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
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
Pair, Antique Gray Painted Gustavian Arm Chairs, Sweden, circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, gray painted gustavian arm chairs.
Turned fluted legs and decorative carving throughout, crowned with rosettes.
Restored, stable. Any scrat...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
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
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
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 ...
Category
20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
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
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 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
Set of Four Louis XVI Gustavian Style Painted Dining Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming set of four French dining armchairs made in the grand Louis XVI taste. Crafted from beech and featuring a Swedish Gustavian style white painted finish with a desirable aged,...
Category
20th Century French Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Pair of Swedish Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Swedish armchairs. Vintage pair of Gustavian style painted open-arm chairs with neoclassical details; recovered in camel silk velvet with matching silk cotton piping; carved...
Category
20th Century European Gustavian Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Giltwood
$10,400 / set
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
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
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
Swedish Gustavian Style 1900 Painted Wood Armchairs with Carved Aprons
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style painted wood armchairs from the early 20th century, with scrolling arms, carved waterleaf and rosette motifs and fluted legs. Created in Sweden duri...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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
$1,145 Sale Price
20% 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
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
$3,700 / set
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
$2,450 Sale Price
30% Off
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
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
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 Karl Johan Stools
Located in Hudson, NY
Pair of Karl Johann stools.
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
$4,500 / set
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 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
$5,380 / set
19th Century Swedish Provincial Barrel Back Armchair
Located in Allerum, SE
Rare 19th century Swedish provincial barrel back armchair in it's original finish. ca 1800 Sweden.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Vintage Regency 19th Century Gustavian Side Chairs - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Introduce a touch of sophisticated historical elegance to your home with this exquisite pair of Vintage Regency 19th Century Gustavian Side Chairs. Each chair is a testament to the r...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs w/New Linen Seats, 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian pair of slatted back side chairs from the early 19th century. These antique chairs from Sweden have straight top rails and slatted backs. The lines are mostly cle...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood, Linen
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
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
$1,968 / set
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
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
$2,495 / set
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
$4,900 Sale Price
24% Off
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$16,500 / set
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
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
19th Century Provincial Gustavian Chair
Located in Bozeman, MT
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
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
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
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
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
$2,895 / set
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs, 1820-30
Located in Leimen, DE
Explore the refined charm of this pair of Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs, dating back to the period around 1820-30. With slender legs and a delightful mahogany veneer, these chairs ep...
Category
1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Mahogany
$5,010 / set
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
$2,221 / set
19th Century Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine early 19th century Gustavian barrel back armchairs in their original condition. Attributed to master chair maker Ephraim Sthal (1767-1820) Supplier to the Royal Court and one of...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
$15,000 / set
Exceptional pair of 19th Century Gustavian Stools
Located in Allerum, SE
Exceptional and unusually large pair of early 19th century Gustavian stools in their original finish. Ca 1800 Stockholm, Sweden.
Category
Early 19th Century 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.
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