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.
A Petite 19th century Swedish Gustavian Bench
Located in Leesburg, VA
A Petite 19th century Swedish Gustavian Bench Approximate size: 29.5”H x 64.5”W x 14”D This exceptional 19th-century Swedish sofa bench, dating around 1800, perfectly embodies the ...
Pine
Antique Swedish Bench in Pine wood grey painted with storage underneath, 1900's
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique Swedish bench from the 20th century, made in pine and painted grey. Classic Scandinavian design with storage space under the seat and characteristic period details. A solid p...
Pine
$5,899
Gustavian Bench
Located in Cirencester, GB
This beautiful antique Swedish bench is early 19th century from Northern Sweden. The layers of paint have been dry scraped revealing the ori...
Pine
Antique Genuine Swedish Gustavian Pine Provincial Sofa Bench
Located in Kramfors, SE
Northern Swedish Gustavian provincial sofa crafted in pine, showcasing its original scraped paint. This sofa, dating back to the early 19th century, around 1800 to 1810, exemplifies ...
Pine
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Pine Hall Bench - Antique Scandinavian Wood Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 18th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian Fållbänk, hall bench made of hand crafted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian three seater pull-out wood sofa has a tall curved ba...
Metal
19th Century Period Gustavian Pair of Benches Carved Rams Head and Hoof
Located in Miami, FL
19th century period Gustavian pair of benches, Savonarolas, carved rams head and hoof with original leather seat.
Walnut
Gustavian White Painted Bench, Sweden circa 1820
Located in Round Top, TX
This lovely 6' long bench is a wonderful example of Swedish Gustavian craftsmanship with it's fluted carved skirt and back all resting on turned fluted legs. Restored, later professi...
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Wooden Sofa Bench with Striped Upholstery
Located in Karis, Nyland
A beautifully aged 19th-century Swedish Gustavian wooden sofa bench, showcasing the handcrafted character and rustic charm typical of rural furniture of the period. The frame is cons...
Fabric, Wood, Pine
Antique Swedish Painted Long Bench newly upholstered in Chelsea Textiles Fabric
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique Swedish Painted Long Bench newly upholstered in Chelsea Textiles Fabric Purchased in the South of France 2025 Very Sturdy and Strong Just upholstered with all new insides....
Fabric, Wood, Paint
$6,875 / item
Swedish Gustavian Giltwood Long Bench, circa 1805
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A rare and elegant circa 1805 Swedish late Gustavian period neoclassical long bench, the upholstered seat atop carved giltwood frame having tripartite curule leg supports connected b...
Upholstery, Giltwood
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Period Neoclassical Bench
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional 18th century Swedish Gustavian period bench, reflecting the disciplined elegance that defined the Neoclassical movement in Scandinavia during the reign of Gustav III. ...
Oak
Antique Swedish Sofa Bench in Gustavian Style, Solid Pine with Blue Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish sofa bench in gustavian style. The sofa is a genuine country house furniture from northern Sweden made around 1820 to 1840. The fr...
Pine
Swedish Painted "X" Rocking Bench with Linen Upholstery, circa 1930s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Swedish painted rocking stool that is newly upholstered in washed Belgium linen and finished with antique brass nailhead trim detail.
Brass
Rustic Swedish Bench, Solid Wood, Gustavian Style, 19th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rustic Swedish bench embodies a simple yet charming Scandinavian folk design, likely from the 19th or early 20th century. Made entirely from solid wood, it features a timeworn, ...
Wood
Antique Storage Bench Grey Painted In Pine Wood From 1890s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique storage bench from the 1890s in grey-painted pine wood. Antique storage bench from the 19th century. — Type: Storage bench — Material: Pine wood — Finish: Grey painted — Per...
Pine, Paint
Swedish Gustavian Style Gray Painted Sofa Bench with Raised Diamond Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style gray painted sofa bench from the 20th century with high back, raised diamond motifs and linen upholstery. This Swedish Gustavian style sofa bench captivates...
