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.
to
24
213
131
332
7
5
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
187
117
7
17
6
21
4
14
5
7
4
8
39,329
21,292
8,208
4,090
1,621
1,459
1,196
1,109
979
965
917
852
748
674
477
460
334
274
86
172
74
12
35
19
4
3
4
8
5
5
2
1
2
1
336
138
83
83
59
321
300
292
9
9
344
342
342
7
2
2
2
1
Style: Gustavian
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
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Sofa Bench Tragsofa / 'Trägsoffa'
Located in Wichita, KS
This is a stunning 18th c. Swedish trag sofa bench Tragsofa / Trägsoffa (sofa bed) from the Gustavian period newly upholstered in linen, circa 1790. Shaped arms and beautiful guilloc...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
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
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
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
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
$4,854 / item
Swedish Gustavian Berger
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Beautiful Swedish Gustavian Berger, its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White" ALL seating is new and covered in Muslin.
Category
1880s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$1,495
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
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
An early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian sofa or bench in old paint.
Recently upholstered seat and bolster cushions in linen.
Circa 1810.
Category
1810s 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
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
Set of Twelve 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs includes 2 Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Twelve 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs includes 2 Armchairs were built to grace an elegant mansion in Sweden, now ready to add style, flair and timeless elegance ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Mohair, Elm
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
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 Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Pine
$6,967 / set
Antique Swedish Painted Long Bench newly upholstered in Chelsea Textiles Fabric
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique Swedish Painted Long Bench newly upholstered in Chelsea Textiles Fabric
Purchased in the South of France 2025
Very Sturdy and Strong
Just upholstered with all new insides....
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Antique Early 19th Century Gustavian Sofa / Bench, By a Swedish Cabinetmaker
Located in Odense, DK
A stunning antique late Gustavian sofa/bench, skillfully crafted by a talented Swedish cabinetmaker of the era. This exquisite piece showcases the hallmark elements of Gustavian desi...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
On Hold - Pair of 18th Century Gustavian Side Chairs with Original Paint from Li
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare and refined pair of period Gustavian side chairs from Lindome, Sweden, dating to the late 18th century. These chairs exemplify the graceful restraint of the Gustavian style, w...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
20th Century Swedish Sofa
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century Swedish sofa is a stunning example of Gustavian Revival design, blending timeless elegance with neoclassical sophistication. Its hand-painted frame features a soft ...
Category
20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Gustavian Bucket chair, made in Stockholm
Located in SE
A Swedish Gustavian Bucket Chair. Made in Stockholm about 1790.
Decorated with beautiful lion heads at the armrest and leaf shaped border.
The legs are elegantly carved.
Gently hand ...
Category
1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood, Birch
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
19th Century Louis XVI Gustavian style Salon Suite 1 Sofà 6 Chairs 2 Armchairs
Located in Vigonza, Padua
They can be sold separately.
-Sofa: measures cm. W 140, D 70, H 115/45 cm PRICE US$ 6,500.00
-2 Armchairs : measures cm. W 60 , D 60 , H 95/45 PRICE US$ ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Silk, Walnut
Fine 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine pair of raw 19th century Gustavian chairs with it's original padding, great carvings and patina. ca 1810 Sweden.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
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 Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Giltwood Fauteuil by Ephraim Ståhl, circa 1800
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An exceptional museum-calibre Swedish circa 1800 late Gustavian period armchair of neoclassical form by Swedish royal cabinetmaker Ephraim Ståhl (1768 -1820), the giltwood frame in o...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Giltwood, Paint
20th Century Swedish Bench
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant 20th-century Swedish bench showcases the refined craftsmanship and timeless simplicity characteristic of Scandinavian design. Constructed from carved pine, the bench fea...
Category
20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Beech
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...
Category
1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch, Linen
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...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$7,800 Sale Price / set
35% Off
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Sofa Bench in Original Paint, Signed Johan Lindgren
Located in Wichita, KS
A fine, period Gustavian sofa or settee from Stockholm, hand-scraped to the original paint, and newly upholstered with nail head trim, circa 1780. There are rosettes on the leg posts...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Armchair Swedish Gustavian 1775-1790 White Washed, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Armchair Swedish Gustavian 1775-1790 white washed, Sweden. An armchair made during the early part of the Gustavian period circa 1775-1790. A rounded open back...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Swedish Gustavian Open Arm Chair Upholstered in Linen
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
20th century Gustavian style chair crafted from solid fruitwood and painted in a charming oyster white finish. This chair is not only visually stunning but also robust and dependable...
Category
20th Century European Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Fruitwood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fine early 19th century Swedish Gustavian period sofa or daybed in Its original finish. circa 1810, Sweden.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Set of Six 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
Set of six fine 19th century Gustavian chairs with the original padding and muslin. dry scraped to reveal the original finish. Stockholm, Sweden ca 1800.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
$15,000 / set
18th Century Rococo Sofa Circa 1760
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Swedish 18th-century Rococo sofa, circa 1760, epitomizes the elegance and artistry of the Rococo period. Crafted from hand-carved wood, likely beech or pine, it features a paint...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Antique Swedish Sofa from the Gustavian Period, Hand-Made during the Late 1700s
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique sofa from the gustavian period around the late 1700s. The sofa has a hand-made frame in solid pine which has been dry scraped by hand down to the original, first laye...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
19th Century Swedish Grey Painted Settee/ Sofa with original Neoclassical Fabric
Located in Essex, MA
Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Grey Painted Settee
Of classic rounded form with a carved and painted frame, the molded crest rail over a tight upholstered back and loose goose down s...
