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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
Set of Six Swedish Gustavian Period Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Striking set of six 18th century Gustavian dining chairs with original paint and silk fabric seat cushions.
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of Six Swedish Gustavian Period Dining Chairs
Set of Six Swedish Gustavian Period Dining Chairs

Set of Six Swedish Gustavian Period Dining Chairs

Pair of Gustavian Side Chairs with Linen Upholstery Late 18th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful pari of Late 18th C., Early 19th C., Swedish Gustavian Chairs. The Swedish Grey patination is perfection and the attention to detail, carving and design represent the er...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair of Gustavian Side Chairs with Linen Upholstery Late 18th Century

Pair of Gustavian Side Chairs with Linen Upholstery Late 18th Century

Set of 8 Swedish Gustavian White Side Chairs
Located in New York, 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

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

Set of 8 Swedish Gustavian White Side Chairs

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, Birch, Velvet, Upholstery

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

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

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

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

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

18th century Swedish Gustavian Period Side Chair

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

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

18th century Swedish Gustavian Period Lindome Side Chair
Located in Charleston, SC
Gustavian period side chair, having the signature fruit and flower carving of the hops plant used by Lindome furniture makers. Hand scraped to the most original color and seat uphols...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Pine

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

18th century Swedish Gustavian Period Lindome Side Chair

18th c. Pair of Swedish Gustavian Period Shield Back Chairs in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A pair of 18th century Swedish painted wood shield back dining chairs from the Gustavian period. Circa 1780. These chairs have been hand-scraped to reveal the original paint surface. Lovely shield shaped backs with pierced slats and wood seats all supported on sturdy, round, tapering legs with cross stretchers. The Gustavian style, named after King Gustav...
Category

18th Century French Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Paint

18th c. Pair of Swedish Gustavian Period Shield Back Chairs in Original Paint
18th c. Pair of Swedish Gustavian Period Shield Back Chairs in Original Paint

18th c. Pair of Swedish Gustavian Period Shield Back Chairs in Original Paint

18th century Swedish Gustavian Period Lindome Side Chair
Located in Charleston, SC
Gustavian period side chair, having the signature fruit and flower carving of the hops plant used by Lindome furniture makers. Hand scraped to the most original color and seat uphols...
Category

18th Century Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Pine

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

18th century Swedish Gustavian Period Lindome Side Chair

Pair 18th Century Neoclassical Gustavian Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair 18th Century Gustavian chairs: beautifully carved, scraped painted adorned with exceptional Neoclassical motif decoration. Newly uph...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair 18th Century Neoclassical Gustavian Chairs
Pair 18th Century Neoclassical Gustavian Chairs

Pair 18th Century Neoclassical Gustavian Chairs

Set of Four 18th Century Neoclassical Gustavian Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Set of four 18th Century Gustavian chairs: beautifully carved, scraped painted adorned with exceptional Neoclassical motif decoration. Ne...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

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

Set of Four 18th Century Neoclassical Gustavian Chairs

Set of Six Gustavian Period Painted Dining Chairs, 19th c. Swedish
Located in Wichita, KS
A matched set of 5 Swedish Gustavian period painted dining chairs from the 19th century, newly upholstered in linen with carved and pierced ladder backs and slip seats. This is an exquisite set of chairs. The Gustavian style, named after King Gustav III...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Set of Six Gustavian Period Painted Dining Chairs, 19th c. Swedish
Set of Six Gustavian Period Painted Dining Chairs, 19th c. Swedish

Set of Six Gustavian Period Painted Dining Chairs, 19th c. Swedish

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 th...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

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

Set of Four 18th Century Gustavian Period Chairs

Painted Gustavian Swedish Side Chair with Decorative Flower Carving, circa 1800
Located in London, GB
Delightful painted Swedish Gustavian chair from the late 18th century. It has a decorative carved wood flower at the top, retains much of its original paint and has a drop in seat c...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Fabric, Linen

Painted Gustavian Swedish Side Chair with Decorative Flower Carving, circa 1800
Painted Gustavian Swedish Side Chair with Decorative Flower Carving, circa 1800

Painted Gustavian Swedish Side Chair with Decorative Flower Carving, circa 1800

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 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

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

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

19th Century Gustavian Styled Country House Side Chairs, Sweden
Located in Beerse, VAN
Beautiful pair of Swedish country house side chairs with great colours and great patina. Although the chairs are Gustavian styled, they are not period pieces...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Pine

19th Century Gustavian Styled Country House Side Chairs, Sweden
19th Century Gustavian Styled Country House Side Chairs, Sweden

19th Century Gustavian Styled Country House Side Chairs, Sweden

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

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

Swedish Rococo Original Painted Carved Shell Detailed Chair, circa 18th Century
Located in London, GB
A lovely 18th century 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 bac...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Oak

Swedish Rococo Original Painted Carved Shell Detailed Chair, circa 18th Century
Swedish Rococo Original Painted Carved Shell Detailed Chair, circa 18th Century

