swedish Gustavian Scrubbed Pine Hand Carved Chest of Drawers

Swedish Gustavian Scrubbed Pine Hand Carved Chest of Drawers

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Stunning carving on this elegant chest of drawers, dresser or commode with three spacious

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Chests with Greek Key Design
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Chests with Greek Key Design

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Chests with Greek Key Design

Located in Dallas, TX

This product is a pair of Swedish Gustavian style chests with a Greek key design. These chests are

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of D...

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Three-Drawer Chest with Dentil Molding
Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Three-Drawer Chest with Dentil Molding

Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Three-Drawer Chest with Dentil Molding

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish Gustavian period three-drawer chest from the late 18th century, defined by its clean

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

1880s French Gustavian Oak Chest of Drawers, Antique Minimalist Design
1880s French Gustavian Oak Chest of Drawers, Antique Minimalist Design

1880s French Gustavian Oak Chest of Drawers, Antique Minimalist Design

Located in High Point, NC

1880s French Gustavian Oak Chest of Drawers. This understated chest exemplifies the Gustavian

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Swedish Gustavian-Inspired Chest of Drawers with Greek Key Frieze
Swedish Gustavian-Inspired Chest of Drawers with Greek Key Frieze

Swedish Gustavian-Inspired Chest of Drawers with Greek Key Frieze

Located in Atlanta, GA

A striking Swedish Gustavian-inspired chest of drawers, designed with crisp neoclassical lines and

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Style Pink Painted Commode Chest of Drawers
Swedish Gustavian Style Pink Painted Commode Chest of Drawers

Swedish Gustavian Style Pink Painted Commode Chest of Drawers

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Wonderful hand painted textured Gustavian style chest of drawers. This commode has been constructed

Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Black-Painted Chests of Drawers
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Black-Painted Chests of Drawers

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Black-Painted Chests of Drawers

Located in Kastrup, DK

An elegant pair of Gustavian style chests of drawers, crafted in black-painted pine with a

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Gray Gustavian Swedish Chest of Drawers, circa 1840-60
Gray Gustavian Swedish Chest of Drawers, circa 1840-60

Gray Gustavian Swedish Chest of Drawers, circa 1840-60

Located in Round Top, TX

Lovely Gustavian pine chest of three drawers with diamond accent on drawers, fluted canted sides

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Smal Swedish Chest of Drawers (19th Century, Gustavian-Style, Painted)
Smal Swedish Chest of Drawers (19th Century, Gustavian-Style, Painted)

Smal Swedish Chest of Drawers (19th Century, Gustavian-Style, Painted)

Located in Kvidinge, SE

Breathe timeless European charm into your home with this stunning Gustavian-style three-drawer

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Gray Onyx Top Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers Dresser Commode
Gray Onyx Top Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers Dresser Commode

Gray Onyx Top Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers Dresser Commode

Located in Long Branch, NJ

mazing Gray Onyx Top Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers Dresser Commode Dimensions : 43" W X 20" D X

Category

Early 20th Century French Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Onyx

Antique Genuine Swedish Original Gustavian Period Handmade Chest of Drawers
Antique Genuine Swedish Original Gustavian Period Handmade Chest of Drawers

Antique Genuine Swedish Original Gustavian Period Handmade Chest of Drawers

Located in Kramfors, SE

Antique Swedish chest of drawers from the 1700s in gustavian style. The chest is a genuine Swedish

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest of Drawers Bureau
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest of Drawers Bureau

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest of Drawers Bureau

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Painted Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest or Commode, a pair. This set of three drawer bureaus

Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Three Drawer Chest, circa 1800-1820
Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Three Drawer Chest, circa 1800-1820

Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Three Drawer Chest, circa 1800-1820

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Swedish 19th Century chest of drawers painted at a later date in Gustavian blue paint with

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Commodes and Chests of...

