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
Beautiful Set of 6 Period Gustavian Era Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
6 piece set of late Gustavian (circa 1800) era dining chairs with fluted legs and carved floret and leaf details on base and legs
Upholstered back an...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
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
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
18th century Swedish pair of Gustavian side chairs with carved flowers
Located in London, GB
A nice pair of Swedish painted Gustavian late c18th side chairs.
This desirable model have rounded backs with carved flower detail at the top and rosette corner decoration beneath t...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Oak
A Gustavian Bench with Beautiful Plaster Caryatid Decoration on the back.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Gustavian Bench with Beautiful Plaster Caryatid Decoration on the back and hand carved all around.
Category
1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Pine, Plaster
Antique 18th Century Large Gustavian Klismos Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Antique 18th century Gustavian Klismos chair. This design was developed by the Greeks in the 5th century BC. The Klismos chair has four curving...
Category
18th Century 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Fine Pair of Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fine pair of Swedish early 19th century late Gustavian chairs in their original finish by master chair maker Melchior Lundberg (active in Stockholm 1795-1834) . Ca 1810 Stockholm, Sw...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Two Similar 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs by Johan Hammarström
By Johan Hammarström
Located in Huntington, NY
Two similar Swedish Gustavian chairs made in Stockholm. One chair by Johan Erik Höglander (1748-1813) and signed IEH. The other chair by Johan
Hammarström (active 1794-1812) and sign...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
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
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
19th Century Swedish Louis XVI Painted & Caned Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Swedish Louis XVI Painted & Caned Sofa ~ Canape is the perfect choice for a cozy nook or entryway! Timeless styling is enhanced by the painted off-white finish which ha...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Cane, 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
foley&cox HOME custom "Whitfield Hall Bench"
By Foley & Cox
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
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
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Footstools by Ephraim Ståhl
Located in Huntington, NY
A beautiful pair of Late Gustavian footstools. In the style of Ephraim Ståhl. Rectangular frame with slight bowfront and back. Featuring a decorative hand-carved scroll with fleurons...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint, Fabric
Set of Eight 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Dining Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Eight 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Dining Chairs were very recently reupholstered in a high quality fabric and will make a great choice for your dining and ente...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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
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 Gustavian-style medallion chairs, late 19th century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of chairs with medallion-shaped upholstered backrests and upholstered armrests and seats. The beige paintwork with dark green accents is new and has been given a light antique p...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood, Fabric
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
Set of 8 Late Gustavian Chairs attributed to Ephraim Ståhl
Located in Ljungby, SE
Set of 8 exquisite late Gustavian Stockholm-made chairs from the early 19th century, attributed to the master chair maker Ephraim Ståhl. The front le...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
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
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
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Tub Chairs by Ephraim Stahl
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of Swedish neoclassical chairs attributed to Ephraim Stahl. Of typical Gustavian form with lion head arm ends and sweeping curved back. In very good structural condition.
Cond...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
Set of 4 Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Dining Chairs.English C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A delightful matching set of 4 English limed oak chairs.
They have been recently limed to enhance the beautiful grain in the wood.
The seats have been re-upholstered in hessian or...
Category
Early 20th Century English Gustavian Seating
Materials
Oak
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
Armchair Swedish Gustavian 1775-1790 White Washed, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Armchair Swedish Gustavian 1775-1790 white washed, Sweden. An armchair made during the early part of the Gustavian period circa 1775-1790. A rounded open back...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
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 Swedish Neoclassic Painted Footstools
Located in Essex, MA
Each with carved seat rail with set in seat raised on carved legs headed by paterae and tapered with reeded tassel and fluting joined by a turned X-form stretcher.
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Other
Pair of Swedish Veranda Chairs
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Pair of Gustavian style armchairs with decorative lyres on both sides.
These wonderful pair of chairs have been later painted and newly upholstered in neutral coloured linen.
Originally, these chairs were used as veranda chairs...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
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
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
Unique Antique Sofa Newly Upholstered and with Cut Decor
Located in Budapest, HU
This late Gustavian-style sofa is painted with bronzed accents and decorated with carved details. Newly upholstered in beautiful green fabric, it combines classic elegance with a fre...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Neoclassical Swedish Gustavian Giltwood Curule Leg 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
Pair Gustavian Style Linen Lounge Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Gustavian style linen lounge chairs. It has a painted wood frame.
Category
Early 20th Century Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
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
Early 19th Century Late Gustavian chair
Located in SE
Chair made in Sweden about 1800. The original and first secondary color give the chairs surface indigenous textures. The seat is original as well as the leather.
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
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.