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.
$2,725Sale Price|20% Off
Swedish Antique Mora Clock White Early 1800s Carved Detail 218cm handpainted
Located in Lewes, England
Very decorative early 1800s antique Swedish mora clock with elaborate handpainted detail on the hood and body in a white paint finish with floral wreaths and flowers Measures: 218c...
Pine
Early 19th Century Original Painted Swedish Mora Grandfather Clock
Located in Round Top, TX
Early 19th-century Swedish Mora clock crafted in pine with an original brick-red-brown painted finish. The long case features hand-carved details, especially around the opening refer...
Pine
$2,725Sale Price|20% Off
Swedish Antique Mora Clock White Paint 1800s 203cm Crowned
Located in Lewes, England
203cm v rare early 1800s antique Swedish mora clock with finely carved detail on the body and hood and detailed face in a later white painted finish. Measures: 203cm. The cloc...
Pine
Pair of 18th Century Gustavian Bronze Candlesticks with Egyptian Female Figures
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Gustavian bronze candlesticks featuring stems in the form of a standing Egyptian woman with crossed arms. The candleholders are adorned with intricate ciselé work. Displays a...
Bronze
$3,900
Swedish Dugout Burl Bowl
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Swedish dugout root burl bowl with tab handle, with owner's initials, rune mark and dated 1700 on the underside, the whole with good dry untouched ...
Wood
$8,500 / set
Pair of 18th Century Gustavian Candelabras
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine pair of 18th century Gustavian three light candelabras. Gilded bronze and marble (Bleu Turquin) with a caryatid supporting three candle arms adorned with foliage, pedestal of ma...
Bronze
Antique Swedish Mora Clock, Burgundy Finish, Circa 1850-1890
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish mora clock from the 1800s in lovely rich burgundy finish with a wide belly body and a good face with unusual small second hand dial. Measures: 207 cm. It has the Cla...
Wood
$2,725Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Mora Clock Swedish 1800s White Hand Painted Roses
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish mora clock from early 1800s in lovely white finish with polychromatic hand painted roses and flower detailing dated 1829 and carved roses detailing on the hood deco...
Wood
Swedish Mora Clock White Castle Crown Carved Detail Early 1800 Frkysdall Antique
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish mora clock in white paint and gold detailing with very unusual and rare hood ornamentation and highly decorative face, lovely star round motif on the hood front too. ...
Pine
Early 19th Century Original Hand Painted Tall Swedish Grandfather Clock
Located in Round Top, TX
Early 19th century tall grandfather clock from Sweden, long case crafted in pine retaining its original hand painted finish. The painted surface has been gently scraped and distresse...
Pine, Paint
19th Century Swedish Painted Wood Floor Clock, Soft with Minimal Embellishments
Located in Atlanta, GA
A 19th century Swedish floor clock. This antique clock from Sweden is simple and unassuming with it's round-shaped head, minimally adorn with a curved top crest, an elongated neck mo...
Metal
$9,550
Josef Ekberg, 1908
By Gustavsberg
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a handmade vase, this is a very rare 2 tone green. The only one of its kind. Signed and dated, J-Ekberg 1908. A Swedish Artist that started working for the Gustavsberg Cerami...
Ceramic
$2,400
Mora Clock 19th Century
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock with hand painted and carved decorative details. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Width: 54cm / 21.3" Dept...
Wood
Candlesticks Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Gray Marble Brass, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Candlesticks Swedish Gustavian neoclassical gray marble brass, Sweden. A pair of gorgeous white marble candlesticks made during the Gustavian period. Column shaped with polished bras...
$2,400
Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock from the 1960's inwhite with gold and carved detailing. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Width: 60cm / 23....
Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Grandfather Clock
Located in Dallas, TX
This product is a Swedish Gustavian painted grandfather clock from the 19th century. It is a stylish and elegant piece of home decor that would make a statement in any room. The intr...
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Longcase Clock
Located in Ljungby, SE
Fantastic Swedish Gustavian longcase clock. The case is a Stockholm work from around 1770/1780. It is lacquered and gilded with rich wood-carved details of, among other things, garla...
Brass, Iron
19th Century Gustavian Longcase Clock
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Period Swedish Gustavian longcase clock from Malmo. This striking clock has been scraped back to its original dark grey paint which is beautifully distressed. Featuring neoclassical...
Pine
Candlesticks Gustavian Swedish 18th Century Brass, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Candlesticks Gustavian Swedish 18th century 1790-1810 made in brass, Sweden. A pair of Gustavian candlesticks made in Sweden during the late part of 18th century and the Gustavian pe...
Brass
$3,000
Mora Clock 19th Century
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock with hand painted decorative floral details and carving detail. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Width:54c...
Wood
$3,000
Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock with hand painted decorative floral details and clockmakers initials BEOS. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour....
