Skip to main content

Gustavian Chairs

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.

to
8
41
33
71
3
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
28
31
3
8
3
8
1
2
1
3
1
1
7,889
5,816
1,145
629
306
228
197
195
173
169
157
151
138
125
120
85
79
75
26
34
11
3
4
4
1
1
1
1
1
71
21
21
13
10
72
71
70
1
1
74
74
74
2
2
1
Style: Gustavian
Swedish Set of 5 Gustavian Dining Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A set of five Gustavian- style dining chairs, circa 1810, with fantastic potential in any space. The curved backrests feature horizontal reeded texture on the outside and are perfect...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs Grey Lindome Style Set of 6, Mid-20th Century A
Located in Lewes, England
Unusual set of 6 Gustavian lindome dining chairs in good structural condition with fine carved detailing in Grey with trap seats. Lovely fluted legs and Classic rose detail on the ed...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Birch

Swedish Gustavian Roseback Dining Chairs White Set of 8 1940s 2 Carvers
Located in Lewes, England
Rare Set of 6 Swedish Gustavian roseback dining chairs and 2 matching Roseback Carver Chairs in good condition in white with lovely carvings C 1940. Great for every day usage with ...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Birch

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chair with Originalpaint Swedish Antiques
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish Gustavian chair from Umea Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden Nice unusual model with ribs in the back & hand carved flowers & leaves. Has style features of English ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Pine

Pair, Gustavian White Painted Arm Chairs from Sweden, circa 1840-1860
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, attractive Swedish country white gustavian painted arm chairs. Turned, fluted legs and carved accents including floral motif. White painted finish distressed fitting the age ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Wood, Paint

Stockholm, Gustavian Style Armchair
Located in Allerum, SE
Limited edition reproductions by D. Larsson, inspired by the finest 18th - 19th-century Swedish furniture. STOCKHOLM, This Gustavian style armchair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Beech

Stockholm, Gustavian Style Armchair
Stockholm, Gustavian Style Armchair
$2,240 Sale Price
20% Off
Set of Ten 19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Chairs
Located in Huntington, NY
A rare and stunning set of ten Swedish Late Gustavian chairs made in Lindome. Rectangular back with leaf cut detailing on three sides. The top has a floral motif leading to a crown o...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Fine 18th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Chair
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine antique 18th century Gustavian chair in great original condition. This type of chair is called the Swedish model. This particular ex...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Wood

18th Century Set Six Swedish Chairs Gustavian Period
By Melchior Lundberg
Located in Madrid, ES
A set of six elegant and exceptional Swedish chairs from the Gustavian period, two of which are marked by Melchior Lundberg, a chairmaker in Stockholm (1714-1816). Woodcut decoration...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Pine

19th Century Three Swedish Gustavian Chairs with Untouched Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century three Swedish Gustavian chairs with untouched originalpaint from Boden Norrbotten,Northern Sweden. Pleasent charming model with unusually fine hand carved urn in the ba...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Pine

Haga, Gustavian Style Armchair
Located in Allerum, SE
Limited edition reproductions by D. Larsson, inspired by the finest 18th - 19th-century Swedish furniture. HAGA, a fine reproduction Gustavian barrel back armchair is influenced by ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Beech

Haga, Gustavian Style Armchair
Haga, Gustavian Style Armchair
$2,080 Sale Price / item
20% Off
18th Century Giltwood Gustavian Bucket Chairs, Set of 4, Sweden, Circa 1790-1800
Located in New York, NY
18th Century Gustavian bucket chairs, set of four (4), giltwood, origin: Stockholm, Sweden, circa 1790 - 1800. Elegant proportions, beautif...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Giltwood

6 equal chairs, early 19th Century, Late Gustavian, made by Ephraim Sthal
Located in SE
6 Late Gustavavian chairs made by Ephraim Ståhl. The chairs are beautifully hand carved with nail clippers and leaf shaped decorations. The chairs are made by Ephraim Stahl, who wor...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Birch

Fine Pair of 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
Rare and fine pair of early 19th century Gustavian chairs in Chinese taste signed by master chair maker Ephraim Sthal (1767-1820) Supplier to the Royal Court and one of the most soph...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Pine

Pair, Antique Gray Painted Gustavian Arm Chairs, Sweden, circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, gray painted gustavian arm chairs. Turned fluted legs and decorative carving throughout, crowned with rosettes. Restored, stable. Any scrat...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique 19th century Swedish Gustavian Accent Chair
Located in Leesburg, VA
Anonymous Mid-19th century; Sweden Pine, linen. Approximate size: 35 (h) x 23 (w) x 18.5 (d) in. (seat height is 16.5 in.) This beautiful period chair showcases a lovely white wa...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Pine

19th c. Swedish Gustavian Painted Barrel Back Armchair
Located in Wichita, KS
A Swedish antique armchair from the Gustavian period with a unique shaped barrel back, circa 1810. The frame features carved bell flowers with front legs adorned with lotus flowers a...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Set of 10 Late Gustavian Chairs attributed to Ephraim Ståhl
Located in Ljungby, SE
Set of 10 exquisite late Gustavian Stockholm-made chairs from the early 19th century, attributed to the master chair maker Ephraim Ståhl. The front l...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chair with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian chair from Burträsk Västerbotten, Northern Sweden. The chair is scraped by hand to its well-preserved original painting. Beautifully carved pilasters ...
Category