Upholstery, Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Backless Bench Settee
Located in Round Top, TX
This backless sofa or settee is from the Swedish Gustavian period with carved details and fluted tapered feet. Please enlarge and examine the close up photos to appreciate the carved...
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Antique Storage Bench Grey Painted In Pine Wood From 1860s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique storage bench from the 1860s in grey-painted pine wood. Antique storage bench from the 19th century. — Type: Storage bench — Material: Pine wood — Finish: Grey painted — Per...
Pine, Paint
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Grey Painted Benches or Settees
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair Of Swedish Gustavian style grey painted benches Complimentary delivery to most areas of London UK.
Pine
Swedish Bench in pinewood and grey painted period 1860s
Located in Lejre, DK
Swedish bench from the 1860s, made in pine and later painted in grey. A classic Scandinavian piece with decorative painted details and practical seating and storage function. Solid a...
Pine, Paint
19th Century Gustavian Sofa Bench
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Gustavian sofa bench with original paint. Exquisite carving on the front and side panels and along the perimeter of the upholstered a...
Wood
Pair of Antique Swedish Carved and Painted Gustavian Benches
Located in Dallas, TX
This pair of antique Swedish Gustavian benches features intricate carvings and painted details, adding a touch of elegance and history to any room. The benches are made of high-quali...
Wood
$2,895
Swedish Gustavian Bench
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Gustavian Style bench. it was just restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White" The seating has also been restored and covered in Muslin.
Wood
Large Swedish Tragsofa Bench, 18th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
Long trag bench from Sweden. Beautiful finish in shades of blue, nicely distressed. Upholstered in flax linen.
Wood
Neoclassical Style Swedish Grey Gustavian Storage Sofa Hand Carved
Located in Essex, MA
Classic Swedish Gustavian grey-painted hand-carved bench/ sofa with storage. One missing ball finial has been replaced and painted to match. Sorry, not in the photos. Simple Swedis...
Fabric, Wood
19th Century Swedish Painted Hall Bench, Trundle Bed
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Swedish painted hall bench ~ trundle bed is the perfect selection for the active family! By day, a handsome, country style hall bench ~ by nig...
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style Bench.
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Very Unique heavily carved Swedish Gustavian style bench, it was just restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White" the seating is also restored and covered in M...
Muslin, Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style Bench
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Gustavian Style Bench. it was just restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White" the seating has also been restored and covered with Musln.
Muslin, Pine
Bench Swedish Gustavian Style
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian style bench, The seating has been restored and covered in Muslin. and its been painted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Wood
19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Painted Bench, Trundle Bed
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Swedish Neoclassical Painted Bench ~ Trundle Bed is an amazing approach to practicality with style! The neoclassical influence in the design is readily apparent, with a ...
Pine
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Carved and Whitewashed Bench
Located in Dallas, TX
This 19th century Swedish Gustavian carved and whitewashed bench exudes a sense of vintage charm and elegance. With intricate carvings and a classic whitewashed finish, it is a timel...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
Sophisticated Swedish Style Bench with Lovely Splayed Legs and New Upholstery
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Lovely Swedish style bench having beautifully sculpted shape, upholstered in a soothing greyish blue fabric, having elegant off white antiqued bleached splayed legs.
Upholstery, Wood
Early Gustavian Bench with beautiful carved decoration all around.
Located in Washington, DC
A very early Gustavian Bench, scraped to its original color, with beautiful carved decoration all around. The bench lift up to underneath storage: 20 ...
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
19th Century Large Swedish Gustavian Sofa with New Cushions
Located in San Angelo, TX
A beautiful, large and very rare large Swedish Gustavian sofa with new upholstered seat cushions added. This piece is very unique and rare with the grande scale and featuring side cu...
Upholstery, Wood
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Bench by Johan Lindgren
Located in Huntington, NY
A unique hourglass shaped Swedish Gustavian bench made by Stockholm master furniture maker, Johan Lindgren (active 1770-1800). His initials, ILG, can be found underneath. Frame is de...
Linen, Wood, Paint
18th Century Swedish Neoclassical Bench
Located in New Orleans, LA
This piece depicts cherubs holding torches on the backs of lions.
