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Vintage Gustavian Gray Nightstands - a Pair
Vintage Gustavian Gray Nightstands - a Pair

Vintage Gustavian Gray Nightstands - a Pair

Located in Centennial, CO

This is a beautiful and functional pair of vintage 1940s nightstands have been recently painted

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Pair of Late 19th Century Swedish Commodes in Gustavian Style
Pair of Late 19th Century Swedish Commodes in Gustavian Style

Pair of Late 19th Century Swedish Commodes in Gustavian Style

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Pair of late 19th Century Swedish commodes in Gustavia style. With nice carvings and repainted in

Category

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

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Antique Painted Pine Nightstands
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Antique Painted Pine Nightstands

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Antique Painted Pine Nightstands

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An early 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian pair of nightstands made of hand crafted Pinewood

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Commodes with Dentil Molding, circa 1870
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Commodes with Dentil Molding, circa 1870

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Commodes with Dentil Molding, circa 1870

Located in Atlanta, GA

A pair of Swedish Gustavian style painted wood breakfront chests from the late 19th century, with

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Very Fine Pair of Swedish Painted Chests
Very Fine Pair of Swedish Painted Chests

Very Fine Pair of Swedish Painted Chests

Located in Dallas, TX

Lovely pair of 19th century Swedish painted chests. Nice carving on the drawers as well. Simple

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

19th c. Pair of Swedish Late Gustavian Period Painted Bedside Commodes
19th c. Pair of Swedish Late Gustavian Period Painted Bedside Commodes

19th c. Pair of Swedish Late Gustavian Period Painted Bedside Commodes

Located in Wichita, KS

A special, neoclassical pair of Swedish Gustavian style painted chests with a soft gray patina

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair Swedish Gustavian Painted Commodes C. 1860
Pair Swedish Gustavian Painted Commodes C. 1860

Pair Swedish Gustavian Painted Commodes C. 1860

Located in Troy, MI

We estimate this pair of Swedish Gustavian painted chests to date from the 1860s. The three drawer

Category

Antique 1860s Swedish Jacobean Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Pair, White painted Gustavian Nightstands Side Tables, Sweden circa 1880-90
Pair, White painted Gustavian Nightstands Side Tables, Sweden circa 1880-90

Pair, White painted Gustavian Nightstands Side Tables, Sweden circa 1880-90

Located in Round Top, TX

Pair, small Swedish country Gustavian white painted nightstands or side tables standing on tapered

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Swedish Gustavian Style Pair of Painted Bedside Commodes with Marbleized Tops
Swedish Gustavian Style Pair of Painted Bedside Commodes with Marbleized Tops

Swedish Gustavian Style Pair of Painted Bedside Commodes with Marbleized Tops

Located in Wichita, KS

A pair of Swedish commodes in the Gustavian style with hand-painted marbleized tops. These chests

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Paint

20th Century Dark-Grey Swedish Gustavian Pair of Antique Pinewood Nightstands
20th Century Dark-Grey Swedish Gustavian Pair of Antique Pinewood Nightstands

20th Century Dark-Grey Swedish Gustavian Pair of Antique Pinewood Nightstands

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An antique pair of small hand carved Swedish Gustavian chests of drawers made of Pinewood with a

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Commodes in Black Painted Wood
Pair of Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Commodes in Black Painted Wood

Pair of Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Commodes in Black Painted Wood

Located in Kastrup, DK

Swedish pair of Gustavian style chest of drawers is crafted in black-painted wood, showcasing an

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair of 20th Century Swedish Chests of Drawers
Pair of 20th Century Swedish Chests of Drawers

Pair of 20th Century Swedish Chests of Drawers

Located in Atlanta, GA

This stunning pair of Gustavian-style chests, dating back approximately 100 years, beautifully

Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Pair of Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Three-Drawer Commodes
Pair of Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Three-Drawer Commodes

Pair of Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Three-Drawer Commodes

Located in Atlanta, GA

A pair of Swedish cream painted Gustavian style three-drawer commodes from the late 19th century

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Chests of Drawers
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Chests of Drawers

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Chests of Drawers

Located in Atlanta, GA

This exquisite pair of 19th century Gustavian-style chests of drawers showcases the elegance and

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine, Paint

Near Pair of Marble Top Chests of Drawers
Near Pair of Marble Top Chests of Drawers

