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
Set of Four Louis XVI Gustavian Style Painted Dining Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming set of four French dining armchairs made in the grand Louis XVI taste. Crafted from beech and featuring a Swedish Gustavian style white painted finish with a desirable aged,...
Category
20th Century French Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Dining Chairs Swedish Set of Four Gustavian Original Paint Green Sweden
Located in New York, NY
A set of four side chairs made during the Gustavian period in Sweden 1790-1810. The original paint in a grayish green which has a stunning patina. Rounded legs with channeled details.
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
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
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Sofa or 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
19th C. Swedish Continental Brass Mounted & Parquetry Inlaid Cherry Chairs, Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A magnificent pair of 19th century Swedish continental brass mounted and parquetry inlaid cherry chairs. Beaitiful inlay and parquetry work on backs.
very comfortable, firm seats w...
Category
1840s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Brass
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
Pair, Carved Gray Painted Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs, Circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
This impressive pair of Swedish Gustavian side chairs have stylish fluted saber legs and decorative carved braided trim throughout.
The newer professionally applied antique pewter gr...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Pair of 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fine pair of 19th century Gustavian chairs in secondary historical color and it's original padding, ca 1810 Stockholm, Sweden.
This particular model is called Bellman, after Carl M...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Leather Swivel Hairdressing Salon Chair, 1980s
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Vintage Leather swivel hairdressing salon chair from the 1980's. It was made in the former Czechoslovakia and used in a hair salon.
The armchair is functional, the hydraulics are wo...
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Gustavian Seating
Materials
Chrome, Metal
$524 Sale Price
20% Off
Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Dining Chairs W/ Beige Velvet - Set of 6
Located in Astoria, NY
A striking set of six Swedish dining chairs in the Gustavian style, sourced from Provence, France. Expertly handcrafted from solid wood, each chair features a distinctive square-shap...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
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
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, Pine, Wood, Upholstery
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
19th Century Swedish Painted Hall Bench, Trundle Bed
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Swedish painted hall bench ~ trundle bed is the perfect selection for the active family! By day, a handsome, country style hall bench ~ by nig...
Category
1880s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Swedish Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Swedish armchairs. Vintage pair of Gustavian style painted open-arm chairs with neoclassical details; recovered in camel silk velvet with matching silk cotton piping; carved...
Category
20th Century European Gustavian Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Giltwood
$10,400 / set
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Armchairs with Muslin Fabric
Located in Houston, TX
These are some of the most elegant Swedish chairs I have ever had. The original black paint peaks out from the light gray refreshed paint and they have new cotton muslin fabric.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century Gustavian Period Swedish Pine Bench with Storage
Located in Pasadena, TX
19th century Gustavian period Swedish pine bench with storage
This bench is a nice example of Gustavian furniture, the Swedish interpretation of French neoclassical design. Decor...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
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 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
19th Century Swedish Painted Hall Bench
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Swedish painted hall bench is a charming piece perfect for hallways, stairwell landings, or cozy room settings. The tailored lines crea...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine, Paint
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
$1,895 / set
Early Gustavian Sofa
Located in Hudson, NY
Early Gustavian (Swedish Rococo) sofa
with two bolsters and seat cushion.
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$11,500
Set of Four 18th Century Gustavian Period Chairs
Located in Charleston, SC
Family of four 18th century Gustavian period folk art chairs, Leksand model, with original patina and re-covered cushions in linen.
Note: One chair slightly different- please see the...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
$6,800 / set
Pair of Gustavian 18th Century Swedish Painted and Gilded Side Chairs
Located in Hudson, NY
This pair of nice old side chairs are of the period called Gustavian. This correlates to that time in Sweden between 1772 and 1809. These chairs were made circa 1790 and are typical ...
Category
Late 18th Century Finnish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
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
Grey Painted Swedish Settee with Shell and Foliate Carving
Located in Essex, MA
Grey painted Swedish settee with shell and foliate carving with turned stretcher bottom and gently curved legs. Off-white muslin seat cover. Measures: 44" H x 50.5" W x 21" D.
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Open Armchair
Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire
an 18th century Swedish open armchair displaying dry scraped paint. Featuring a pierced splat back, raised on, cabriole legs, united by a cross s...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fruitwood
Louis XVI, Gustavian, Armchairs, White Painted Wood, Scalamandre Fabric, 1890s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pair of 19th-20th century armchairs in a Scalamandre upholstery having a Swedish Finish. These French Louis XVI style chairs are wonderfully painted having fine carvings and are all ...