Wood
$392Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Vintage Brass Gusum Candlesticks by Bernt Karlsson, Sweden, 1980
Located in New York, NY
A pair of solid brass candlesticks by Metallslöjden Gusum Bruk, Sweden. Designed by Bernt Karlsson. Dated 1978 and 1980.
Brass
Gustavian Wall Clock signed Jacob Kock
Located in Ljungby, SE
Large Gustavian wall clock with a movement signed by Jacob Kock (1737-1805). He was a court clockmaker in Stockholm and supplied clocks to the court of King Gustav III. This pendulum...
Brass, Enamel, Iron
Gustavian Pewter Pair of Candlesticks by Skandia Tenn, Sweden, 1984
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Bochum, NRW
A pair of Gustavian‑style pewter candlesticks, shaped with the quiet discipline of Swedish neoclassicism and crafted by Skandia Tenn, Karlshamn in 1984. Their fluted stems rise with ...
Pewter
$4,850
Wood Mantle Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
Very ornate white washed wood mantle clock with gold details. The face is behind a functional glass door with latch. The top is crowned by an urn with a cascading laurel garland that...
Wood
$2,400
Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock from the 1960's in original colour with painted floral decoration. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Width:...
Wood
Handblown Green Glass Storage Jar or Vase, Gustavian Period
Located in Knivsta, SE
Handblown Green Glass Storage Jar or Vase, Gustavian Period A wonderfully characterful green glass vessel, likely dating from the late 18th to earl...
Glass
$2,071Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Mora Clock Swedish Early 1800s Blue Gold Star Motif Grandfather
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish mora clock from early 1800s in lovely later deep blue finish with distressed gold detailing and simple country style hood decoration and a wide belly body and a good ...
Wood
Late 19th Century Rectangular Swedish Gustavian Black Painted Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Gustavian style rectangular box with original paint and an incredible patina. This hand-crafted box is a very versatile piece with both form and function. Would look fantasti...
Wood, Paint
$3,500
Mora Clock 19th Century
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Antique Swedish Mora clock from the 19th Century with later painting. Hand carved detailing to crown and white painted with gold paint detailing. Arabic numeral face. Width:64cm / 2...
Wood
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Pewter Candlesticks by Hans Wicksten
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Pewter Candlesticks by Hans Wicksten An elegant and highly unusual pair of Swedish Gustavian pewter candlesticks, crafted by the noted pewter master Hans W...
Pewter
Large Antique Swedish Rörstrand Porcelain Signed Hand Painted Decorative Tray
By Rörstrand
Located in Forney, TX
A rare monumental Swedish Rörstrand porcelain (established in 1726) heavy high quality decorative serving tray. Exquisitely hand-crafted in Sweden in the early 20th century, the dished and molded palatial rectangular shaped tray features exceptionally executed period Art Nouveau hand-painted polychrome decoration, adorned with neoclassical motif of florals, foliage, acanthus leaves, and urn with flowers. Signed, marked Rorstrand with three crowns to verso, dated 1913, and lower right impressed HD Rorstrand CO 1/2. Provenance / Acquisition: Hailing from the estate of a former supermodel and actress, Kathy Speirs-Puccio, who spared no expense in the decorating of her massive, curated to perfection Weston home. Kathy Speirs-Puccio, who throughout her acting and modeling career (she graced multiple magazine covers in the 1970s including Cosmopolitan. She collected, wore, and kept only the finest in designer fashion and accessories. Her passion for high design continued through until the end of her life. Acquired from the reputable auction house Blackrock Galleries...
Porcelain, Paint
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Pewter Candlesticks, Johan Fredrik Gellerstedt, 1833
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Pewter Candlesticks, Johan Fredrik Gellerstedt, 1833 An elegant pair of late Gustavian pewter candlesticks, crafted in Härnösand, Sweden, by the pewter ma...
Pewter
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...
Iron
$240Sale Price / set|31% Off
24 Vintage European Christmas Ornaments Churches
Located in Boca Raton, FL
24 pcs of Vintage European Christmas Ornaments Church figurines in 3 colors. Blown Mercury glass Handpainted and with glitter. In a gift box.
Blown Glass
Gustavian white painted Longcase Clock Mathias Kullberg Stockholm 18th century
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Very decorative Swedish longcase clock from the Gustavian period painted in a cream white with giltwood decoration. The dial is signed by the St...
Wood
Pair of Gustavian Pewter Candlesticks from the late 18th or early 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful Pair of Gustavian Pewter Candlesticks from the late 18th or early 19th Century. Period Gustavian design. Wear consistent with age and use
Pewter
Antique German Paktong Tumbler Cup, 17th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
This fine antique tumbler cup has a plain circular form. Made from the rare and highly prized metal Paktong. Similar in shape to silver examples of ...
Other
$2,400
Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock from the second half of the 20th Century. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Width: 60cm / 23.6" Depth: 15cm...
Wood
Pair of Swedish Late Gustavian Brass Candlesticks, Early 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of Swedish Late Gustavian Brass Candlesticks, Early 19th Century A refined pair of Swedish late Gustavian brass candlesticks, dating from the early 19th century. Executed in so...
