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
White Painted Gustavian Stool, Sweden circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
This lovely Swedish stool or tabouret has graceful legs and turned hand rests providing stability as well as balanced beauty.
The slightly distressed patina of the later antique whi...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
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
Maison Jansen, Swedish Louis XVI Style, Wood, Fabric, Lounge Chairs, 1940s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Maison Jansen, Gustavian, Louis XVI Style, Lounge Chairs, Grey Painted Wood, Fabric, 1940s
A pair of Gustavian Louis XVI lounge chairs from 20th century France. The Directoire style...
Category
1940s French Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Gustavian Leksand Swedish Dining Chairs Pair in Gilt, 20th Century
Located in Lewes, England
Pair of Swedish Gustavian dining chairs in the Classic Leksand style with the distinctive fluted legs and rosette detailing.
Unusually for Leksands which are a more country style,...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
$996 Sale Price / set
20% Off
19th Century Gustavian Stick Back Sofa
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century Gustavian stick back sofa is a stunning example of Swedish neoclassical design, offering both elegance and functionality. Characterized by its clean, architectural ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Pine, Paint
Pair of 20th Century Swedish Benches
Located in Atlanta, GA
This sophisticated pair of 20th-century Swedish benches showcases the timeless elegance of Gustavian design, combining neoclassical influences with Scandinavian craftsmanship. Constr...
Category
20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Pine
$6,950 / set
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...
Category
1850s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wool, Wood, Paint
100% Original Painted Swedish Gustavian Sofa
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a 100% original painted Swedish Gustavian sofa. the seating has been restored and covered in Muslin.
Category
1850s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
Pair of Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs "The Swedish Model"
Located in Boden, SE
A pair of early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs " The Swedish Model." from Skelleftea Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden.
Scraped by hand to the original color. Retouches are made...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
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
18th Century Giltwood Gustavian Bucket Chairs, Set of 4, Sweden, Circa 1790-1800
Located in New York, NY
18th Century Gustavian bucket chairs, set of four (4), giltwood, origin: Stockholm, Sweden, circa 1790 - 1800.
Elegant proportions, beautif...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Giltwood
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
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
Pair, White Painted Gustavian Style Armchairs, Sweden circa 1900's
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, Swedish white painted armchairs with carved details along edges, top of back and bottom of seat; turned fluted legs.
The newer, professionally applied antique white painted fin...
Category
20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Sophisticated Swedish Style Bench with Lovely Splayed Legs and New Upholstery
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Lovely Swedish style bench having beautifully sculpted shape, upholstered in a soothing greyish blue fabric, having elegant off white antiqued bleached splayed legs.
Category
1980s American Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Painted Barrel Back Armchair
Located in Wichita, KS
A Swedish antique armchair 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 a...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs with Original Paint Swedish Antiques
Located in Boden, SE
A pair of 19th century Swedish Gustavian chairs from Smaland, Southern Sweden.
Scraped by hand to its original paint.
The seats are upholstered in a linen fabric.
Nice model with ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Demilune Benches
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Grand pair of matching painted demi-lune form benches made in the Louis XVI Swedish Gustavian taste. The benches feature a painted frame with an intentionally aged, distressed patina...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Gustavian Seating
Materials
Brass
Long Early 19th Century Swedish Bench
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Early 19th Century long Swedish stool or bench with hand carved detail to front and both ends.
Traces of soft grey green original paint.
With traditional Swedish hand stitched ant...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Pine
18th Century Swedish Trag Sofa with Cushions
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite 18th Century Swedish Trag sofa is a beautiful blend of comfort and historical elegance. The sofa showcases the understated sophistication typical of Swedish design fro...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Canvas, Wood
A pair of early 19th Century Late Gustavian Armchairs
Located in SE
A pair of Late Gustavian Armchairs, made by Ephraim Stahl, who worked in Stockholm 1794- 1820. The armchairs are not signed.
Ephraim Sthal made several chairs and armchairs for the ...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
Gustavian Paint Decorated Storage Bench, New Wool Shearling, Sweden, 19th C.
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gustavian paint decorated storage bench, new wool shearling, Sweden 19th Century
Wonderful gustavian bench or daybed having a brand new white wool shearling/sheepskin upholstery ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wool, Wood
Set of 10 Gustavian Style Dining Chairs
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 10 Gustavian Style Dining Chairs
Category
20th Century European Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$5,004 / set
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...
Category
Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine, Paint
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Grey Painted Benches or Settees
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair Of Swedish Gustavian style grey painted benches
Complimentary delivery to most areas of London UK.
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
18th Century Gustavian Sofa
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
18th Century Gustavian sofa.
Scraped to original paint with exquisite carving and recently reupholstered in linen.
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
$8,523 Sale Price
20% Off
Fine Pair of Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
By Melchior Lundberg
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fine pair of Swedish early 19th century late Gustavian chairs in their original finish by master chair maker Melchior Lundberg (active in Stockholm 1795-1834) . Ca 1810 Stockholm, Sw...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
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 Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
$12,500 / set
Gustavian Sofa Ephraim Stahl attributed
Located in New York, NY
Antique Gustavian sofa attributed to Ephraim Stahl. Wonderfully carved Lion & Female busts, bulbous toped legs leaf toped, acanthus ornamentation throughout all signature details at...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
19th c. Pair of Swedish Gustavian Painted Barrel Back Armchairs with Lion Heads
Located in Wichita, KS
A pair of Swedish antique barrel back armchairs in the Gustavian style, circa 1880. These stunning chairs have shaped barrel backs with li...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
$10,320 Sale Price / set
25% Off
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
19th Century Danish Set of Six Antique Scandinavian Small Pinewood 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 Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Pine
Pair Of Gustavian Style Armchairs With Gilt Plume & Shell Motif
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of distressed white paint decorated armchairs with back splats having carved gilt plume and shell motif.