1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Pine

Fine Pair of Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
By Melchior Lundberg
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fine pair of Swedish early 19th century late Gustavian chairs in their original finish by master chair maker Melchior Lundberg (active in Stockholm 1795-1834) . Ca 1810 Stockholm, Sw...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Pine

Pair of Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs "The Swedish Model"
Located in Boden, SE
A pair of early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs " The Swedish Model." from Skelleftea Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden. Scraped by hand to the original color. Retouches are made...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Pine

Sturehov, Gustavian Style Armchair
Located in Allerum, SE
Limited edition reproductions by D. Larsson, inspired by the finest 18th - 19th-century Swedish furniture. STUREHOV, This fine Gustavian style armchair is inspired by a remarkable Gustavian period square back armchair from our own collection. With fine carvings thru out the entire chair. Originally designed and made by Stockholm chair master Melchior Lundberg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Beech

Pair of Period Gustavian Chairs in Original Paint, Sweden, Late 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A charming pair of Swedish Gustavian side chairs from the late 18th century, each scraped back to reveal traces of their original soft grayish-white paint, now beautifully timeworn a...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Pine

Fine pair of 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine pair of 19th century Gustavian (the Swedish Model) chairs in their original colour with great wear to the surface.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Pine

Set of 6 Gustavian Chairs, 18th Century
Located in Ljungby, SE
Set of 6 Gustavian chairs. These are Stockholm pieces signed “IHS” by Johan Hammarström (active 1794–1812), with some bearing the label of th...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs with Original Paint Swedish Antiques
Located in Boden, SE
A pair of 19th century Swedish Gustavian chairs from Smaland, Southern Sweden. Scraped by hand to its original paint. The seats are upholstered in a linen fabric. Nice model with ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Pine

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs
Located in Huntington, NY
A pair of Swedish Gustavian chairs made in Stockholm by master craftsman Melker Falkberg (1746 - 1822). Stamped with Stockholm chairmaker's seal and maker signature. Scraped to their...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Swedish Gustavian Axet Dining Chairs Grey Green Set of 4, 20th Century
Located in Lewes, England
Unusual early second half of the 20th century set of 4 Gustavian axet dining chairs in distressed paint finish with wheatsheaf motifs. Lovely detail in the fluted legs and rosettes ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Birch

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Klismos Chairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite pair of Klismos chairs hails from 18th-century Sweden, a period known for its emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and understated elegance in furniture design. The ...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Burlap, Wood

Two Similar 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs by Johan Hammarström
Located in Huntington, NY
Two similar Swedish Gustavian chairs made in Stockholm. One chair by Johan Erik Höglander (1748-1813) and signed IEH. The other chair by Johan Hammarström (active 1794-1812) and sign...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Swedish Gustavian Bellman White Dining Chairs, Set of Six, Late 19th Century
Located in Lewes, England
Set of six late 19th century antique Swedish Gustavian Bellman dining chairs with webbed seats and lovely brass style detailing on backrest and at the top of the pyramid legs. Very h...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Wood

Fine 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine pair of raw 19th century Gustavian chairs with it's original padding, great carvings and patina. ca 1810 Sweden.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Pine

Pair of Late 18th Century Gustavian Side Chairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of chairs made by master craftsman Johan Erik Hoglander in Stockholm (1750-1813). Considered to be one of Sweden's best chair makers during t...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Open Armchair
Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire
an 18th century Swedish open armchair displaying dry scraped paint. Featuring a pierced splat back, raised on, cabriole legs, united by a cross s...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Fruitwood

Pair of Late18th century Swedish Period Gustavian Chairs 'The Swedish Model"
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of late 18th century Swedish period Gustavian chairs with hand scraped to its most original finish. This type of chair is called the Swedish model, oval back frame with carved r...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

Pair of 19th C. Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Swedish 19th Century Barrel Back Gustavian Chairs.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fine pair of 19th century Gustavian chairs in secondary historical color and it's original padding, ca 1810 Stockholm, Sweden. This particular model is called Bellman, after Carl M...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs w/New Linen Seats, 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian pair of slatted back side chairs from the early 19th century. These antique chairs from Sweden have straight top rails and slatted backs. The lines are mostly cle...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Wood, Linen

Set of Six 19th Century Swedish Dining Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Six 19th century Swedish dining chairs feature classic, stylish lines that are tailored, yet cleverly engineered. The curvature of the seat back with three slats conforms to your back with comfort, and the seatback crown is curved and reverse-arched to enhance your comfort as well. The seatback uprights in the back curve gracefully backwards to the floor for added stability, with sturdy tapered and fluted front legs for stylish support. Notice the pegged mortise & tenon joinery, a sign of master craftsmanship! Relatively recently upholstered in a damascene...
Category

