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Gustavian Seating

GUSTAVIAN STYLE

With clean lines and muted colors, antique Gustavian furniture is understated and elegant. It represents a more restrained version of the transition from Rococo to neoclassicism that was happening in France under Louis XVI. The style developed under Swedish King Gustav III, who reigned from 1771 until his assassination in 1792, and his son Gustav IV, who ruled until 1809. Although Gustavian furniture is mostly used to refer to pale painted cabinets, commodes, armchairs and other items, it involved a range of influences.

Gustavian-style furniture was inspired by discoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum as well as the grandeur of European palaces like Versailles, with local softwoods such as pine and birch. There was also an emphasis on natural light; crystal chandeliers and large mirrors played a role in radiating the fleeting daylight of winter, giving it a distinctive aesthetic.

Where earlier furniture was curvy and florid, this new era was more architectural, with tapered and fluted legs and rectangular and oval shapes. Luminous gilt contrasted with the palette of soft blues on upholstery and painted surfaces. Leading furniture builders included Gottlieb Iwersson, Louis Masreliez and Erik Öhrmark. The latter, a French-born Swedish decorator, designed the Sulla chair, a seat that was demonstrative of technical skill and precise craftsmanship and drew on Greek klismos chairs. Masreliez’s Sulla chair was made by Öhrmark and featured decorative ornamentation produced by Jean-Baptiste Masreliez, Louis’s younger brother.

While the wealthy had furniture carved with neoclassical details like scallops and rosettes, more affordable options were adorned with faux finishes that mimicked marble and stenciled patterns. The simple elegance of Gustavian furniture would have a long impact on Swedish design, informing the 20th-century appreciation for function and form. In the 1950s, IKEA mass-produced copies of a Gustavian commode designed by cabinetmaker Georg Haupt, who created pieces for the Royal Palace, making the furniture a fixture of everyday Swedish life.

Find a collection of antique Gustavian seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Gustavian
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

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

19th century Swedish Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rustic Swedish bench embodies a simple yet charming Scandinavian folk design, likely from the 19th or early 20th century. Made entirely from solid wood, it features a timeworn, ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

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

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

Early Gustavian Bench with beautiful carved decoration all around.
Located in Washington, DC
A very early Gustavian Bench, scraped to its original color, with beautiful carved decoration all around. The bench lift up to underneath storage: 20 ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

C18th century Swedish rococo original painted carved shell detailed chair
Located in London, GB
A lovely C18th Swedish rococo single chair which is full of original character. It was made in 1760. The chair features carved shell detailing to the front of the seat and back, with...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Oak

Bespoke Gustavian Style Bench
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Stunning bespoke Swedish Gustavian style painted bench with reeded panels and decoration. Seat height - 17" This bench has been painted in an F&B Old White No.4 Reference: 8339 D...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Gustavian Seating

Materials

Pine

Pair of Elegant Gustavian Chairs in Original Paint, circa 1780
Located in Jesteburg, DE
Fine pair of Gustavian dining chairs, retaining their original paint.  
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood

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

foley&cox HOME custom "Whitfield Hall Bench"
Located in Hudson, NY
Hall bench with exposed frame detail. Front legs accented with antiqued brass mounts. Shown in medium espresso mahogany. Custom finishes also available in light cerused oak and mocha...
Category

2010s American Gustavian Seating

Materials

Brass

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

Pair of 18th Century Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of exceptional Gustavian armchairs crafted in Stockholm during the 1780s. These chairs represent the classic medallion-back style that was widely popular during the period. Th...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Carved-Wood and Upholstered Tub Sofa, Early 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish period Gustavian upholstered and carved-wood sofa from the early 19th century. This antique tub style sofa from Sweden features an elegantly arch...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Sofa Made In Oak From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
Crafted from oak in the Gustavian style, this sofa from the 1840s exudes timeless elegance and historical charm. With its gracefully curved arms and tapered legs, it embodies the neo...
Category

1840s Danish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Fabric, Oak

19th Century Swedish Sofa/Settee New Upholstery
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century Swedish Sofa/Settee New Upholstery Ready to Place
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of Four 19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Chairs
Located in Huntington, NY
A set of four 19th century Swedish Late Gustavian Ax (also known as Vase) chairs from Lindome featuring a balloon-shaped back with five vertical, interconnected slats. In the center,...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

Pair of Louis XVI Chairs, Signed by Georges Jacob
Located in SE
A pair of Medallion chairs (Louis XVI) Gustavian chairs made in France, Paris, by Georges Jacob. Paris most eminent and productive carpenter, lived ...
Category

