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.
$9,006 / set
Pair of Small Gustavian Style Bedside Chests
Located in Westwood, NJ
Bedside chests elegantly combine classical Swedish design elements with refined architectural details. The antique painted finish provides an authentic patina, while dental moldings ...
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Nightstands
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Nightstands. They where just restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Wood
Antique Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Nightstands and Carved Cabinets
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, antique Swedish Gustavian pair of pedestal cabinets, bedside tables made of hand crafted Pinewood, in good condition. The small...
Metal, Brass
Antique Swedish Gustavian Bedside Tables, Pinewood, Circa 1860-1880
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian pair of bed side tables made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. Each of the detailed Scandinavian nightstands are composed with two drawers, consisting their original hardware and keys, standing on four square-pointed wooden legs. The small commodes...
Metal
Early 20th Century Swedish White Nightstands, Pair
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, small Swedish country white painted nightstands or small cabinets standing on tapered feet. Canted sides have simple fluted carving topped with floral medallion. A carved Greek...
Pine, Paint
Vintage Swedish Gustavian Nightstand, Handcrafted Pinewood, 1960s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 20th Century, single vintage Swedish Gustavian style nightstand, bed side table made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The detailed Scandinavian cabinet, cupboar...
Metal
$10,800 / set
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Bedside Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
Nice pair of Swedish Gustavian style bedside tables. Beautiful clean lines and pretty patina. A classic that never goes out of style! 39.5w x 20d x 31h
Wood
Classic Louis XV Style Midnight blue Chests with marble top
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Gustavian Hauptbyrå with marble slab and frame in midnight blue. Marble slab has the same finish as the midnight blue of the chest. Fine original fittings in solid brass. Width: 76c...
Wood
Louis XV Style Chest in Black with Fine Brass Fittings and a Marble Top
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
A Louis XV style chestwith original brass details and handles in birch wood with a Black fine painted finish with Fine Brass Fittings and a Marble Top. Width: 73cm / 28.7" Depth: 3...
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Oak Chest - Antique Scandinavian Marble Commode
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Swedish Gustavian chest made of hand crafted painted Oakwood, in good condition. The Scandinavian commode is composed with a white-grey marble top and three drawers, consisting its original metal hardware and keys. The front of the drawers contains cut corners with fluted carvings...
Marble, Metal, Brass
$5,940 / set
Pair of Gustavian Grey Painted Nightstands
Located in Westwood, NJ
This beautifully crafted Neo Classic Swedish-inspired nightstand features an elegant and classic grey finish, accented with delicate gold trim that highlights its refined design. Th...
Brass
Gustavian Style Nightstands
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of 2 Gustavian Style Nightstands .they have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Wood
$2,895 / set
Gustavian Style Nightstands
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Gustavian Style Nightstands. they have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Maple
Swedish Gustavian Original Yellow Painted Nightstand or End Table
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An early 19th century yellow original painted Swedish nightstand or side table with one drawer, liftable top and a door in the front. This Gustavian rural furniture's keeps totally the original paint, patina and the charming worn condition due to the use in the country social world of the so called "allmoge" folk. This little cabinet had place for a wooden or metal bowl under the lock, for washing hands and face in the morning and a water jug and glass...
Wood
19th Century Swedish Blue Side Table Cabinet Nightstand on Cabriolet Legs
Located in Round Top, TX
Small Swedish Gustavian style blue painted side table or nightstand standing on elongated cabriolet legs. Enlarge photos to appreciate the newer professionally applied light sea foam...
Oak, Paint
Gustavian Haupt Chest with Three Drawers in a black finish with brass detailing
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Gustavian Haupt Chest with Three Drawers in a black finish with brass detailing. Originally from the 1930's fully restored and redesigned. Original brass fittings and marble top (pai...
Wood
$2,970 / item
Gustavian Cream Painted Nightstand
Located in Westwood, NJ
This beautifully crafted Neo Classic Swedish-inspired nightstand features a soft cream finish, accented with delicate gold trim that highlights its refined design. The two spacious ...
