Gustavian Seating
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
Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Wooden Sofa Bench with Striped Upholstery
Located in Karis, Nyland
A beautifully aged 19th-century Swedish Gustavian wooden sofa bench, showcasing the handcrafted character and rustic charm typical of rural furniture of the period. The frame is cons...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Pine
Set of Eight Swedish Gustavian Style Dining Chairs, 19th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant set of eight Swedish dining chairs in the Gustavian style, late 19th century. The chairs are finely carved with neoclassical detailing, including fluted legs with rosette acc...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Berlin Iron
A Petite 19th century Swedish Gustavian Bench
Located in Leesburg, VA
A Petite 19th century Swedish Gustavian Bench
Approximate size: 29.5”H x 64.5”W x 14”D
This exceptional 19th-century Swedish sofa bench, dating around 1800, perfectly embodies the ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Antique 19th Century Swedish Storage Bench with Blue/Gray Paint and Linen Cushio
Located in Centennial, CO
A beautiful antique late 1800s Swedish storage bench with distressed blue/gray paint and an optional custom made linen tie on cushion. This bench, also called a kitchen or trundle bench...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine, Paint
Harlequin Set of 10 Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Dining Chairs
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A wonderful set of ten English limed oak chairs. Not quite matching. There are actually 3 different models ( 4 + 3 + 3 ).
Each chair has a variation of the same basic characteristi...
Category
Early 20th Century English Gustavian Seating
Materials
Oak
18th Century Gustavian Sofa
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine and unusually long late 18th century Gustavian sofa in it's original finish. ca 1790 Sweden.
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
$13,500
Set of 6 Antique 18 C Gustavian Dining Chairs W Carolina Irving Andaluz Linen
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Set of 6 Antique 18 C Gustavian Dining Chairs W Carolina Irving Andaluz Linen Fabric
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of 4 Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Dining Chairs.English C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A delightful matching set of 4 English limed oak chairs.
They have been recently limed to enhance the beautiful grain in the wood.
The seats have been re-upholstered in hessian or...
Category
Early 20th Century English Gustavian Seating
Materials
Oak
Rare Set of 8 Gustavian Period Side Chairs, Lindome, circa 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare and elegant set of eight period Gustavian side chairs, crafted in Lindome, Sweden, circa 1800. These chairs exemplify the refined neoclassical aesthetic for which Gustavian fu...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
Period Gustavian Side Chair by John Hammarström, Stockholm (1794–1812)
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional period Gustavian chair, crafted in Stockholm between 1794 and 1812 by renowned maker John Hammarström, is a superb example of Swedish ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
A set of four period Gustavian chairs scraped to original paint and newly covere
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined set of four period Gustavian chairs from Sweden, late 18th to early 19th century, each scraped to reveal traces of their original paint. These chairs embody the restrained ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Pine
Gustavian Bench
Located in Cirencester, GB
This beautiful antique Swedish bench is early 19th century from Northern Sweden.
The layers of paint have been dry scraped revealing the ori...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
$5,732
Pair of Period Gustavian Chairs in Original Paint, Sweden, Late 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A charming pair of Swedish Gustavian side chairs from the late 18th century, each scraped back to reveal traces of their original soft grayish-white paint, now beautifully timeworn a...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Antique Swedish Genuine Gustavian Period Decorated Foot Stool with Original Seat
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine antique foot stool from the Swedish gustavian period around 1770 to 1780. This Swedish antique has classic carved wooden decor on the legs and sides. Original paint from the ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Swedish Antique Rocking Chair 6 Legs 19th Century Hand Painted Black Gold
Located in Bochum, NRW
Antique Black Swedish Rocking Chair with Original Black Paint, Late 19th Century
The chair is in excellent condition, given its age and use, showing minimal signs of time and use—nor...
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style Hallway Bench 100% Original Paint
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very RARE Swedish Gustavian style hallway Bench in 100% Original Paint! The seating was just restored.
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Long Black Painted Upholstered Bench by Chelsea Textiles
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Hand-carved and hand-painted, this 18th Century Gustavian inspired bench from Chelsea Textile features a linen seat on rosette medallion corners, atop tapered fluted legs. The seat h...
