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Gustavian Daybeds

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
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 Daybeds

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Daybed - Antique Freestanding Sofa Bench
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Daybed - Antique Freestanding Sofa Bench

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Daybed - Antique Freestanding Sofa Bench

$12,800
Large Gustavian 18th Century Painted Daybed
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An impressive and elongated Swedish Gustavian daybed from the 1790’s. The bed frame is all hand carved with bell flower motifs and guilloche patterned carvings under layers of light ...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Paint, Wood, Upholstery, Muslin

Large Gustavian 18th Century Painted Daybed
Large Gustavian 18th Century Painted Daybed

Large Gustavian 18th Century Painted Daybed

$12,500
18th-19th Century White Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Daybed, Antique Sofa Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, antique Swedish Gustavian daybed made of hand crafted painted Pinewood with two round pillows, in good condition. The sides of t...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Cotton, Pine, Linen, Damask

18th-19th Century White Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Daybed, Antique Sofa Bench
18th-19th Century White Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Daybed, Antique Sofa Bench

18th-19th Century White Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Daybed, Antique Sofa Bench

$16,900
Gustavian, Distressed White Paint, Linen, Swedish Daybed, Sweden, 20th c.
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gustavian, Distressed White Paint, Linen, Swedish Daybed, Chaise, Sweden, 20th c. Louis XV style daybed or chaise lounge having a white paint distressed frame and later off-white li...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Gustavian, Distressed White Paint, Linen, Swedish Daybed, Sweden, 20th c.
Gustavian, Distressed White Paint, Linen, Swedish Daybed, Sweden, 20th c.

Gustavian, Distressed White Paint, Linen, Swedish Daybed, Sweden, 20th c.

$4,500
Early 20th Century Gustavian Style Painted Daybed
Located in New Orleans, LA
A Swedish painted daybed with brass accents in the Gustavian style.
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Gustavian Style Painted Daybed
Early 20th Century Gustavian Style Painted Daybed

Early 20th Century Gustavian Style Painted Daybed

$6,000
Gustavian Sofa in Pink Linen
Located in Faversham, GB
A wonderful Swedish sofa in Gustavian style made of Scots Pine. The seat ends collapse, allowing the bench to fold down into a flatbed, which extends the length of the sofa and prov...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Linen, Upholstery, Pine

Gustavian Sofa in Pink Linen
Gustavian Sofa in Pink Linen

Gustavian Sofa in Pink Linen

$4,055 Sale Price
25% Off
18th Century Gustavian Daybed
Located in New Orleans, LA
This Gustavian daybed is a timeless example of Swedish neoclassical design, inspired by the refined aesthetic of 18th-century France but adapted with a lighter, more understated eleg...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Wood

18th Century Gustavian Daybed
18th Century Gustavian Daybed

18th Century Gustavian Daybed

$10,980
Exceptional 18th Century Swedish Daybed
Located in New Orleans, LA
Highly decorative 18th century Swedish daybed with original patina.
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Wood

Exceptional 18th Century Swedish Daybed
Exceptional 18th Century Swedish Daybed

Exceptional 18th Century Swedish Daybed

$10,500
Gustavian Paint Decorated Storage Bench, New Wool Shearling, Sweden, 19th C.
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gustavian paint decorated storage bench, new wool shearling, Sweden 19th Century Wonderful gustavian bench or daybed having a brand new white wool shearling/sheepskin upholstery ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Wool, Wood

Gustavian Paint Decorated Storage Bench, New Wool Shearling, Sweden, 19th C.
Gustavian Paint Decorated Storage Bench, New Wool Shearling, Sweden, 19th C.

Gustavian Paint Decorated Storage Bench, New Wool Shearling, Sweden, 19th C.

$8,700
Daybed Swedish Gustavian Style 100% Original paint
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Unique Swedish Gustavian style Daybed / Love Seat. The seating has been restored and covered in Muslin.
Category

1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Wood

Daybed Swedish Gustavian Style 100% Original paint
Daybed Swedish Gustavian Style 100% Original paint

Daybed Swedish Gustavian Style 100% Original paint

$3,895
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H 43 in W 78.5 in D 55.5 in
A French painted and carved daybed, C. 1900.
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19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa Circa 1820
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H 45.5 in W 69.5 in D 24.75 in
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H 23.63 in W 69.3 in D 29.93 in
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Antique Early 19th Century Gustavian Sofa / Bench, By a Swedish Cabinetmaker
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19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa with Original Paint
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H 41.34 in W 72.05 in D 24.02 in
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H 28 in W 79 in D 22 in
Previously Available Items
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Daybed / Bench in Original Paint
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19th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Daybed / Bench in Original Paint
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Daybed / Bench in Original Paint

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19th century Gustavian Sofa Bed
Located in Charleston, SC
Gustavian sofa bed, Sweden circa 1850 with beautiful Gustavian details; openwork lyres and foliage carved back. The finish has been scraped to reveal much of the original cream/whit...
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Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

