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Gustavian Furniture

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
Small Antique Gustavian Style Bleached Side Table. English C.1800
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Elegant bleached tropical hardwood table Lovely colour Recently bleached With 2 drawers Original brass hardware Free Uk shipping
Category

Early 1800s English Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Harlequin Set of 10 Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Dining Chairs
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A wonderful set of ten English limed oak chairs. Not quite matching. There are actually 3 different models ( 4 + 3 + 3 ). Each chair has a variation of the same basic characteristi...
Category

Early 20th Century English Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak

Danish Gustavian (Louis XVI) Pine Chest of Drawers with Original Brass Fittings
Located in Kastrup, DK
Decorative Gustavian chest of drawers (known in Denmark as Louis XVI) crafted in pine, carefully stripped back to its original black paint with a beautifully aged patina. The top is ...
Category

Late 18th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Swedish Genuine Gustavian Period Decorated Foot Stool with Original Seat
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine antique foot stool from the Swedish gustavian period around 1770 to 1780. This Swedish antique has classic carved wooden decor on the legs and sides. Original paint from the ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Set of 4 Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Dining Chairs.English C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A delightful matching set of 4 English limed oak chairs. They have been recently limed to enhance the beautiful grain in the wood. The seats have been re-upholstered in hessian or...
Category

Early 20th Century English Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak

Vintage Swedish Pine Farmhouse Dining Chairs, Set of 6
Located in Centennial, CO
A charming set of six vintage Swedish waxed natural pine farmhouse style dining chairs. The turned legs, sculpted armrests and backrests give this set such character. Perfect for use...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Set of 6 Antique 18 C Gustavian Dining Chairs W Carolina Irving Andaluz Linen
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Set of 6 Antique 18 C Gustavian Dining Chairs W Carolina Irving Andaluz Linen Fabric
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Genuine Antique Swedish Gustavian Period Sideboard with Light Distressed Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine antique Swedish sideboard from the gustavian period around 1780. The sideboard is made in Stockholm by hand with a frame in solid pine. It has the straight classic shape with...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Extraordinary 19th Century Gustavian Paint Decorated And Gilt Sofa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine and elegant example of the type of 19th century neoclassical Gustavian paint decorated square frame upholstered sofa. Paint decorated overall in pale gray with gilt details. ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Daybed - Antique Freestanding Sofa Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian daybed made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The side rests of the Scandinavian Lit Du Jour are enhanced by uniqu...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th century Scandinavian walnut chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Scandinavian walnut chest of drawers circa 1880. Good quality Swedish chest of drawers unusually made in walnut. Rectangular top with moulded edge and canted front cor...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Pine

Swedish Antique Country Table in Gustavian style
Located in Atlanta, GA
A charming Swedish country table in Gustavian style, crafted in northern Sweden circa 1820. Built in solid pine, the table reflects the understated elegance typical of rural Swedish ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Antique 18th C. Gustavian Swedish EmpireLinen Press Cabinet
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 18th C. Gustavian Swedish EmpireLinen Press Cabinet
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Genuine Swedish Gustavian Period Sideboard in Original Condition
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique sideboard from the gustavian period. The sideboard is a genuine antique from around 1820 made by hand in solid pine in northern Sweden. Classic gustavian straight sha...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish hand painted 19th century pine cupboard
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish hand painted 19th century pine cupboard circa 1788. We are pleased to offer this fine piece of traditional hand painted scandinavian furniture, in the form of a double door ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Swedish Blue Oak Secretary Bureau
Located in Round Top, TX
This oak secretary is a striking statement piece with panel doors, dramatic bonnet, and traditional lower three large drawers. The entire secretary has been given a professional cust...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage large Scandinavian commode in pine from the 19 century
Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR
Antique 19th century Scandinavian chest of drawers in solid pine opening to 5 drawers. The top drawer is thinner and has compartments. The whole structure is divided into two parts a...
Category

