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.
Pair of Gustavian Klismos Chairs in Original Paint, circa 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of period Gustavian klismos chairs, Swedish, circa 1800, scraped to their original paint and newly covered in linen. The klismos, antiqu...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Gustavian Chairs in Original Paint, Lindome, Sweden c. 1770-1780
By Lindome
Located in Djursholm, SE
Pair of Gustavian chairs in original paint with round backrests, made in Lindome, Sweden, c. 1770-1780. Carved wooden decoration of flowers, foliage and volutes. Original paint uncov...
Birch
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...
Pine
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.
Pine
$2,080Sale Price / item|20% Off
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 ...
Beech
$3,889Sale Price / set|20% Off
Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs Grey Lindome Style Set of 6, Mid-20th Century
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...
Birch
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...
Fabric, Wood, Paint
$19,450 / set
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Set of 6 Chairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
This elegant set of six 18th-century Swedish Gustavian chairs showcases the refined simplicity and craftsmanship that define the period. Featuring graceful lines, carved details, and...
Wood
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Beech
$5,349Sale Price / set|20% Off
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 ...
Birch
Pair of Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Lindome Chairs
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
A period pair of late 18th Century Gustavian Lindome chairs. Crisp deep carving, re-painted in soft grey and re-upholstered in linen. Circa 1790.
Linen, Wood
$9,050Sale Price / set|20% Off
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...
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...
Pine
19th Century Swedish antique genuine Gustavian Chair with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
Embrace the timeless elegance of Nordic history with this exceptional late 18th to early 19th-century Swedish Gustavian side chair. Crafted during the renowned Gustavian era, this ...
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Bergère with Carved Lion Head Finials and Fluted Legs
Located in New York, NY
A fine Swedish Gustavian painted bergère chair, late 18th to early 19th century, featuring a gracefully arched, upholstered barrel back terminating in finely carved lion head finials...
Linen, 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...
Fruitwood
Provincial Gustavian Armchair in Original Paint, circa 1780
Located in Atlanta, GA
A period provincial Gustavian armchair, Swedish, circa 1780, scraped to its original paint. The square back rises to an arched crest, the seat rail carries a band of carved guilloche...
Fabric, Wood
$3,782Sale Price / set|20% Off
Swedish Gustavian Square Back Dining Chairs Grey Green Set of Six, 20th Century
Located in Lewes, England
Unusual early second half of the 20th century set of six Gustavian padded back dining chairs in distressed paint finish. Lovely detail in the fluted legs and rosettes with carved fr...
Birch
$1,344Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Dining Chairs, Late 20th Century
Located in Brentwood, TN
Swedish Gustavian style painted dining chairs, late 20th century, crafted in painted wood with upholstered seats. The chairs feature classic Gustavian design elements including a clean ladder-back form, turned front legs, and restrained neoclassical lines inspired by late 18th century Swedish furniture...
Fabric, Wood, Paint
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...
Beech
Set of Six Gustavian Chairs, Lindome, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A 19th century set of six Gustavian chairs from Lindome, the celebrated chairmaking district south of Gothenburg whose workshops supplied refined seating across Sweden. The chairs ar...
Fabric, Wood
C18th painted pair of Swedish Gustavian (Swedish model ) chairs
Located in London, GB
These late C18th chairs are a lovely example of Swedish Gustavian style and are also known as “The Swedish Model) Their oval backrests have decorative cutouts and delicate carving t...
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Chairs by Johan Hammarström and Johan E. Höglander, circa 1790
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...
Linen, Wood, Paint
$9,800 / set
Swedish Gustavian Chairs, circa 1800
Located in Huntington, NY
A set of four 19th century Swedish Gustavian Ax (also known as Vase) chairs from Lindome featuring a balloon-shaped back with five vertical, interconnected slats. In the center, five...
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Chair - 1 available
By Melchior Lundberg
Located in Bozeman, MT
Swedish early 19th century late Gustavian chair in their original finish by master chair maker Melchior Lundberg (active in Stockholm 1795-1834) . Ca 1810 Stockholm, Sweden.
Pine
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...
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Axet Dining Chairs Grey white Set of 8, 20th Century
Located in Lewes, England
Rare and Unusual early second half of the 20th century set of 8 Gustavian AXet dining chairs in distressed paint finish with wheatsheaf motifs. The set is 8 chairs Lovely detail ...
Birch
$7,800 / set
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.
Pine
Gustavian Axet Dining Chairs Set of 8, Distressed Finish, C20th
Located in Lewes, England
Rare early second half of the 20th century set of 11 Gustavian Axet dining chairs in distressed paint finish with wheatsheaf motifs. The set is 8 Lovely detail in the fluted legs ...
Birch
$14,000 / set
Pair of 19th C. Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Swedish 19th Century Barrel Back Gustavian Chairs.
Wood
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...
