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
100% Original Finish Swedish Sphinx Settee
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a 100% original finish Swedish sphinx settee, the seating has been restored and recovered in muslin.
Category
1880s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
Pair of Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs "The Swedish Model"
Located in Boden, SE
A pair of early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs " The Swedish Model." from Skelleftea Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden.
Scraped by hand to the original color. Retouches are made...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
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
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.
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Gustavian Style Gilt Settee and Matching Chair
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th century Gustavian style gilt settee and matching chair newly reupholstered. Former restorations and repair to back left leg of settee. On Casters.
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Armchair Swedish Black Gustavian, 19th Century, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
An armchair made during the late Gustavian period and early part of the 19th century. Most likely later added blackened ball feet. Repainted in our custom paint "Laserow Black".
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique 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
Fine 18th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Chair
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Fine antique 18th century Gustavian chair in great original condition. This type of chair is called the Swedish model. This particular ex...
Category
18th Century 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
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 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
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
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
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
Louis XVI, Gustavian, Armchairs, White Painted Wood, Scalamandre Fabric, 1890s
Located in Stamford, CT
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
18th Century Gustavian Side Chair
Located in Hamburg, Hamburg
This wonderful Gustavian side chair from circa 1780 is in great original condition and has no structural damages. The chair was newly upholstered by us with a high-quality linen fabr...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, 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
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Grey Painted Benches or Settees
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair Of Swedish Gustavian style grey painted benches
Complimentary delivery to most areas of London UK.
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
2 Swedish Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Swedish Gustavian armchairs . They have been restored and repainted with Milk paints "Oyster White" the seating is new an...
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
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 Giltwood "Tub" Armchair Attributed to Ephraim Ståhl
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Swedish Gustavian giltwood so called "tub" armchair attributed to Ephraim Stahl (1768-1820). Made in Stockholm, circa 1810.
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
13 Spindle Back White Painted Decorated Gustavian Side or Dining Chairs
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of 9 white distressed paint decorated and gilt gold Gustavian Style side chairs. Each seat with new upholstery and tacks. Price is for one chair onl...
Category
Early 20th Century Argentine Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of 5 Gustavian Styled Chairs with Wicker Seat and Backrest
Located in Hamburg, Hamburg
This set of 5 beautiful chairs in the Gustavian style come in an elegant black paint. The slightly curved legs as well as the seating frame and backrest feature sophisticated wood ca...
Category
18th Century Unknown Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Other
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
Gustavian Style Desk or Dining Chair
Located in Sheffield, MA
Wonderful Swedish white washed side or office chair with carved details.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
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
Belgian Banquette / Bench
Located in Hamburg, Hamburg
This beautiful Belgian banquette perfectly resembles the Belgian style in all its subtle beauty. The quality paint job gives this banquette a treu antique appearance. Upholstered wit...
Category
18th Century Belgian Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen
Armchairs Gustavian 1780-1800 Swedish Gray Frame Brown Leather Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Armchairs Gustavian 1780-1800 Swedish gray frame brown leather, Sweden. A pair of armchairs made during the early Gustavian period in Sweden 1780-1800. Pa...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
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
Early Gustavian Sofa
Located in Hudson, NY
Early Gustavian (Swedish Rococo) sofa
with two bolsters and seat cushion.
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
18th Century Swedish Transitional Chair
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Fine 18th century Swedish transitional Rococo & Gustavian chair with royal proportions, circa 1775 Stockholm, Sweden. The two styles merge together finely with the Rococo curvy back ...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Early 19th Century Antique Swedish Stools with Historic Paint
Located in South Salem, NY
Exceptional pair of Gustavian stools, made in Sweden circa 1810. Beautiful, original ivory painted finish. Sinuous hand-carved wood frames with floral motifs. Notable provenance, sou...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen
Swedish Late Gustavian Sofa by Ephraim Stahl Stockholm circa 1800 Gilded
Located in Epfach, DE
Swedish late Gustavian sofa by Ephraim Stahl Stockholm circa 1800 gilded
Small sofa by Ephraim Stahl Stockholm circa 1800 late Gustavian
Original painting, with a lion in Bronze,...
Category
Early 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Bronze
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
Set of 2 Gustavian Style Tall Back Armchairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Gustavian style tall back armchairs, they have been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White". New seating covered in Muslin.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century Gustavian Revolving Desk Chair
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Remarkable 19th-century Gustavian revolving desk chair in its original condition, circa 1810, Sweden.
The condition of the chair is very good containing its original finish and pa...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Chair Corner Swedish Leather Rustic Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Chair Swedish leather 1775-1790 Sweden. Made during the transition between the Rococo period and Gustavian period. Frame made from beech wood and a seat, back and armrests in worn le...
Category
1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Mid 19th Century Antique Swedish Gustavian Gilt Carving Sprung Sofa Loveseat
Located in LONDON, GB
Very beautiful Swedish Antique Gustavian two- three-seat sofa loveseat intricately decorated with carved canework, acanthus leaf motifs and shell carvings.
One of the best examples ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
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 Chair with Wheat Carving, Circa 1780, Origin: Sweden
Located in New York, NY
A fine Swedish Gustavian chair with beautiful wheat carvings, circa 1780, origin: Stockholm, Sweden, dry-scraped to the original color, reupholstered in Rogers & Goffigon fabric.
T...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Paint, 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
Set of Six Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Dining Chairs
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
An elegant set of six Swedish Gustavian dining chairs from the neoclassical period painted in cream white and grey, with leaf tip carvings overall. The front round tapering legs with...
Category
1790s 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
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
Gustavian Dining/Living Room Set Decorated with Bronze Ornaments, 1840
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
Gustavian Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Elegant period Gustavian sofa with wonderful original carved details. Lion heads on top of armrest and female bust to arm armrest, acanthus ornamentati...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Sofa Swedish Gustavian Style
Located in Vienna, AT
Sofa, Gustavian style, 1800-1810
Gilded and tanned. Carved decor eg blades. Crowned by ribbon bow. Fixed back upholstered and seat. Measures: Length about 131 cm.
Hard wear. Scratc...
Category
1810s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Beech
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
Early 20th Century Gustavian Style Painted Daybed
Located in New Orleans, LA
A Swedish painted daybed with brass accents in the Gustavian style.
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Brass
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
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
Pair of Karl Johann Stools
Located in Hudson, NY
Pair of Karl Johann stools.
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
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
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 Belgian Side Chairs
Located in Hamburg, Hamburg
Great pair of Belgian side chairs with basket weaved back and seat. Elegant carvings throughout the chair.
Category
18th Century Belgian Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
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
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 stuffover seat, raised on cabriole legs, 19th Century
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of Four Gustavian Chairs, Sweden beginning of 19th century
Located in Belmont, MA
Exquisite set of four Gustavian vintage chairs, Sweden around 1810. Finely carved, cream painted with gold details. Shimmering red silk fabric. In vi...
Category
Early 1800s 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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