19th century Gustavian Sofa Bed
19th century Gustavian Sofa Bed

19th century Gustavian Sofa Bed

H 35 in W 78.75 in D 21.5 in
18th Century Gustavian Swedish Grey Daybed with Carved Rosettes and Fluted Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period grey painted daybed from the 18th century with out-scrolling sides, fluted apron and legs and carved rosettes. Step into an ambiance of timeless elegance with this 18th-century Swedish Gustavian daybed. Painted in a classic Gustavian grey that exudes sophistication, the finish is tantalizingly distressed to allow hints of the original wood to emerge. The weight and solid construction of this piece attest to its heritage—born of exceptional craftsmanship and designed to stand the test of time. Feast your eyes on the exquisitely out-scrolling sides, fluted apron, and legs that effortlessly marry form and function. Elegant carved rosettes grace each knee, imbuing the daybed with a touch of floral flair. For modern practicality, the daybed is fully reupholstered in a new, heavy canvas duck fabric...
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18th Century Gustavian Swedish Grey Daybed with Carved Rosettes and Fluted Legs
18th Century Gustavian Swedish Grey Daybed with Carved Rosettes and Fluted Legs

18th Century Gustavian Swedish Grey Daybed with Carved Rosettes and Fluted Legs

H 34.25 in W 78.75 in D 31.1 in
Sweedish Gustavian Daybed Circa 1790s
Located in New York, NY
Elegant handcarved Sweedish Gustavian daybed / settee with gilted wood decor along the top edge of the backrest. . An exceptionally rare example of Gustavian workmanship. Circa 1790s...
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Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

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Sweedish Gustavian Daybed Circa 1790s
Sweedish Gustavian Daybed Circa 1790s

Sweedish Gustavian Daybed Circa 1790s

H 46.5 in W 76 in D 27 in
18th Century Gustavian Sofa Bench In Original Gray Paint, Sweden
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Late 18th century sofa or settee bench with old grey paint and the Unbeatable Original Patina. The sofa has been carefully and professionally hand-scraped in order recover ...
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Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

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18th Century Gustavian Sofa Bench In Original Gray Paint, Sweden
18th Century Gustavian Sofa Bench In Original Gray Paint, Sweden

18th Century Gustavian Sofa Bench In Original Gray Paint, Sweden

H 35.44 in W 70.08 in D 25.6 in
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa with Original Paint
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
End of 18th century Swedish Gustavian Sofa or Daybed, featuring greyish old paint and its original patina. Sofa has carefully and ...
Category

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Pine

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa with Original Paint
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa with Original Paint

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa with Original Paint

H 28.35 in W 70.87 in D 28.35 in
19th century Swedish Gustavian Sofa Bed
Located in Charleston, SC
Early 19th century Swedish Gustavian sofa with carved decoration around the apron and storage/bed underneath the seat. Hand dry-scraped to its most original color and newly upholstered seat in linen. Long and narrow sofa...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Linen, Pine, Paint

19th century Swedish Gustavian Sofa Bed
19th century Swedish Gustavian Sofa Bed

19th century Swedish Gustavian Sofa Bed

H 36.75 in W 84.25 in D 19 in
Swedish Gustavian Settee Daybed
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This handsome Swedish Gustavian settee or daybed is an amazing way to add more seating to any space. Its worn finish has a fantastic patina an...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

Swedish Gustavian Settee Daybed
Swedish Gustavian Settee Daybed

Swedish Gustavian Settee Daybed

H 35.38 in W 81 in D 24.75 in
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Style Sofa Bench in Original Patina
Located in Wichita, KS
19th c. Swedish sofa bench in the Gustavian style wearing its original, natural patina. There are carved rosettes at each corner post and the tapered and fluted legs feature fluted, round caps. This sofa is covered in old linen...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

19th c. Swedish Gustavian Style Sofa Bench in Original Patina
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Style Sofa Bench in Original Patina

19th c. Swedish Gustavian Style Sofa Bench in Original Patina

H 37 in W 74.88 in D 24.63 in
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Sofa Bench with Egyptian Carvings in Original Paint
By Ephraim Stahl
Located in Wichita, KS
A rare 19th c. Swedish sofa from the Gustavian period hand-scraped to its beautiful, original paint with original cushions. Fine carvings, ca 1800, Stockholm, Sweden. This piece features decoratively carved detailing of bell flowers around the frame with acanthus leaves on the legs. Sphinx heads adorn the arms and the sides depict a typical Gustavian scene with a pair of griffons. Attributed to master chair maker, Ephraim Sthal (1767-1820), who worked in Stockholm and was one of the main furniture makers for the Royal Court, King Gustav III...
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19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th c. Swedish Gustavian Sofa Bench with Egyptian Carvings in Original Paint
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Sofa Bench with Egyptian Carvings in Original Paint

19th c. Swedish Gustavian Sofa Bench with Egyptian Carvings in Original Paint

H 36.25 in W 67.75 in D 29.5 in
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Daybed Sofa Bench with Griffons in Original Patina
Located in Wichita, KS
An exceptionally rare, hand-carved Swedish Gustavian period sofa or daybed, circa 1790, hand-scraped to reveal the original paint surface and newly upholstered in antique linen with ...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

18th c. Swedish Gustavian Daybed Sofa Bench with Griffons in Original Patina
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Daybed Sofa Bench with Griffons in Original Patina

18th c. Swedish Gustavian Daybed Sofa Bench with Griffons in Original Patina

H 45.25 in W 73.63 in D 28 in
Swedish Gustavian Daybed
Located in New Orleans, LA
Sweeping graceful sides are accented with flower and leaf garland. Egg & dart carving decorates the three sides of the base of the sofa. Upholstered in European burlap.
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Burlap, Wood

Swedish Gustavian Daybed
Swedish Gustavian Daybed

Swedish Gustavian Daybed

H 36 in W 94 in D 27 in

Gustavian daybeds for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Gustavian daybeds for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage daybeds created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gustavian daybeds made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 daybeds differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $6,000 and tops out at $10,500 while the average work can sell for $8,250.

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