Brass
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Bedside Cabinets, Circa 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
A charming pair of Swedish Gustavian bedside cabinets, dating to circa 1800, distinguished by their graceful proportions and understated neoclassical...
Pine
$2,895 / set
Gustavian Style 3 Drawer NightStands
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of Gustavian style 3 drawer nightStands. They have been restored and repainted with milk paints midnight black.
Wood
$1,895 / set
Gustavian Style Night Stands
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is an unusual set of Gustavian Style Night Stands. they have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Wood
1790 Late-Gustavian Mahogany-Veneered Nightstand
Located in Ljungby, SE
A late-Gustavian nightstand made in Stockholm, circa 1790. The cabinet features angled side corners with fluting and is veneered in mahogany. Rich brass moldings frame the doors and ...
Carrara Marble, Brass
Pair of 20th Century Swedish Gray Painted Pine Nightstands
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of 20th-century Swedish pine nightstands in a narrow, space-saving form. Each features a newer matte gray painted finish with very light distressing along the edges. The case is...
Pine, Paint
$1,895 / set
Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Oval Nightstands
Located in Hollywood, FL
This Is a rear and unique set of Gustavian style 3 drawer oval nightstands. They have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Wood
Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Nightstands
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of Gustavian Style 3 drawer nightstands. They have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Wood
$1,895 / set
Gustavian Style Open Shelf Nightstands
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of 2 Gustavian style open shelf Nightstands. they have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Wood
Nightstand Vanity Table Gustavian Swedish Mahogany Brass Lining, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Nightstand vanity table Gustavian Swedish mahogany brass lining, Sweden. Nightstand made in Sweden during the Gustavian period 1790-1810. Made in mah...
Mahogany
Gustavian Style Night Stands
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is an unusual set of Gustavian Style Night Stands. they have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Wood
Bedside Table/ Nightstand, 1960s
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Pair of nightstands/bedside tables Period: 1960s Country of Manufacturer: Slovenia/Yugoslavia Material: wood, plywood, furnished Style: midcentury, classic italian Condition: Ve...
Hardwood
$2,369
H 31.11 in W 18.9 in D 13.78 in
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Country Nightstand Cabinet Restored Wax-Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Italian early 20th century Art Nouveau country rustic nightstand cabinet restored and polished to wax, in all massive pine. Measure cm: H 79, W 48, D 35.
Pine
$3,200 / set
H 32.5 in W 36 in D 19 in
Hickory White Satinwood Maple Regency Style 3 Drawer Nightstand Chest, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hickory white satinwood maple regency style 3 drawer nightstand chest - a pair. Item features custom glass tops, inlaid edge, bun feet, beautiful wood grain, 3 dovetailed drawers, qu...
Brass
$3,950 / set
H 29.75 in W 17.875 in D 14.25 in
Pair of Swedish Neoclassical Painted Nightstands, circa 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
A charming pair of Swedish painted nightstands dating to circa 1880, showcasing the refined elegance of the Neoclassical style. Each piece features a rectangular top above a single d...
Wood
Pair Of Louis XVI Style Bedside Tables
Located in Atlanta, GA
This pair of Louis XVI–style bedside tables, dating from the 1960s, is crafted in warm-toned wood and designed with clean neoclassical lines. Each table opens at the front with two d...
Wood
$2,780 / set
H 25.6 in W 24.61 in D 14.57 in
Early 20th Century French Carved Wood Nightstands, 1940s, Set of 2
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful pair of French nightstands from the 40s, made of wood. They have a small drawer on the front that is delicately carved, with an iron handle. The completely carved base is s...
Wood
Two Teak nightstands Dutch 1960s
By Pastoe
Located in Den Haag, NL
Two Teak nightstands. Comes with there original Black Glass tray. Good condition. Typical 1960s.