Category
1910s Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
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
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
1840s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Bench
Located in Huntington, NY
A rare and exceptional low Swedish Gustavian bench featuring leaf cut design on all four sides. Sits atop square, tapered and fluted legs. Meticulously scraped to its original grey p...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Pair of Hendrix Allardyce Key West Caned Bergère Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing pair of bergère armchairs custom made by Hendrix Allardyce. The bespoke chairs feature a large gracefully curved frame inset with double caned sides. Known as Key West chairs...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Cane, Beech
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
Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs w/New Linen Seats, 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian pair of slatted back side chairs from the early 19th century. These antique chairs from Sweden have straight top rails and slatted backs. The lines are mostly cle...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood, Linen
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
C18th century Swedish Gustavian painted & gilt chairs
Located in London, GB
From the late C18th this elegant pair of side chairs highlight Gustavian style elements.
The curved backs have delicate spindles with stylised wheat motifs and their tapered legs enh...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Bellman White Dining Chairs, Set of Six, Late 19th Century
Located in Lewes, England
Set of six late 19th century antique Swedish Gustavian Bellman dining chairs with webbed seats and lovely brass style detailing on backrest and at the top of the pyramid legs. Very h...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
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
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Sofa Bench or Settee in Original Paint, 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
Swedish Gustavian Sofa Couch Loveseat White Carved, Late 19th Century 3-Seat
Located in Lewes, England
Swedish antique Gustavian sofa in classic white finish with delicately carved detailing decorative front fluted legs and a central carved motif along the back.
Fine example of the l...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
$2,767 Sale Price
42% Off
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
$2,656 Sale Price / set
31% Off
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Footstools
Located in Huntington, NY
A rare pair of Gustavian footstools with Stockholm chairmaker’s seal on both. Frames are decorated with upright leaf cut. The corners meet in decorative medallions. The legs are fini...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
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
Gustavian Swedish Sofa
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Stunning 18th century Swedish sofa with original paint, 1810.
Seat height: 20" (51cm)
Dimensions:
84 inches (213 cms) wide
24 inches (61 cms) dee...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Oak
$3,389
Set of Four Swedish Gustavian Period Dining Chairs
Located in Southampton, NY
Set of four late Gustavian dining chairs in intricately carved decoration depicting leaves and grape vine. Fan shaped center is surrounded by intricate carving on sides. These chairs...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Gilded Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Vienna, AT
Sculpted and gilded wood. Gustavian armchairs, early part of the 19th century.
Scratches, marks, stains,
Complete restoration with new upholstery on request possible.
Category
1810s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$4,680 / set
Armchair Swedish Gustavian Dark Apricot Velvet, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Armchair Swedish Gustavian dark apricot velvet, Sweden. An armchair made in Sweden during the Gustavian period (1790-1810). Carvings on backrest and frieze in the shape of a so calle...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
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
Linen, Wood, Paint
Pair of 20th Century Gustavian Style Armchairs
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Pair of 20th century Gustavian style armchairs, repainted in soft grey.
Newly upholstered in linen.
Category
20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen
$4,538 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Klismos Chairs
By Erik Öhrmark
Located in Rīga, LV
An elegant pair of 18th Century Gustavian Klismos chairs are very comfortable and have wonderful proportion. The chairs have robust frame and s...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$26,213 / set
Swedish Gustavian Arm Chair Circa Early 1900's Painted Warm White
Located in London, Park Royal
A Swedish, Gustavian style arm chair from the early 1900's, carved in solid beech wood and hand painted in a warm white which has naturally aged to reveal some of the wood beneath. T...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Two Similar 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs 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
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
Unique Swedish Gustavian Style Armchairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Unique Swedish Gustavian Style Armchairs.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Muslin, Wood
Swedish Original Painted Stool
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
19th C original painted Swedish stool with carved detail. 1840.
Reference: 7535
Dimensions
22 inches (56 cms) wide
22 inches (56 cms) deep
22.5 inches (57 cms) high.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Bench
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Swedish Gustavian bench with carving around all sides and tapered square legs.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Swedish Neoclassical Carved And Painted Three Piece Salon Set
Located in Norwood, NJ
Hand carved Swedish Empire painted 3 piece salon set. Settee with two fauteuils armchairs. Beautifully carved details with urn form in elongated diam...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
18th Century Swedish Neoclassical Bench
Located in New Orleans, LA
This piece depicts cherubs holding torches on the backs of lions.
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style Unique Arm Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very Unique Swedish Gustavian Style Arm Chair. The seat is covered n Muslin. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Bench, Swedish with Griffons, 19th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
With significant size and presence, this armed bench has a long single seat and three separate upholstered back rests and upholstered arm rests. The elaborately carved wood is painte...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, 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.
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