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
Swedish Original Painted Stool
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
19th C original painted Swedish stool with carved detail. 1840.
Reference: 7535
Dimensions
22 inches (56 cms) wide
22 inches (56 cms) deep
22.5 inches (57 cms) high.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
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
Set of Twelve 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs includes 2 Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Twelve 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs includes 2 Armchairs were built to grace an elegant mansion in Sweden, now ready to add style, flair and timeless elegance ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Mohair, Elm
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
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
Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very unique set of six Gustavian dining chairs, I was told in Sweden they where called "Kung Stolar" King Chairs. I found ...
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
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
Pair of Gustavian Side Chairs with Linen Upholstery Late 18th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful pari of Late 18th C., Early 19th C., Swedish Gustavian Chairs.
The Swedish Grey patination is perfection and the attention to detail, carving and design represent the er...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
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$ ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Walnut, Silk
19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Square Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
A 19th century Gustavian footstool having ornate carvings along the wooden base. The border having inset bellflower frieze supported by four tapered legs shaped as palmette fluted co...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Birch
19th c. Pair of Swedish Gustavian Painted Barrel Back Armchairs with Lion Heads
Located in Wichita, KS
A pair of Swedish antique barrel back armchairs from the Gustavian period, circa 1810. These stunning chairs have shaped barrel backs with...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
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
8 Swedish Gustavian Style Original Painted Side Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of 8 - 100% Original painted Swedish Gustavian Style side chairs. all the seating have been restored and waiting for you to put your finished material on.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
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
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 Gustavian Stick Back Sofa
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century Gustavian stick back sofa is a stunning example of Swedish neoclassical design, offering both elegance and functionality. Characterized by its clean, architectural ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Pine, Paint
10 Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs 100% Original Paint
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very Rare set of 10 Swedish Gustavian style side chairs in 100% Original painted finish. all the seating has been restored and waiting for you to put your finished mater...
Category
1910s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
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"...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Hardwood, Giltwood
French Painted "X" Rocking Bench with Linen Upholstery, circa 1930s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French 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
Rare Period 1740-60s era Swedish Gustavian Baroque Bergere Chair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Carved distressed painted frame. Upholstered. 41 1/2" h x 26 3/8" w x 23 1/2" d. Seat height 20 1/4".
Condition
Splits in wood. Paint loss. Chips and nicks in wood. Minor stains to ...
Category
1740s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Walnut
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
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
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Window Seat
Located in Huntington, NY
An unusual Swedish window seat from Lindome in the oval (or zero) style with incredible detailed carvings. The arched sides have an intricately detailed open design. The upper sectio...
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
Swedish Gungstol Rocking Chair - Circa 1911
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Sweden - Rocking Chair - Circa 1911
Measures : 55cmx106cm H:98cm SH:50m
Material : Wood lacquered
An antique spindle back rocker from Sweden dated 1911, with scrolled arms and supp...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
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
19th Century Provincial Gustavian Chair
Located in Allerum, SE
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
Swan Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of Swan Chairs, they have been restored and repainted with Milk paints "Oyster White" all the seating has been restored and waiting for you to put your finis...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish 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
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style 1890s Painted Wood Armchairs with Guilloches
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style painted wood armchairs from the late 19th century, with carved guilloche frieze and upholstery. Created in Sweden during the later years of the 19th...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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
A pair of early 19th Century Late Gustavian Armchairs
Located in SE
A pair of Late Gustavian Armchairs, made by Ephraim Stahl, who worked in Stockholm 1794- 1820. The armchairs are not signed.
Ephraim Sthal made several chairs and armchairs for the ...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
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
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
Gustavian gilt Armchairs with Lions heads, a pair, Sweden, end 19th century
Located in Paris, FR
This pair of large Swedish Armchairs represents a summit in élégance and comfort.
The Light Neo-classical shape with half round back generously re...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Giltwood
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
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
Circa 1800s set of six Swedish painted oak Provincial Gustavian dining chairs
Located in London, GB
A set of (6) Gustavian chairs of wonderful quality with rounded backs, open work, and cut decoration.The seats are removable and upholstered in woven horse tail hair.
The oak is from...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Oak
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 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...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Textile, Wood
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
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
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...
Category
1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Grey Painted Swedish Settee with Shell and Foliate Carving
Located in Essex, MA
Grey painted Swedish settee with shell and foliate carving with turned stretcher bottom and gently curved legs. Off-white muslin seat cover. Measures: 44" H x 50.5" W x 21" D.
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
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 Swedish Carved Stools
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Pair of late 19th C original painted Swedish carved stools in a Gustavian style. 1890.
Dimensions
16 inches (41 cms) wide
16 inches (41 cms) dee...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Beech
Early 19th Century Late Gustavian Bench
Located in Ljungby, SE
A late Gustavian bench made in Western Sweden, most likely Lindome, around 1800. The back features an elegant crossed pattern.
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood, Pine
18th Century Swedish Transitional Chair
Located in Allerum, 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
A pair of chairs Swedish model
Located in SE
A pair of Gustavian chairs, often appointed as the "Swedish model" made in Stockholm around 1790.
They are hand carved in shapes typical for the Gustavian period with floral and leaf...
Category
1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
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 ...
Category
1790s Swedish Antique 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 sett...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Vintage Regency Swedish Gustavian Arm Chairs - a Pair
By Schumacher
Located in west palm beach, FL
A vintage pair of Regency arm chairs. A chic Swedish Gustavian design with gorgeous hand carved detail. Upholstered in a classic Schumacher ...
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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
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
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
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
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
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.