Brass
Antique Swedish Gustavian Longcase Clock
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique gustavian long case clock in painted pine from Sweden. The clock has a hand carved decor in wood with older paint from the late 1800s. The paint has become slightly distresse...
Pine
Tri-Handle Large White Ceramic Jug / Vase / Pottery
Located in Stamford, CT
Tri-Handle Large White Ceramic Jug / Vase / Pottery A large and impressive decorative glazed pottery jug or vase having twin handles depicting lion maned busts. 20 H x 15 DIA hxa
Ceramic
Mid-19th century Painted Swedish Mora Column Case Floor Clock
Located in Leesburg, VA
Mid-19th century Painted Swedish Mora Column Case Floor Clock Anonymous Sweden; probably mid-19th century Wood, enamel, iron Approximate size: 84 (h) x 21.75 (w) x 10 (d) in. This...
Enamel, Iron
$3,000
Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock with hand painted decorative floral details and carving detail. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Width:54cm...
Wood
$1,800 / set
Cobalt Blue Swedish Girandoles, A Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of Swedish Girandoles of Gustavian style, crafted with cobalt blue ovoid shafts resting on a white marble base. These elegant two-piece girandoles feature two brass candleholder...
Crystal, Marble, Brass
$2,943Sale Price|20% Off
Swedish Antique Mora Clock Fryksdall Green Gold 1800s Gustavian Ekerstrom A
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish mora clock from the early 1800s in lovely Green and Gold finish and Classic Fryksdall detailing with an extended belly shape body, Dual Star Motif and a clean face in...
Wood
$2,400
Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock from the 1800's with dial signed by E. Bergquist and inside the clock the date 1856 and village Aata. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights an...
Wood
Antique Pair Of Swedish Brass Elegant Neoclassical Gustavian Manner Candlesticks
By Skultuna
Located in Norwich, England
Pair of Antique Swedish brass candlesticks in a Neoclassical Gustavian manner. Circa 1900. Stamped marks. Skultuna Bruk No. 23. Dual arm urn-shaped candle holders with fluting colu...
Brass
Set of 11 Vintage Swedish Gustavian Brass Candle Holders, 1960-1980
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, vintage Swedish Gustavian similar set of eleven candle holders made of hand crafted brass, in good condition. The Scandinavian candlesticks, stands are enhanced by derail cra...
Metal, Brass
$2,400
Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Antique Swedish Mora clock from the 1800's. Original paint; cream with gold detailing. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Width...
Wood
Swedish White Painted Cutlery Tray
Located in Greenwich, CT
A 19th century Swedish wooden cutlery tray with a curved slotted central handle and divider between two compartments, one with a notch for long utensils. Retains old painted finish.
Spruce
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Candlesticks
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of 18th Century Swedish baroque hand hammered brass candlesticks with removable drip pan over barleytwist shafts with central drip collar, standing on bulbous bases having ...
Brass
Tall White Swedish Pine Mora Grandfather Clock, circa 1840
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish mora grandfather clocks are identified by their gentle curves and classic style as seen in this exceptional longcase clock that stands just over 7.5' tall. Restored, later pr...
Pine, Paint
$2,616Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Swedish Mora Clock, Black and Gold, Folk Art, Circa 1830-50
Located in Lewes, England
203cm rare early 1800s antique Swedish mora clock with carved detail in a black and gold finish with fine folk art feather motifs and detailed face with the makers name AAS Mora ...
Pine
Mid 19th century painted Swedish water canteen
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century painted Swedish water carrier circa 1860. Although we have seen many of these on our travels this one without doubt is the best. In original blue/green paint, clea...
Pine, Paint
19th Century Swedish Painted Dugout Bowl
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good 19th Century trencher, an oblong dugout bowl of rectangular form in original white paint.
Birch
A Pair of Late Gustavian Faux Porphyry Reverse Glass Candesticks, 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The pair of reverse glass faux porphyry candlesticks with brass mounts (lacking one tassel)
Glass
Mora Clock Swedish 1800s Antique white 202cm tall star motif
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish mora clock from the 1800s in lovely white finish with a star motif on the main body and a superb detailed roman numeral face in good condition. Measures: 202 cm. It...
Wood
Original Blue Painted Tall Swedish Mora Grandfather Clock, circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Exceptional hand painted mora grandfather clock with original light blue painted finish accented in soft red and white trim. The warm aged patina on this 8' tall clock is what collec...
Glass, Wood, Paint
Charming Gustavian Pewter Bowl, 1808 by Hans Wiksten, Västerås, Sweden
Located in Knivsta, SE
Charming Gustavian Pewter Bowl, 1808 by Hans Wiksten, Sweden Beautiful pewter bowl dated 1808 (B3), crafted by Hans Wiksten, a renowned pewter master active in Västerås, Sweden, be...
Pewter