The chairs with inset carved geometric motifs, baluster form armrest sup...
Category
20th Century Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
18th C. Swedish Gustavian Settee or Bench c. 1790
Located in Charlottesville, VA
18th C. Swedish Gustavian Settee or Bench c. 1790. Having original paint. The beautifully foliate carved back supported by turned and foliate spindles over a rectangular seat with ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Gustavian, Italian Renaissance Style, Chair, Burlap, Distressed Paint, Giltwood
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gustavian, Italian Renaissance Style, Chair, Burlap, Distressed Paint, Giltwood
A Gustavian paint decorated armchair. The later burlap tweed upholstery added to this piece creates w...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Burlap, Wood
19th Century Period Gustavian Pair of Benches Carved Rams Head and Hoof
Located in Miami, FL
19th century period Gustavian pair of benches, Savonarolas, carved rams head and hoof with original leather seat.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Hendrix Allardyce Key West Caned Bergere Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sublime pair of bergere armchairs custom made by Hendrix Allardyce, Hollywood, CA. The bespoke chairs feature a large gracefully curved frame inset with double caned sides and back. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Cane, Beech
19th Century Set of Swedish Gustavian Armchairs Attributed to Ephraim Ståhl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A grey, antique Swedish Gustavian set of similar armchairs made of hand crafted painted Birchwood, designed and produced most likely by Ephraim Ståhl in good condition. The Scandinav...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Birch
Original Painted Swedish Gustavian Sofa
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Original Painted Swedish Gustavian Sofa. the seating has been restored and covered in Muslin.
Category
1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Berlin Iron
Swan Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of Swan Chairs, they have been restored and repainted with Milk paints "Oyster White" all the seating has been restored and waiting for you to put your finis...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$3,410 / set
Pair of Late 18th Century Gustavian Side Chairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of chairs made by master craftsman Johan Erik Hoglander in Stockholm (1750-1813). Considered to be one of Sweden's best chair makers during t...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Pair of 19th Century Late Gustavian Footstools
Located in Huntington, NY
A beautiful pair of Swedish Late Gustavian footstools. Featuring a decorative hand-carved Guilloché scroll with reeded fleurons on the corners. Turned legs are tapered and fluted. Su...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
$5,300 / set
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
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Klismos Chairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite pair of Klismos chairs hails from 18th-century Sweden, a period known for its emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and understated elegance in furniture design. The ...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Burlap, Wood
Antique 18th Century Large Gustavian Klismos Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Antique 18th century Gustavian Klismos chair. This design was developed by the Greeks in the 5th century BC. The Klismos chair has four curving...
Category
18th Century Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
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
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 Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
Swedish Gustavian Period Méridienne / Chaise in Original Paint, 18th c.
Located in Wichita, KS
A rare Swedish chaise from the Gustavian period with beautifully shaped seat in original paint. Egg and dart carved detail around the frame, rosettes on the leg posts with fluted rou...
Category
18th Century French Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Paint
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
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
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Stickback Settee
Located in Huntington, NY
A stunning Swedish Gustavian stickback settee. Rectangular back with vertical leaf cut detailing on upper frame topped by round finials. Back and sides are carved with a unique arrow...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Set of Six 19th Century Swedish Dining Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Six 19th century Swedish dining chairs feature classic, stylish lines that are tailored, yet cleverly engineered. The curvature of the seat back with three slats conforms to your back with comfort, and the seatback crown is curved and reverse-arched to enhance your comfort as well. The seatback uprights in the back curve gracefully backwards to the floor for added stability, with sturdy tapered and fluted front legs for stylish support. Notice the pegged mortise & tenon joinery, a sign of master craftsmanship! Relatively recently upholstered in a damascene...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Oak
$3,480 / set
Pair of Gustavian Stools
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of high-quality Gustavian works from Stockholm, signed by Johan Erik Höglander (Sweden, 1750-1813). The stools are elegantly curved on all sides, adding extra sophistication. ...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$5,500 / set
19th Century Swedish Classical Sofa
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
An unusual period Gustavian sofa with classical plaster decoration.
With rare lions paw feet and scraped to original paint. Newly upholstered in linen.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
$10,405 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Sofa Bench or Settee with Griffin Carvings in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A rare Gustavian style sofa with beautiful wood carved griffins, hand-scraped to the original paint and newly upholstered, circa 1900. Exquisite carved detail. The seat frame feature...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Pair of Fine Gustavian Style Paint Decorated Arm Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A particularly fine pair of Gustavian style armchairs. A pair of custom upholstered arm chairs with intentionally distressed paint decorated frames in bluish taupe. The carved palmet...
Category
20th Century Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of Eight 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Dining Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Eight 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Dining Chairs were very recently reupholstered in a high quality fabric and will make a great choice for your dining and ente...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs
Located in Huntington, NY
A pair of Swedish Gustavian chairs made in Stockholm by master craftsman Melker Falkberg (1746 - 1822). Stamped with Stockholm chairmaker's seal and maker signature. Scraped to their...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
$4,900 / set
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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