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.
A Pair of Gustavian-Style Painted Doors by Paul Gauguin
By Paul Gauguin
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Swedish Gustavian-Style pine cabinet doors hand-painted by Paul Gaugin (1883 - 1961).
Pine
Gustavian Style Italian Terracotta Planters
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 original finish Gustavian style Italian terracotta planters. I actually have 6 sets of 2.
Terracotta
$2,660Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of Louis XVI Style Doors
Located in Sheffield, MA
Pair of tall painted doors with original hardware. Will need new glass. Other doors available but not with glass panel. Doors can work well in Swedish Gustavian style decor
Wood
Antique Swedish Gustavian Pine Obelisks, Distressed Decor, Circa 1820
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Swedish Gustavian pair of early 19th Century obelisks made of Pinewood, in good condition. Each is covered with distressed hand crafted hammered decorative round ornaments...
Pine
Gustavian Style Italian Terracotta Planters
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 original finish Gustavian style Italian terracotta planters. I actually have 6 sets of 2.
Terracotta
Rare 19th century Swedish stone and iron garden table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Rare 19th century Swedish stone and iron garden table circa 1860. The manufacture of cannons at the stavsjo bruk is well known and that is where the base of this table was made. Tax...
Stone, Iron
$695 / set
Large Gustavian Style Garden Pots
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Large Gustavian Style Garden Pots in original condition.
Concrete
Swedish Gustavian Tall Painted Wood Column Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Bring a touch of Scandinavian classical architecture into your home with this impressive vintage Column Pedestal. Certainly makes a wonderful addition to any home seeking a display p...
Wood, Paint
$990Sale Price|29% Off
Swedish Black and Giltwood Hanging Planter, Gustavian Period Sweden, 1810
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish black and giltwood ceiling hanging planter, Gustavian Period Sweden, 1810 The ceiling plater hangs with 3 black painted metal chains. The inside of the planter has a metal i...
Wood
Gustavian Style Italian Terracotta Planters
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 original finish Gustavian style Italian terracotta planters. I actually have 6 sets of 2.
Terracotta
$4,500 / item
3 Antique Oversize Exterior Doors, Sold Singly
Located in Sheffield, MA
Three very large monumental over size rustic antique architectural paneled doors with oval top that will add character and style to any hou...
Wood
Swedish 18th Century Carved Stairwell Ornament
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A masterfully carved stairwell ornament from the early part of the 18th century, Sweden. Dating to 1730, this convex triangular decorative detail was once a part of a grand staircase...
Copper
$695 / set
3 Gustavian Style Planters
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 3 Original Finish Gustavian Style Planters. Middle planter: 10 H, 12 D, 23 W Left planter: 17 H, 15 W.
Terracotta
$7,470 / item
Swedish Neoclassic Marble Top Vanity
Located in Westwood, NJ
The cabinet features reeded door panels outlined in antique white with subtle gold trim, complemented by solid brass ring pulls that add a sophisticated metallic accent. The marble b...
Marble, Brass
Swedish Gustavian Pair of Carved & Painted 39.5" Tall Display Pedestals
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian pair of carved and painted wood display pedestals from the turn of the 18th and 19th century. These Period Gustavian pedestals from Sweden, Circa 1800, have a han...
Wood, Paint
Pair Swedish Painted Jardinière Planters On Column Bases
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Pair of 19th Century Swedish painted Jardinière Planters. Planters feature removable iron liners and rest on column bases. These planters are designed to hold plants or flowers whi...
Wood
Gustavian Style Italian Terracotta Planters
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 original finish Gustavian style Italian terracotta planters. I actually have 6 sets of 2.
Terracotta
$1,495 / set
3 Basket Weave Planters
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is an original finish set of 3 basket weave planters.
Concrete
2 Gustavian Style Italian Terracotta Planters
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 original finish Gustavian Style Italian terracotta planters. I actually have 6 sets of 2.
Terracotta
$1,695 / set
4 Ornate Italian Planters
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 4 Ornate Italian Planters made by one of the TOP Garden Planter companies in Italy, Bitossi, they are in 100% Original condition.
Limestone
$1,122Sale Price|43% Off
Antique Scandinavian Coal or Fireplace Bucket in Copper, 18th Cen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A fine quality Scandinavian (probably Swedish) coal or fireplace bucket. It dates to circa 1750. Perhaps a tat earlier. Finely hand forged brass handl...
Brass, Copper
$5,800 / set
Pair of Louis XVI Style Doors
Located in Sheffield, MA
Pair of tall painted doors with original hardware. Will need new glass. Other doors available but not with glass panel. Doors can work well in Swedish Gustavian style décor. Each do...
Wood
$1,895 / set
Ten Decorative Rectangular Italian Planters
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of 10 Decorative Rectangular Italian Planters with Concrete tray for each one.
Terracotta
$1,295 / set
3 Basket Weave Planters
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is an unique set of 3 Basket Weave Planters from Spain.
Terracotta
Pair of Giltwood and Paint Decorated Italian Columns, Pedestals, Gustavian Style
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Table Top Diminutive Decorative Giltwood and Paint Decorated Italian Columns, Gustavian Style, 19th Century Europe. This fine pair of painted and gilt wood columns or pedesta...
Giltwood
Gustavian Style Italian Terracotta Planters
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 original finish Gustavian style Italian terracotta planters. I actually have 6 sets of 2.
Terracotta
King Gustaf III Cast Iron Fire Place Side
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a, "King Gustaf III" cast Iron fire place siding. Very rare piece to find.
