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.
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...
Linen, Wood
$11,360 / set
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...
Wood
$1,201 / set
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...
Hardwood
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
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.
Oak
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
Pair of unique Swedish late 18th century chairs rough linen sittings Gustavian
Located in Forest, BE
Unique Swedish wooden chairs made of massive wood around the end of the 1700 (1780/90). Lots of history, patina and traces of time. Very good cond...
Linen, Birch
$2,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
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...
Mahogany
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
Antique Gustavian Armchairs by Ephraim Ståhl, Birchwood, Circa 1800
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...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Birch
$6,800 / set
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...
Linen, Paint, Wood
$6,965 / set
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.
Upholstery, Pine
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.
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...
Linen, Wood, Paint
Gustavian Style Desk or Dining Chair
Located in Sheffield, MA
Wonderful Swedish white washed side or office chair with carved details.
Wood
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...
Brass
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.
Birch
$4,724 / set
Pair of Late 18th Century Gustavian Side Chairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of late 18th Century Gustavian side chairs. Dry scraped to original paint and stabilised for every day use. Made by master craftsman Johan Erik Hoglander in Stockholm (1750-181...
Upholstery, Pine
$8,160 / set
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...
Birch
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 ...
Pine
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Period Dining Chairs, Late 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined pair of late 18th-century Swedish Gustavian dining chairs, showcasing the balance and symmetry of neoclassical design. Each chair features a rectangular back with a delicat...
Wood
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 ...
Upholstery, Poplar
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...
Oak
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 ...
Pine
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 ...
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...
Six Danish Rosewood Dining Chairs
Located in Oakland, CA
Set of six Danish crafted rosewood dining chairs with rich rosewood grain on chair backs, newly upholstered seats in a blue leather. High-quality construction. Professionally restor...
Leather, Rosewood
Swedish Designer, Side Chairs, Pine, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pine side chairs designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Seat height: 18”
Pine
$9,500
H 36 in W 18 in D 16 in
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.
$2,400 / set
H 35 in W 18 in D 14.5 in
Set of Four Rare 19th Century Portuguese Goa Rosewood Dining Chairs
Located in Nantucket, MA
Set of four rare rosewood dining chairs from Portuguese Goa, late 1800s. Caned seats have been redone. Beautifully carved crests and backs ...
Rosewood
English Georgian 18th Century Hall Chair
Located in New York, NY
English Georgian 18th Century Hall Chair. Overall great condition with age appropriate wear. Measures approximately 38.75" in overall height. Seat meas...
Wood
Set of Four 19th Century French Louis XVI Walnut Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Four 19th Century French Louis XVI Walnut Chairs is truly a timeless classic! Featuring curved oval seatbacks and generous seats, the set...
Walnut
$2,400 / set
H 34 in W 18.5 in D 16.5 in
Set of 4 Neoclassical Gustavian Style Chairs, Parcel Gilt & Painted, Sphinx Ca
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of 4 carved side chairs, desk chairs, office chairs. Finely detailed set of Neoclassical Gustavian Chairs each in a nice scalamandre fabric having winged sphinxes on the back res...
Wood, Paint
Set of Six Period 18th Century George II Walnut Dining Chairs
Located in Essex, MA
Set of six period English walnut George II side chairs Six period Georgian side chairs in transitional form moving from Queen Anne to Ge...
Walnut
the Slender Chair by Vestergaard Jensen, 1957
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A beautiful set of four Scandinavian Modern dining chairs designed by Helge Vestergaard Jensen. Each chair is rosewood framed and upholstered in black wool. Made in Denmark, circa 19...
Rosewood, Wool
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Rococo Walnut Side Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Rococo period walnut side chairs from the 18th century, with upholstery and cabriole legs. Created in Sweden during the 18th century, each of this pair of Rococo ch...
Upholstery, Walnut
Set of 6 19th Century English Mahogany Chairs in Mohair Fabric
Located in Richmond, VA
Set of 6 19th century English mahogany chairs with satinwood inlay and mohair fabric. Set consists of 2 arm chairs and 4 side chairs and are in...
Mohair, Mahogany, Satinwood
Swedish 18th Century Gustavian Painted Banquette
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A Swedish 18th century Gustavian banquette with its original hand-scraped, painted finish. The solidly constructed frame makes for a sheltering sofa as well, with a removable bench s...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 37.01 in W 19.69 in D 20.48 in
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Side Chair by Melchior Lundberg
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Late 18th Century Gustavian side chair, scraped to original paint and newly covered in linen Signed MLB, Mechior Lundberg 1746-1812. Lundberg was a chairmaker in Stockholm from 1775...
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
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...
Cotton, Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Antique Barrel Back Chairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
A refined pair of Gustavian barrel back chairs, showcasing gently curved backs, fluted legs, and simple carved details, upholstered in soft, neutral fabric—exemplifying the clean lin...
Upholstery, Wood
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...
Pine, Paint
Early 19th Century Gustavian Paint Finished Side Chair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Charmingly distressed antique side chair with traces of the original green paint. The chair with Stylized Urn form back splat and decorative appliqués. Custom upholstered in a Diamon...
Wood
Sold
H 35.75 in W 19 in D 16.13 in
Pair of 19th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Shield Back Chairs in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A pair of 18th c. Swedish side chairs from the Gustavian period in original paint. The aged blue patina is lovely. Shield backs, tapered and fluted legs with cross stretch, and slip ...
Fabric, Wood
Late Gustavian Chair with original paint, Sweden 1850’s.
Located in Valby, 84
Original painted chair in a classic late gustavian style by a Swedish cabinetmaker in the 1850’s. The chair is a perfect piece in any style of interior from a classic antique style o...
Wool, Wood, Paint
Sold
H 34 in W 17 in D 15 in
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 upholstery. Created in Sweden during t...
Upholstery, Wood
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Svenska Model Chair
Located in Huntington, NY
A Swedish Gustavian Svenska Model chair made in Stockholm. Featuring top arch medallion, oval back and openwork tray. Frame consists of bow front with corner fleurons atop turned and...
Fabric, Wood, Paint
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Svenska Model Chair
Located in Huntington, NY
A Swedish Gustavian Svenska Model chair made in Stockholm. Featuring top arch medallion, oval back and openwork tray. Frame consists of bow front with corner fleurons atop turned and...
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Sold
H 33.5 in W 26.75 in D 29.5 in
Pair, Carved Gray Painted Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs, Circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
This impressive pair of Swedish Gustavian side chairs have stylish fluted saber legs and decorative carved braided trim throughout. The newer professionally applied antique pewter gr...
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
A Pair Of Gustavian Scandinavian Hall Chairs Sweden 19th Century
Located in Sakskøbing, DK
2 lacquered and carved Scandinavian hall chairs with bronze accents. The beautifully weathered sturdy chairs from Sweden are completely origin...
Fabric, Pine