1780s French Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood

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

Stool made in Stockholm about 1790
Located in SE
A Gustavian stool made in Stockholm about 1790. The stool is hand crafted with an elegantly leaf shaped border. The stool has fine originally paint with much of indigenous textures r...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood, Birch

6 Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 6 Swedish Gustavian dining chairs. They have been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White" the seating is new a...
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood

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

Set of Six Gustavian Chairs, Sweden, 1830
Located in Belmont, MA
A set of six Gustavian chairs, Sweden, 1830, birch veneer. The chairs are in good original condition. The chairs will be shipped from Germany. Th...
Category

1830s Scandinavian Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Birch

Early 19th Century chairs
Located in SE
A pair of Swedish chairs made about 1800. There are two pairs, so it is possible to get a set of four. Gustavian style was the leading style in Swedish architecture, decor and craft...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Pine

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

Original Painted Swedish Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 original painted Swedish Gustavian armchairs. The seating has been restored and covered in Muslin.
Category

1830s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Birch

Swedish Gustavian Armchairs Pair White Color Gold Detail Early 1900s A
Located in Lewes, England
This is a Classic pair of original Swedish Gustavian early 1900s armchairs in probable original paint with highly carved detailing on the frames , arm and legs, unusual delicately fl...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating

Materials

Birch

Pair of Gustavian Carved Canework Dining Chairs Natural Finish, Early 1900s A
Located in Lewes, England
Unusual early 1900s pair of Gustavian carved canework dining chairs in natural finish with fully webbed seats and lots of detail. The carved canework is really lovely with the delic...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating

Materials

Birch

Late 18th Century Gustavian Sofa
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Fantastic late 18th century Gustavian sofa. This lovely sofa has a great carved form which has been newly upholstered with simple ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Bench by Johan Lindgren
Located in Huntington, NY
A unique hourglass shaped Swedish Gustavian bench made by Stockholm master furniture maker, Johan Lindgren (active 1770-1800). His initials, ILG, can be found underneath. Frame is de...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Set of 4 Swedish Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 4 Swedish Gustavian armchairs. They have been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White" the seating is new and covered in Muslin.
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style Swedish Stool
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
19th century Swedish Gustavian style carved stool. Seat is in need of upholstery, 1880 Dimensions: 21 inches (53 cms) wide 18 inches (46 cms) deep 18.5 inches (47 cms) high. ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Pine

Pair of 18th Century Gustavian chairs, made in Stockholm
Located in SE
A pair gustavian chairs in original color, about 1780, made in Stockholm, attributed to Johan Lindgren, who became member of Stockholms chair mak...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Birch

19th Century Provincial Gustavian Chair
Located in Bozeman, MT
Good early 19th century provincial Gustavian chair in it's original condition with great patination. ca 1810 Sweden.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Pine

Swedish Painted "X" Rocking Bench with Linen Upholstery, circa 1930s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Swedish painted rocking stool that is newly upholstered in washed Belgium linen and finished with antique brass nailhead trim detail.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating

Materials

Brass

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Tub Chairs with Carved Campanula Friezes
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style painted wood tub chairs from the late 19th century, with curving backs, carved campanula friezes and waterleaf motifs. Created in Sweden during the last decade of the 19th century, each of this pair of tub chairs captures our attention with its Neoclassical lines and delicately carved motifs. A curving back comes to rest on a rectangular seat which is ready, like the back for reupholstery. The apron is adorned with a delicate campanula frieze running on three sides. Each chair is raised on two cylindrical tapering legs in the front, carved with waterleaves and two saber legs in the back. They are all accented with carved rosettes on the knees and are painted in a soft color typical of the Swedish taste for light palettes aiming at brightening the rooms during the dark winters of Scandinavia. The Gustavian style takes its roots in the Louis XVI era. Swedish King Gustav III resided in 1771 in Paris, at the beginning stages of the Louis XVI style. There, he was inspired by French art and fashion. With that in his luggage, he had a strong desire to introduce something similar in Sweden. The country had fine craftsmen with high quality craftsmanship, who produced a simple style with harmonious aesthetics. The Gustavian style was born and has been in vogue ever since. It is incredibly popular, especially in England but also in France and in the USA. With their elegant Gustavian style lines and skillfully carved motifs, this pair of Swedish tub...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood

Swedish Antique Rocking Chair 6 Legs 19th Century Hand Painted Black Gold
Located in Bochum, NRW
Antique Black Swedish Rocking Chair with Original Black Paint, Late 19th Century The chair is in excellent condition, given its age and use, showing minimal signs of time and use—nor...
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood

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

Pair of 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant pair of 20th-century Swedish Gustavian-style chairs embodies the refined simplicity and timeless charm characteristic of this classic design era. Crafted from painted pi...
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Pine, Paint