Materials

Brass

Swedish Gustavian-Style Blue Chest of Drawers with Faux Marble Top
Swedish Gustavian-Style Blue Chest of Drawers with Faux Marble Top

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

Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Swedish Black Chest on Chest, early 19th Century
Gustavian Swedish Black Chest on Chest, early 19th Century

Gustavian Swedish Black Chest on Chest, early 19th Century

Located in South Salem, NY

The early 19th-century Swedish Chest on Chest is a captivating and functional piece of furniture

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Three-Drawer Chest with Diamond Motifs
Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Three-Drawer Chest with Diamond Motifs

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Three-Drawer Chest with Diamond Motifs

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood chest from the 20th century with three drawers, carved

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Grey White C.1860
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Grey White C.1860

Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Grey White C.1860

Located in Lewes, England

Circa 1850/1880 antique Swedish Gustavian Grey White painted chest of drawers commode in gustavian

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Pair Commode Grey White Bedroom
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Pair Commode Grey White Bedroom

Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Pair Commode Grey White Bedroom

Located in Lewes, England

Circa 1850 antique Swedish Gustavian Grey White painted chest of drawers commode in Gustavian style

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Pair of Gustavian Style Blue Painted Chest of Drawers Commodes
Pair of Gustavian Style Blue Painted Chest of Drawers Commodes

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

Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Wood Three-Drawer Chest with Carved Motifs
Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Wood Three-Drawer Chest with Carved Motifs

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Wood Three-Drawer Chest with Carved Motifs

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood chest from the mid 19th century, with three drawers, raised

Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest with Five Drawers and Fluted Motifs
Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest with Five Drawers and Fluted Motifs

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest with Five Drawers and Fluted Motifs

Located in Atlanta, GA

this Swedish Gustavian style painted chest. This handsome piece radiates timeless grace, combining

Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style Apothecary Chest with 10 Drawers and Carved Dentil
Swedish Gustavian Style Apothecary Chest with 10 Drawers and Carved Dentil

Swedish Gustavian Style Apothecary Chest with 10 Drawers and Carved Dentil

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood apothecary chest with carved dentil molding, 10 drawers

Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Tallboy, 19th Century White A
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Tallboy, 19th Century White A

Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Tallboy, 19th Century White A

Located in Lewes, England

antique Swedish Gustavian painted chest of drawers commode with detailed hand painted designs on

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Birch

Swedish Gustavian White Grey Painted Marble Top Chest of Drawers Commode 1875
Swedish Gustavian White Grey Painted Marble Top Chest of Drawers Commode 1875

Swedish Gustavian White Grey Painted Marble Top Chest of Drawers Commode 1875

Located in Lewes, England

Antique Swedish Gustavian White Grey painted plain front chest of drawers commode in gustavian

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Style 1890s Painted Three-Drawer Chest with Carved Foliage
Swedish Gustavian Style 1890s Painted Three-Drawer Chest with Carved Foliage

Swedish Gustavian Style 1890s Painted Three-Drawer Chest with Carved Foliage

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood chest from late 19th century, with three graduated drawers

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Fine Swedish Gustavian Mahogany Antique Chest of Drawers Commode ca. 1780
Fine Swedish Gustavian Mahogany Antique Chest of Drawers Commode ca. 1780

Fine Swedish Gustavian Mahogany Antique Chest of Drawers Commode ca. 1780

Located in Shippensburg, PA

A VERY FINE LATE GUSTAVIAN NEOCLASSICAL COMMODE Probably Stockholm, Sweden circa 1780 Mahogany

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Limestone, Brass, Bronze

Swedish pair of 19th century Gustavian influenced chest of drawers
Swedish pair of 19th century Gustavian influenced chest of drawers

Swedish pair of 19th century Gustavian influenced chest of drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

this pair of chests would work in many rooms around the home, such as the living room or bedroom

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Three-Drawer Chest of Drawers
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Three-Drawer Chest of Drawers

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Three-Drawer Chest of Drawers

Located in Charleston, SC

A Swedish Gustavian style painted chest of drawers, dated around 1890, with shaped top, canted