Giltwood
Lars Accent Chair - Swedish Scraped White
By Tara Shaw, Century Furniture
Located in New Orleans, LA
The Swedish Klismos chair features a dramatically curved backrest that extends beyond the seat, creating a striking silhouette that captivates t...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Gustavian Single Rose Carved Chairs with Carved Detailing
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
A set of 2 gustavian rose carved chair with hand carved single rose detailing to the top of the chairs. Antique off-white aged paint finish. Solid b...
Birch
Pair of Scandinavian Gustavian Style Bellman Chairs, 19th Century
Located in Helsinki, FI
A charming pair of Bellman chairs from the 19th century, in the Gustavian style. Most probably of Swedish or Finnish origin. The chairs feature open backs with curved, intersecting e...
Fabric, Wood
Set of Six 18th Century Gustavian Chairs by Johan Hammarström
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...
Wood
$4,900Sale Price|24% Off
Chair Corner Swedish Leather Rustic Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Chair Swedish leather 1775-1790 Sweden. Made during the transition between the Rococo period and Gustavian period. Frame made from beech wood and a seat, back and armrests in worn le...
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...
Pine
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...
Wood
Revolving Desk Chair, Sweden, 18th Century Gustavian
Located in Djursholm, SE
A remarkable 18th-century revolving chair. The chair has been stripped of a later lacquer finish and restored to its original appearance, featuring a mahogany-imitation finish. Mahog...
Birch, Pine
Pair of Gustavian Chairs, Lindome, Late 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of period Gustavian chairs made in Lindome, Sweden's celebrated chairmaking district, in the late 18th century. The pair is distinguished by unusual decorative carving in the ...
Fabric, 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...
Pine
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...
Leather, 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 ...
Wood
$6,479Sale Price / set|20% Off
Swedish Gustavian Axet Dining Chairs Grey white Set of 11, 20th Century
Located in Lewes, England
Rare and Unusual early second half of the 20th century set of 11 Gustavian AXet dining chairs in distressed paint finish with wheatsheaf motifs. The set is 8+3 chairs Lovely deta...
Birch
Pair of Swedish 1910s Painted Wood Armchairs with Carved Splats and Stretchers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish painted wood armchairs from the early 20th century, with carved splats, serpentine arms and black fabric. Created in Sweden during the early years of the 20th centu...
Wood, Fabric
Swedish Gustavian Style Side Chair, Wood, Antique Design, 20th Century
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Swedish Gustavian Style Side Chair - 20th Artist studio chair - Side chair Swedish Gustavian-style slatted-back chair, dating from the early 19th century. This antique Swedish chair ...
Wood
Von Swedish Carved Dining Chair
By Tara Shaw, Century Furniture
Located in New Orleans, LA
Inspired by ancient Greek design and refined through Swedish craftsmanship, this Klismos dining chair features a gracefully curved backrest and gently sloping saber legs, crafted fro...
Linen, Wood
Set of Six Antique Swedish Gustavian Bellman Dining Chairs, Circa 1880
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...
Wood
$5,950 / set
Pair of Swedish Armchairs, circa 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant pair of Swedish armchairs dating to circa 1800 and featuring refined Gustavian lines with beautifully balanced proportions. The chairs display classic Scandinavian neoclas...
Fabric, 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...
Wood
$6,800 / set
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...
Pine
Pair of 19th Century Painted Swedish Gustavian Chippendale Style Chairs
Located in Mckinney, TX
Pair of Swedish Gustavian chairs crafted in the Chippendale style. Their sculptural vase-form splats, turned legs, and stretcher bases are softened by generations of layered dry pain...
Wood, Fabric, Paint
$4,863Sale Price / set|20% Off
Swedish Gustavian Oval back Dining Chairs White Set of 6 mid C20th
Located in Lewes, England
Unusual Set of 6 Swedish Gustavian oval back dining chairs in good condition in grey paint with lovely detailed carvied oval back rests , fluted legs and decorative embellishment Gr...
Birch
Gustavian, Dining Chairs, Spindle Back, White Paint, Giltwood, Blue Fabric
Located in Stamford, CT
Gustavian, Dining Chairs, Spindle Back, White Paint, Giltwood, Blue Fabric Set of 5 white distressed paint decorated and gilt gold Gustavian Style side chairs. Each seat with new u...
Wood, Fabric
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...
Wood
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...
Wood
$1,513Sale Price / set|20% Off
Gustavian Carved Canework Dining Chairs, Natural Finish, Early 1900s
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...
Birch
$1,895 / set
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"
Wood
Antique Gustavian Armchairs, Swedish Veranda Chairs, Linen Upholstery
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Pair of Gustavian style armchairs with decorative lyres on both sides. These wonderful pair of chairs have been later painted and newly upholstered in neutral coloured linen. Originally, these chairs were used as veranda chairs...
Linen, Wood
Set of four Late Gustavian chairs, Lindome, Sweden. Maker's Stamped NTS, c. 1800
Located in Djursholm, SE
Set of four Late Gustavian chairs, each stamped with the maker's stamp NTS (Nils Thorsson, Ingemantorp, 1779–1848), a chairmaker from Lindome, Sweden. The chairs feature finely flute...
Beech, Paint