Near Pair of Marble Top Chests of Drawers

Located in London, GB

A near pair of Gustavian style mahogany and brass mounted chests of drawers, with a shaped marble

Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble, Brass

Pair of Painted Blue 19th C. Swedish Chests
Pair of Painted Blue 19th C. Swedish Chests

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

Category

Antique 19th Century European Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Pair of White Painted Swedish Style Chests
Pair of White Painted Swedish Style Chests

Pair of White Painted Swedish Style Chests

Located in Troy, MI

Pair of circa 1930s pair of three-drawer Swedish chests with antique white painted finish. Found in

Category

Early 20th Century English Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Pair of 1810 Swedish Period Gustavian Three-Drawer Commode with Light Grey Paint
Pair of 1810 Swedish Period Gustavian Three-Drawer Commode with Light Grey Paint

Pair of 1810 Swedish Period Gustavian Three-Drawer Commode with Light Grey Paint

Located in Atlanta, GA

homes during the dark long winters, and the purity of their lines, this pair of period Gustavian chest

Category

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

Materials

Wood

A Pair of Italian Painted Chest of Drawers
A Pair of Italian Painted Chest of Drawers

A Pair of Italian Painted Chest of Drawers

Located in Cirencester, GB

These chest of drawers are Circa 1900 having been more recently painted. A really great shape to

Category

Antique Early 1900s Italian Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Pair of 19th Century, Swedish Chest of Drawers
Pair of 19th Century, Swedish Chest of Drawers

Pair of 19th Century, Swedish Chest of Drawers

Located in Charleston, SC

A very fine pair of 19th century, Swedish Gustavian style chest of drawers with very handsome

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Pair of 19th century Swedish Chest Of Drawers
Pair of 19th century Swedish Chest Of Drawers

Pair of 19th century Swedish Chest Of Drawers

Located in Charleston, SC

A pair of mid 19th century Swedish Gustavian style chest of drawers with brass fittings, dental

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Swedish 19th century Chest of Drawers
Pair of Swedish 19th century Chest of Drawers

Pair of Swedish 19th century Chest of Drawers

Located in Charleston, SC

Pair of Swedish 19th century Gustavian style simple three-drawer chest with shaped top and canted

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Chests Circa 1880
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Chests Circa 1880

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Chests Circa 1880

Located in Atlanta, GA

This elegant pair of 19th-century Swedish chests, circa 1880, exemplifies the refined simplicity

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Pair of 19th Century, Swedish Chest of Drawers
Pair of 19th Century, Swedish Chest of Drawers

Pair of 19th Century, Swedish Chest of Drawers

Located in Charleston, SC

A very fine pair of 19th century, Swedish Gustavian Style chest of drawers with very handsome

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers

Located in Charleston, SC

A pair of early 19th century Swedish period Gustavian chest of drawers with brass fittings, shaped

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th century painted chest of drawers
Pair of 19th century painted chest of drawers

Pair of 19th century painted chest of drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Pair of 19th century painted chest of drawers circa 1880. Good quality pair of gustavian

Category

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

Materials

Pine, Paint

Pair of 19th Century Painted Chest of Drawers
Pair of 19th Century Painted Chest of Drawers

Pair of 19th Century Painted Chest of Drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Good pair of Swedish painted commodes, circa 1870. Off-white in color. Three drawers with shaped

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Fine Pair of  Gustavian  Style, Painted Commodes/Drawers
Fine Pair of  Gustavian  Style, Painted Commodes/Drawers

Fine Pair of Gustavian Style, Painted Commodes/Drawers

Located in Bellport, NY

Beautifully designed Gustavian Style commodes/drawers.Original painted finish in a stand stone

Category

20th Century Italian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Pair of Painted 19th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers
Pair of Painted 19th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers

Pair of Painted 19th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Fine pair of Gustavian influenced Swedish commodes, circa 1860. Three drawers with fluted

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Pair, 19th Century Swedish Blue Pine Chest of Drawers
Pair, 19th Century Swedish Blue Pine Chest of Drawers

Pair, 19th Century Swedish Blue Pine Chest of Drawers

Located in Round Top, TX

A pair of elegant Gustavian pine chests of three drawers painted in soft shades of blue. Canted

