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Gustavian Side 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.

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Style: Gustavian
A pair of slender Gustavian chairs with smiling details Circa 1780
A pair of slender Gustavian chairs with smiling details Circa 1780

A pair of slender Gustavian chairs with smiling details Circa 1780

Located in Atlanta, GA

A charming pair of slender Gustavian chairs, Sweden, circa 1780. The gently curved ladder-backs feature the distinctive “smiling” details typical of the period, lending an inviting a...

Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood

8 Swedish Gustavian Style Original Painted Side Chairs
8 Swedish Gustavian Style Original Painted Side Chairs

8 Swedish Gustavian Style Original Painted Side Chairs

Located in Hollywood, FL

This is a unique set of 8 - 100% Original painted Swedish Gustavian Style side chairs. all the seating have been restored and waiting for you to put your finished material on.

Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Birch

Pair, Gustavian White Painted Arm Chairs from Sweden, circa 1840-1860
Pair, Gustavian White Painted Arm Chairs from Sweden, circa 1840-1860

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 Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Grey Danish Gustavian Set of Six Antique Pine Dining Room Chairs
19th Century Grey Danish Gustavian Set of Six Antique Pine Dining Room Chairs

19th Century Grey Danish Gustavian Set of Six 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 ...

Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Pine, Cotton

Pair Of Hand Painted Gustavian Accent Chairs
Pair Of Hand Painted Gustavian Accent Chairs

Pair Of Hand Painted Gustavian Accent Chairs

Located in Bruton, GB

A delightful pair of painted wooden side chairs in the Swedish tradition, featuring softly shaped crest backs with elegant scroll detailing and turned legs. Finished in a serene pale...

Category

Mid-20th Century Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

Stunning 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs, Pair
Stunning 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs, Pair

Stunning 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs, Pair

Located in San Angelo, TX

A gorgeous and unique pair of late 18th century Swedish barrel backs from the Gustavian period that have been dry scrapped and then had a recent paint touch up with grays and white h...

Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Dining Chairs Swedish Set of Four Gustavian Original Paint Green Sweden
Dining Chairs Swedish Set of Four Gustavian Original Paint Green Sweden

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.

Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Swedish Gustavian Style Side Chairs 8
Swedish Gustavian Style Side Chairs 8

Swedish Gustavian Style Side Chairs 8

Located in Hollywood, FL

This is a unique set of 8 Swedish Gustavian side chairs. they have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White" all the seating has been restored and waiting for y...

Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Birch

19th Century Danish Set of Six Antique Scandinavian Small Pinewood Side Chairs
19th Century Danish Set of Six Antique Scandinavian Small Pinewood Side Chairs

19th Century Danish Set of Six Antique Scandinavian Small Pinewood Side Chairs

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...

Category

Late 19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Pine

Pair of Swedish Empire Mahogany Armchairs 19th Century Sweden
Pair of Swedish Empire Mahogany Armchairs 19th Century Sweden

Pair of Swedish Empire Mahogany Armchairs 19th Century Sweden

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Pair of Stockholm Mahogany Armchairs in the Empire / Karl Johan period, circa 1810-1830 Sweden. A pair of armchairs are veneered in a beautiful dark brown mahogany and are very clas...

Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs with Originalpaint
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs with Originalpaint

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs with Originalpaint

Located in Boden, SE

A pair of 19th century Swedish Gustavian chairs from Lindome Halland, Southern Sweden. A Very nice and decorative Chair model with a cut lily in the back of the chair. Nicely cut ...

Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Pine

10 Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs 100% Original Paint
10 Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs 100% Original Paint

10 Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs 100% Original Paint

Located in Hollywood, FL

This is a very Rare set of 10 Swedish Gustavian style side chairs in 100% Original painted finish. all the seating has been restored and waiting for you to put your finished mater...

Category

1910s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs Attributed to Ephraim Ståhl
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs Attributed to Ephraim Ståhl

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs Attributed to Ephraim Ståhl

By Ephraim Stahl

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A grey, antique Swedish Gustavian pair of armchairs made of hand crafted painted Birchwood, designed and produced most likely by Ephraim Ståhl in good condition. The Scandinavian Neo...

Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Birch

18th century Swedish Gustavian oak chair
18th century Swedish Gustavian oak chair

18th century Swedish Gustavian oak chair

Located in London, GB

Great for the hall, or would look good in the bedroom, upholstered in vintage fabric.

Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Oak

Pair of Mid-18th Century Swedish Side Chairs
Pair of Mid-18th Century Swedish Side Chairs

Pair of Mid-18th Century Swedish Side Chairs

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Beautiful pair of mid-18th Century Stockholm made Rococo side chairs. Dry scraped to original paint.

Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Pine

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs

Located in San Angelo, TX

A gorgeous and unique pair of late 18th Century Swedish barrel backs from the Gustavian period that have been dry scrapped and then had a recent paint touch up with grays and white h...

Category

Late 18th Century European Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Pine Folk Side Chairs
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Pine Folk Side Chairs

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Pine Folk Side Chairs

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

A superb and stylish pair of mid-18th Century Swedish 'Folk' Chairs with their original faded original paint. These are from Hellsingland and would probably have been part of a large...

Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Pine, Paint

18th century Swedish Gustavian Period Side Chair
18th century Swedish Gustavian Period Side Chair

18th century Swedish Gustavian Period Side Chair

Located in Charleston, SC

18th century Swedish Gustavian period side chair hand-scraped to its most original paint, with oval back, pierced slats and carved wheat sheaf, cross...

Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood

Set of Four 18th Century Gustavian Period Chairs
Set of Four 18th Century Gustavian Period Chairs

Set of Four 18th Century Gustavian Period Chairs

Located in Charleston, SC

Family of four 18th century Gustavian period folk art chairs, Leksand model, with original patina and re-covered cushions in linen. Note: One chair slightly different- please see the...

Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

C18th century Swedish rococo original painted carved shell detailed chair
C18th century Swedish rococo original painted carved shell detailed chair

C18th century Swedish rococo original painted carved shell detailed chair

Located in London, GB

A lovely C18th Swedish rococo single chair which is full of original character. It was made in 1760. The chair features carved shell detailing to the front of the seat and back, with...

Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Oak

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Chairs Signed Carl Johan Wadström, Stockholm, Circa 17
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Chairs Signed Carl Johan Wadström, Stockholm, Circa 17

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Chairs Signed Carl Johan Wadström, Stockholm, Circa 17

Located in Atlanta, GA

A rare pair of period Swedish Gustavian chairs, signed by Carl Johan Wadström (active 1758–1816) and manufactured in Stockholm circa 1790. Wadström is a documented cabinetmaker of th...

Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Italian Side Chairs W/ Swedish Gustavian Styling Faux Chintz - Pair
Mid-Century Italian Side Chairs W/ Swedish Gustavian Styling Faux Chintz - Pair

Mid-Century Italian Side Chairs W/ Swedish Gustavian Styling Faux Chintz - Pair

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a pair of mid-century carved Italian side chairs that have Swedish / Gustavian styling. The fabric is an oiled cloth in a faux chintz. The frames are an antique white with a ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Poplar

Pair, 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Armchairs
Pair, 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Armchairs

Pair, 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Armchairs

Located in Round Top, TX

This graceful pair of Swedish Gustavian arm chairs have a wonderfully warm patina thanks to the soft, scraped finish revealing much of the natural pine wood below. Note the residual ...

Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Pine

Set of 8 Swedish Gustavian White Side Chairs
Set of 8 Swedish Gustavian White Side Chairs

Set of 8 Swedish Gustavian White Side Chairs

Located in Queens, NY

Set of 6 Swedish Gustavian mid century side chairs with an antique white painted finish and an open back design

Category

20th Century Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Paint

19th C. Swedish Continental Brass Mounted & Parquetry Inlaid Cherry Chairs, Pair
19th C. Swedish Continental Brass Mounted & Parquetry Inlaid Cherry Chairs, Pair

19th C. Swedish Continental Brass Mounted & Parquetry Inlaid Cherry Chairs, Pair

Located in Germantown, MD

A magnificent pair of 19th century Swedish continental brass mounted and parquetry inlaid cherry chairs. Beaitiful inlay and parquetry work on backs. very comfortable, firm seats w...

Category

1840s Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Antique Swedish Neoclassical Side Chairs
Pair of Antique Swedish Neoclassical Side Chairs

Pair of Antique Swedish Neoclassical Side Chairs

Located in London, GB

An impressive and beautifully designed pair of antique Swedish neoclassical side chairs. They are in the Gustavian style, they were recently imported from Sweden and date from around...

Category

1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Cotton, Wood

Vintage Regency 19th Century Gustavian Side Chairs - A Pair
Vintage Regency 19th Century Gustavian Side Chairs - A Pair

Vintage Regency 19th Century Gustavian Side Chairs - A Pair

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Introduce a touch of sophisticated historical elegance to your home with this exquisite pair of Vintage Regency 19th Century Gustavian Side Chairs. Each chair is a testament to the r...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Circa 1800s painted Gustavian side chair with decorative flower carving
Circa 1800s painted Gustavian side chair with decorative flower carving

Circa 1800s painted Gustavian side chair with decorative flower carving

Located in London, GB

Delightful painted late c18th Swedish Gustavian chair. Retaining much of its original paint there is a decorative carved wood flower at the top of the back and its drop in seat has ...

Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Gustavian 18th Century Swedish Painted and Gilded Side Chairs
Pair of Gustavian 18th Century Swedish Painted and Gilded Side Chairs

Pair of Gustavian 18th Century Swedish Painted and Gilded Side Chairs

Located in Hudson, NY

This pair of nice old side chairs are of the period called Gustavian. This correlates to that time in Sweden between 1772 and 1809. These chairs were made circa 1790 and are typical ...

Category

Late 18th Century Finnish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Pine

Chair Corner Swedish Leather Rustic Sweden
Chair Corner Swedish Leather Rustic Sweden

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...

Category

1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Gustavian side chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Gustavian side chairs 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 side 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 side chairs 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 side chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,150 and tops out at $20,968 while the average work can sell for $4,719.