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.
Gustavian Style Cerused Dining Chairs In New Blue & White Linen Set Of 8
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is such a lovely set! The eight chairs have been newly upholstered in a blue and white medallion print. The cerused / whitewashed frames are in very good condition. They are unm...
Upholstery, Beech
Harlequin Set of 6 Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Dining Chairs.English C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A wonderful set of six English limed oak chairs. Not quite matching. They are actually 2 different models ( 3 + 3 ). The chairs have the same basic characteristics. Firstly, the de...
Oak
Swedish Gustavian 18th Century Set of Four Painted Side Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Swedish set of four dining/side chairs from circa 1790, in classic Gustavian taste for elegant proportions and timeless details. Their painted frames reveal patinated layers of teal,...
Muslin, Pine, Paint
Set of Four 18th c. Swedish Gustavian 'Model' Chairs in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A beautiful example of the Swedish Model chair wearing original paint with newly upholstered slip seats. These beautiful chairs have oval pierced backs and charming turned legs with...
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Set of Twelve Louis XVI Gustavian Style Painted Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Glorious set of twelve Swedish dining chairs crafted in the Louis XVI Gustavian taste. The chairs feature beech frames that have been painted or glazed with an intentionally distressed and faded patina to mimic age. The grey painted frames have a sculptural flared back ending with a scroll. The generous seats have carved rosettes on the front apron corners and decorative red accents throughout the frames. The seats are supported by fluted, tapered legs. The chairs have been recently reupholstered in a neutral muslin style fabric. The chairs are sturdy and strong with excellent joinery and craftsmanship. Sold as a set of twelve chairs. Erin Lane Estate...
Fabric, Beech
19th - 20th Century Grey Swedish Gustavian Set of Ten Pinewood Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th–20th Century, light-grey antique Swedish Gustavian set of ten dining chairs, handcrafted in painted Pinewood and in good structural condition. The curved shield-back design ex...
Pine
19th Century Grey Swedish Gustavian Set of Six Antique Pinewood Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A white-grey, antique Swedish Gustavian set of six dining chairs made of hand-crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The back of the Scandinavian side chairs is splined with a ...
Velvet, Pine
$3,947Sale 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
Set of eight Swedish chairs dates to the mid-18th century, circa 1760
Located in Atlanta, GA
This set of eight Swedish chairs dates to the mid-18th century, circa 1760, and represents an early example of Scandinavian seating with elegant provincial character. Each chair feat...
Wood
Set of Eight 20th Century Gustavian Style Dining Chairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A very attractive set of eight early 20th Century Gustavian style dining chairs. Highly decorative with a later aged white paint finish the set comprises of two carver chairs and si...
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
$7,800Sale Price / set|35% Off
Beautiful Set of 6 Period Gustavian Era Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
6 piece set of late Gustavian (circa 1800) era dining chairs with fluted legs and carved floret and leaf details on base and legs Upholstered back an...
Wood
Set of six 19th Century Grey Danish Antique Pine Dining Room Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A white-grey, antique Danish Gustavian set of six dining room chairs made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, detailed in the Neoclassical Greek style, in ...
Cotton, Fabric, Pine, Upholstery
Gustavian Klismos Dining Chairs by Nierman Weeks, Set of 8
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Set of 8 exquisite Gustavian Klismos dining chairs by Niermann Weeks. Inspired by Grecian 18th century design, this Swedish style version is generous...
Faux Leather, Wood, Paint, Upholstery
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
19th century Swedish Gustavian set of (4) painted dining chairs
Located in London, GB
Wonderful set of Swedish C19th white painted High back chairs. Their is a slight variance of height for (2) chairs. 93 cm / 98 cm Please note one seat is missing, they are ready for...
Pine
$3,947Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
$11,995 / set
Swedish Set of Five Gustavian Dining Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A set of five (5) Gustavian style dining chairs, circa 1810, with fantastic potential in any space. The curved backrests feature horizontal reeded texture and are perfectly balanced ...
Fabric, Wood, Paint
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.
$15,000 / set
Set of six 18th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine set of six Swedish 18th century Gustavian dining chairs. One of the chairs with flower carving. ca 1790 Sweden.
