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.
Rare Gustavian silver cup by Johan Stras from Stockholm, Sweden dated 1792
Located in Knivsta, SE
Rare Gustavian silver cup by Johan Stras from Stockholm, Sweden dated 1792. Johan Stras Johan Stras was an active master silversmith during the years 1777-1796. This cup was made 17...
Silver
Gustavian Painted Wood Butlers Cutlery Flatware Tray with Handle
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming, hand-painted in Gustavian blue butlers flatware or kitchen tray with handle. This tray features 2 compartments for a wide range of contents.
Wood, Paint
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
Gustavian silver spoon by Arvid Floberg dated 1785 with baronial coat of arms
Located in Knivsta, SE
Gustavian silver spoon by Arvid Floberg (1730-1804), Stockholm, Sweden dated 1785(C2) with baronial coat of arms. Rare and of extremely high quality. Simple beauty. Wear consistent ...
Silver
Erik Ernander 'Worked ca. 1755', Silver Beaker, Origin: Sweden, Dated 1788
By Eric Ernander
Located in New York, NY
Swedish Gustavian 18th century silver beaker by Erik Ernander (Worked ca. 1755 in Uppsala, Sweden), Origin: Sweden, stamped: artist's stamp, Swedish triple crown...
Silver
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
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
Set of Gustavian Style Painted Bamboo Trays with Handles
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Fantastic patina on these trays painted in a soft Gustavian gray with plenty of texture. We see these trays either on an ottoman, coffee table or even vanity. Would also work well as...
Metal
Gustavian Painted Wood Butlers Wine Cutlery Flatware Caddy
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming, hand-painted in Gustavian blue, wine holder or flatware or kitchen utensil caddy with pineapple handle. This caddy features 4 compartments for a wide range of contents.
Wood, Paint
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
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
Large Gustavian Style Oval Blue Painted Tole Tray with Handles
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Fantastic patina on this 19th Century metal painted tray. We see this tray either on an ottoman or coffee table. Would also work well as a large bar tray in any formal or informal ho...
Metal
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
Large Swedish Gustavian Pewter Dish by Mattias Rundqvist, Karlskrona, 1807
Located in Knivsta, SE
Large Swedish Gustavian Pewter Dish by Mattias Rundqvist, Karlskrona, 1807 A striking and characterful Gustavian pewter dish crafted by Mattias Rundqvist in Karlskrona, Sweden, in 1...
Pewter
$1,400Sale Price|60% Off
Gustavian Alpine Scandinavian Pewter Wine Can Flask Metalwork Decanter Flagon
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Very evocative piece of decor, a real old world relic of nobility and or wealth. Noted as a Swiss Swirl Wine Can by last collector owner, but could also be Austrian or German made. V...
Pewter
$6,000 / set
Gustavian Sugar Bowls in Silver
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of Gustavian-style sugar bowls in silver, stamped by Johan Henrik Schvart, active in Karlskrona, Sweden. They are stamped with S2 for the year 1800. The bowls are in a boat-sh...
Silver
Black Clay Mezcal Shot Glasses
Located in Napa, CA
4 pack.
Clay
Set of Five Sterling Silver Demitasse Spoons
Located in San Diego, CA
Simple and elegant set of five sterling silver demitasse spoons, circa 1940s. The set is in very good vintage condition and each spoon measures...
Sterling Silver
$1,780Sale Price|69% Off
H 7.49 in W 5.91 in D 5.91 in
Rare Antique Silver Cup INCENSE BURNER Chinese Hand Engraved Dragons Xuande Mark
Located in Wembley, GB
Exquisite Antique Chinese Silver & Copper Decorative Vessel with Dragon and Mythical Beast Motifs – Xuande Mark An outstanding example of antique Chinese silver and copper craftsman...
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Set of Three English Pewter Plates or Platters, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
Set of three English Pewter plates or platters, 19th century. Different sizes. Small 9.75" diameter Medium 10.5" diameter Large 11.25" diameter
Pewter
Early 19th C Cutlery Tray W/ Scallop Edges
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 19th C Cutlery tray w/ Scallop Edges. Hand crafted. Good Condition.
