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.
Gustavian Pewter Plate by Carl Gustaf Malmborg, Stockholm, 1767–1806
Located in Knivsta, SE
Gustavian Pewter Plate by Carl Gustaf Malmborg, Stockholm, 1767–1806 A charming Swedish Gustavian pewter plate by the noted master pewterer Carl Gustaf Malmborg, active in Stockholm...
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
Charming Late Gustavian Swedish Pewter Platter, 1809 Småland, Sweden
Located in Knivsta, SE
A Charming Swedish Late Gustavian Pewter Platter, produced by pewter-worker Zadoch Bergenholtz from Vimmerby, Småland Sweden Refined flat late Gustavian pewter platter, made in the ...
Pewter
Refined Gustavian Pewter Platter, Late 18th Century Sweden
Located in Knivsta, SE
Refined Swedish Gustavian Pewter Platter, Late 18th Century Sweden A beautiful pewter platter from the Swedish Gustavian period of the late 18th century. Wonderfully worked metal, w...
Pewter
$341 / set
H 1.11 in W 8.15 in D 5.52 in
1940s Set of Danish Just Andersen Pewter Serving Platter and Bowl
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of Danish Just Andersen pewter serving platter and bowl produced by Just Andersen A/S in the 1940´s / 1950´s The the serving platter and bowl are good vintage condition and ma...
Metal, Pewter
AMBOSS Flatware by Carl Aubock Mid Century Modern Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Amboss Austria
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a flatware set by AMBOSS designed by Carl Aubock .Mid Century Modern Austria. Dimensions: Knive 8.38 , Spoon 7.75, Fork 7.75, Small spoon 5.88, Small f...
Stainless Steel
Marble Tray Marquina Color with Leather Straps, Large
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Marble trays with leather straps and brass bottom reinforcement. Leather tips on the legs to avoid scratching surfaces. Marble is a non-foliated m...
Marble
Late 19th Century Floral Meissen Oval Platter
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Large oval platter with gilt scalloped edge (minor wear) by Meissen in the scattered flowers or streublumen pattern. Crossed swords mark. c.1860-90. 18 3/8" x 13 3/8". Whitehall Ant...
Ceramic
$875 / set
H 2 in W 20 in D 15.75 in
English Late Spode Graduated Platters with Insert in the Chinese Imari Taste
Located in San Francisco, CA
A beautiful 3 piece grouping of English Late Spode Chinese Imari pattern platters in graduated sizes, including a perforated insert strainer. The grouping is elaborately decorated ...
Gold
Marble Tray, Bidasar Tone with Leather Straps, Large
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Bidasar Marble trays with leather straps and brass bottom reinforcement. Bidasar Marble Tray with an unfinished texture. Rain forest Indian marble, also known as Bidasar, is the fine...
Marble
Late 19th Century Floral Meissen Oval Platter
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Large oval platter with gilt scalloped edge (minor wear) by Meissen in the scattered flowers or stueblumen pattern. Crossed swords mark. c.1860-90. 18 1/8" x 13 1/8". Whitehall Anti...
Ceramic
$1,017
H 1.19 in W 16.54 in D 10.24 in
Decorative Ceramic Tray by Sylvia Leuchovius for Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Sylvia Leuchovius
Located in Goteborg, SE
Decorative tray by the Swedish artist Sylvia Leuchovius. (1915-2003). Leuchovius was one of Rörstrands most prolific artists for almost 30 years. This tray is a typical example of he...
Ceramic
Chinese Folk Painted Tray with River Landscape
Located in Chicago, IL
This lacquered serving tray is crafted with a hand-painted panel salvaged from a vintage Chinese cabinet. Selected for its charming folk art decoration, the found panel is painted wi...
Pine
Contemporary Tray
Located in Geneve, CH
Contemporary tray Measures: Diameter 30 x height 29 cm Plated metal coated with glossy Champagne finish From earth, one can only see the portion of th...
Metal
Round Koka platter by Hertha Bengtson for Rörstrand Sweden
Located in BELFORT, FR
Koka round platter by Hertha Bengtson for Rörstrand Sweden, manufactured in the 1960's. Slight wear due to its age and use, no chip, no crack. Measurements : diameter 17, 5 cm, ...
Ceramic
Chinese Folk Painted Peony Tray
Located in Chicago, IL
This large wooden serving tray is crafted with a hand-painted panel salvaged from a vintage Chinese cabinet. Selected for its charming folk art decoration, the found panel is painted...
Pine
Large and Refined Gustavian Pewter Platter, Late 18th Century Sweden
Located in Knivsta, SE
Refined Swedish Gustavian Pewter Platter, Late 18th Century Sweden A beautiful pewter platter from the Swedish Gustavian period of the late 18th century. Wonderfully worked metal. S...
Pewter
Sold
H 2.76 in Dm 17.13 in
Gustavian Pewter Deep Dish Serving Platter, Late 1700s Sweden with Signature
Located in Knivsta, SE
A Striking Pewter Deep Dish Serving Plate from the Gustavian Period of Late 1700s Sweden. Features Inscription. This refined deep dish serving plate is made of elegant pewter, with ...
Pewter
Refined Gustavian Pewter Platter, Late 18th Century Sweden
Located in Knivsta, SE
Refined Swedish Gustavian Pewter Platter, Late 18th Century Sweden A beautiful pewter platter from the Swedish Gustavian period of the late 18th century. Wonderfully worked metal, w...
Pewter