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Gustavian Furniture

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
Custom Framed Antique Swedish Herbariums, Set of 2
Located in Pearland, TX
Beautiful custom framed Swedish antique herbarium floral specimens, collected 1912. Handwritten names in lovely Latin script. Specimens include purple orchid and wild pansy/Johnny Ju...
Category

1910s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper

Antique Swedish WH Cabinet
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This antique painted cabinet from Sweden dates back to the 19th century. While its elegant arched crown and curved door decorations show influences from the French Rococo style, its ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Swedish Small Gustavian Side Table with a Drawer, Distressed Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique side table with a drawer in gustavian style. The table is small with a rectangular table top and a drawer in the apron. The legs are straight and tapered with flutes ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

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 in a light blue tone with a charming patina. Below the top runs a finely carved à l...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Pine Bench - Antique Daybed Attributed to Lindome
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 18th Century, antique freestanding Swedish Gustavian daybed attributed to Lindome school, in good condition. This Scandinavian sofa bench is hand crafted from solid Pinewood a...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Pine

Antique Swedish Country Sideboard from the Gustavian Period with Blue Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish country sideboard from the gustavian period during the late 1700s. Made in northern Sweden with a classic, straight shape. Original unusual blue paint from the late 1...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

18th c. Painted Danish Cabinet
Located in Greenwich, CT
An impressive cabinet in original dry-scraped cream/grey paint, consisting of a wonderful overhanging baroque arched cornice on a two door cupboard with single adjustable shelf above...
Category

Mid-18th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Swedish Country Table with Original Blue Paint and Hand-Carved Decor
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish country table from the late gustavian period around 1810. The table has original blue paint – blue is an unusual colour as the pigment was difficult and expensive to ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th century Swedish birch cupboard
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish birch cupboard circa 1860. We are pleased to offer this beautifully Swedish piece of craftsmanship, making it a practical antique for everyday use. Fantastic c...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch, Pine

Antique Gustavian Country Sideboard Made by Hand in Northern Sweden Circa 1820
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique gustavian country sideboard from northern Sweden. The sideboard is made by hand in solid pine around 1820. Classic straight shape decorated with hand-carved flutes. Tall tape...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock dated 1845 with hand painted Swedish floral details and clock maker initials on face 'AAJ' and 'Mora'. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights a...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Harlequin Set of 10 Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Dining Chairs
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A wonderful set of ten English limed oak chairs. Not quite matching. There are actually 3 different models ( 4 + 3 + 3 ). Each chair has a variation of the same basic characteristi...
Category

Early 20th Century English Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique Swedish Chest of Drawers in Gustavian Style Made by Hand in Pine
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish chest of drawers in gustavian style made around 1820. The chest is made by hand with a frame in solid pine. Four functional drawers with original locks, keys and hard...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Set of 4 Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Dining Chairs.English C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A delightful matching set of 4 English limed oak chairs. They have been recently limed to enhance the beautiful grain in the wood. The seats have been re-upholstered in hessian or...
Category

Early 20th Century English Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak

Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Bedside Cabinet Table with Drawer
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in Sweden, this Swedish one door and one drawer blue bedside table has been constructed from solid wood. Classic details on this piece including patinated iron hardware. Thi...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Paint

Set of 6 Antique 18 C Gustavian Dining Chairs W Carolina Irving Andaluz Linen
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Set of 6 Antique 18 C Gustavian Dining Chairs W Carolina Irving Andaluz Linen Fabric
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary in Blue Painted Pine
Located in Kastrup, DK
Gustavian secretary crafted in pine, finished in a charming blue tone with an elegant patina. The piece is composed of two sections with refined detailing throughout. The upper cabi...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Swedish Rococo-Style Console Cabinets or Nightstands
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of Swedish Rococo-style console cabinets or nightstands, circa 1900. The top features a molded edge with a raised gallery at the back and partially along the sides. Each cabin...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair, 19th Century Tall White Painted Pine Bookcases Display Cabinets
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of tall Gustavian style white painted pine bookcases standing 7.5' tall. Dentil molding along crown and traditional fluted tapered feet. Two interior upper shelves and one lower...
Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Pine, Paint

