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
19th Century Louis XVI Gustavian style Salon Suite 1 Sofà 6 Chairs 2 Armchairs
Located in Vigonza, Padua
They can be sold separately.
-Sofa: measures cm. W 140, D 70, H 115/45 cm PRICE US$ 6,500.00
-2 Armchairs : measures cm. W 60 , D 60 , H 95/45 PRICE US$ ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Silk, Walnut
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Sofa Bench in Original Paint, Signed Johan Lindgren
Located in Wichita, KS
A fine, period Gustavian sofa or settee from Stockholm, hand-scraped to the original paint, and newly upholstered with nail head trim, circa 1780. There are rosettes on the leg posts...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
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
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
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, Upholstery
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Armchairs with Muslin Fabric
Located in Round Top, 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
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
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
Rare pair of 19th Century Gustavian Faux Bamboo Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
Rare pair of early 19th century Gustavian faux bamboo chairs in their original finish. Ca 1810 Stockholm, Sweden.
The chairs are attributed to Ephraim Sthal. Supplier to the Royal ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Mid-18th Century Swedish Side Chairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Beautiful pair of mid-18th Century Stockholm made Rococo side chairs.
Dry scraped to original paint.
Category
Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Pine
$7,946 / 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
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
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
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
Original Painted Swedish Gustavian Sofa
Located in Hollywood, FL
This Original Painted Swedish Gustavian sofa was found at an Estate Auction in Stockholm Sweden. its 100% Original except for the restored seat...
Category
1810s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted & Gilded Antique Bench
Located in New Orleans, LA
An elegant Gustavian bench with a softly painted finish and refined gilded accents, featuring neoclassical carved details and fluted legs—capturing the restrained grandeur and lightn...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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
$6,800 / set
Swedish Gustavian Single Chair White Color Gold Detail, Early 1900s
Located in Lewes, England
This original Swedish Gustavian early 1900s chairs in probable original paint has highly carved detailing on the frame, arm and legs, unusual delicately fluted feet and wide seat
Th...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
$1,103 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
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
$993 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
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
19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Painted Bench, Trundle Bed
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Swedish Neoclassical Painted Bench ~ Trundle Bed is an amazing approach to practicality with style! The neoclassical influence in the design is readily apparent, with a ...
Category
1870s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
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
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Sofa with Lion Heads in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A beautiful 19th century Swedish barrel back sofa or settee in the Gustavian style, newly upholstered in linen, circa 1890. Hand scraped to reveal the original paint. The frame featu...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
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
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
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
$14,000 / set
18th Century Gustavian Chairs, Set of Six
Located in Ljungby, SE
Six Gustavian chairs featuring a bundled spindle motif on the backrests. The top rails are arched. The legs are connected by H-stretchers. The seats are removable. The chairs were ma...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$6,500 / set
Swedish Gustavian Giltwood Long Bench, circa 1805
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A rare and elegant circa 1805 Swedish late Gustavian period neoclassical long bench, the upholstered seat atop carved giltwood frame having tripartite curule leg supports connected b...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Giltwood
$6,875 / item
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
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
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
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Foot Stools in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A charming pair of Swedish benches from the early Gustavian period in original paint, circa 1780. These stools display beautiful carved egg and dart detail on the seat frame, rosette...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
$5,394 / set
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
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
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
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
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
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
Late 18th Century Transition Chairs in Original Color
Located in SE
A pair of transition chairs made in Stockholm about 1780:s. Chairs that are made between the rococo period and the gustavian period are called transition chairs. So for example the b...
Category
1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
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 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
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
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
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 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
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 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
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
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, 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
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 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
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
Set of Twelve 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs includes 2 Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Twelve 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs includes 2 Armchairs were built to grace an elegant mansion in Sweden, now ready to add style, flair and timeless elegance ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Mohair, Elm
A Set Of 2 Gustavian Style Chairs From 1880s
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of two Gustavian style chairs from 1880 is a beautiful expression of early European furniture art and aesthetics. Inspired by the Swedish Gustavian period, these chairs are ...
Category
1880s Danish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Unique 100% Original Finish Swedish Gustavian Berger Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
This s a Unique 100% Original Finish Swedish Gustavian Berger Chair.
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
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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