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.
Eric Wahlberg 18th Century Gustavian Mirror, Stockholm, Sweden, Dated 1792
By Eric Wahlberg, Lago Lundén
Located in New York, NY
Eric Wahlberg (1760 Stockholm, Sweden 1811), 18th century Gustavian mirror with center cameo, origin: Stockholm, Sweden, hallmarked and stamped on verso: Eric Wahlberg and Lago Lunde...
Giltwood, Paint
1970s Milk Paint Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful painted mirror on resin. In incredible condition. Dimensions: 30" W × 2" D × 36" H Styles: Gustavian (Swedish)Traditional Period: 1970s Materials: Mirror, paint, resi...
Mirror, Wood
$752
H 21.26 in W 14.97 in D 1.19 in
French Riviera Bamboo and Rattan Wicker Rectangular Mirror, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous Mid-Century rectangular mirror in bamboo and hand-woven rattan wicker. This lovely French Riviera style mirror was hand-made in Italy during the 1970s. This organic mirror ...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Glass, Mirror
Pair of Interesting 1970s Italian Curved Bamboo Mirrors
Located in London, GB
A pair of interesting 1970s Italian curved bamboo mirrors which could be used for a variety of uses.
Bamboo, Mirror
Pair of Luciano Frigerio 1970s Bronze Mirrors
Located in New York, NY
A set of two decorative bronze rectangular mirrors designed by the Italian designer, Luciano Frigerio.
Bronze
Early 19th Century Late Gustavian Giltwood Mirror, Stockholm
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant late Gustavian mirror, crafted in Stockholm in the early 19th century. The giltwood frame retains its well-preserved original gilding, now gently washed to reveal its soft...
Mirror, Giltwood
Blush Pink Lacquered Mirror, France 1970s
Located in London, GB
A unique large pink mirror with a curvy blush lacquer resin frame . Measures: W65 x H125 x D5cm France 1970s.
Mirror, Lacquer
18th Century Italian Walnut Octogonal Mirror
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A late 18th century Italian walnut octagonal mirror. Apart from minor restorations this mirror is in pristine condition and can be hanged in two directions.
Walnut
$17,000 / set
H 29 in W 15 in D 2 in
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 ...
Wood
Rattan Woven Wicker Oval Mirror, 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Peacock Emmanuelle Oval mirror, braided wicker, midcentury. Spanish woven wicker and rattan oval shaped mirror, Spain, 1960s-1970s. This mirror has a very detailded filigree handcrafted woven work combining nude color and black color creating a beautiful visual effect. Woven in the manner of the Emmanuelle Peacock chair. This mirror shows all the taste of the Mediterranean Coast style and lovely accents from the peacock chairs from the period. It will be a nice bohemian addition wherever you place it. Overall measures: 66 cm H x 53 cm W // 25,98 in H x 20,86 in W Glass dimensions 35 cm H x 23 cm W //13,77 in H x 9,05 in W We are specialists in mirrors and sunburst mirrors: A curated selection of rattan and wicker mirrors is avalliable at our 1stdibs marketplace. We invite you to see the whole collection. Oval mirror // woven mirror...
Rattan, Mirror, Wicker
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Gold Leaf Gilded Wall Mirror
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Swedish 18th Century Gustavian gilt wall mirror with the classic festoons decorations, an urn on the top and a shield framed by another festoon on the bottom section. The patina of...
Mirror, Giltwood
Italian Arch Mirror in Bamboo and Woven Wicker, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous French Riviera style arch-shaped mirror in curved bamboo and woven wicker. This delightful organic piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s. In amazing condition, it di...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
18th Century French Large Flemish Baroque Walnut Ebonized Mirror
Located in Miami, FL
18th century large Flemish baroque walnut ebonized mirror Very decorative impressively carved mirror in the typical Flemish manner.
Walnut
Circular Faux Leather & Brass Mirror French, c. 1970s
Located in London, GB
A circular hanging wall mirror, clad in black faux leather with brass hardware. French, c. 1970s.
Brass
Sold
H 42.25 in W 30.25 in D 4 in
Swedish Gustavian Period Giltwood Mirror, circa 1780 with Ribbon-Carved Crest
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period giltwood mirror from the late 18th century with ribbon-carved crest and floral décor. This Swedish wall mirror features a rectangular giltwood frame, adorn...
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique Gustavian Style Swedish Empire Mantel Mirror, 19th Century
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Gustavian style Swedish Empire mantel mirror. It features a lovely bleached finish and sectioned mirror piece, all beautifully worn. Additional information: Materials: M...
Mirror
Sold
H 62.5 in W 31.25 in D 4 in
Antique Swedish Gustavian Original Painted Giltwood Mirror, Circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
Lovely Swedish Gustavian style mirror with original soft green and gold / bronze gilded painted accents. Applied carved swags, garland and details throughout. Solid, stable and ready to hang. Any cracks, scratches and wear are reflective of age and use. Please refer to professional photos for clear understanding of color, condition and details. Sweden, circa 1840-60's. With over 37 years of experience selling European antiques, our brick-and-mortar storefront, Round Top Ranch...
Glass, Wood, Paint
Sold
H 71 in W 32.5 in D 20 in
Louis XVI, Whitewashed Wood, Floor Standing Cheval Mirror, France, 19th C.
Located in Stamford, CT
Louis XVI Style, Whitewashed Wood, Floor Standing Cheval Mirror, France, 19th C. An Antique Cheval or Floor Mirror in the Louis XVI Style. This recently white washed frame finely ca...
Mirror, Wood
Antique Gustavian Style Large Gray Painted Mirror, Sweden circa 1800's
Located in Round Top, TX
Large Swedish Gustavian style mirror. Newer professionally applied gray and white layered painted finish with gold accent. Restored, strong and ready to hang. Any cracks, scratches...
Glass, Wood, Paint
Gustavian Mirror Sconce
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Gustavian 19th Century mirror with brass candle holders. This fantastic mirror has been scraped back to its original surface and paintwork. The mirror plate is decorated with a w...
Brass
19th Century Gustavian Mirror Scone
Located in Allerum, SE
Charming 19th century Gustavian mirror scone with two candleholders, the top carving is removable, circa 1810.
Wood
Large Antique Oval Mirror in Gustavian Style
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Gustavian style antique grey painted oval mirror with bell flower and beaded border. The mirror has significant desirable aging including mercury losses to the mirror glass (see deta...
Wood
19th Century Gustavian Mirror Scones
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine pair of early 19th century Gustavian mirror sconces, circa 1810, Sweden. Good original condition, wear consistent with age and use.
Wood
Gustavian Style Mirror, Richly Carved, circa 1900
Located in Aalsgaarde, DK
Gustavian style mirror, richly carved, circa 1900 Measures: H 128, W 50, D 5 cm H 50.3, W 19.6, D 1.9 in.
Sold
H 60.63 in W 32.29 in L 60.63 in
Large Gustavian Mirror in Original Paint and Guilt, Stockholm Master, circa 1790
Located in Aalsgaarde, DK
Large Gustavian mirror in original paint and guilt, Stockholm master, and old glass, circa 1790-1810. Measures: H. 154 W. 82 D. 10 cm H. 60.6 W. 32.2 D. 3.9 in.
Mirror Wall Swedish Gustavian Gilded, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Mirror wall Swedish Gustavian gilded, Sweden. A gorgeous mirror made during the Gustavian period 1775-1810 in Sweden. Gustavian details such as the urn and laurel swags. Signed by mi...