Category
19th Century European Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Pair 1930s Swedish Chairs With Black Frames and New Upholstery
Located in Troy, MI
Found in France, this pair of Swedish armchairs date from the 1930s. Streamlined hardwood frames with a black painted finish and brass casters on the front legs. Chairs have tight ba...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Brass
Neoclassical Swedish Gustavian Style Lacquered Cabriole Sofa Settee
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sublime bespoke cabriole sofa, settee, or canapé made in the neoclassical Swedish Gustavian style. The sofa feature a gracefully curved cabriole style ha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Gustavian Seating
Materials
Brass
Pair of Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Oval Back Armchairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined pair of Gustavian style armchairs from Sweden, dating to the early 20th century and crafted in the neoclassical tradition. Each chair features an oval backrest with molded ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Beech
Fine pair of 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine pair of 19th century Gustavian (the Swedish Model) chairs in their original colour with great wear to the surface.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
$7,800 / set
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa Circa 1820
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant 19th-century Swedish Gustavian sofa, circa 1820, is a striking example of the timeless beauty and functionality of Scandinavian design. Crafted from pine, the sofa featu...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Pair of 19th Century Period Gustavian Klismos Chairs
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Pair of early 19th Century Swedish period Gustavian klismos chairs.
With carved detailing around the chairs and down the legs. Repainted in soft grey and upholstered in linen.
Circa ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
Pair, Gustavian Style Wingback Arm Chairs from Sweden, circa 1920-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Graceful with a romantic air, this pair of Gustavian style wingback armchairs have delicate carving along the skirt skirt and rest on turned fluted legs.
This pair of armchairs are r...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Daybed - Antique Freestanding Sofa Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian daybed made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The side rests of the Scandinavian Lit Du Jour are enhanced by uniqu...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
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...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Unique 100% Original Finish Swedish Gustavian Berger Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
This s a Unique 100% Original Finish Swedish Gustavian Berger Chair.
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Sofa
Located in Atlanta, GA
This charming Gustavian sofa, dating back to the early 1800s, is a stunning example of Swedish craftsmanship and design. The sofa has been meticulously scraped back to reveal its ori...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
19th Century Gustavian Swedish Sofa Bench
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century Gustavian Swedish sofa bench, newly upholstered with a hand-scraped painted finish circa 1800. Features decorative carved detailing including Griffons. This piece combin...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
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 Seating
Materials
Mahogany
$2,800 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Footstools by Ephraim Ståhl
Located in Huntington, NY
A beautiful pair of Late Gustavian footstools. In the style of Ephraim Ståhl. Rectangular frame with slight bowfront and back. Featuring a decorative hand-carved scroll with fleurons...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint, Fabric
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Rustic Gustavian Sofa with Original paint
Located in Boden, SE
Early 19th Century Antique Rustic Swedish Gustavian Provincial Sofa from Råneå Norrbotten ,Northern Sweden.
A beautiful Swedish Gustavian sofa ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
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.
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$15,000 / set
Pair of Gustavian Swedish Beige Upholstered Bergere Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Swedish Gustavian (18/19th Century) bergere armchairs with beige painted and carved frames in Neo-classic square form upholstered in beige fabric accented by a double-piped b...
Category
19th Century Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Birch
$8,160 / 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...
Category
1910s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$11,360 / set
Pair Of Painted Birchwood Swedish Gustavian Style Armchairs.
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair Of painted birchwood swedish Gustavian style armchairs. Sweden: circa 1900 provenance: Coconut Company, New York Acquired from the previous by the present owner
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Beech
Extraordinary 19th Century Gustavian Paint Decorated And Gilt Sofa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine and elegant example of the type of 19th century neoclassical Gustavian paint decorated square frame upholstered sofa. Paint decorated overall in pale gray with gilt details. ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century Large Swedish Gustavian Sofa with New Cushions
Located in San Angelo, TX
A beautiful, large and very rare large Swedish Gustavian sofa with new upholstered seat cushions added. This piece is very unique and rare with the grande scale and featuring side cu...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
18th Century Swedish antique genuine Gustavian armchair with original paint.
Located in Boden, SE
Armchair Swedish Gustavian 1775-1790 , Sweden. Called the "Swedish model" .An armchair made during the early part of the Gustavian period circa 1775-1790.
Scraped by hand to its we...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Pair, 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Armchairs
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, attractive Swedish country Gustavian style painted arm chairs with distinctive round back topped by carved rosettes.
Turned, fluted legs and carved accents along the skirt add ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Set of 10 Late Gustavian Chairs attributed to Ephraim Ståhl
Located in Ljungby, SE
Set of 10 exquisite late Gustavian Stockholm-made chairs from the early 19th century, attributed to the master chair maker Ephraim Ståhl. The front l...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
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.