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
Fine Pair of Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
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 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
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Armchairs by Johan Erik Höglander
Located in Huntington, NY
A stunning pair of Gustavian armchairs made in Stockholm and signed by Johan Erik Höglander (1758-1813). Arched shield back style with bow ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
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
Fruitwood, Upholstery, Silk
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
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
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
Swedish Gustavian Loveseat Sofa
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian loveseat sofa. it has been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White" All new cushion and Muslin added.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
Exceptional pair of 19th Century Gustavian Stools
Located in Allerum, SE
Exceptional and unusually large pair of early 19th century Gustavian stools in their original finish. Ca 1800 Stockholm, Sweden.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
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 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
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
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
Swedish Style Rams Head Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Style Rams Head Chair. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
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
Two Similar 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs by Johan Hammarström
By Johan Hammarström
Located in Huntington, NY
Two similar Swedish Gustavian chairs made in Stockholm. One chair by Johan Erik Höglander (1748-1813) and signed IEH. The other chair by Johan
Hammarström (active 1794-1812) and sign...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Pair of Gustavian Single Rose Carved Chairs with Carved Detailing
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
A set of 2 gustavian rose carved chair with hand carved single rose detailing to the top of the chairs. Antique off-white aged paint finish. Solid b...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Armchairs by Erik Öhrmark
By Erik Öhrmark
Located in Huntington, NY
A stunning pair of Swedish Gustavian armchairs made in Stockholm and signed (OEM) by Erik Öhrmark (1747-1813). In 1777 Öhrmark was granted the right, as a master chair maker, to prod...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Swedish Gustavian Axet Dining Chairs Grey Green Set of 4, 20th Century
Located in Lewes, England
Unusual early second half of the 20th century set of 4 Gustavian axet dining chairs in distressed paint finish with wheatsheaf motifs.
Lovely detail in the fluted legs and rosettes ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Footstools
Located in Huntington, NY
A pair of 19th century Swedish Gustavian style foot stools with detailed fleurons on the corners. The leg tops are finished with vertical reeded over-collaring atop turned and slight...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Exceptional 18th Century Swedish Daybed
Located in New Orleans, LA
Highly decorative 18th century Swedish daybed with original patina.
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
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
19th c. Set of Six Swedish Gustavian Period Chairs in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A set of six Swedish chairs from the Gustavian period in original paint, newly upholstered in antique linen. These beautiful chairs have curved splat backs, inspired by antique Roman...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
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
Bench Swedish Gustavian Style
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very unique Swedish Gustavian style bench with Storage compartment under the seat. The seating has been restored and covered in Muslin. and the bench has been painted with...
Category
1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Gray-Green Painted Gustavian Sofa
Located in Houston, TX
Gray-green painted Gustavian sofa circa 1790-1809, Sweden. Neoclassical style Swedish sofa, hand-carved in pine. Scraped back to layers of early gray-green over light gray-blue paint...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Upholstery, Wood, Pine
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs Original Painted "The Swedish model"
Located in Boden, SE
Early 19th century Swedish Gustavian chairs " The Swedish Model"
A beautifully pair of Gustavian chairs scraped by hand to its well preserved...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
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
Pair, Antique Gray Painted Gustavian Arm Chairs, Sweden, circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, gray painted gustavian arm chairs.
Turned fluted legs and decorative carving throughout, crowned with rosettes.
Restored, stable. Any scrat...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
Fine Pair of 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
Rare and fine pair of early 19th century Gustavian chairs in Chinese taste signed by master chair maker Ephraim Sthal (1767-1820) Supplier to the Royal Court and one of the most soph...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Style Settee with Lion Heads in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A beautiful 19th century Swedish barrel back sofa settee in the Gustavian style, newly upholstered in linen, circa 1890. Hand scraped to reveal the original paint. The frame features...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique 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
Swedish Gustavian Style 1900 Painted Wood Armchairs with Carved Aprons
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style painted wood armchairs from the early 20th century, with scrolling arms, carved waterleaf and rosette motifs and fluted legs. Created in Sweden duri...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
18th century Swedish original painted pair of Gustavian chairs
Located in London, GB
These late C18th chairs are a lovely example of Swedish Gustavian style.
The oval backrest has decorative cutouts and delicate carving to the top rim and the wood is painted in a typ...
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
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chair with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian chair from Burträsk Västerbotten, Northern Sweden. The chair is scraped by hand to its well-preserved original painting.
Beautifully carved pilasters ...
Category
1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Sofa Bench with Griffins in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A beautiful Swedish sofa bench in the Gustavian style with carved griffins, hand-scraped to the original paint and newly upholstered in linen, circa 1880. Exquisite carved detail thr...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
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
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
Good 19th Century Gustavian Sofa
Located in Allerum, SE
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 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
Pair of Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Gustavian armchairs. Ready for upholstered seat and back. Beautiful fretwork on back section. Carved detail throughout the frame with fluted ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Fine Pair of Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
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
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 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 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 century Swedish Gustavian Period Lindome Side Chair
Located in Charleston, SC
Gustavian period side chair, having the signature fruit and flower carving of the hops plant used by Lindome furniture makers. Hand scraped to the most original color and seat uphols...
Category
18th Century Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Bench Swedish Gustavian Style
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian style bench, The seating has been restored and covered in Muslin. and its been painted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category
1880s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
19th c . Swedish Gustavian Painted Stools Signed by Johannes Ericsson
Located in Wichita, KS
Beautifully carved pair of Swedish benches from the late Gustavian period, newly upholstered in linen with nailhead trim, circa 1830. Signed by Johannes Ericsson, 1803-1865, a chair ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Paint, Wood, Linen
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
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
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
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
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
Swedish Gustavian Round Stool
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian round stool, it has been restored and painted with milk paints "Oyster White". Seating recovered in Muslin. The seat spins around
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
Swedish Gustavian Style Berger Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of 2 Swedish Gustavian Style Berger Chairs They have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
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
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
Armchairs Gustavian 1780-1800 Swedish Gray Frame Brown Leather Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Armchairs Gustavian 1780-1800 Swedish gray frame brown leather, Sweden. A pair of armchairs made during the early Gustavian period in Sweden 1780-1800. Pa...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Sofa by Ephraim Stahl
Located in Huntington, NY
A sizable Swedish Late Gustavian sofa made in Stockholm by master furniture maker Ephraim Stahl (active 1794-1820). Signed ES on a back leg. Frames and sashes are decorated with upri...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
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
19th Century Gustavian Sofa Bench
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Gustavian sofa bench with original paint. Exquisite carving on the front and side panels and along the perimeter of the upholstered a...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Gustavian Painted and Parcel Gilt Canape or Sofa, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
Gustavian Painted and Parcel Gilt Canape or Sofa; having a shell carved crest rail above a padded back and a stuff-over seat, raised on cabriole legs, 19th Century. Re-upholstery is...
Category
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.