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.
$3,410 / set
Swan Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of Swan Chairs, they have been restored and repainted with Milk paints "Oyster White" all the seating has been restored and waiting for you to put your finis...
Wood
Gustavian Bergere Armchairs, Beige Upholstered, 18th-19th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Swedish Gustavian (18/19th Century) bergere armchairs with beige painted and carved frames in Neo-classic square form upholstered in beige fabric accented by a double-piped b...
Wood
$1,495
Swedish Gustavian Berger
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Beautiful Swedish Gustavian Berger, its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White" ALL seating is new and covered in Muslin.
Wood
Swedish Style Rams Head Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Style Rams Head Chair. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Wood
Unique 100% Original Finish Swedish Gustavian Berger Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
This s a Unique 100% Original Finish Swedish Gustavian Berger Chair.
Wood
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Period 1740-60s era Swedish Gustavian Baroque Bergere Chair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Discover the elegance of 18th-century design with this rare Period 1740-60s Swedish Gustavian Baroque Bergere Chair, a true masterpiece of antique craftsmanship. This exquisite bergere chair exemplifies the refined Gustavian style, characterized by its graceful silhouette, intricate carved details, and distressed whitewash finish that beautifully highlights its period authenticity. Featuring a striking high back with a unique, ornate shell motif crest and curved open arms, this Swedish Baroque chair combines comfort with regal sophistication. The generously padded seat is upholstered in a luxurious gray fabric, providing a plush seating experience while maintaining an understated elegance that complements various décor styles. Crafted with cabriole legs and delicate carved accents, this rare antique chair...
Walnut
Louis XVI, Gustavian, Armchairs, White Painted Wood, Scalamandre Fabric, 1890s
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of 19th-20th century armchairs in a Scalamandre upholstery having a Swedish Finish. These French Louis XVI style chairs are wonderfully painted having fine carvings and are all ...
Wood
$2,220
H 34 in W 25 in D 34 in
20th C. Directoire Style Painted and Floral Crewelwork Upholstered Bregere
Located in Morristown, NJ
Mid 20th C. Directoire style crewelwork bergere with a cream painted wood frame decorated with bands of carved rope and draped swags. The crewelwork upholstery is accented with a com...
Fabric, Silk, Wood
$9,500
H 36 in W 18 in D 16 in
Dining Chairs Swedish Set of Four Gustavian Original Paint Green Sweden
Located in New York, NY
A set of four side chairs made during the Gustavian period in Sweden 1790-1810. The original paint in a grayish green which has a stunning patina. Rounded legs with channeled details.
$2,059
H 36.23 in W 24.41 in D 22.05 in
Mahogany Bergère Armchair, Classical / Empire Style, Early 19th Century
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Mahogany Bergère Armchair, Classical / Empire Style, Early 19th Century Elegant bergère armchair crafted from solid mahogany, representing fine European cabinetmaking of the early 1...
Mahogany
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
H 36 in W 16 in D 19 in
Pair 19th C French Louis V Style Bergere Lounge Chairs with Hand Carved Frames
Located in New York, NY
Voguish pair of French Beregeres, having hand carved wood frames, and upholstered seats and backs. The chairs are structurally sound and sturdy, the upholstery is as is, and will nee...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,239Sale Price|40% Off
H 38.59 in W 28.35 in D 27.56 in
18th Century Carved Mahogany Library Bergère Armchair
Located in Lymington, GB
An English 18th-century carved mahogany library armchair - or bergère - of good rich colour. George III, circa 1780. This antique Sheraton-period armchair, sometimes described as a bergère (bergere) chair, is raised on reeded square tapering legs which merge, headed by a carved rosette panel...
Mahogany
Companion Pair of Louis XV Style Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant companion pair of Louis XV style chairs beautifully captures the charm and refinement of French provincial design. Each chai...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,200
H 36 in W 37 in D 21 in
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Oversized Bergere Marquise Armchair
Located in Charleston, SC
19th century French Louis XVI style bergère marquise upholstered armchair in painted wood frame with neoclassical architecture embellished hand-carved...
Fabric, Wood, Paint
19th Century French Louis XV Bergère Armchair
Located in Munich, DE
19th century French Louis XV Bergère armchairs in their original patina still very comfortable, perfect for deco or your next project...