Iron
Pair of Art Nouveau Hand Beaten Bronze Door Push Plates
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a gorgeous and unique pair of art nouveau hand beaten bronze door push plates. Each being 13.5 inches long. Probably made in the US c...
Bronze
American Charleston Cast Iron Lyre Boot Scrape, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American Charleston cast iron lyre boot scrape resting on a oval scalloped edge base, Early 19th century.
Iron
Tall Pair of Pine and Brass Obelisks, 1970's
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Pair of Knotty Pine Obelisks, Circa 1960's. Featuring three solid panels of smooth, adhesed Knotty Pine with thin tipped pyramidal apex, atop 1.25H balanced square Brass box, bases ...
Brass
$2,990
H 5.75 in W 5.75 in D 1.8 in
Paul Evans Style MCM Brutalist Bronze Door Handle Pull Pair, 2 Sets Available
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Paul Evans-style bronze cast door pull set with a distinct late 1960s Mid-century/Brutalist pattern across the front. This Pull set is made from solid bronze pieces, each made from a...
Bronze
Pair of Massive Antique Arch Form Doors
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of antique doors with arched and paneled design with remnants of old green and other encrusted paint. The doors do have some old hinges an...
Iron
Pair of French Empire Style Porcelain Door Handles
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of French Empire style (19/20th Century) round white porcelain door handles with gilt trim and bee design (PRICED AS PAIR).
Porcelain
Pair of 17th Century Oak Armoire Doors from France
Located in Dallas, TX
Originally part of an antique armoire, these oak doors were hand carved in France during the 1600s. The beautiful doors are rectilinear in theme, with ...
Metal, Iron
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Diamond Pattern Doors
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish doors with geometric patterns and original paint from the 19th century. This pair of antique doors from Sweden feature a repeating diamond pattern, comprised of a s...
Iron
Impressive Pair of Ormolu Mounted Marble Obelisks
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of large marble obelisks. Made from solid Verde Antico marble with bronze neoclassical style decorative mounts on all four sides.
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Early 20th Century Painted Wood Pocket Doors
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of early 20th century American pocket doors with their original hanging hardware. This pair of early 20th century painted wood doors features a decor of carved motifs. Perfect...
Wood
English Compton Pottery Large Celtic Style Terracotta Planter
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An English Compton Pottery Celtic style terracotta pot or planter dating from the early 20th century. With its spectacular red colour and Art Nouveau style...
Terracotta
Pair of Antique French Painted Farm Doors
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wooden doors sourced from a farm in France, some wear in back corners. Wonderful when mounted on a barn track as sliding doors.
Hardwood
Swedish Gustavian Flower Trough with Zinc Insert, circa 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exceptional Swedish flower trough in the Gustavian style, circa 1900, featuring original zinc liner and finely carved neoclassical details. The rectangular form rests on tapered, flu...
Wood, Pine
Gustavian White Painted Marble Top Vanity
Located in Westwood, NJ
The marble top vanity seamlessly blends classical artistry with modern functionality. Its White Carrara marble top exudes refined luxury, while the a...
Wood
19th Century Swedish Pinewood Pedestal Gustavian Style
Located in Kvidinge, SE
Swedish Pedestal in Gustavian Style made in pinewood and painted in white/gray color with an old patina finish. The pedestal are in good condition with minor fading, scratches due t...
Brass
Plant Tray Table Copper RARE
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very RARE and unique Swedish Gustavian style Plant stand tray table. the base was restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Copper
Rare 19th century Swedish stone and iron garden table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Rare 19th century Swedish stone and iron garden table circa 1860. The manufacture of cannons at the Stavsjo Bruk is well known and that is where the base of this table was made. Tax...
Stone, Iron
Sold
H 64.5 in W 20 in D 20 in
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Column, Antique Scandinavian Décor Piece
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A single, antique Swedish Gustavian column made of hand crafted painted Pinewood in good condition. The Scandinavian pedestal, podium is enhanced by detailed wood carvings. Minor los...
Pine
Antique Gustavian Style Black Painted Mahogany Caned Pedestal Plant Stand 36"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Gustavian style plant stand featuring black painted mahogany frame with hexagon shaped caned planter, tapered tripod legs, and fluted and carved floral accents. DIMENSIONS ...
Cane, Hardwood, Paint
100% Original Gustavian Style Planter
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2, 100% original Gustavian Style planter in excellent condition.
Concrete
19th Century Paint and Gilt Jardiniere
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Stylish early 19th century continental jardiniere in cream decoration with gilded highlights. The interior with tin liners, exterior raised paterae and segmented with cross mouldi...
Wood, Paint
Sold
H 32.25 in W 13.5 in D 9 in
Bust of Roman or Greek Man, Venetian Style, Metal Stand, Sculpture, 20th C.
Located in Stamford, CT
A stunning example of a blasted cement or cast stone bust of a bearded man. The head mounted on a custom metal stand. Finely detailed hand made. Bust itself measures: 16.5 H x 11 W ...
Cast Stone
Swedish Style Gilt Edge Metal Wastebasket with Vintage Feel
Located in Sheffield, MA
Rustic and elegant at the same time, add a neoclassical country touch to your bedroom, bathroom or office. The gold gilt edging gives it a Classic vintage/antique feel. Suitable for ...
Metal
Pair of Swedish Black Gustavian Pedestal Cabinets
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of black Gustavian pedestal cabinets. Doors adorned with central circular medallion above large flutings. Black stepped top with porphyry effect....
Pine