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

Swedish 18th Century Gustavian Serpentine Two Piece Commode Chest of Drawers
Swedish 18th Century Gustavian Serpentine Two Piece Commode Chest of Drawers

Swedish 18th Century Gustavian Serpentine Two Piece Commode Chest of Drawers

Located in Wichita, KS

Beautiful 18th Century Swedish Serpentine front Commode Chest of Drawers in two pieces. this Two

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

Gustavian Commode
Gustavian Commode

Gustavian Commode

$2,360Sale Price|24% Off

Gustavian Commode

Located in Hellerup, DK

Antique Swedish Gustavian dresser or chest of drawers with 3 large drawers and with the original

Category

Antique 1770s Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style 1890s Chest with Two Drawers and Grey Painted Outlines
Swedish Gustavian Style 1890s Chest with Two Drawers and Grey Painted Outlines

Swedish Gustavian Style 1890s Chest with Two Drawers and Grey Painted Outlines

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish Gustavian style painted chest circa 1890 with two drawers, carved fluted molding, light

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Chest of Drawers Signed by Gustaf Furlow Swedish Gustavian, 1780-1800, Sweden
Chest of Drawers Signed by Gustaf Furlow Swedish Gustavian, 1780-1800, Sweden

Chest of Drawers Signed by Gustaf Furlow Swedish Gustavian, 1780-1800, Sweden

Located in New York, NY

Chest of drawers signed by Gustaf Furlow Swedish Gustavian, 1780-1800, Sweden. An exquisite chest

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Pair Commode Grey White C.1860 Carved
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Pair Commode Grey White C.1860 Carved

Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Pair Commode Grey White C.1860 Carved

Located in Lewes, England

Circa 1850 antique Swedish Gustavian Grey White painted chest of drawers commode in gustavian style

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Antique Gustavian Style Chests of Drawers - a Pair
Antique Gustavian Style Chests of Drawers - a Pair

Antique Gustavian Style Chests of Drawers - a Pair

Located in South Salem, NY

An early 20th century pair of Swedish Gustavian style chests of drawers. Each commode has three

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Grey/ White Painted Commode/ Chest of Drawers
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Grey/ White Painted Commode/ Chest of Drawers

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Grey/ White Painted Commode/ Chest of Drawers

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

A lovely Swedish painted chest of drawers in oak with dental molding along ridge of top and half

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Swedish Late 19th Century Faux Marble-Top Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers
Swedish Late 19th Century Faux Marble-Top Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers

Swedish Late 19th Century Faux Marble-Top Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Swedish 19th century faux marble-top Gustavian style chest of drawers with brass hardware. EUR

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest of Drawers, Circa 1830-40
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest of Drawers, Circa 1830-40

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest of Drawers, Circa 1830-40

Located in Charleston, SC

This Gustavian style chest of drawers from Sweden ca 1830-40 in pine wood, painted finish in soft

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

Chest Of Drawers Swedish Gustavian Style Midnight Black
Chest Of Drawers Swedish Gustavian Style Midnight Black

Chest Of Drawers Swedish Gustavian Style Midnight Black

Located in Hollywood, FL

This is a matching set of Swedish Gustaviann style chest of drawers.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Country Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

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Gustavian Chest For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal gustavian chest for your home. Each gustavian chest for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, softwood and pine. If you’re shopping for a gustavian chest, we have 798 options in-stock, while there are 2 modern editions to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the gustavian chest you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. A gustavian chest made by Neoclassical designers — as well as those associated with Rococo — is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one gustavian chest that is appealing in its simplicity, but André-Charles Boulle, Tara Shaw Maison and Carl Gustaf Foltjern produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Gustavian Chest?

Prices for a gustavian chest can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $499 and can go as high as $48,000, while the average can fetch as much as $5,202.

A Close Look at Gustavian Furniture

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.

Finding the Right Commodes-chests-of-drawers for You

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.