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
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
$749
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
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
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
$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
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Gold Gilt Wall Mirror
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Swedish 18th Century Gustavian gold gilted wall mirror with the classic floral decorations, a sheaf of wheat on the top and a light blue painted shield most likely representing one...
Giltwood, Mirror
18th c, Swedish Gustavian Mirror
Located in Allerum, SE
Swedish 18th century Gustavian gilded mirror in it's original condition with an nice patinated surface . Ca 1790 Sweden.
Giltwood
Swedish 18th Century Gustavian Mirror
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small Gustavian mirror made in Sweden in the eighteenth century, this piece retains its original surface. Gustavian design, the Swedish interpretation of the neoclassical style, is...
Mirror, Wood
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
$583
H 19.69 in W 13 in D 1.19 in
Mid-Century Rattan, Bamboo and Wicker Rectangular Mirror, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Lovely midcentury rectangular mirror in bamboo and hand-woven rattan wicker. This gorgeous mirror was produced in Italy during the 1970s. The mirror features a double frame in bamb...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Glass, Mirror
$2,950
H 29.93 in W 19.3 in D 2.76 in
18th Century Antique Italian Hand Carved and Painted Wall Mirror
Located in Sofia, BG
Exquisite Italian wall mirror made in hand carved wood with gilded parts and floral motifs still wearing the original glass. There was some restorations in order all parts to be well fixed but it still wears the original painting. Extremely beautiful shape in quite good condition having in mind how old...
Wood
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
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...
Sold
H 42.13 in W 17.25 in D 5.01 in
Swedish Gustavian Mirror, Giltwood and Blue Paint, Origin: Sweden, circa 1790
Located in New York, NY
Swedish neoclassical Gustavian mirror, giltwood and original blue paint and plates, Origin: Sweden, circa 1790 As seen here, a peculiarity of Swedish mirrors well in the 19th centur...
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Wall Mirror
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Impressive Swedish Gustavian style wall mirror featuring a vintage painted finish. Deeply carved mirror with a scrolled outer frame of foliage and...
Mirror, Wood, Paint