Swedish Gustavian Commode, circa 1820
Located in Huntington, NY
A Swedish Gustavian commode with original brass hardware and locks. Featuring canted and fluted
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Swedish Gustavian Commode, circa 1820
Located in Huntington, NY
A Swedish Gustavian commode with original brass hardware and locks. Featuring canted and fluted
Brass
Swedish Gustavian Commode, circa 1800
Located in Huntington, NY
A three drawer Swedish Gustavian commode. Front corners are canted and fluted. Back corners are
Iron
Vintage Painted Swedish Gustavian Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
The product is a vintage Swedish Gustavian commode, featuring a nice painted patina and carvings
Wood
Restored Swedish Gustavian Commodes, Painted Pinewood, Circa 1920-1940
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautifully restored pair of early to mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian commodes, meticulously
Pine
$3,996Sale Price / set|42% Off
Superb Pair Cottage Chic Paint Decorated Soft White Swedish Gustavian Commodes
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This superb pair of Swedish Gustavian style commodes embodies the timeless elegance and rustic
Walnut
Small Size 18th Century Gustavian Commode
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian commode. For those sourcing a decorative commode to fit that
Wood
$4,462Sale Price|25% Off
Swedish 1780s Gustavian Period Four-Drawer Commode with Chamfered Side Posts
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish period Gustavian four-drawer commode from the late 18th century with its old hardware
Wood
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
Gustavian Commode, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
Gustavian commode, Sweden 19th century, Beautiful walnut, beechwood, elmwood and mahogany marquetry
Walnut
Antique Stylish Swedish Stockholm Gustavian Commode
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique stylish gustavian commode from Stockholm made around 1790. The commode is from the Swedish
Limestone, Brass
$2,310Sale 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
Wood
Gustavian, Swedish Commodes, Blue Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 19th C.
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gustavian, Swedish Commodes, Blue Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 19th C. Pair of Gustavian style
Paint
Gustavian, Swedish Commodes, Beige Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 19th C.
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gustavian, Swedish Commodes, Beige Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 19th C. Stunning pair of step
Wood
Gustavian, Louis XVI Style, Swedish Commode, Mahogany, Marble, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gustavian, Louis XVI Style, Swedish Commode, Mahogany, Marble, Sweden, 1950s Gustavian dresser or
Marble, Brass
Late Gustavian Swedish Commode, early 1800s
Located in Farsta, SE
Late Gustavian Swedish Commode, early 1800s Retains its original English red marbled painted
Pine
$3,466Sale Price|35% Off
Swedish Gustavian Painted Sideboard Buffet Commode White C.1890
Located in Lewes, England
Circa 1870/1890 antique Swedish Gustavian White painted Sideboard Buffet commode in gustavian style
Pine
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
Marble, Metal, Brass
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Breakfront Commodes
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant pair of Gustavian-style breakfront commodes from Sweden, circa 1840–1860. Each is painted
Pine
Gustavian, Swedish Commode, Gray Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 1900s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gustavian, Swedish Commode or Dresser, Grey Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 1900s Gustavian
Paint
Pair of 19th c. Swedish Gustavian Painted Bedside Commodes
Located in Wichita, KS
A pair of Swedish bedside chests in the Gustavian style. These chests have beautiful raised panel
Wood, Paint
18th Century Gustavian Commode
Located in Ljungby, SE
High-quality Gustavian chest of drawers from the Mälardalen region of Sweden, dating from the late
Wood
$6,024Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Swedish Gustavian Painted Sideboard Buffet Commode White C.1850
Located in Lewes, England
Circa 1850 antique Swedish Gustavian White painted Sideboard Buffet commode in gustavian style with
Pine
$6,023Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Swedish Gustavian Painted Sideboard Buffet Commode White C.1860
Located in Lewes, England
Circa 1860 antique Swedish Gustavian White painted Sideboard Buffet commode in gustavian style with
Pine
18th Century Gustavian Commode
Located in Ljungby, SE
A Gustavian Stockholm piece, dating to the latter part of the 18th century. The commode is veneered
Brass
19th Century Gustavian Commode
Located in Belmont, MA
Exquisite Gustavian commode, bleached mahogany veneer with brass decorations. Beautifully
Mahogany
Reeded Swedish Gustavian Style Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
-applied distressed finish with brass ring hardware. These classic Swedish style three drawer commodes with
Brass
$6,023Sale Price|25% Off
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Tallboy Black C 1850
Located in Lewes, England
C 1850 antique Swedish Gustavian painted chest of 3 drawers commode with detailed gustavian ribbed
Pine
Provincial Gustavian Style Swedish Paint Decorated / Distressed Commode, Chest
Located in Manhasset, NY
Provincial Gustavian Style Swedish paint decorated / Distressed Commode, Chest Beautifully aged
Wood
$5,022Sale Price|25% Off
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
Pine
$3,466Sale Price|35% Off
Swedish Gustavian Painted Sideboard Buffet Commode White C.1860 Green Gold
Located in Lewes, England
Circa 1850/1880 antique Swedish Gustavian green and gold painted chest of drawers buffet commode in
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Painted Small Commode Chest of Drawers Nightstand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
ring hardware. These classic Swedish style three drawer commodes with horizontal reeding on the drawer
Brass
Swedish Gustavian Style Pink Painted Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
classic Swedish style two drawer commode with circle detailing are based on a 18th Century Gustavian
Brass
Pair 19th c. Swedish Gustavian Painted Bedside Commodes with Reeded Drawers
Located in Wichita, KS
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style commodes in original paint. These chests have beautiful reeded
Wood, Paint
$3,270 / item
Gustavian White Painted Commode
Located in Westwood, NJ
Gustavian White Painted commode, The Swedish Neo Classic style Gustavian commode with a concave
Wood
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
Limestone, Brass, Bronze
$5,560Sale Price|20% Off
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
Bronze
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Reeded Commode in Original Black Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A handsome early Gustavian period commode with reeded drawer fronts and canted and fluted corner
Pine, Paint
$5,012Sale Price|25% Off
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
Pine
$3,466Sale Price|35% Off
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
Birch
Pair Swedish Gustavian Breakfront Commodes in Original Gray Paint, 19th c.
Located in Wichita, KS
A beautiful pair of Swedish Gustavian breakfront chests from the 19th century, framed by dentil
Wood, Paint
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
Oak
$7,081Sale Price / set|25% Off
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
Pine
Late 18th Century Gustavian-Style Painted Commode
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Gustavian-Style Painted Commode A Swedish commode in the Gustavian style, featuring a gently
Brass
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
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
$6,890Sale Price|29% Off
Swedish Late 18th Century Gustavian Period Commode / Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and sober late 18th century/very early 19th century Swedish dresser or chest of drawers
$5,322 / item
Gustavian Style Swedish Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
Gustavian Style Swedish Dresser, large four-drawer commode with an antique painted finish, with
Wood
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
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
Pair of Blue Gustavian Chests of Drawers, Gustavian Style, Sweden
Located in Kastrup, DK
light and harmonious appearance. Gustavian style, Sweden, circa 1840–1860.
Brass
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
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
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
18th Century Swedish Pine Commode
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
18th Century Swedish commode from Skattungbyn, Orsa. A patina and wear beyond the ordinary. The
Pine
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
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Painted Chest
Located in New Orleans, LA
A charming small-scale Gustavian chest painted in soft, muted tones with clean lines and subtle
Wood
$6,750 / set
Pair of Swedish Decorated Commodes
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Pair of 19th Century Swedish 3 drawer commodes with Greek Key decoration. 1890
Brass
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.