1850s Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock from the 1960's in original colour. Green with gold carved detailing. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Wid...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Northern Swedish Gustavian Period Handmade Rustic Pine Sideboard
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish rustic sideboard from the gustavian period, made around 1810. The sideboard is made in northern Sweden by hand from solid pine. It has a straight shape with two doors...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Antique Scandinavian Pinewood Nightstands
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 19th Century, antique pair of Swedish Gustavian nightstands made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. Each of the detailed bed side tables are composed with tw...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Gustavian Swedish Kitchen Cabinet
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Good early 19th century Swedish pine kitchen cabinet with folk art decoration. 1804. Internal depths: Top - 11-inches Bottom - 18-inches Code: 89...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Late 19th Century Swedish Astral Glazed Bookcase
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian bookcase. With two astral glazed doors, opening to storage shelves. Below two further doors, opening to ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mid 19th century Swedish pine long case mora clock
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century Swedish pine long case mora clock circa 1850. Large Swedish long case mora clock, presented in scraped back paint. Scraped back down to reveal a partial colour of ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique Rare Low and Wide Northern Swedish Sideboard from the Gustavian Period
Located in Kramfors, SE
Wide Swedish antique sideboard. This sideboard is a country house furniture from the gustavian period made in northern Sweden around 1790. The proportions and craftsmanship makes it ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th century Swedish painted pine chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish painted pine chest of drawers circa 1880. Good quality 3 drawer chest of drawers painted in a light coral paint effect.  2 plank top surface, with 3 drawers of ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chest of Drawers
Located in Houston, TX
The commode features three nice sized drawers with sufficient storage. Solid wood painted in a soft white, brass handles and keyholes. This piece is a wonderful storage solution wit...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Swedish early 19th century Gustavian painted sofa
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish early 19th century Gustavian painted sofa circa 1810. Stunning sofa in original paint.  This would have been a day bed with a pull out section to the front, but it has since...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Rare Swedish Antique Cabinet, Genuine Country Furniture in Gustavian Style
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare Swedish antique cabinet, a genuine country house furniture in gustavian style from northern Sweden. The cabinet is made by hand in solid p...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock from the 1960's in original colour with painted floral decoration. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Width:...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th - 20th Century Swedish Mahogany Chest of Drawers - Antique Stone Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian chest, commode with three drawers made of hand crafted polished, partly veneered Mahogany, in good condition. The rectangular Scandinav...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Stone, Metal, Brass

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Side Occasional Bedside Table
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This Swedish style hand painted, in a Scandinavian neutral green color, table has been constructed from solid wood. Classic details on this table including a hand-applied finish and ...
Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Swedish mid 19th century carved pine rocking cradle
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish mid 19th century carved pine rocking cradle circa 1840. We are pleased to offer this piece of traditional swedish furniture.  Made from solid heavy pine, likely to have been...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Gray Swedish Gustavian Style Pine Sideboard Buffet Cabinet
Located in Round Top, TX
Gustavian pale gray painted pine sideboard or server cabinet with large doors and interior single shelf. The newer, professionally applied soft gray-washed painted finish is lightly ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock from 1830 in original colour. Cream with hand painted floral detailing. Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime. This Mora clock conta...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock from the 1960's in original wood. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Width: 56cm / 22.0" Depth: 16.5cm / 6.5...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest of Drawers Dresser
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gray Painted Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Bureau. This three drawer bureau is based on an 18th Century Gustavian antique chest of drawers. The chest is handmade and hand pa...
Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Swedish Vitrine
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional Swedish vitrine cupboard, dating back to around 1850, is a remarkable example of classic Scandinavian design. Crafted from solid pine, the piece retains its original...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Pine

Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers in Black with Brass Hardware and Carved Details
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant Gustavian-style chest of drawers, painted in matte black with a gently worn patina that enhances its architectural details. Crafted from a mix of oak, oak veneer, and pine...
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak, Pine

18th Century Antique Swedish Red Painted Baroque Secretary
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
A two-tiered wooden cabinet from the 18th century Swedish Gustavian period. The top door opens to reveal a decorative top shelf and three other shelves. The top of the bottom shelf c...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Antique Bureau in Gustavian Style, Made By Hand in Solid Pine Circa 1820
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique bureau in gustavian style from around 1820. The bureau has three drawers and is made by hand with a frame in solid pine. Classic shape with straight corners and edges...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Console Table
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
19th Century Swedish Gustavian style console table. Decorative carved Greek key design all around and on the top of the legs. Re-painted in soft grey. Circa 1860.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Console Table
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish Gustavian style console table with tapered legs. Applied carved embellishments top the legs and a lion medallion in the center of skirt each add to the romantic appeal of thi...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Swedish Antique Rustic Gustavian Drop Leaf Table Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
Small, pretty, easily placed antique Drop leaf table from Boden Norrbotten, Northern Sweden. Nice untouched original paint in beautiful Englis...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