Wood
$2,600 / set
Four Vintage Louis XVI Style Dining Chairs
Located in Sheffield, MA
The four classic Louis XVI style dining chairs painted gold have fluted legs topped by squared rosettes, cane backs inset in ribbed frame...
Hemp, Wood
$840Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair Gustavian Style Square-Back, Cane Painted Side Chairs by John Widdicomb
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful pair of Gustavian style painted wood, square-back cane and upholstered side chairs by John Widdicomb Co. of Grand Rapids, Michigan. USA, Circa 1950s Solid sculpted wood...
Hardwood
Circa 1800s set of six Swedish painted oak Provincial Gustavian dining chairs
Located in London, GB
A set of (6) Gustavian chairs of wonderful quality with rounded backs, open work, and cut decoration.The seats are removable and upholstered in woven horse tail hair. The oak is from...
Oak
$4,933Sale 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
$7,350Sale Price / set|25% Off
Set of Twelve 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs includes 2 Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of twelve Swedish Gustavian dining chairs, including two armchairs, crafted in the refined neoclassical spirit that defined late 18th century Scandinavian design. The Gustavian s...
Mohair, Elm
$6,572Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Antique Danish Set of Six Pinewood Side Chairs, Floral Design, 1880
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, antique Danish set of six small side or Boudoir chairs in a chalky grey finish with square backrests and a centered floral decoration, possibly Denmark. The Scandinavian dining end chairs...
Fabric, Upholstery, Pine
Vintage Swedish Modern Gustavian Dining Chairs - Fully Restored Set of Four
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautifully restored set of four vintage Mid-Century Swedish Modern dining chairs often referred to as “Forsa style” which is a graceful, refined take on the traditional spindle-back...
Bouclé, Hardwood, Lacquer
$3,837Sale 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
$9,580 / set
19th Century Set of 12 Side Chairs Circa 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
This set of 12 19th-century side chairs, circa 1880, exemplifies the refined elegance of Swedish design from the late 19th century. Each chair features a gracefully curved frame craf...
Pine
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 Louis XVI Gustavian Style Painted Dining Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming set of four French dining armchairs made in the grand Louis XVI taste. Crafted from beech and featuring a Swedish Gustavian style white painted finish with a desirable aged,...
Fabric, Beech
Set of 6 Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs, White with Carvings, 1900s
Located in Lewes, England
V Rare Set of 6 Swedish Gustavian padded back dining chairs in good condition in white paint with lovely detailed carvings , fluted legs and gilt style embellishment Great for caref...
Birch
$5,299Sale Price / set|35% Off
Swedish Gustavian Axet Dining Chairs Grey white Set of 8, 20th Century
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
$1,973Sale Price / set|20% Off
Gustavian Leksand Dining Chairs Pair with Gilt, Sweden, 20th Century
Located in Lewes, England
Pair of rare Swedish Gustavian dining chairs in the Classic Leksand style with the distinctive fluted legs and rosette detailing. Unusually for Leksands which are a more country sty...
Birch
Set of Four Gustavian Chairs, Sweden beginning of 19th century
Located in Belmont, MA
Exquisite set of four Gustavian vintage chairs, Sweden around 1810. Finely carved, cream painted with gold details. Shimmering red silk fabric. In vi...
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.
Wood
6 Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 6 Swedish Gustavian dining chairs. They have been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White" the seating is new a...
Wood
$22,800 / set
18th Century Swedish Rococo Set of 8 Chairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptional set of eight 18th-century Swedish Rococo chairs showcases the graceful curves, elegant carvings, and refined craftsmanship that define the period. Featuring beautifu...
Wood
Set of Eight 20th Century Gustavian Style Dining Chairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A beautiful set of eight 20th Century Gustavian style dining chairs. These attractive chairs have a later decorative aged painted finish and the drop in seats are covered in a lined...
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Set of Eight Queen Anne Style Pale Grey Lime Washed Dining Chairs
Located in Essex, MA
A very fine set of eight Swedish-style grey lime-washed dining chairs in the Queen Anne style with pierced splat backs, carved and shaped seat rail, refined cabriole legs, and H-stre...
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
$2,895 / set
Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very unique set of six Gustavian dining chairs, I was told in Sweden they where called "Kung Stolar" King Chairs. I found ...
Birch