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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
Neoclassical Style Swedish Grey Gustavian Storage Sofa Hand Carved
Located in Essex, MA
Classic Swedish Gustavian grey-painted hand-carved bench/ sofa with storage. One missing ball finial has been replaced and painted to match. Sorry, not in the photos. Simple Swedis...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

19th Century Swedish Gray Gustavian Bench
Located in Round Top, TX
This lovely bench is a wonderful example of Swedish Gustavian craftsmanship with turned finials and feet, slat back and egg and dart carving adding to its timeless appeal. The gray p...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Linen, Pine, 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

Long 19th Century Swedish Bench
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
19th Century Swedish long stool or bench. With hand carved detail to front and both ends with traditional Swedish hand stitched antique linen upholstery. Re-painted in soft blue. ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Pine

Pair of 19th C. Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Swedish 19th Century Barrel Back Gustavian Chairs.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood

Good 19th Century Gustavian Sofa
Located in Bozeman, MT
Good early 19th century Gustavian sofa in Its original colour and newly upholstered. Ca 1810 Sweden.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Pine

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Gilt and Painted Wood Armchairs
Located in Bradenton, FL
Beautiful Rare Pair of Swedish Gilt and Painted Wooden Armchairs, ca. 1790. Exquisitely carved scrolled and curved frame with distal part of each arm terminating into gilt eagle head...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Textile, Wood

18th Century Gustavian Daybed
Located in New Orleans, LA
This Gustavian daybed is a timeless example of Swedish neoclassical design, inspired by the refined aesthetic of 18th-century France but adapted with a lighter, more understated eleg...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood

Gustavian inspired 19th century Swedish pine bench
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Gustavian inspired 19th century Swedish pine bench circa 1890. Elegant painted pine bench from the late 19th century, very much in the taste of the gustavian period. Upright back w...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Pine, Paint

Antique Pair of Swedish Gustavian Bergère Chairs in Old Paint Unrestored c1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Pair of Bergère Chairs from Sweden in the classic Gustavian style of furniture. Gustavian furniture was a leading style in Swedish architecture and interior decor during the reign of King Gustav III of Sweden. Gustav was heavily inspired by French Neoclassicism style and actually spent time at the Palace of Versailles. In addition to his official government duties, King Gustav was a patron of the arts and had a keen eye for all things related to design and decoration. Our pair of Swedish Gustavian Bergère chairs design is clearly derived from the French Louis XV style. Use the chairs as is or reupholster in your choice of fabrics. The Gustavian pair of Bergère chairs frames...
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

6 equal chairs, early 19th Century, Late Gustavian, made by Ephraim Sthal
Located in SE
6 Late Gustavavian chairs made by Ephraim Ståhl. The chairs are beautifully hand carved with nail clippers and leaf shaped decorations. The chairs are made by Ephraim Stahl, who wor...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Birch

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Upholstered Bench
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Upholstered Bench. Hand painted and hand distressed wood bench fully upholstered in a neutral linen textile. Wonderful addition to any style home, use...
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood, Pine

Pair of 18th Century Late Gustavian Stools
Located in Ballard, CA
Pair of late Gustavian X-framed stools with lion feet, circa 1770. Original paint.unique pair of Gustavian stools, made in Sweden circa 1770. ...
Category

Late 18th Century Austrian Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Silk, Upholstery, Fruitwood

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

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

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Armchair with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
18th Century Swedish Gustavian armchair from Lindome, Southern Sweden. A beautiful well carved chair with nice details & in form of flowers & leaves . Handscraped to its well prese...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Pine

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

Pair of Gustavian Light Gray Painted Stools
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Gustavian stools circa 1810. Scrapped back to remnants of gray paint. Sold together and priced $6,800 for the pair.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Cotton, Upholstery, Pine

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

Circa 1800s set of six Swedish painted oak Provincial Gustavian dining chairs
Located in London, GB
A set of (6) Gustavian chairs of wonderful quality with rounded backs, open work, and cut decoration.The seats are removable and upholstered in woven horse tail hair. The oak is from...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Oak

Swedish Gustavian Giltwood "Tub" Armchair Attributed to Ephraim Ståhl
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Swedish Gustavian giltwood so called "tub" armchair attributed to Ephraim Stahl (1768-1820). Made in Stockholm, circa 1810.
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood

19th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Sofa Bench in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A long 19th c. Swedish sofa bench from the Gustavian period, hand-scraped to reveal the original paint, circa 1800. This beautiful sofa has been newly upholstered in linen and has un...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

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

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

Original Painted Swedish Gustavian Sofa
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a 100% original painted Swedish Gustavian sofa. it has new cushion seating covered in Muslin. This sofa was found at an Auction ...
Category

1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Pine

Gustavian Sofa in Pink Linen
Located in Faversham, GB
A wonderful Swedish sofa in Gustavian style made of Scots Pine. The seat ends collapse, allowing the bench to fold down into a flatbed, which extends the length of the sofa and prov...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating

Materials

Linen, Upholstery, Pine

Gustavian Sofa in Pink Linen
Gustavian Sofa in Pink Linen
$4,041 Sale Price
25% Off
Pair of 19th C. Swedish Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 19th century Swedish style painted armchairs. The chairs stand on four straight fluted legs. There is a carved laurel leaf design at the top of the chairs. The chairs are new...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th C. Swedish Armchairs
Pair of 19th C. Swedish Armchairs
$2,100 Sale Price
40% Off
Set of 8 Mid Century Swedish Gustavian Style Dining Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted for those who appreciate the elegance of mid-century design, this set of 8 Gustavian style dining chairs offers a blend of sophistication and comfort. Each chair is a testame...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Swedish Gustavian Period 1780s Painted Wood Sofa with Carved Crest and Apron
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period painted wood sofa circa 1780 with carved crest, tall arms with finials, carved apron and cylindrical fluted legs. Step into the elegance of the Swedish Gus...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Barrel Back Sofa
Located in Charleston, SC
Swedish, 19th century barrel back sofa settee in Gustavian style with beautifully carved frame with bell flower carvings. Richly carved front legs with lotus flowers and rosettes. Sc...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Paint

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

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Settee
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century Swedish Gustavian-style settee exemplifies the elegance and simplicity of Scandinavian design. Crafted from pine, the settee features a soft, distressed white finis...
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating

Materials

Pine

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 Seating

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Pine, Cotton

19th Century Three Swedish Gustavian Chairs with Untouched Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century three Swedish Gustavian chairs with untouched originalpaint from Boden Norrbotten,Northern Sweden. Pleasent charming model with unusually fine hand carved urn in the ba...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Pine

18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Blue 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 wearing blue paint and newly upholstered in linen, circa 1790. Shaped arm...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

18th Century Set Six Swedish Chairs Gustavian Period
By Melchior Lundberg
Located in Madrid, ES
A set of six elegant and exceptional Swedish chairs from the Gustavian period, two of which are marked by Melchior Lundberg, a chairmaker in Stockholm (1714-1816). Woodcut decoration...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Pine

Antique Genuine Swedish Gustavian Upholstered Armchair
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish gustavian upholstered armchair from the late 18th century, circa 1790. The armchair has a straight shape with hand carved woode...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Pine Hall Bench - Antique Scandinavian Wood Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 18th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian Fållbänk, hall bench made of hand crafted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian three seater pull-out wood sofa has a tall curved ba...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Metal

Rare Period 1740-60s era Swedish Gustavian Baroque Bergere Chair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Carved distressed painted frame. Upholstered. 41 1/2" h x 26 3/8" w x 23 1/2" d. Seat height 20 1/4". Condition Splits in wood. Paint loss. Chips and nicks in wood. Minor stains to ...
Category

1740s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Walnut

Swedish Gustavian White / Gray Painted Sofa Bench. Light Blue Fabric
Located in Kastrup, DK
Swedish gustavian armed bench or sofa. Carved frame in light gray painted birchwood with natural age-related patina. Features a long single seat with coil springs, upholstered w...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Fabric, Beech

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

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

Large Swedish Trag Sofa/Bench, 18th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
Long trag bench from Sweden. Beautiful finish in shades of blue, nicely distressed. Upholstered in flax linen.
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood

Set of 12 Antique Painted Gustavian Dining Chairs
Located in Nijlen, BE
Impressive set of 12 Swedish Gustavian chairs. In a warm grey paint with clear signs of age. Pure simplicity and craftsmanship. In very nice condition, all very sturdy. Unique large ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Ash

19th Century Pair of Swedish Gustavian Birch Chairs Attributed to Ephraim Ståhl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique pair of Swedish Gustavian armchairs made of hand crafted painted Birchwood, designed and produced most likely by Ephraim Ståhl in good condition. The Scandinavian side cha...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Metal, Brass

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

Small White Swedish Stool or Footrest, circa 1900's
Located in Round Top, TX
This petite Swedish stool or tabouret has a yoke shaped base with applied carved flower medallion. The distressed patina of the later antique white painted finish adds to the charm. This small stool or footrest still has the original worn and stained embroidered upholstery which will be easy to reupholster. Seat frame is strong, stable, and ready to be used and enjoyed. All scratches, cracks, dings, or age related separation are commensurate with age and do not detract from the beauty nor function of this Swedish tabouret...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

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 of 19th century Swedish carved gilt armchairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of 19th century Swedish gilt and ebonised armchairs circa 1860. Pair of fine quality shaped back gilt armchairs. Unusual shaped back with ebonised leaf detailing contrasting wi...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Giltwood

Pair of Louis XVI Stools, Late 18th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of square stools with elegant tapered and fluted legs, accented by protruding corners and a delicate ribbon decoration on the apron. The seats are upholstered in green velvet, a...
Category

Late 18th Century European Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Velvet, Softwood

Set of Four English Painted Pine Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
These English painted pine dining chairs - with vague Gustavian references - feature straight, slatted backs held with squared handrails and stiles. Well-patinated, the layers of gol...
Category

19th Century English Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Pine, Paint

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 Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair Gustavian Style Square-Back, Cane Painted Side Chairs by John Widdicomb
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful pair of Gustavian style painted wood, square-back cane and upholstered side chairs by John Widdicomb Co. of Grand Rapids, Michigan. USA, Circa 1950s Solid sculpted wood...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Gustavian Seating

Materials

Hardwood

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

Pair, White Swedish Gustavian Armchairs, circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, Swedish Gustavian armchairs with a gently curved tub back and saber back legs, adding to the graceful appeal of each. Fluted turned front legs and decorative carving embellish ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

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

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

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

Pair of 19th Century Gustavian Bellman Chairs
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Pair of unusual 19th Century Gustavian Bellman armchairs. Scraped to original colour in newly upholstered in linen, these chairs have had some minor restoration over the years.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century Gustavian Bellman Chairs
Pair of 19th Century Gustavian Bellman Chairs
$4,328 Sale Price / set
32% Off

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.

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