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.
to
26
213
131
332
7
5
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
187
117
7
17
6
21
4
14
5
7
4
8
39,333
21,303
8,204
4,090
1,621
1,458
1,197
1,109
979
964
916
851
748
674
478
460
335
275
86
172
74
12
35
19
4
3
4
8
5
5
2
1
2
1
336
138
83
83
59
321
300
292
9
9
344
342
342
7
2
2
2
1
Style: Gustavian
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
Early 19th Century Late Gustavian pair of gilded stools, made in Stockholm
Located in SE
A pair of banquets made in Stockholm, Sweden, about 1810.
The banquetes are gilded, with sable formed legs. The legs corner are decorated with fleurons. As well as the sideboards, w...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
Gustavian Living Room Set Decorated With Bronze Ornaments From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
The Gustavian set you described is a beautiful and rare find, reflecting the elegance and craftsmanship of the 19th-century Gustavian style.
Gustavian f...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Bronze
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
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
Antique Genuine Swedish Gustavian Upholstered Armchair
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish gustavian upholstered armchair from the late 18th century, circa 1790. The armchair has a straight shape with hand carved woode...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Bench
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Gustavian Style bench. it was just restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White" The seating has also been restored and covered in Muslin.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$3,295
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
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
$3,309
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
1960s, Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Armchairs Newly Upholstered
Located in London, GB
These comfortable tub square armchairs are a classic Swedish design from the 1960s. They have been reupholstered in a light cream bouclé fabric and the walnut frames have been lacque...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
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
Swedish Unique Gustavian Style Bench
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very Unique Swedish Gustavian style bench, its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White" the seating has been covered in a tan linen
Category
1910s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
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
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
Vintage Swedish Modern Gustavian Dining Chairs - Fully Restored Set of Four
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautifully restored set of four vintage Mid-Century Swedish Modern dining chairs often referred to as “Forsa style” which is a graceful, refined take on the traditional spindle-back...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Bouclé, Hardwood, Lacquer
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 Style Bench Unique
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Very Rare and unique Swedish Gustavian style bench, it was just restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category
1910s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Chairs
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Pair of early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian style chairs.
Simply elegant, repainted in a soft grey. Reupholstered in linen.
Circa 1910.
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
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
19th Century Period Gustavian Pair of Benches Carved Rams Head and Hoof
Located in Miami, FL
19th century period Gustavian pair of benches, Savonarolas, carved rams head and hoof with original leather seat.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Walnut
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
Fine 19th Century Swedish Bench
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine 19th century Swedish bench From The Gustavian period in it's original finish. Can be used as a corner bench, long strait bench or two separate benches. Ca 1810 Sweden.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Four Vintage Louis XVI Style Dining Chairs
Located in Sheffield, MA
The four classic Louis XVI style dining chairs painted gold have fluted legs topped by squared rosettes, cane backs inset in ribbed frame...
Category
20th Century American Gustavian Seating
Materials
Hemp, Wood
$2,600 / set
Pair Of 20th Century French White Patinated Gustavian Upholstered Chairs
Located in High Point, NC
This pair of white patinated Gustavian upholstered chairs embodies the refined simplicity and symmetry characteristic of late 18th-century Swedish design. Crafted from wood with a so...
Category
20th Century French Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
19th century Swedish Gustavian set of (4) painted dining chairs
Located in London, GB
Wonderful set of Swedish C19th white painted High back chairs.
Their is a slight variance of height for (2) chairs.
93 cm / 98 cm
Please note one seat is missing, they are ready for...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Late 18th Century Gustav III White-Painted and Upholstered Chair
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A late 18th century Swedish Gustav III armchair, white-painted with carved floral details and reeded legs. The shield-form back and seat are upholstered in soft blue leather with bra...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood, Paint
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
$6,319 Sale Price
28% Off
Gustavian inspired 19th century Swedish pine bench
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Gustavian inspired 19th century Swedish pine bench circa 1890.
Elegant painted pine bench from the late 19th century, very much in the taste of the gustavian period.
Upright back w...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine, Paint
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
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
$15,000 / set
Gustavian Sofa, Early 19th Century
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an exceptional Early 19th Century Gustavian Sofa, c. 1800-1810. The sofa is in very good condition and it retains its original scraped surface. The raised center back panel f...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Oak
$6,360 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs with Original Paint Swedish Antiques
Located in Boden, SE
A pair of 19th century Swedish Gustavian chairs from Smaland, Southern Sweden.
Scraped by hand to its original paint.
The seats are upholstered in a linen fabric.
Nice model with ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
19th Century Pair of Swedish Gustavian Birch Chairs Attributed to Ephraim Ståhl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique pair of Swedish Gustavian armchairs made of hand crafted painted Birchwood, designed and produced most likely by Ephraim Ståhl in good condition. The Scandinavian side cha...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Metal, Brass
Vintage Gustavian Style Chairs by Walter E. Smithe Newly Reupholstered - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Gustavian Style Chairs by Walter E. Smithe Newly Reupholstered in Grey Patterned Alpaca Cashmere - Pair
Experience the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, as these ...
Category
Late 20th Century Gustavian Seating
Materials
Alpaca, Wood
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 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
18/19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Sofa by Ephraim Stahl Stockholm Gilded
Located in Epfach, DE
Swedish Late Gustavian Sofa by Ephraim Stahl, Stockholm circa 1800
This exquisite piece, a small sofa crafted by Ephraim Stahl in Stockholm around 1800, represents the refined elega...
Category
Early 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Bronze
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
$4,196 Sale Price / set
30% Off
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 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
$13,500 / set
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
Pair of Gustavian Style Armchairs Newly Upholstered in Christopher Farr Fabric
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Gustavian Style Armchairs Newly Upholstered in Christopher Farr "Carnival in Green" Fabric
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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
$2,450 Sale Price / set
30% Off
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
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
Swedish Gustavian Style Side Chair - 20th
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Swedish Gustavian Style Side Chair - 20th
Artist studio chair - Side chair
Swedish Gustavian-style slatted-back chair, dating from the early 19th century. This antique Swedish chair ...
Category
20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Footstools
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
A pair of late 19th Century Gustavian style footstools.
With decorative carved handles and curved legs. Repainted in soft grey and newly reupholstered in linen.
Circa 1880.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
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
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
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
A Swedish Gustavian Walnut Upholstered Salon Chair With Inlay & Ceramic Castors
Located in Reading, Berkshire
An Antique Swedish Gustavian Designed Walnut Upholstered Salon Chair With Decorative Inlay & Ceramic Castors 1800s
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Ceramic, Walnut
$1,620 Sale Price
52% Off
Pair of Antique Swedish Neoclassical Armchairs
Located in London, GB
An impressive and beautifully designed pair of antique Swedish neoclassical armchairs. They are in the Gustavian style, they were recently imported from Sweden and date from around t...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$6,280 / set
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
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 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
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
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 19th Century Late Gustavian Footstools
Located in Huntington, NY
A beautiful pair of Swedish Late Gustavian footstools. Featuring a decorative hand-carved Guilloché scroll with reeded fleurons on the corners. Turned legs are tapered and fluted. Su...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
$5,300 / set
Pair of 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
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.