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Gustavian Stools

GUSTAVIAN STYLE

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.

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Style: Gustavian
Pair, Early 20th Century Swedish Gray Gustavian Tabouret Stools
Pair, Early 20th Century Swedish Gray Gustavian Tabouret Stools

Pair, Early 20th Century Swedish Gray Gustavian Tabouret Stools

$2,350 / set

Pair, Early 20th Century Swedish Gray Gustavian Tabouret Stools

Located in Round Top, TX

This lovely set of Swedish stools or tabourets have graceful, slightly curved legs which add an elegant touch to the pair. The turned hand rests provide stability as well as balanced...

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Stools

Materials

Muslin, Wood, Paint

19th Century Period Gustavian Pair of Benches Carved Rams Head and Hoof
19th Century Period Gustavian Pair of Benches Carved Rams Head and Hoof

19th Century Period Gustavian Pair of Benches Carved Rams Head and Hoof

$2,850 / set

19th Century Period Gustavian Pair of Benches Carved Rams Head and Hoof

Located in Miami, FL

19th century period Gustavian pair of benches, Savonarolas, carved rams head and hoof with original leather seat.

Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Gustavian Stools

Materials

Walnut

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Stools
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Stools

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Stools

$4,950 / set

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Stools

Located in Atlanta, GA

A refined pair of Swedish stools dating to the 18th century, executed in the elegant Gustavian style. Their clean rectangular forms are elevated by finely carved seat rails with repe...

Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Stools

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Genuine Gustavian Period Decorated Foot Stool with Original Seat
Antique Swedish Genuine Gustavian Period Decorated Foot Stool with Original Seat

Antique Swedish Genuine Gustavian Period Decorated Foot Stool with Original Seat

$2,333

Antique Swedish Genuine Gustavian Period Decorated Foot Stool with Original Seat

Located in Kramfors, SE

Genuine antique foot stool from the Swedish gustavian period around 1770 to 1780. This Swedish antique has classic carved wooden decor on the legs and sides. Original paint from the ...

Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Stools

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish White Tabouret Stool
19th Century Swedish White Tabouret Stool

19th Century Swedish White Tabouret Stool

$1,200

19th Century Swedish White Tabouret Stool

Located in Round Top, TX

This lovely Swedish stool has a decorative carved skirt resting on turned and fluted legs. The antique white painted finish has been gently scraped and distressed fitting the age and...

Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Stools

Materials

Muslin, Wood, Paint

Pair of 18th Century Late Gustavian Stools
Pair of 18th Century Late Gustavian Stools

Pair of 18th Century Late Gustavian Stools

$3,990 / set

Pair of 18th Century Late Gustavian Stools

Located in Ballard, CA

Pair of late Gustavian X-framed stools with lion feet, circa 1770. Original paint.unique pair of Gustavian stools, made in Sweden circa 1770. ...

Category

Late 18th Century Austrian Antique Gustavian Stools

Materials

Fruitwood, Upholstery, Silk

Gustavian Style Swedish Stool
Gustavian Style Swedish Stool

Gustavian Style Swedish Stool

$832

Gustavian Style Swedish Stool

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

19th century Swedish Gustavian style carved stool. Seat is in need of upholstery, 1880 Dimensions: 21 inches (53 cms) wide 18 inches (46 cms) deep 18.5 inches (47 cms) high. ...

Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Stools

Materials

Pine

Pair Early 20th Century Swedish Pine Taboret Stools with Egg and Dart Carving
Pair Early 20th Century Swedish Pine Taboret Stools with Egg and Dart Carving

Pair Early 20th Century Swedish Pine Taboret Stools with Egg and Dart Carving

$2,350 / set

Pair Early 20th Century Swedish Pine Taboret Stools with Egg and Dart Carving

Located in Round Top, TX

Pair of early 20th century Swedish taboret stools crafted in pine. Each stool features turned, tapered, fluted legs and carved detailing along the skirt. Decorative carving includes ...