Wood
$3,900Sale Price|20% Off
H 35 in W 23 in D 25 in
Handsome English Regency Style Ebonized Library Chair
Located in San Francisco, CA
with incurved back caned back centering an inlaid crest above sloping arms with brass terminals over a caned seat all raised on reeded supports ending in brass feet
Wood
$4,450 / set
H 37 in W 27 in D 26.5 in
Pair of Rococo-Style 1890s Swedish Light Grey Painted and Carved Bergère Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Rococo–style classic light grey painted bergère chairs from circa 1890, featuring carved floral décor, cabriole legs, and upholstered seating. With delicate floral ...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,995
H 36 in W 24 in D 25 in
French Regency Style Ebonized Chair W/ Gilt Neo-Classical Swans & Tiger Velvet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a killer chair! It is a regency style ebonized arm chair with neo-classical giltwood swan arms and paws. The tiger velvet is new. The chair is unmarked and is possibly by Pat...
Velvet, Fruitwood, Giltwood
$2,800Sale Price|22% Off
H 38 in W 29 in D 28 in
French Louis XVI Style Bergère Armchair Upholstered Green Velvet, 19th Century
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French Louis XVI style bergère armchair upholstered in sage green velvet, 19th century Deep and comfortable, Classic French ch...
Velvet, Wood
Sold
H 34.25 in W 25.25 in D 24.75 in
Antique Pair of Swedish Gustavian Bergère Chairs in Old Paint Unrestored c1900
Located in Highwood, IL
Antique Pair of Bergère Chairs from Sweden in the classic Gustavian style of furniture. Gustavian furniture was a leading style in Swedish architecture and interior decor during the reign of King Gustav III of Sweden. Gustav was heavily inspired by French Neoclassicism style and actually spent time at the Palace of Versailles. In addition to his official government duties, King Gustav was a patron of the arts and had a keen eye for all things related to design and decoration. Our pair of Swedish Gustavian Bergère chairs design is clearly derived from the French Louis XV style. Use the chairs as is or reupholster in your choice of fabrics. The Gustavian pair of Bergère chairs frames...
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Sold
H 43 in W 31 in D 31 in
Pair Gustavian Swedish Empire Style Hendrix Allardyce Double Cane Bergere Chairs
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Gustavian Swedish Empire Style Hendrix Allardyce Painted Double Caned Bergeres Chairs
Wood, Feathers
Swedish Gustavian Bergers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Beautiful restored set of 2 Swedish Gustavian Bergers. They have been restored and painted with Milk Paints "Oyster White". ALL seating is new and covered in Muslin. arm he...
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Painted Bergère Armchair
Located in Kastrup, DK
Antique Gustavian Swedish bergère chair. Scraped to its original delicate blue-green paint. The chair features a barrel back and wood carved decor. A beautiful chair with great seat...
Fabric, Beech
Sold
H 34.5 in W 24 in D 24 in
Louis XV Style Boudoir Chair, Vanity or Hall Chair, Tufted Pillow and Tassels
Located in Stamford, CT
Louis XV style boudoir chair, vanity or hall chair, tufted pillow and tassels An exceptional carved and cane chair perfect for that small boudoir or van...
Wood
Swedish Neoclassical White-Painted Bergere
Located in New York, NY
Newly upholstered in a blue and ivory silk tattersall; the padded back and seat, with loose squab seat cushion, within a painted frame finely carved with foliate and bellflower decor...
Silk, Wood, Paint
Sold
H 40.75 in W 27 in D 25 in
Pair of Antique Gustavian Style Louis XV Petit Bergere Chairs, Monogram P
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Antique Gustavian Style Louis XV Petit Bergere chairs - Monogram P.
Wood
Pair Swedish Louis XV Style Carved Painted Bergere Chairs 1950s
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair Swedish Louis XV style carved painted Bergere chairs 1950s. French, mid 20th century, each with carved and white painted beech wood frame having floral, scroll and vine design s...
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Berger Armchairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Swedish Gustavian bergère armchairs. They have been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White" seating restored and covered in muslin.
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Bergère Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Swedish Gustavian bergère chairs, they have been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White" seating recovered in muslin. Included is the original down ...
Birch
2 Swedish Gustavian Bergers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Swedish Gustavian Bergers, they have been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White" seating recovered in muslin. included is the original down seat pi...
Birch
Swedish Gustavian Bergers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Swedish Gustavian Bergers. They have been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White" seating recovered in muslin. Included is the original down seat pi...
Birch