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.
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Chairs Signed Carl Johan Wadström, Stockholm, Circa 17
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare pair of period Swedish Gustavian chairs, signed by Carl Johan Wadström (active 1758–1816) and manufactured in Stockholm circa 1790. Wadström is a documented cabinetmaker of th...
Wood
$13,500 / set
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...
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Louis XVI Neoclassical Stools, Reupholstered Silk, Circa 1900
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Antique Louis XVI Neoclassical style stools reupholstered in a neutral Scalamandre silk fabric. The carved wooden frame features a frieze apron and straight fluted legs with ...
Silk, Wood
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...
Wood
Pair of 20th Century Swedish White Painted Pine Stools or Tabourets
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of 20th century Swedish stools or tabourets, crafted in pine with decorative carved details throughout. Carved hearts accent the sides, while arched elements, gently curved arms...
Linen, Pine, Paint
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...
Fabric, Walnut
Set of Eight 20th Century Gustavian Style Dining Chairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A beautiful set of eight 20th Century Gustavian style dining chairs. These attractive chairs have a later decorative aged painted finish and the drop in seats are covered in a lined...
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Stool
Located in Atlanta, GA
Made in Sweden around 1810, this Gustavian stool shows the restrained neoclassical character of the style. The Gustavian style, the Swedish interpretation of neoclassicism, is expres...
Linen, Wood
Swedish Pair of Louis XVI Style Stools Late 19th Century
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Fabulous pair of late 19th century Swedish Gustavian stools featuring the regal motifs of Louis XVI, toned down by the painted white frames. Firm but comfortable seats are presently ...
Gold Leaf
Swedish Gustavian Daybed Sofa, Hand-Carved, 19th Century
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A refined late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian daybed crafted in hand-carved Pinewood, in good original condition. This elegant antique sofa reflects the hallmark characteristics of t...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Late 18th Century High Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of high Gustavian armchairs crafted in Sweden during the 1780s. These chairs feature a straight design with square legs. The top rail is adorned with a hop vine motif, with tr...
Wood
Pair of Swedish Empire Painted Klismos Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
A handsome pair of Swedish Empire- Gustavian painted klismos armchairs, crafted in the first quarter of the 19th century and retaining a beautifully worn gray painted finish with an ...
Linen, Wood
$1,020Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid-Century Italian Side Chairs W/ Swedish Gustavian Styling Faux Chintz - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of mid-century carved Italian side chairs that have Swedish / Gustavian styling. The fabric is an oiled cloth in a faux chintz. The frames are an antique white with a ...
Upholstery, Poplar
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa Recovered in Contemporary Velvet
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Late 19th Century Swedish distressed painted Gustavian sofa. Circa 1880. The loose cushions re-covered in a funky velvet and the paintwork dry scraped back for a cleaner Contemporar...
Pine, Paint
Gustavian, Lounge Chairs, Grey Paint Decorated, Fabric, Sweden, 19th c.
Located in Stamford, CT
Gustavian, Lounge Chairs, Grey Paint Decorated, Fabric, Sweden, 19th c. Pair of 19th century Swedish paint decorated armchairs. Each in a nice complimenting upholstery on gray and w...
Fabric, Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style 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 with Musln.
Muslin, Pine
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Original Gray Painted Pine Bench
Located in Round Top, TX
19th century Swedish Gustavian bench, crafted in pine with a heavily distressed original painted finish. The overall appearance is light gray with antique white undertones, along wit...
Metal
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 ...
Pine
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...
Pine
Pair of 20th Century Swedish Gray Painted Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of 20th century Swedish Gustavian-style armchairs with carved wood frames and older salmon/pink patterned upholstery. Carved details are found throughout the arms, backs, and sk...
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
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$ ...
Silk, Walnut
Antique Swedish Baroque Double Chair-Back Settee in Grey Painted Wood
Located in Essex, MA
Antique Swedish Baroque Double Chair-Back Settee in Grey Painted Wood with Gingham Upholstery, 18th–19th Century A wonderfully characterful Swedish double chair-back settee, dating...
Wood
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"...
Upholstery, Hardwood, Giltwood
20th Century Swedish Sofa
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century Swedish sofa is a stunning example of Gustavian Revival design, blending timeless elegance with neoclassical sophistication. Its hand-painted frame features a soft ...
Pine
Pair, Early 20th Century Swedish White Gustavian Tabouret Stools
Located in Round Top, TX
This lovely pair of Swedish pine stools or tabourets have gently curved, saber legs which add an elegant touch to the pair. The soft patina of the newer white painted finish adds to ...
Muslin, Pine, Paint
$2,106 / set
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Footstools
Located in Madrid, EX
Pair of Gustavian Stools Painted wood. Purple velvet Sweden, circa 1820 Height 48.5 cm, width 50.5 cm, depth 39 cm Pair of Swedish stools in carved and painted wood, with a slightly...
Velvet
Pair of 19th century Swedish carved gilt armchairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of 19th century swedish gilt and ebonised armchairs circa 1860. Pair of fine quality shaped back gilt armchairs. Unusual shaped back with ebonised leaf detailing contrasting wi...
Fabric, Giltwood
Swedish Gustavian Tragsofa, circa 1790
Located in Huntington, NY
An intricately carved Swedish Gustavian tragsofa featuring a decorative hand carved Guilloché scrolling apron. Decorative fleurons sit atop fluted tapered legs. This piece has been t...
Wood, Paint
Pair of Elegant Gustavian Chairs in Original Paint, circa 1780
Located in Jesteburg, DE
Fine pair of Gustavian dining chairs, retaining their original paint.
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. ...