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Stools

Materials

Muslin, Pine, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Square Ottoman
19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Square Ottoman

19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Square Ottoman

$7,200

19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Square Ottoman

Located in New York, NY

A 19th century Gustavian footstool having ornate carvings along the wooden base. The border having inset bellflower frieze supported by four tapered legs shaped as palmette fluted co...

Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Stools

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Pair of Swedish Stools
Pair of Swedish Stools

Pair of Swedish Stools

$2,236 / set

Pair of Swedish Stools

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Pair of 19th C Swedish beech Stools, stamped by Johan Bykan 'malmo' 1860

Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Stools

Materials

Beech

Swedish Pair of Louis XVI Style Stools Late 19th Century
Swedish Pair of Louis XVI Style Stools Late 19th Century

Swedish Pair of Louis XVI Style Stools Late 19th Century

$2,995 / set

Swedish Pair of Louis XVI Style Stools Late 19th Century

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

Fabulous pair of late 19th century Swedish Gustavian stools featuring the regal motifs of Louis XVI, toned down by the painted white frames. Firm but comfortable seats are presently ...

Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Stools

Materials

Gold Leaf

Pair of Swedish Carved Stools
Pair of Swedish Carved Stools

Pair of Swedish Carved Stools

$2,233 / set

Pair of Swedish Carved Stools

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Pair of late 19th C original painted Swedish carved stools in a Gustavian style. 1890. Dimensions 16 inches (41 cms) wide 16 inches (41 cms) dee...

Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Stools

Materials

Beech

Pair, 19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Stools Tabourets
Pair, 19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Stools Tabourets

Pair, 19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Stools Tabourets

$2,350 / set

Pair, 19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Stools Tabourets

Located in Round Top, TX

Pair of early 20th century Swedish taboret stools crafted in pine. Each stool features turned, tapered, fluted legs and carved detailing along the skirt with flowers, leaves, and vin...

Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Stools

Materials

Muslin, Pine, Paint

Sofía Stool - Swedish Scraped White
Sofía Stool - Swedish Scraped White

Sofía Stool - Swedish Scraped White

$2,250

Sofía Stool - Swedish Scraped White

By Century Furniture, Tara Shaw

Located in New Orleans, LA

The Sofía Swedish stool is a beautifully crafted piece featuring hand-carved details and a painted finish that highlights its neoclassical design influences. The stool is upholstered...

Category

2010s Gustavian Stools

Materials

Leather, Wood

Pair, Gustavian Style White Painted Stools, Sweden circa 1880
Pair, Gustavian Style White Painted Stools, Sweden circa 1880

Pair, Gustavian Style White Painted Stools, Sweden circa 1880

$3,600 / set

Pair, Gustavian Style White Painted Stools, Sweden circa 1880

Located in Round Top, TX

This lovely pair of Gustavian style Swedish stools are a special find due to their size. They each rest on tapered fluted legs while intricate carving along the skirt also adds an el...

Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Stools

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Swedish Original Painted Stool
Swedish Original Painted Stool

Swedish Original Painted Stool

$1,488

Swedish Original Painted Stool

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

19th C original painted Swedish stool with carved detail. 1840. Reference: 7535 Dimensions 22 inches (56 cms) wide 22 inches (56 cms) deep 22.5 inches (57 cms) high.

Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Stools

Materials

Wood

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19th Century Swedish Gustavian Gray Painted Bench
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H 33 in W 76 in D 22.75 in

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Located in Round Top, TX

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Located in New York, NY

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H 14.57 in W 62.01 in D 15.75 in

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Located in London, GB

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Early Mid-20th Century Rustic French artist stools
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H 21.66 in W 13.78 in D 11.03 in

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Located in ECHT, NL

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Previously Available Items
Pair of Gustavian Stools
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Pair of Gustavian Stools

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H 16.15 in W 17.72 in D 14.38 in

Pair of Gustavian Stools

Located in Ljungby, SE

A pair of high-quality Gustavian works from Stockholm, signed by Johan Erik Höglander (Sweden, 1750-1813). The stools are elegantly curved on all sides, adding extra sophistication. ...