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair of White Painted Swedish Chest of Drawers, circa 1880
Pair of White Painted Swedish Chest of Drawers, circa 1880

Pair of White Painted Swedish Chest of Drawers, circa 1880

Located in Round Top, TX

A pair of Gustavian pine chest of drawers with Greek key motif carved in upper molding resting on

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Pair of Carved Swedish 19th Century Chest of Drawers
Pair of Carved Swedish 19th Century Chest of Drawers

Pair of Carved Swedish 19th Century Chest of Drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Fine pair of off white Swedish chest of drawers, circa 1870. Elegant pair of 19th century

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Pair of 19th Century Painted Swedish Chest of Drawers
Pair of 19th Century Painted Swedish Chest of Drawers

Pair of 19th Century Painted Swedish Chest of Drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Good quality pair of chest of drawers, circa 1870. 3-drawer chests with chanelled detailing on

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Pair of 19th Century Painted Swedish Chest of Drawers
Pair of 19th Century Painted Swedish Chest of Drawers

Pair of 19th Century Painted Swedish Chest of Drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Good quality pair of chest of drawers, circa 1870. 3-drawer chests with channelled detailing on

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Pair of Painted and Reeded Swedish Three-Drawer Chests
Pair of Painted and Reeded Swedish Three-Drawer Chests

Pair of Painted and Reeded Swedish Three-Drawer Chests

Located in Troy, MI

This pair of late 19th century three drawer Swedish chests feature decorative reeding on the drawer

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century Painted Scandinavian Chest of Drawers
Pair of 19th Century Painted Scandinavian Chest of Drawers

Pair of 19th Century Painted Scandinavian Chest of Drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Pair of 19th century painted Scandinavian chest of drawers Good quality pair of Swedish painted

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Pair of 19th Century Painted Swedish Chest of Drawers
Pair of 19th Century Painted Swedish Chest of Drawers

Pair of 19th Century Painted Swedish Chest of Drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Pair of Swedish painted commodes, circa 1860. Three drawers with brass ring handles and

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Pair of Three Drawer European Chests Painted with Gold Wash
Pair of Three Drawer European Chests Painted with Gold Wash

Pair of Three Drawer European Chests Painted with Gold Wash

Located in Locust Valley, NY

A pair of three drawer European chests painted with a gold wash, tapered legs and Swedish style.

Category

20th Century Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Paint

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Carved Pine Chest of Drawers
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Carved Pine Chest of Drawers

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Carved Pine Chest of Drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Pair of painted Swedish Gustavian revival commodes, circa 1870. Fine quality with canted corners

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Pair of Swedish 19th Century Painted Chest of Drawers
Pair of Swedish 19th Century Painted Chest of Drawers

Pair of Swedish 19th Century Painted Chest of Drawers

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Pair of Scandinavian 19th century painted four-drawer commodes with brass hardware.

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Pair of Gustavian Commodes in the Louis XVI Style
Pair of Gustavian Commodes in the Louis XVI Style

Pair of Gustavian Commodes in the Louis XVI Style

Located in Atlanta, GA

19th Century pait of Gustavian Commodes in the Louis XVI Style One of a kind pair. Please

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century Painted Scandinavian Chest of Drawers
Pair of 19th Century Painted Scandinavian Chest of Drawers

Pair of 19th Century Painted Scandinavian Chest of Drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Good quality pair of Swedish painted commodes, circa 1860. Weathered grey paint with faux marble

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Pair, 19th Century Swedish White Nightstands Narrow Chest of Drawers
Pair, 19th Century Swedish White Nightstands Narrow Chest of Drawers

Pair, 19th Century Swedish White Nightstands Narrow Chest of Drawers

Located in Round Top, TX

Pair, Gustavian style narrow pine chest of three drawers with tapered feet perfect to use as

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair of 19th century painted Swedish chest of drawers
Pair of 19th century painted Swedish chest of drawers

Pair of 19th century painted Swedish chest of drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Pair of 19th century painted Swedish commodes circa 1870. Good quality pair of gustavian

Category

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

Materials

Pine, Paint

Pair of Green Painted 19th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers
Pair of Green Painted 19th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers

Pair of Green Painted 19th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Fine pair of Gustavian style commodes, circa 1870. 3 graduating drawers fitted with simple brass