Category
Early 2000s European Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Paint, Linen
19th century Swedish Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rustic Swedish bench embodies a simple yet charming Scandinavian folk design, likely from the 19th or early 20th century. Made entirely from solid wood, it features a timeworn, ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$1,200 Sale Price
33% Off
Swedish Gustavian Painted Banquette-Trundle
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 se...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Pine Bench - Antique Daybed Attributed to Lindome
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 18th Century, antique freestanding Swedish Gustavian daybed attributed to Lindome school, in good condition. This Scandinavian sofa bench is hand crafted from solid Pinewood a...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Pine
Antique Genuine Swedish Gustavian Pine Provincial Sofa Bench
Located in Kramfors, SE
Northern Swedish Gustavian provincial sofa crafted in pine, showcasing its original scraped paint. This sofa, dating back to the early 19th century, around 1800 to 1810, exemplifies ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Sofa/Bed Natural Finish
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is an incredibly Unique Swedish Gustavian Sofa bed, the seating was just restored.
when the sofa is pulled out the measurements are 41 deep 65 wide
Category
1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of 8 - Ralph Lauren Style Barley Twist Leather Chairs
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Fantastic set of eight dining chairs with oak barley twist frame and tastefully aged brown leather seat and back cushions. This is a high-quality chair that combines traditional and...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Gustavian Seating
Materials
Leather
$8,000 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Painted Corner Armchairs
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair of Swedish 1810s-1830s corner chair scraped down to the original black paint. Seat are loose and be easily re-upholstered.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$1,440 Sale Price / set
62% Off
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Daybed - Antique Scandinavian Sofa Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian pull-out daybed made from hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. This freestanding Scandinavian wood bench...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Upholstery, Pine
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Antique Painted Pinewood Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Swedish Gustavian pair of armchairs with a loose seat cushion, made of hand crafted painted Pinewood in good condition. The l...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Pine
Swedish 18th Century Painted & Upholstered Settee
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A unique Swedish Gustavian settee from the late 18th century with painted wood frame sheltering the fully upholstered interior of a single bench cushion, matching seatback, and two s...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Set of Six 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine set of six 19th century Gustavian laughing chairs in their original condition. Ca 1800, Sweden.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
$15,000 / set
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 Seating
Materials
Cotton, Pine, Linen, Damask
19th Century Swedish Provincial Barrel Back Armchair
Located in Allerum, SE
Rare 19th century Swedish provincial barrel back armchair in it's original finish. ca 1800 Sweden.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chair with Originalpaint Swedish Antiques
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish Gustavian chair from Umea Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden
Nice unusual model with ribs in the back & hand carved flowers & leaves.
Has style features of English ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Early 19th Century Gustavian Swedish Period Settee with Antique Linen
Located in Charleston, SC
Very rare. Swedish Gustavian period bench, circa 1800, finished on all three sides with Guilloché carvings on carved round fluted legs. Scraped to original cream /white finish and u...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Window Seat
Located in Huntington, NY
An unusual Swedish window seat from Lindome in the oval (or zero) style with incredible detailed carvings. The arched sides have an intricately detailed open design. The upper sectio...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Swedish Art Deco, Set of 4 Klismos Chairs in Birch & Elm, Griffin Inlays, 1930s
Located in Odense, DK
A set of four exquisite dining chairs from the 1930s, crafted in solid elm with elegantly curved backrests adorned in birch root veneer. Each backrest is enhanced with intricate grif...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Bone, Fabric, Bakelite, Birch, Elm
Gustavian White Painted Bench, Sweden circa 1820
Located in Round Top, TX
This lovely 6' long bench is a wonderful example of Swedish Gustavian craftsmanship with it's fluted carved skirt and back all resting on turned fluted legs.
Restored, later professi...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Antique Limed Oak Gustavian Style Urn Back Carver or Armchair. C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
An elegant Gustavian style carver or armchair
A lovely shell inspired carved detail on the top rail
It has been recently limed to enhance the beautiful grain in the wood.
The seat...
Category
1920s English Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Burlap, Oak
Exceptional 19th Century Gustavian Sofa
Located in Allerum, SE
Exceptional, elegant and unusually long 19th century Gustavian sofa in it's original condition. Signed by Ephraim Sthal (1767-1820). Supplier to the Royal Court and one of the most s...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Backless Bench Settee
Located in Round Top, TX
This backless sofa or settee is from the Swedish Gustavian period with carved details and fluted tapered feet.