Swedish Gustavian Period Buffet in Original Yellow Paint, Late 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare Swedish Gustavian period buffet, late 18th century, retaining its original yellow-painted surface with beautifully aged patina. The warm ochre tone, scraped back to its authen...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Mora Clock 1848
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Antique Swedish Mora clock in green with hand painted floral details and clockmakers initials on face AAL and twon where the clock was made 'Mora'. Working Longcase clock mechanism o...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique 1904 Swedish Large Chocolate Tin
Located in Centennial, CO
A charming antique 1904 Swedish large dome top trunk shaped chocolate tin would add a beautiful Scandinavian accent to most anywhere in your house. The exterior is a stunning turquoi...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Tin

Period Gustavian Side Chair by John Hammarström, Stockholm (1794–1812)
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional period Gustavian chair, crafted in Stockholm between 1794 and 1812 by renowned maker John Hammarström, is a superb example of Swedish ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Daybed - Antique Scandinavian Sofa Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian pull-out daybed made from hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. This freestanding Scandinavian wood bench...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Upholstery, Pine

Gustavian Period 1810s Swedish Gray Painted Console Table with Carved Garlands
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period console table from circa 1810 with light gray painted finish, carved garlands and diamond motifs, and tapered fluted legs. This Swedish Gustavian period c...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Arched Console Table
Located in Mckinney, TX
This Gustavian-period Swedish console table features a distinctive arched design that reflects the elegant yet understated style of the era. Crafted from solid wood, the table has it...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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 Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Black Corner Table
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish Gustavian corner table with gently tapered legs and decorative skirt. Newer professionally applied layered antique black painted finish, slightly distressed to fit age and gr...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Blue Chest of Three Drawers with Greek Key Design
Located in Round Top, TX
A decorative Gustavian style chest of drawers with canted fluted sides raised on tapered fluted feet. Three drawers decorated with "à La Grecque" or Greek key motif with two brass pu...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Genuine Swedish Original Gustavian Period Handmade Chest of Drawers
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish chest of drawers from the 1700s in gustavian style. The chest is a genuine Swedish gustavian furniture with four drawers made by hand in solid pine around 1790. Class...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock dated 1870 with hand painted Swedish floral details. Inscription inside the clock and initial of clock maker: APL and vilage of Mora. Working Longcase clock mechan...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Gustavian-Style Blue Wellington Chest
Located in Kastrup, DK
Wellington chest in Gustavian style, crafted from blue-painted pine. The front is fitted with six drawers featuring brass handles, a profiled top edge, and canted corners adorned wit...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Period Gustavian Chairs in Original Paint, Sweden, Late 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A charming pair of Swedish Gustavian side chairs from the late 18th century, each scraped back to reveal traces of their original soft grayish-white paint, now beautifully timeworn a...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Rare Set of 8 Gustavian Period Side Chairs, Lindome, circa 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare and elegant set of eight period Gustavian side chairs, crafted in Lindome, Sweden, circa 1800. These chairs exemplify the refined neoclassical aesthetic for which Gustavian fu...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood

A period gustavian wall cabinet with glossed doors scraped to original paint
Located in Atlanta, GA
An authentic Gustavian period wall cabinet from Sweden, late 18th century, retaining its remarkable original surface and timeworn patina. The cabinet features a simple rectangular form with two glazed doors, each framed with wooden mullions that divide the glass into panels, creating a refined balance of proportion and symmetry. The paint has been carefully scraped back to its original layers both inside and out, revealing a soft, warm ochre tone with subtle variations that speak to centuries of age and use. The interior provides practical storage while maintaining the cabinet’s understated neoclassical elegance, typical of the Gustavian era. With its versatile scale, this piece may be mounted on a wall or used as a countertop cabinet...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style 2 Door Wardrobe
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very Unique 2 door Swedish Gustavian style wardrobe. it was just restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish hand painted 19th century pine cupboard
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish hand painted 19th century pine cupboard circa 1788. We are pleased to offer this fine piece of traditional hand painted scandinavian furniture, in the form of a double door ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Small Elegant Swedish Antique Side Table from the Gustavian Period
Located in Kramfors, SE
Small elegant antique table from the gustavian period in Sweden circa 1790. The table has a rectangular table top and straight, tapered legs. Also note the unusual finishings on the ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Tall Case Closk
Located in Mckinney, TX
An exquisite Swedish tall case clock boasting a rounded crown and clean lines, complemented by a dry-scraped finish. The clock retains its original blue-green and alabaster paint wit...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Iron