1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Oak

Set of Four Swedish Gustavian Period Dining Chairs
Located in Southampton, NY
Set of four late Gustavian dining chairs in intricately carved decoration depicting leaves and grape vine. Fan shaped center is surrounded by intricate carving on sides. These chairs...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Wood

Armchair Swedish Gustavian Dark Apricot Velvet, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Armchair Swedish Gustavian dark apricot velvet, Sweden. An armchair made in Sweden during the Gustavian period (1790-1810). Carvings on backrest and frieze in the shape of a so calle...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Set of Four 19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Chairs
Located in Huntington, NY
A set of four 19th century Swedish Late Gustavian Ax (also known as Vase) chairs from Lindome featuring a balloon-shaped back with five vertical, interconnected slats. In the center,...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

Pair of Gustavian Carved Canework Dining Chairs Natural Finish, Early 1900s A
Located in Lewes, England
Unusual early 1900s pair of Gustavian carved canework dining chairs in natural finish with fully webbed seats and lots of detail. The carved canework is really lovely with the delic...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Birch

Swedish Gustavian Style Berger Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of 2 Swedish Gustavian Style Berger Chairs They have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Elegant Gustavian Chairs in Original Paint, circa 1780
Located in Jesteburg, DE
Fine pair of Gustavian dining chairs, retaining their original paint.  
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Wood

Rare pair of 19th Century Gustavian Faux Bamboo Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
Rare pair of early 19th century Gustavian faux bamboo chairs in their original finish. Ca 1810 Stockholm, Sweden. The chairs are attributed to Ephraim Sthal. Supplier to the Royal ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century chairs
Located in SE
A pair of Swedish chairs made about 1800. There are two pairs, so it is possible to get a set of four. Gustavian style was the leading style in Swedish architecture, decor and craft...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Pine

Antique 18th Century Large Gustavian Klismos Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Antique 18th century Gustavian Klismos chair. This design was developed by the Greeks in the 5th century BC. The Klismos chair has four curving...
Category

18th Century Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Wood

Armchairs Gustavian 1780-1800 Swedish Gray Frame Brown Leather Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Armchairs Gustavian 1780-1800 Swedish gray frame brown leather, Sweden. A pair of armchairs made during the early Gustavian period in Sweden 1780-1800. Pa...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

18th century Swedish original painted pair of Gustavian chairs
Located in London, GB
These late C18th chairs are a lovely example of Swedish Gustavian style. The oval backrest has decorative cutouts and delicate carving to the top rim and the wood is painted in a typ...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Pine

Set of Six Gustavian Chairs, Sweden, 1830
Located in Belmont, MA
A set of six Gustavian chairs, Sweden, 1830, birch veneer. The chairs are in good original condition. The chairs will be shipped from Germany. Th...
Category

1830s Scandinavian Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Birch

Late 18th Century Transition Chairs in Original Color
Located in SE
A pair of transition chairs made in Stockholm about 1780:s. Chairs that are made between the rococo period and the gustavian period are called transition chairs. So for example the b...
Category

1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Birch

Pair of Louis XVI Chairs, Signed by Georges Jacob
Located in SE
A pair of Medallion chairs (Louis XVI) Gustavian chairs made in France, Paris, by Georges Jacob. Paris most eminent and productive carpenter, lived ...
Category

1780s French Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Wood

C18th century Swedish Gustavian painted & gilt chairs
Located in London, GB
From the late C18th this elegant pair of side chairs highlight Gustavian style elements. The curved backs have delicate spindles with stylised wheat motifs and their tapered legs enh...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Pine

19th Century Provincial Gustavian Chair
Located in Bozeman, MT
Good early 19th century provincial Gustavian chair in it's original condition with great patination. ca 1810 Sweden.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Pine

Pair of 18th Century Gustavian chairs, made in Stockholm
Located in SE
A pair gustavian chairs in original color, about 1780, made in Stockholm, attributed to Johan Lindgren, who became member of Stockholms chair mak...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Birch

19th Century Swedish antique genuine Gustavian Bellman Chair Original paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish Gustavian "Bellman Chair" The Bellman Chair is very genuine with untouched original paint. These antique chairs from Sweden has an airy design Quality to them wi...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Pine

Pair of 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant pair of 20th-century Swedish Gustavian-style chairs embodies the refined simplicity and timeless charm characteristic of this classic design era. Crafted from painted pi...
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Pine, Paint

18th century Swedish pair of Gustavian side chairs with carved flowers
Located in London, GB
A nice pair of Swedish painted Gustavian late c18th side chairs. This desirable model have rounded backs with carved flower detail at the top and rosette corner decoration beneath t...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Oak

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs Original Painted "The Swedish model"
Located in Boden, SE
Early 19th century Swedish Gustavian chairs " The Swedish Model" A beautifully pair of Gustavian chairs scraped by hand to its well preserved...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Pine

Gustavian chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Gustavian chairs 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 chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gustavian chairs 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 chairs, popular names associated with this style include Ephraim Stahl, and Johan Hammarström. 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 chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $295 and tops out at $27,600 while the average work can sell for $4,271.

Recently Viewed

View All