Swedish Rococo Original Painted Carved Shell Detailed Chair, circa 18th Century

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

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

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs

19th Century Light-Grey Danish Set of Six Antique Scandinavian Small 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

19th Century Light-Grey Danish Set of Six Antique Scandinavian Small Side Chairs
19th Century Light-Grey Danish Set of Six Antique Scandinavian Small Side Chairs

19th Century Light-Grey Danish Set of Six Antique Scandinavian Small Side Chairs

No Reserve
Six Swedish Gustavian Style 1850s Painted Wood Side Chairs with Carved Rosettes
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of six Swedish Gustavian style painted wood stick back side chairs from the mid 19th century, with tapered legs, carved rosettes and used...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Six Swedish Gustavian Style 1850s Painted Wood Side Chairs with Carved Rosettes
Six Swedish Gustavian Style 1850s Painted Wood Side Chairs with Carved Rosettes

Six Swedish Gustavian Style 1850s Painted Wood Side Chairs with Carved Rosettes

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

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

No Reserve
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

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

Pair of 1920’s Armchairs Hand-Scraped to Their Original Paint
Located in London, GB
A lovely pair of 1920’s Swedish armchairs which have been hand-scraped back to their original paint. The drop-in seats have been recovered in a vintage French linen. The open back ha...
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of 1920’s Armchairs Hand-Scraped to Their Original Paint
Pair of 1920’s Armchairs Hand-Scraped to Their Original Paint

Pair of 1920’s Armchairs Hand-Scraped to Their Original Paint

Fine 18th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Chair
Located in Mjöhult, 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 Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Fine 18th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Chair
Fine 18th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Chair

Fine 18th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Chair

Gustavian Style Desk or Dining Chair
Located in Sheffield, MA
Wonderful Swedish white washed side or office chair with carved details.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style Desk or Dining Chair
Gustavian Style Desk or Dining Chair

Gustavian Style Desk or Dining Chair

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

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

18th Century Gustavian Side Chair
Located in Hamburg, Hamburg
This wonderful Gustavian side chair from circa 1780 is in great original condition and has no structural damages. The chair was newly upholstered by us with a high-quality linen fabr...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood

18th Century Gustavian Side Chair
18th Century Gustavian Side Chair

18th Century Gustavian Side Chair

Swedish Gustavian Chair with Wheat Carving, Circa 1780, Origin: Sweden
Located in New York, NY
A fine Swedish Gustavian chair with beautiful wheat carvings, circa 1780, origin: Stockholm, Sweden, dry-scraped to the original color, reupholstered in Rogers & Goffigon fabric.   T...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Paint, Wood

Swedish Gustavian Chair with Wheat Carving, Circa 1780, Origin: Sweden
Swedish Gustavian Chair with Wheat Carving, Circa 1780, Origin: Sweden

Swedish Gustavian Chair with Wheat Carving, Circa 1780, Origin: Sweden

18th Century Swedish Transitional Chair
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Fine 18th century Swedish transitional Rococo & Gustavian chair with royal proportions, circa 1775 Stockholm, Sweden. The two styles merge together finely with the Rococo curvy back ...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Transitional Chair
18th Century Swedish Transitional Chair

18th Century Swedish Transitional Chair

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

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

Chair Corner Swedish Leather Rustic Sweden

Set of Six Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Dining Chairs
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
An elegant set of six Swedish Gustavian dining chairs from the neoclassical period painted in cream white and grey, with leaf tip carvings overall. The front round tapering legs with...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of Six Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Dining Chairs
Set of Six Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Dining Chairs

Set of Six Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Dining Chairs

Pair of Belgian Side Chairs
Located in Hamburg, Hamburg
Great pair of Belgian side chairs with basket weaved back and seat. Elegant carvings throughout the chair.
Category

18th Century Belgian Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Belgian Side Chairs
Pair of Belgian Side Chairs

Pair of Belgian Side Chairs

Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Folk Art Chair, Original Paint Dated 1781
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE SWEDISH CHAIR A decorative and characterful chair with simple lines, a solid arched back, a solid seat and a box stretcher. Peg joined construction made of pine with layers ...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Folk Art Chair, Original Paint Dated 1781
Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Folk Art Chair, Original Paint Dated 1781

Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Folk Art Chair, Original Paint Dated 1781

Pair of Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Chairs, English, C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A pair of English limed oak chairs. Typical Gustavian style, the chairs have delightful urn back splats, unadorned cabriole or Queen Anne legs and...
Category

Early 20th Century English Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Oak

Pair of Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Chairs, English, C.1920
Pair of Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Chairs, English, C.1920

Pair of Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Chairs, English, C.1920

Rare Saber Leg 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Lion Head Barrel Back Chair
Located in San Angelo, TX
A stunning late 18th century Swedish Gustavian barrel back armchair featuring the lions’ head detail on the arms. Dry scrapped down to the original paint along with touch up paint fe...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Paint

Rare Saber Leg 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Lion Head Barrel Back Chair
Rare Saber Leg 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Lion Head Barrel Back Chair

Rare Saber Leg 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Lion Head Barrel Back Chair

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.

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