Fabric, Cane, Beech
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Settee with Fortuny Upholstery
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Swedish Gustavian painted settee, 19th C, the curved barrel back sweeping into downswept arms with fluted supports, the frieze carved with a guilloche band above laurel molding with ...
Fabric, Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Backless Bench Settee
Located in Round Top, TX
This backless sofa or settee is from the Swedish Gustavian period with carved details and fluted tapered feet. Please enlarge and examine the close up photos to appreciate the carved...
Fabric, Wood, Paint
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...
Oak
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"
Wood
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...
Oak
Pair Early 20th Century Swedish Pine Taboret Stools with Egg and Dart Carving
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of early 20th century Swedish taboret stools crafted in pine. Each stool features turned, tapered, fluted legs and carved detailing along the skirt. Decorative carving includes ...
Muslin, Pine, Paint
Hans Olsen Loveseat, Cream Boucle, Dark Wood Frame, 1960s Danish
Located in High Point, NC
This piece presents as a loveseat/sofa, distinguished by cream boucle upholstery, dark wood frame legs. Originating in Denmark during 1960s, it shows the construction techniques typi...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Gilt and Painted Wood Armchairs
Located in Bradenton, FL
Beautiful Rare Pair of Swedish Gilt and Painted Wooden Armchairs, ca. 1790. Exquisitely carved scrolled and curved frame with distal part of each arm terminating into gilt eagle head...
Textile, Wood
Circa 1800s painted Gustavian side chair with decorative flower carving
Located in London, GB
Delightful painted late c18th Swedish Gustavian chair. Retaining much of its original paint there is a decorative carved wood flower at the top of the back and its drop in seat has ...
Wood
$5,700 / set
Swedish Gustavian Footstools, circa 1800
Located in Huntington, NY
A beautiful pair of Swedish Gustavian footstools. Featuring a decorative hand-carved Guilloché scroll with reeded fleurons on the corners. Turned legs are tapered and fluted. Support...
Linen, Wood, Paint
Swedish Gustavian Méridienne / Chaise in Original Paint, 18th c.
Located in Wichita, KS
A rare Swedish chaise from the Gustavian period with beautifully shaped seat in original paint. Egg and dart carved detail around the frame, rosettes on the leg posts with fluted rou...
Fabric, Wood, Paint
$1,365Sale Price|60% Off
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
Ceramic, Walnut
Set of Four Swedish Gustavian Lindome Painted Armchairs, circa 1800
Located in Brentwood, TN
Swedish Gustavian Lindome armchairs, a matched set of four dating to circa 1800. Crafted in painted wood, each chair features a rectangular open back with slender vertical splats, a ...
Wood
A Fabulous Pair of Swedish Period Gustavian Chairs w/Carved Lion's Head Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian pair of carved and painted wood barrel back chairs, with lion's head accents, from the early 19th century. These antique chairs from Sweden each have rounded/barr...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,890 / set
Swedish Gustavian Style Barrel Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of 2 Swedish Gustavian style barrel chairs. They have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White" seating covered n Muslin
Wood
$2,495 / set
Gustavian Style Barrel Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Gustavian style Barrel chairs. They have been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White" seating is covered in muslin.
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...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Period 1740-60s era Swedish Gustavian Baroque Bergere Chair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Discover the elegance of 18th-century design with this rare Period 1740-60s Swedish Gustavian Baroque Bergere Chair, a true masterpiece of antique craftsmanship. This exquisite bergere chair exemplifies the refined Gustavian style, characterized by its graceful silhouette, intricate carved details, and distressed whitewash finish that beautifully highlights its period authenticity. Featuring a striking high back with a unique, ornate shell motif crest and curved open arms, this Swedish Baroque chair combines comfort with regal sophistication. The generously padded seat is upholstered in a luxurious gray fabric, providing a plush seating experience while maintaining an understated elegance that complements various décor styles. Crafted with cabriole legs and delicate carved accents, this rare antique chair...
Walnut
Gustavian Settle Sofa Underseat Storage Later White Paint, 19th Century
Located in Lewes, England
Unusual late 1800s Gustavian settle with sunrise marquetry motif, curved arms and a fully sprung box seat with huge under seat storage and later paint. The sunrise motif is beautifu...
Pine
Pair of Antique Swedish Carved and Painted Gustavian Benches
Located in Dallas, TX
This pair of antique Swedish Gustavian benches features intricate carvings and painted details, adding a touch of elegance and history to any room. The benches are made of high-quali...
Wood
1920s Swedish armchairs hand-scraped to their original paint
Located in London, GB
A pair of open arm swedish chairs from the early 1900s that have been hand scraped and still retain some traces of the original paint. In an earlier c19th style the backs have an ope...
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...
Wood
$3,984Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Painted Bench ~ Trunk
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Painted Bench captures the enduring appeal of Swedish design, light, elegant, and timelessly fresh for today’s interiors. Its classical form brings...
Pine
$1,895 / set
Swedish Gustavian Style Berger Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of 2 Swedish Gustavian Style Berger Chairs They have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Wood
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...
Pine
Pair of Biedermeier carved Dining Chairs Natural Finish late 1800s
Located in Lewes, England
Unusual late 1800s pair of biedermeier carved dining chairs in natural finish with fully webbed seats and lots of detail. The carved detailing is really lovely with the delicate fl...
Birch
18th Century Swedish Neoclassical Bench
Located in New Orleans, LA
This piece depicts cherubs holding torches on the backs of lions. All items offered are antique, vintage, or mid-century and sold as-is. Expect natural wear, patina, and imperfecti...
Upholstery, Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Provincial Taburettes/ Stools with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian Provincial taburettes / stools. Handscraped to its originalcolor. Beautiful fluted legs. The taburettes is reholstery in beautiful linen fabric. Th...
Pine
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...
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.
Wood