Please enlarge and examine the close up photos to appreciate the carved...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Paint
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...
Category
Early 2000s American Gustavian Seating
Materials
Faux Leather, Wood, Paint, Upholstery
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 Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
Antique 19th century Swedish Gustavian Accent Chair
Located in Leesburg, VA
Anonymous
Mid-19th century; Sweden
Pine, linen.
Approximate size: 35 (h) x 23 (w) x 18.5 (d) in.
(seat height is 16.5 in.)
This beautiful period chair showcases a lovely white wa...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
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...
Category
19th Century European Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
$9,580 / set
18th c. Swedish Sofa Bench Settee in Original Paint, Gustavian Period
Located in Wichita, KS
A beautiful Swedish sofa bench from the Gustavian period dry scraped to it's original patina. The sofa frame is adorned with a lovely leaf motif and rests upon tapered and fluted leg...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
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 Seating
Materials
Birch
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
A lovely small Gustavian sofa from Ersnäs Luleå, Northern Sweden .
The sofa has untouched blue original paint.
Nice model, very easy to place.
Good storage under the lid.
The sea...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs Grey Lindome Style Set of 6, Mid-20th Century A
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
$4,008 Sale Price / set
25% Off
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian sofa from Skellefteå Västerbotten, Northern Sweden.
Scraped by hand to its original color. The sofa has some retouches.
The kitchen sofa...
Category
1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Swedish early 19th century Gustavian painted sofa
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish early 19th century Gustavian painted sofa circa 1810.
Stunning sofa in original paint. This would have been a day bed with a pull out section to the front, but it has since...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine, Paint
$4,804 / item
19th Century Swedish Sofa Circa 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning 19th-century Swedish sofa, circa 1800, crafted in the neoclassical tradition. This elegant piece is constructed from pine and retains its original painted finish, now soft...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Tabouret-Stool
Located in New Orleans, LA
A charming 19th century Swedish footstool with simple neoclassical lines, tapered legs, and worn painted finish—offering a subtle elegance and utility rooted in Scandinavian craftsm...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
Haga, Gustavian Style Armchair
Located in Allerum, SE
Limited edition reproductions by D. Larsson, inspired by the finest 18th - 19th-century Swedish furniture.
HAGA, a fine reproduction Gustavian barrel back armchair is influenced by ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Beech
$2,080 Sale Price / item
20% Off
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 ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Paint
$11,995 / set
Swedish Gustavian Style Gray Painted Sofa Bench with Raised Diamond Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style gray painted sofa bench from the 20th century with high back, raised diamond motifs and linen upholstery. This Swedish Gustavian style sofa bench captivates...
Category
20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Late18th century Swedish Period Gustavian Chairs 'The Swedish Model"
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of late 18th century Swedish period Gustavian chairs with hand scraped to its most original finish. This type of chair is called the Swedish model, oval back frame with carved r...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Paint
19th Century Swedish White Tabouret Stool
Located in Round Top, TX
This lovely Swedish stool has a decorative carved skirt resting on turned and fluted legs.
The antique white painted finish has been gently scraped and distressed fitting the age and...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Muslin, 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...
Category
20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Fine 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Corner armchair with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
This Gustavian corner " powder chair" features a beautiful original painting and has sticks in the back for added comfort. It stands on brass wheels, making it easy to move. A perfec...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Early 19th century painted Swedish Gustavian sofa
Located in London, GB
A nice painted Swedish Gustavian sofa with a typical high back from the early 1800s.
classic decorative border detail with turned wood finials either end.
Repainted over time in a ...
Category
1810s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Oak
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Painted Barrel Back Armchair
Located in Wichita, KS
A Swedish antique armchairs from the Gustavian period with a unique shaped barrel back, circa 1810. The frame features carved bell flowers with front legs adorned with lotus flowers ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Gustavian seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Gustavian seating for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gustavian seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Ephraim Stahl, Hendrix Allardyce, Boet, and Johan Hammarström. 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $295 and tops out at $27,600 while the average work can sell for $4,764.