18th Century Gustavian Sideboard Circa 1790
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 18th-century Gustavian sideboard, circa 1790, is a remarkable example of Swedish neoclassical design, blending functionality with timeless elegance. Constructed from pine, the s...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Two-part Secretaire Circa 1810
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning 19th-century Swedish two-part secretaire, crafted circa 1810, exemplifies the timeless elegance of Gustavian design. Featuring a beautifully aged painted finish in soft...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Hall Console Table with Carving
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Painted Hand Carved Entry Hall Console Table Hand painted and hand distressed in authentic Scandinavian colors. This table has been painted in blue with ...
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Paint, Wood

19th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century Swedish chest of drawers embodies the timeless elegance of Gustavian design. Crafted from sturdy pine, this chest features clean lines and subtle detailing, with fl...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair of Gustavian Style Blue Painted Chest of Drawers Commodes
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Gustavian Style Blue Painted Chest of Drawers Commodes, A Pair Classic Pair Swedish Style Painted Chest of Drawers. Two drawer c...
Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Cabinet from Värmland, Repainted in Black
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking two-part cabinet from Värmland, Sweden, dating to the early 19th century, embodying the quiet elegance of the Gustavian period. This finely crafted piece showcases classic...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Corner Hanging Cabinet with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century swedish Gustavian Hanging corner cabinet from Råneå Norrbotten, Northern Sweden. A beautiful cabinet scraped by hand to its well preserved original paint. Stunning blu...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Bonnin Ashley Custom Made 11' Gustavian Table Shown with Painted Trestle Base
Located in Miami, FL
Inspired by an 18th century Swedish-Gustavian country dining table in our inventory, this very handsome and solidly-built table was fabricated in our workshop. The top as shown is ma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Maple, Poplar

Swedish Gustavian Painted Small Commode Chest of Drawers Nightstand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Hand painted, in a wonderful Scandinavian neutral green color, Gustavian style chest of drawers or nightstand. This piece has been constructed from solid wood with a hand-applied dis...
Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Chelsea Textiles Gustavian Chest of Drawers Nightstands
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Hand painted, in a wonderful Scandinavian neutral creamy gray color, Gustavian style chest of drawers or nightstand. This piece has been constructed from solid wood with a hand-appli...
Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Chests in Coral Red
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of Gustavian style chests, crafted from pine and painted in an elegant coral red color. Each chest has three drawers with panel detailing and brass hardware, with the top draw...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Gray Swedish Gustavian Bench
Located in Round Top, TX
This elegant Swedish Gustavian sofa or settee has graceful decorative arms curving outward.  Please enlarge and examine the close up photos to appreciate the newer, professionally ap...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Muslin, Pine, Paint

The Kiss by GUSTAV KLIMT Throw Pillow Cushion
By (after) Gustav Klimt
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Kiss by GUSTAV KLIMT Throw Pillow Cushion Made in Belgium by Flemish Tapestries. Elevate Your Home with Premium Luxury Tapestry Cushion Throw Pillow Made in Flanders, Belgium Ind...
Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Cotton

19th Century White Swedish Gustavian Sideboard Buffet
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish Gustavian painted pine sideboard with attractive curved sides and panel details.The curved end cabinet doors make this cabinet a special find. Later professionally painted in...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Painted Bibliotheque / Armoire
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French 19th century bibliotheque converted to an armoire with three-dimensional, geometric details and original paint in soft patina. Dentil molding in two scales lifts the narrow ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
A pair of 19th century Swedish Gustavian chairs from Lindome Halland, Southern Sweden. A Very nice and decorative Chair model with a cut lily in the back of the chair. Nicely cut ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Oval Pedestal Table Circa 1890
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant 19th-century Swedish oval pedestal table, circa 1890, beautifully blends form and functionality with its neoclassical design. Crafted from solid pine wood, the table fea...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Gustavian furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Gustavian furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, seating, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, softwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gustavian furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Ephraim Stahl, Hendrix Allardyce, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, and Jonas Frisk. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $49,500 while the average work can sell for $4,473.

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