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18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Stools

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Upholstery, Wood

Pair, Gray Swedish Gustavian Tabouret Stools, circa 1920
Pair, Gray Swedish Gustavian Tabouret Stools, circa 1920

Pair, Gray Swedish Gustavian Tabouret Stools, circa 1920

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H 24.75 in W 28.5 in D 14.5 in

Pair, Gray Swedish Gustavian Tabouret Stools, circa 1920

Located in Round Top, TX

This lovely pair of Swedish stools or tabourets have gently curved arms and splayed saber legs which create an elegant touch to the pair. The soft patina of the aged gray paint adds ...

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Fine Pair of 19th Century Gustavian Stools
Fine Pair of 19th Century Gustavian Stools

Fine Pair of 19th Century Gustavian Stools

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H 16.93 in W 16.54 in D 15.75 in

Fine Pair of 19th Century Gustavian Stools

Located in Allerum, SE

Fine pair of early 19th century Gustavian stools in their original condition. Ca 1800 Sweden.

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19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Tabouret-Stool
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Tabouret-Stool

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Tabouret-Stool

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H 17 in W 22 in D 18 in

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Located in New Orleans, LA

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19th Century Swedish White Tabouret Stool
19th Century Swedish White Tabouret Stool

19th Century Swedish White Tabouret Stool

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H 18.5 in W 21.5 in D 17.75 in

19th Century Swedish White Tabouret Stool

Located in Round Top, TX

This petite Swedish stool or tabouret has a yoke shaped base with applied carved flower medallion. The distressed patina of the scraped antique white painted finish adds to the aged ...

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Long Early 19th Century Swedish Stool

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Located in Gloucestershire, GB

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19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Tabouret-Stool

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Tabouret-Stool

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A pair of Swedish painted wood stools, C. 1880.
A pair of Swedish painted wood stools, C. 1880.

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H 22.5 in W 22.5 in D 14 in

A pair of Swedish painted wood stools, C. 1880.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

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Pair of Gustavian Light Gray Painted Stools
Pair of Gustavian Light Gray Painted Stools

Pair of Gustavian Light Gray Painted Stools

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H 16 in W 19 in D 16.75 in

Pair of Gustavian Light Gray Painted Stools

Located in Chireno, TX

Pair of Gustavian stools circa 1810. Scrapped back to remnants of gray paint. Sold together and priced $6,800 for the pair.

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Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Stools

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Cotton, Upholstery, Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Stool
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Stool

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Stool

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H 14.5 in W 24 in D 16.5 in

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Stool

Located in Round Top, TX

This lovely oval Swedish gustavian stool rests on turned and fluted legs. The antique white/light gray layered painted finish has been gently distressed fitting the age and romantic ...

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Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Stools

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Pair of Louis XVI Stools, Late 18th Century
Pair of Louis XVI Stools, Late 18th Century

Pair of Louis XVI Stools, Late 18th Century

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H 16.15 in W 19.3 in D 19.3 in

Pair of Louis XVI Stools, Late 18th Century

Located in Greding, DE

Pair of square stools with elegant tapered and fluted legs, accented by protruding corners and a delicate ribbon decoration on the apron. The seats are upholstered in green velvet, a...

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Late 18th Century European Antique Gustavian Stools

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Velvet, Softwood

19th Century Pair of Gray Tabouret Stools from Sweden
19th Century Pair of Gray Tabouret Stools from Sweden

19th Century Pair of Gray Tabouret Stools from Sweden

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H 20.5 in W 14 in D 14.5 in

19th Century Pair of Gray Tabouret Stools from Sweden

Located in Round Top, TX

Lovely pair of Swedish stools or tabourets with curved, cabriolet legs. Restored, solid/stable and ready to be enjoyed. Later professionally painted in layered shades of light gray, ...

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Gustavian stools for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Gustavian stools for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage stools created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gustavian stools made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for stools differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $743 and tops out at $8,200 while the average work can sell for $2,950.

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