Gustavian Wall Lights and Sconces
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
Mirrored Wall Sconces Swedish Gustavian 18th Century Signed Gilded Sweden, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A pair of mirrored wall sconces made during the early part of the Gustavian period 1775-1790. Made and signed by frame maker Johan Martin ...
Category
Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Wood
Pair of Antique Gustavian Wall Appliques, Sweden 1820-30
Located in Belmont, MA
Discover the timeless elegance of a pair of antique Swedish Gustavian Glass Appliques, meticulously crafted from handcrafted brass and adorned with prism glass drops. These Scandinav...
Category
1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
19thc Gustavian Cut Cascading Crystal Wall Sconce
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc Gustavian Bronze Cut Crystal Cascading Waterfall Form Wall Sconce. This sconce is in its original unelectrified state.
Category
1850s Swedish Antique Gustavian Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Two Light Swedish Gustavian Sconces in Crystal & Bronze, A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Swedish Gustavian (neo-classical) two light sconces. The frames are bronze hung generously with faceted crystal drops. There are six arms above and below with faceted crystal...
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Scandinavian Cut Glass and Crystal Sconces
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of 20th century glass and crystal sconces in the Gustavian Style.
Dimensions: 19" wide x 26" high x 11 1/4" deep.
Category
20th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Gustavian Sconces
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine pair of North European, probably Swedish, neoclassical sconces with gilt bronze and brass rings, the lower fluted ring with putto playing musical instruments, the whole strung w...
Category
1860s Swedish Antique Gustavian Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass, Bronze
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Pair of ART DECO wall lamps applique lamp, 1930s
Located in Saarburg, RP
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These rare wall lights impress with their simple and functional Art Deco design.
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Vintage Swedish Pewter Eagle Mirror and Sconces by Svenskt Tenn
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1940s Art Deco Hollywood Cut Crystal Silvered Etched & Beaded Wall Sconce
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Art Deco Hollywood cut crystal wall sconce was realized in the United States, circa 1940. It features two sinuously curved arms that extend from silvered fittings culmi...
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1940s American Vintage Gustavian Wall Lights and Sconces
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Pair of Early 19th Century Continental Neoclassical Giltwood Sconce Mirrors
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of early 19th century continental sconce mirrors with original early glass and original gilding. Two arm sconces for candles. Great size and wo...
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Early 19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Wall Lights and Sconces
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Vico Magistretti, Mania, A Pair of Wall Appliques, Artemide, 1964
Located in Paris, FR
Vico Magistretti (1920-2006)
Mania
A pair of white glass wall appliques, each made of two superimposed opaline glass shades of different size, mounted on a round white metal frame....
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1960s Italian Vintage Gustavian Wall Lights and Sconces
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Pair of Giltwood and Mirror Sconces, 19th C. with 3 Nozzles Each
Located in Houston, TX
Beautifully carved giltwood sconces in scrolling design each supporting
Arms for three candles. Mirrored back.
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Previously Available Items
Pair of Gustavian Carved White Lyre Shaped Swedish Sconces
Located in Essex, MA
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Pair of Swedish Gustavian Gilt Wood Wall Sconces
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Swedish Gustavian double-arm sconces.
Carved giltwood. Lyre-shaped top with griffin heads. At the bottom vine leaves and grape clusters.
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Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Glass Candleholder Wall Sconces
Located in London, GB
Pair of 18th century Swedish Gustavian painted glass candleholder wall sconces.
Originate from King Gustav III in the late 1700s who loved art and was sadly assassinated.
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H 11.82 in W 5.12 in D 1.58 in
Pair of Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Brass Cut-Glass Wall Lights/Sconces
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Swedish 19th century Gustavian style brass cut-glass wall lights/sconces
Brass frame with a back plate appearing as the central stem issuing four crescent shaped rings, th...
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H 19.69 in W 9.85 in D 5.52 in
19th Century Swedish Pair of Crystal Wall Appliqués
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Swedish pair of wall appliqués with a brass frame, crystal prism and two candle lights in good condition. Wear consistent with age and ...
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Sconces, Probably Scandinavia, Late 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
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Pair of Late 18th Century Gilt Italian Candelabras / Table Sconces
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Pair of Mid-Century Swedish White Painted and Parcel-Gilt Electrified Sconces
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This lovely and delicate pair of Swedish white painted and parcel-gilt electrified sconces have a lantern form with three candle arms joined by a gilt metal juniper swag, circa 1950.
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Pair of Swedish Gilt Bronze and Crystal Wall Lights, Late 18th Century
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Gustavian wall lights and sconces for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Gustavian wall lights and sconces for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage wall lights and sconces created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gustavian wall lights and sconces made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 wall lights and sconces differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,050 and tops out at $17,000 while the average work can sell for $4,210.