19th Cent Gustavian Style Pine Chest of Drawers in Dark Grey with Marbleized Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined Gustavian style chest of drawers from Sweden, dating circa 1880–1890, crafted in pine wood and finished in a sophisticated palette of soft grey with a darker, marbleized to...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Armoire - Antique Scandinavian Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian armoire, wardrobe made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The tall blue-grey Scan...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Corner Cabinet
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking late 18th-century Gustavian period corner cabinet from Sweden, featuring the classic neoclassical elegance of the era. Crafted in two parts, the cabinet showcases paneled ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pine Living Room Cabinet - Scandinavian Cupboard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early 19th Century, white-grey antique Swedish Gustavian living room cabinet made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The upper part of the Scandinavian buffet is...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

Swedish Gustavian Style Pink Painted Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Wonderful hand painted textured Gustavian style chest of drawers. This commode has been constructed from solid wood with a hand-applied pink and white distressed finish with brass ri...
Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Pinewood Chests - Antique Commodes
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th Century, antique pair of light-grey Swedish Gustavian chests made of hand crafted painted Pinewood with two large drawers and one small one, in good condition. The Scandinavia...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze

19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Sideboard
Located in Round Top, TX
Gustavian pine sideboard or buffet with traditional decorative fluted diamond panels on cabinet doors. Later painted in layered shades of antique white with gray undertones and ligh...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Chelsea Textiles Gustavian Chest of Drawers Nightstands
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Hand painted, in a wonderful Scandinavian neutral creamy gray color, Gustavian style chest of drawers or nightstand. This piece has been constructed from solid wood with a hand-appli...
Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Gustavian style Chest of Drawers from the Late 18th Century
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Gustavian-style Chest of Drawers from the Late 18th Century This exquisite chest of drawers dates back to around 1790, representing the elegance of the Gustavian style. Crafted fro...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Danish Gustavian Blue Painted Two-Part Pine Vitrine Cabinet
Located in Kastrup, DK
A beautiful two-part Gustavian display cabinet, crafted in pine and painted in an elegant blue tone with a light grey interior. The upper section features a moulded cornice and two ...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Swedish Gustavian Period Elegant Desk Made by Hand in Solid Pine
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique elegant desk from the gustavian period during the late 1700s. Frame in solid pine. The paint has distress and patina. Large drawer. Unusual thin and elegant legs with...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Scandinavian Faux Marble Wooden Pedestal
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large 19th Century Gustavian pedestal with original faux marbled paint and patina. The stately pedestal is a wonderful addition to a hallway, foyer, or anywhere you need to display a...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair, 19th Century White Swedish Gustavian Bookcases Display Cabinets
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of tall Gustavian style white painted pine bookcases standing just under 8' tall. Dentil molding along crown and traditional fluted carving along cabinet door panels. Two interi...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Pine, Paint

Long Black Painted Upholstered Bench by Chelsea Textiles
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Hand-carved and hand-painted, this 18th Century Gustavian inspired bench from Chelsea Textile features a linen seat on rosette medallion corners, atop tapered fluted legs. The seat h...
Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint, Linen

18th-19th Century White Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Daybed, Antique Sofa Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, antique Swedish Gustavian daybed made of hand crafted painted Pinewood with two round pillows, in good condition. The sides of t...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Cotton, Pine, Linen, Damask

Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Hall Console Table with Carving
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Painted Hand Carved Entry Hall Console Table Hand painted and hand distressed in authentic Scandinavian colors. This table has been painted in blue with ...
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted 3 Drawer Chest Bureau
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Petroleum Blue Painted Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers This classic Swedish style three drawer hand-painted chest has been constructed from solid wood with a hand-applied distresse...
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Chests of Drawers Circa 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
A classic pair of 19th-century Gustavian-style chests of drawers, circa 1880-1890, crafted from solid pine and featuring a distinctive broken-front design. These elegant pieces are p...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Gustavian 19th Century Cabinet with Original Paint
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A Swedish Gustavian cabinet from the 19th century or earlier with its original vibrant paint, reeded doors, and an open shelf. The top portion is removable and features a sharply mol...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

Swedish Gustavian Painted Banquette-Trundle
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A Swedish 18th century Gustavian banquette with its original hand-scraped painted finish. The solidly constructed frame makes for a sheltering sofa as well, with a removable bench se...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

19th Century Swedish White Gustavian Sideboard Buffet
Located in Round Top, TX
Gustavian pine sideboard or serving buffet with traditional decorative fluted diamond panels on cabinet doors and drawers. The newer, professionally applied antique white painted fin...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Gustavian furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Gustavian furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, seating, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, softwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gustavian furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Ephraim Stahl, Hendrix Allardyce, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, and Jonas Frisk. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $49,500 while the average work can sell for $4,473.

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