Teak
Pair of Georgian Mahogany Pot Cupboards
Located in Long Island City, NY
Pair of Georgian mahogany pot cupboards. Each with a galleried top, cabinet door and drawer, on square tapering legs with scrolled corner brackets. With o...
Brass
$3,290 / set
H 24.4 in W 18.3 in D 18.3 in
Early 20th Pair of Oak Nightstands with drawer and One Shelve
Located in Miami, FL
Oak Nightstands with Gallery Top and sliding hide tray. It has a low drawer
Oak
$3,500 / set
H 29.125 in W 10.375 in D 10 in
Pair of Small Louis XVI Style Mahogany Bedside Tables with Marble Tops
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant pair of small Louis XVI style bedside tables exemplifies the neoclassical refinement and balanced proportions of late 18th-century French design. Crafted in fine mahogan...
Wood
Set of iron bedside tables, circa 1930
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Set of iron bedside tables from the 1930s with a characterful, industrial look. The cabinets feature an elegant, curved front that creates soft lines in the design. At the top, there...
Iron
Sold
H 25.25 in W 15.75 in D 14.25 in
Pair, 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Nightstands Small Cabinets
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, small Swedish country Gustavian style painted nightstands or small cabinets standing on tapered feet. Two doors over one drawer; key and lock function in one, key used only as ...
Brass
Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Nightstands
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of 2 Gustavian Style nightstands. They where just restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Wood
Sold
H 32 in W 19.5 in D 21.25 in
Pair, 19th Century Swedish White Gustavian Style Small Cabinets or Nightstands
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, small Swedish country Gustavian style white painted nightstands or small cabinets standing on tapered feet. Unique to this pair is the interior with four small drawers in each....
Brass
Sold
H 29.75 in W 24.5 in D 15 in
Pair, 19th Century White Gustavian Style Small Cabinets or Nightstands, Sweden
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, small Swedish country Gustavian style white painted pine nightstands with curved sides and scalloped skirt. Newer professionally applied antique white painted finish is gently ...
Brass
Sold
H 30.5 in W 23.5 in D 14 in
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Antique Scandinavian Pinewood Nightstands
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 19th Century, antique pair of Swedish Gustavian nightstands made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. Each of the detailed bed side tables are composed with tw...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 30.25 in W 24.5 in D 16.5 in
Pair, 19th Century Swedish White Painted Pine Small Cabinets or Nightstands
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, small Swedish country Gustavian style white painted nightstands with curved sides and scalloped skirt. Newer professionally applied antique white painted finish is gently distr...
Brass
Late 19th Century Continental Bedside Drawers
Located in Hastings, GB
This decorative pair of late 19th century continental bedsides show beautifully carved details and rustic charm Each cabinet features 3 equally proportioned drawers, exceptionally...
Wood
19th Century Swedish Nightstand
Located in Atlanta, GA
This charming 19th-century Swedish bedside table combines functionality with the timeless elegance of Gustavian design. Made from pine wood, it features a softly distressed grey pain...
Pine
20th Century Swedish Nightstand
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant 20th-century Swedish nightstand features a refined design with a marble top, showcasing the timeless appeal of Scandinavian craftsmanship. The semi-circular silhouette i...
Marble
19th Century Swedish Nightstand Circa 1820
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Gustavian nightstand exudes timeless elegance, embodying the refined simplicity characteristic of late 18th-century Swedish design. Carefully scraped to reveal traces of its ori...
Pine, Paint
Sold
H 31.5 in W 26 in D 15.75 in
Gustavian or Swedish Creme Painted Distressed Nightstand End Table Circa 1920s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This charming Gustavian or Swedish nightstand from the 1920s embodies the understated elegance and timeless appeal of Scandinavian design. Painted in a soft crème finish with intenti...
Walnut
Sold
H 29.9 in W 16.1 in D 14.6 in
Swedish Gustavian 1880s Light Gray Nightstands with Drawers and Doors, a Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style bedside tables from circa 1880 with light gray finish, single drawer over single door, canted side posts and tapered feet. This pair of Swedish Gust...
Wood