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.
Charming Gustavian Handblown Glass Bottle with Stopper, Late 18th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Charming Gustavian Handblown Glass Bottle with Stopper, Late 18th Century This delightful Swedish Gustavian glass bottle from the late 1700s features handblown craftsmanship with en...
Glass
Eight Hand-Blown Genuine Gustavian Shot glasses from Sweden in Amethyst tones
Located in Stockholm, SE
Eight hand-blown Gustavian shots made in Provincial Sweden in Amethyst tones. It is a reminiscent of a bygone era of peoples gatherings. Each glass bears the subtle imperfections and characterful quirks that are the hallmark of artisanal craftsmanship. The glass mass of these goblets carries an enchanting warmth that infuses every sip with a touch of provincial magic. The irregularities in the glass, and the amethyst tones is a testament to their handmade nature, add a delightful charm that speaks of authenticity and heritage. Whether gracing a farmhouse kitchen table or adorning a cozy tavern bar...
Blown Glass
Swedish Yellow, Handblown, Gustavian, 18th Century Glass Milk Bowl, circa 1780
Located in New York, NY
Swedish yellow 18th century Gustavian handblown glass milk bowl with pouring spout, circa 1780, origin: Sweden.
Blown Glass
Black Clay Mezcal Shot Glasses
Located in Napa, CA
4 pack.
Clay
Moroccan Clear and Silver Overlay Shot Glasses Set of 6
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Moroccan Set of six clear and silver overlay Moorish style glasses. Decorated with a classical silver pattern overlay frieze. Use these elegant glasses for Moroccan tea, or any hot or cold drink. In fantastic condition, perfect for the holidays and gorgeous on display in a cabinet or bar while not in use. handmade Czech Bohemia...
Glass
$106 / item
H 6.89 in Dm 1.58 in
Moser Champagne Glasses Art Nouveau Hand Blown, Lady Hamilton by Moser
Located in DE
These are 7 champagne glasses made from hand blown crystal by Moser in the ever popular Lady Hamilton glass cut. This pattern is an example of the "papal" cut so called because it i...
Crystal
Mid Century Red Glass Mini Heart Bottle with Stopper, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A red blue decanter with heart shape design, made by one of the many glass manufacturers in Italy. Would make a great addition to any collection! Original good vintage condition. Onl...
Glass
Mid Century Blue Glass Mini Bottle with Stopper, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A nice blue decanter with geometric design, made by one of the many glass manufacturers in Italy. Would make a great addition to any collection! Original good vintage condition. 1 li...
Glass
Gio Ponti for Venini Morandiane Murano Glass Bottle with Stopper, Signed
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking Gio Ponti and Paolo Venini for Venini tall “A Canne” striped bottle or decanter with matching stopper. 18” tall. Created in the Venini workshop in Murano Italy, an island ...
Glass, Blown Glass
Archimede Seguso Murano Green Sommerso Glass Bottle with Stopper
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Archimede Seguso
Located in New Windsor, NY
A beautiful example in glass of the refined elegance of an Archimede Seguso design. A light, seafoam green glass perfume bottle and tear drop stopper encased in clear. Ribbed exteri...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Hand Blown Murano Saffron Glass Bowl With Murrine Inclusions
Located in Chicago, IL
Wide lip Murano glass bowl in hand blown saffron glass with umber ribbon. Blue, green, rose and white ringed controlled bubbles orbit around the center inde...
Blown Glass
Early American Flint Glass Pattern Bowl, Circa 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
Early American flint glass pattern bowl with a scalloped exterior edge, recessed circular motif and terminating on a tapered recessed circular stem with a beveled transparent base, E...
Optical Glass
1970s Hand-blown Hexagonal Murano Glasses (Set of 5)
Located in Florence, Tuscany
A set of five 1970s hand blown octagonal Murano glasses with gold rim. All five are in good condition with their original sticker.
Art Glass, Blown Glass
$294
H 16.54 in W 7.09 in D 7.09 in
Green Glass Genie Decanter with Stopper, 20th Century, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A stunning green glass decanter with geometric design, made by one of the many glass manufacturers based in the region of Empoli, Italy. Has "Made in Italy" embossed on the base. Wou...
Glass
Mid Century Purple Glass Mini Bottle with Stopper, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A nice purple decanter with geometric design, made by one of the many glass manufacturers in Italy. Would make a great addition to any collection! Orig...
Glass
Sold
H 7.09 in W 2.56 in D 2.56 in
4 Late Gustavian Handblown Bottles Gilt Decor Late 18th/Early 19th C Sweden
Located in Knivsta, SE
A set of Four (4) Late Gustavian Handblown Glass Bottles, with original Gilt Decor, Late 18th/Early 19th C Sweden Four handblown glass bottles from the Swedish Gustavian period. Bea...
Blown Glass
19th Century Antique Swedish Glass Twisted Carafe / Bottle
Located in Boden, SE
A magnificent Swedish antique mouth blown twisted carafe from early 19th century. A rare find. A Centerpiece that brightens any table at any time...
Glass
Hand Blown Swedish Glass Carafe
Located in Chireno, TX
Hand blown Swedish glass carafe, dates to the 18th century. Three carafes available and sold separately priced $1,400 each - see last two images for all three together (items LU98472...
Blown Glass
Hand Blown Swedish Glass Carafe
Located in Chireno, TX
Hand blown Swedish glass carafe, dates to the 18th century. Three carafes available and sold separately priced $1,400 each - see last two images for all ...
Blown Glass
Hand Blown Swedish Glass Carafe
Located in Chireno, TX
Hand blown Swedish glass carafe, dates to the 18th century. Three carafes available and sold separately priced $1,400 each - see last two images for all three together (items LU98472...
Blown Glass
Swedish 19th Century Handblown Turned Glass Carafe, Origin, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Swedish 19th century handblown turned glass carafe, origin: Sweden. We adore these sculptural, pure, handblown glass carafes. Great objects on their own and/or added to any table ...
Blown Glass
Swedish 19th Century Handblown Glass Carafe, Origin Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Swedish 19th century handblown glass carafe, origin Sweden We adore these sculptural, pure, hand-blown glass carafes. Great objects on their own and/or added to any table setting ...
Blown Glass
Swedish 19th Century Glass Vase
Located in New York, NY
Swedish 19th Century glass vase.
Glass