Wood
Ausrian Flatware, Cutlery Set by Berndorf
By Berndorfer Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Vienna, AT
Austrian high-quality flatware silver plated by Berndorf, former Krupp company from the 1960s. The cutlery has a handle with a very interesting geometric decor. Used but in excellent...
Silver, Steel
$376Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 0.25 in W 0.75 in D 7.75 in
Antique 18Pc Mother of Pearl Sterling Silver Fork Knife Fish Flatware Cutlery
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 20th century set of mother of pearl handled 6 table knives, 6 forks, and 6 spreaders. Main set features silverplate blades and collars (blades marked with pseudo hallmark SMS),...
Metal, Sterling Silver
20th Italian Sterling Silver Vase
Located in VALENZA, IT
Elegant and refined sterling silver vase. Entirely handcrafted and embossed with a torchon motif, the vase has been finely hammered all over the body. The mouth of the vase is shap...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Sterling Silver Salt Cellars with Spoons signed Marcia
Located in New York, NY
This charming pair of sterling silver salt cellars with accompanying spoons exemplifies mid-century Mexican silver artistry. Signed "Marcia," a name associated with handcrafted silve...
Sterling Silver
$549Sale Price|57% Off
H 7.49 in W 1.19 in D 1.58 in
Silver Serving Spoon Antique Pair of Decorative Sterling Silver Gilded Spoon
Located in Wembley, GB
Pair of Antique Sterling Silver Serving Spoons Gilded & Ornate Handles A distinguished pair of antique sterling silver serving spoons, exquisitely crafted and richly detailed in the ...
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
$65 / set
H 8.5 in W 3 in D 3 in
Mid-century "Silver Flower" & "Song of Autumn" Serving Spoons by Oneida Silver
By Oneida
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Set of 2 serving spoons "Silver Flower" and "Song of Autumn" by Oneida Silver. 1- Community Oneida silver plate serving spoon pattern "Silver Flower" c. 1960s 8 1/2 in long 1- Commu...
Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Cup
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, antique Victorian English sterling silver cup; an addition to our Victorian silverware collection This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver presentation cup has a campania shaped form to a circular domed foot. The bulbous, shaped lower portion of this silver cup is embellished with impressive chased and embossed leaf and floral decoration. The plain tapering surface of the cup incorporates the contemporary engraved coat of arms depicting a chevron between three roses, barbed, seeded on a chief of the second a lion passant guardant between two closed books paleways, clasped and garnished of the last, the clasps to the dexter, all above the motto 'Virtus vera nobilitas' - Virtue is true nobility*. The opposing side of this presentation piece incorporates the contemporary engraved inscription 'This Oration Prize the legacy of Dr Hooper adjudged to John Maurice Schulhof by Trinity college Cambridge, 1880' The upper rim of the cup is encompassed with an applied moulded decorated border. This impressive Victorian cup...
Sterling Silver
Gustavian Painted Wood Butlers Cutlery Flatware Tray with Handles
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming, hand-painted in Gustavian blue, butlers flatware or kitchen tray with double handles. The green velvet interior has a wonderful patina and age as well features multiple com...
Velvet, Wood, Paint
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
A pair of Gustavian Pewter magnum bottles Coasters dated 1808
Located in Knivsta, SE
An elegant pair of Gustavian Pewter magnum bottles Coasters by Hans Wiksten in Västerås, Sweden and dated 1808 (= B3). Large and beautifully worn. ( See pictures) Hans Wiksten was a...
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
Sold
H 7.68 in Dm 4.34 in
Pair Antique 19th C Swedish Gustavian Silver Engraved Candlestick Holders 1864
Located in Portland, OR
A pair of fine antique Gustavian style engraved solid silver candlesticks, Sweden, dated 1864. This very elegant pair of antique Swedish silver candlesticks having eight lobed engrav...
Sterling Silver
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
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 Swedish Oak and Pewter Tankard With King Carl XV Coin
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Swedish oak tankard with beautiful etched pewter scroll-work decoration and royal coat of arms. The lid of the vessel is inset with a silver c...
Silver, Pewter
Large Swedish Toleware Tray, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
Large 19th Century Swedish Toleware Tray Yellow painted oval tin tray in lovely original condition. Incredibly useful and generously sized. Dimensions:...
Tin
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