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Pair, Painted Decorative Chest of Three Drawers, Sweden circa 1840-60
Pair, Painted Decorative Chest of Three Drawers, Sweden circa 1840-60

Pair, Painted Decorative Chest of Three Drawers, Sweden circa 1840-60

Located in Round Top, TX

A pair of elegant Gustavian pine chests of three drawers painted in soft seafoam green and blue

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Pine Painted Chest of Drawers
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Pine Painted Chest of Drawers

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Pine Painted Chest of Drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Fine pair of Swedish painted commodes circa 1870. Good quality pair of commodes, 19th century in

Category

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

Materials

Pine

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Painted Chest of Drawers
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Painted Chest of Drawers

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Painted Chest of Drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Pair of 19th century small painted chest of drawers circa 1870. Fine quality pair of oak and

Category

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

Materials

Oak, Pine, Paint

Pair of 19th Century Painted White Chest of Drawers
Pair of 19th Century Painted White Chest of Drawers

Pair of 19th Century Painted White Chest of Drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Pair of 19th century painted white chest of drawers circa 1870. Elegant pair of commodes painted

Category

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

Materials

Pine, Paint

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gray Painted Chests of Drawers
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gray Painted Chests of Drawers

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gray Painted Chests of Drawers

Located in Round Top, TX

19th-century Swedish pair of pine chests of drawers with a newer professionally applied layered

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair, Black Painted Chest of Three Drawers, Sweden circa 1860-90
Pair, Black Painted Chest of Three Drawers, Sweden circa 1860-90

Pair, Black Painted Chest of Three Drawers, Sweden circa 1860-90

Located in Round Top, TX

A pair of Gustavian pine chest of drawers with canted fluted side posts with upper carved diamond

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair of Black Pine Chest of Drawers, Sweden circa 1860-80
Pair of Black Pine Chest of Drawers, Sweden circa 1860-80

Pair of Black Pine Chest of Drawers, Sweden circa 1860-80

Located in Round Top, TX

Pair, Gustavian pine chest of drawers with fluted canted sides and tapered feet, additional

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Pair Swedish Style Painted Three Drawer Chests by Lexington Furniture
Pair Swedish Style Painted Three Drawer Chests by Lexington Furniture

Pair Swedish Style Painted Three Drawer Chests by Lexington Furniture

By Lexington Furniture 1

Located in West Chester, PA

Nice pair of Swedish style three drawer commodes or nightstands by Lexington Furniture. These are

Category

Late 20th Century American Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair of 19th century carved Swedish painted chest of drawers
Pair of 19th century carved Swedish painted chest of drawers

Pair of 19th century carved Swedish painted chest of drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Pair of 19th century carved Swedish painted chest of drawers circa 1880. Beautiful pair of Swedish

Category

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

Materials

Pine, Paint

Pair of 19th century painted pine Swedish chest of drawers
Pair of 19th century painted pine Swedish chest of drawers

Pair of 19th century painted pine Swedish chest of drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Pair of 19th century painted pine swedish commodes circa 1880. Here we have 2 decorative chest of

Category

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

Materials

Pine, Paint

Pale Grey Gustavian Style Pair of Commodes, Sweden, 19th Century
Pale Grey Gustavian Style Pair of Commodes, Sweden, 19th Century

Pale Grey Gustavian Style Pair of Commodes, Sweden, 19th Century

Located in New York, NY

19th century Swedish pair of Gustavian style commodes. Soft grey patina. Dental frieze border

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

19th Century pair of hand painted Swedish chest of drawers
19th Century pair of hand painted Swedish chest of drawers

19th Century pair of hand painted Swedish chest of drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

19th century pair of hand painted Swedish chest of drawers circa 1880. Fine quality pair of chests

Category

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

Materials

Pine, Paint

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Pair Gustavian Chests For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of pair gustavian chests for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique pair gustavian chests was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, softwood and pine. Pair gustavian chests have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of pair gustavian chests to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Louis XV and Rococo pair gustavian chests are of considerable interest.

How Much are Pair Gustavian Chests?

Prices for pair gustavian chests can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, pair gustavian chests begin at $1,995 and can go as high as $48,000, while the average can fetch as much as $8,654.

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.