Upholstery, Wood
$5,060Sale Price|44% Off
M C Home custom "Whitfield Hall Bench"
By Foley & Cox
Located in Hudson, NY
Hall bench with exposed frame detail. Front legs accented with antiqued brass mounts. Shown in medium espresso mahogany. Custom finishes also available in light cerused oak and mocha...
Brass
Antique Storage Bench With Carvings Grey Painted In Pine Wood From 1860s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique storage bench from the 1860s in grey-painted pine wood with carved details and storage. Antique storage bench from the 19th century. — Type: Storage bench — Material: Pine w...
Pine, Paint
Antique Beating Bench In Grey Painted Pine From 1860s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique beater bench from the 1860s in gray painted pine. Classic folk design with seating and storage. Historical and functional furniture. — Origin: Denmark / Scandinavia — Period...
Pine, Paint
Swedish Bench in Pine wood with a grey painted coloring of Antique period 1860's
Located in Lejre, DK
Swedish bench from the 1860s, made in pine and later painted grey. A classic Scandinavian piece with decorative painted details and practical storage beneath the seat. Well-preserved...
Pine
Celine Bench - Swedish Scraped White
By Tara Shaw, Century Furniture
Located in New Orleans, LA
The Swedish hand-carved bench with neoclassical carvings reflects the neoclassical movement's influence on Scandinavian furniture design, which flourished in the late 18th and early ...
Upholstery, Wood
Elisabet Bench - Brass & Iron Knot
By Century Furniture, Tara Shaw
Located in New Orleans, LA
The Swedish two-seater bench with its iron frame and gilded wrap details represents a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern minimalism, reflecting the enduring influence of S...
Metal
Bespoke Gustavian Style Bench
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Stunning bespoke Swedish Gustavian style painted bench with reeded panels and decoration. Seat height - 17" This bench has been painted in an F&B Old White No.4 Reference: 8339 D...
Pine
$6,319Sale Price|28% Off
19th Century Gustavian Period Swedish Pine Bench with Storage
Located in Pasadena, TX
19th century Gustavian period Swedish pine bench with storage This bench is a nice example of Gustavian furniture, the Swedish interpretation of French neoclassical design. Decor...
Pine
Swedish Unique Gustavian Style Bench
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very Unique Swedish Gustavian style bench, its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White" the seating has been covered in a tan linen
Wood
Antique Storage Bench With High Back Grey Painted In Pine Wood From 1860s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique storage bench from the 1860s in grey-painted pine wood with high back and storage. Antique storage bench from the 19th century. — Type: Storage bench — Material: Pine wood —...
Pine, Paint
Fine 19th Century Swedish Bench
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine 19th century Swedish bench From The Gustavian period in it's original finish. Can be used as a corner bench, long strait bench or two separate benches. Ca 1810 Sweden.
Pine
Gustavian inspired 19th century Swedish pine bench
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Gustavian inspired 19th century Swedish pine bench circa 1890. Elegant painted pine bench from the late 19th century, very much in the taste of the gustavian period. Upright back w...
Pine, Paint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Bench
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Swedish Gustavian bench with carving around all sides and tapered square legs.
Pine
Swedish Gustavian-Style Painted Daybed, c. 1910
Located in New Orleans, LA
A beautifully proportioned Swedish daybed with brass accents in the Gustavian style, showcasing the restrained elegance and neoclassical refinement that defines the Gustavian aesthet...
Brass
Exceptional 18th Century Swedish Daybed
Located in New Orleans, LA
Highly decorative 18th century Swedish daybed with original patina.
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style Bench Unique
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Very Rare and unique Swedish Gustavian style bench, it was just restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Wood
Bench, Swedish with Griffons, 19th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
With significant size and presence, this armed bench has a long single seat and three separate upholstered back rests and upholstered arm rests. The elaborately carved wood is painte...
Upholstery, Wood
Early 19th Century Late Gustavian Bench
Located in Ljungby, SE
A late Gustavian bench made in Western Sweden, most likely Lindome, around 1800. The back features an elegant crossed pattern.
Wood, Pine