Traditional early 19th century Swedish small armchair
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Rustic early 19th century Swedish child's chair circa 1820. Beautiful rustic piece of Swedish rural furniture.  Presented in its original condition.  Although listed as a child's ch...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Pine, Paint

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

Gustavian Sofa or Bench
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a very good example of a Gustavian Sofa or Bench that dates to the end of the 18th century or beginning of the 19th century. The sofa is in overall good to very good original condition. It retains its scraped old surface with a wonderful deep natural patina. The arms are slightly outward bent in a neoclassical style. The cartouche over the central section displays a pair of neoclassical opposing sphinxes and is a reference to Napoleon's late 18th century campaign...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Pine

Gustavian Sofa or Bench
Gustavian Sofa or Bench
$8,950 Sale Price
22% Off
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs Attributed to Ephraim Ståhl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A grey, antique Swedish Gustavian pair of armchairs made of hand crafted painted Birchwood, designed and produced most likely by Ephraim Ståhl in good condition. The Scandinavian Neo...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Birch

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

Walnut, Silk

Mid-Century Desgn Safari Chair by Hyllinge Møbler Denmark, 1970’s
Located in Delft, NL
Mid-century desgn safari chair by Hyllinge Møbler Denmark, 1970’s.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Gustavian Seating

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Set of Twelve Louis XVI Gustavian Style Painted Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Glorious set of twelve Swedish dining chairs crafted in the Louis XVI Gustavian taste. The chairs feature beech frames that have been painted or glazed with an intentionally distress...
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating

Materials

Fabric, Beech

19th Century Swedish antique genuine Gustavian Bellman Chair Original paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish Gustavian "Bellman Chair" The Bellman Chair is very genuine with untouched original paint. These antique chairs from Sweden has an airy design Quality to them wi...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Pine

Swedish, Gustavian Bucket Chairs, about 1800
Located in SE
A pair of Swedish Gustavian Bucket Chairs. Made in Stockholm about 1800. Attributed to Ephraim Ståhl who was operative between 1794–1810. De...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood, Birch

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

Pair, Gustavian Style Wingback Gray Chairs, Sweden circa 1920-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Graceful with a romantic air, this pair of Gustavian style wingback armchairs have delicate carving along frame,crown and skirt and rest on cabriolet legs. This pair of arm chairs ar...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

19th Century Grey Danish Gustavian Set of Eight Scandinavian Dining Room Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Danish set of six side chairs and two armchairs in a chalky grey finish made of hand crafted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian chairs have a rounded backrests and a centered floral decoration, possibly Denmark. The seats have been newly created in a cotton fabric with a Vichy checker pattern combining dark blue grey and light grey. Wear consistent with age and use, circa 1880, Scandinavia. Armchair 39" H x 23" W x 18.5" D; Seat 19...
Category

Late 19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Pine

Pair of Pickled Wood Swedish Style Tub Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Gustavian style tub armchairs with painted finish showing natural wear, each arched and bowed channeled backrest carved with gadrooning and upholstered with Rococo-print line...
Category

20th Century Gustavian Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

A Swedish Walnut Upholstered Salon Chair With Inlay & Ceramic Castors
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Swedish Gustavian Designed Walnut Upholstered Salon Chair With Decorative Inlay & Ceramic Castors 1800s
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

19th Century Set of 12 Side Chairs Circa 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
This set of 12 19th-century side chairs, circa 1880, exemplifies the refined elegance of Swedish design from the late 19th century. Each chair features a gracefully curved frame craf...
Category

19th Century European Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Pine

Pair, Gustavian Style White Painted Stools, Sweden circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
This lovely pair of Gustavian style Swedish stools are a special find due to their size. They each rest on tapered fluted legs while intricate carving along the skirt also adds an el...
Category

Late 19th 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

Gustavian, Dining Chairs, Spindle Back, White Paint, Giltwood, Blue Fabric
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gustavian, Dining Chairs, Spindle Back, White Paint, Giltwood, Blue Fabric Set of 5 white distressed paint decorated and gilt gold Gustavian Style side chairs. Each seat with new u...
Category

Early 20th Century Argentine Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Pair of Swedish 1910s Painted Wood Armchairs with Carved Splats and Stretchers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish painted wood armchairs from the early 20th century, with carved splats, serpentine arms and black fabric. Created in Sweden during the early years of the 20th centu...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating

Materials

Wood, Fabric

19th C. Rococo Gustavian Ebonized and Partial Gilt Upholstered ArmChairs, Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Rococo Gustavian / Swedish Arm Chairs for him and her. Light greenish. Measures 21"W x 22"D x 32H. Seat height is 17" and arm height is 23" and 22". Seat interior width 17"...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood, Giltwood

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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