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Gustavian Buffets

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
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Buffet in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A unique 19th c. Swedish Gustavian period buffet from Ångermanland, hand-scraped to traces of the original paint, circa 1800. Beautiful carved egg and dart detail above fully reeded ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Paint, Wood

18th Century Gustavian Buffet
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
18th Century Swedish Gustavian buffet dating to 1780. 110cm Gallery height and 103cm front height.
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood

18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Demilune Buffet in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A rare Swedish buffet from the Gustavian period with demilune sides and original paint inside and outside, circa 1780. This special piece came from a manor house in Uppland, Sweden. ...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood, Paint

Circa 1810 Swedish Gustavian Painted Two Door & Four Drawer Reeded Buffet
Located in London, GB
An early circa 19th century painted two door and four drawer Swedish Gustavian buffet. The reeded panel doors are flanked by reeded detail canted corners with four small galleried d...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Oak

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Buffet
Located in Houston, TX
The Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Buffet embodies the refined elegance and craftsmanship characteristic of the Gustavian style. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish genuine Gustavian buffet with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
A late Gustavian antique buffet/ sideboard 1850-1870 A magnificent genuine sideboard that has never been repainted. Beautiful top with marble paint. Superb quality piece which would ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Pine

19th Century Provincial Gustavian Buffet
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
19th Century Swedish provincial Gustavian buffet. Featuring two drawers with diamond detailing and below are two doors with carved design, opening to useful storage shelves.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood

Swedish Circa 1858 Gustavian Pine Buffet
Located in Houston, TX
This 19th century Gustavian style buffet originated from Sweden. It has wonderful craftmanship throughout with hand carved wooden pulls, wood pegging, faux marbleized paint on the to...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Minimalist Buffet
Located in San Angelo, TX
A beautiful minimalist 19th Century Swedish Gustavian painted buffet. This unique piece features 3 drawers and 3 doors. One of a kind and is a total st...
Category

1840s Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Buffet
Located in Huntington, NY
A Swedish Late Gustavian buffet from Medalpad. Detailed wood carvings – flower petal décor and pierced gallery top. Three drawers with horizontal ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Iron

1820s Late Gustavian Period Swedish Buffet with Carved Reeded Diamond Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish late Gustavian period buffet from circa 1820 with gray painted finish, carved reeded diamond motifs, petite rosettes and inner drawers. Radiating a quiet sophistication, th...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood

1820s Swedish Gustavian Period Buffet with Carved Reeded Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period painted wood buffet from circa 1820 with two drawers over two doors, carved reeded panels and tapered feet. This exquisite Swedish Gustavian period painted wood buffet from circa 1820, effortlessly marries functionality with elegant design. The buffet features a rectangular top with a carved beaded edge, setting a refined tone for the piece. Below, the structure comprises two drawers over two doors, providing ample storage while maintaining a balanced aesthetic. Both drawers and doors boast carved reeded patterns, introducing a dynamic texture to the otherwise sleek silhouette. This patterning is accentuated by the presence of brass hardware, its subtle gleam adding a touch of luxury. The doors, adorned with a discreet beaded frame, open to reveal a light blue-grey painted interior, a soothing hue that echoes the calming Scandinavian palette. Canted side posts flank the drawers and doors, enhancing the buffet's linear design, while tapered feet angled at the front elevate the piece both literally and aesthetically. With its perfect blend of practicality, refined details, and soothing colors, this Gustavian period buffet serves...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style 19th Century Painted Sideboard with Doors and Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood sideboard from the 19th century, with four drawers over four doors and reeded motifs. Created in Sweden during the 19th century, this elegant s...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Brass

19th Century Swedish Antique Rustic Gustavian Buffet with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
Early 19th century Swedish Antique Rustic Gustavian buffet from Umeå, Västerbotten,Nothern Sweden. Beautiful genuine buffet scraped by hand to its original color. These doors open ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Style 19th Century Painted Sideboard with Carved Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood sideboard from the 19th century with three drawers, two doors, carved arched-themed frieze, reeded diamond motifs and tapering feet. This allur...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Period 1800s Painted Wood Buffet with Carved Reeded Doors
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period buffet, circa 1800 with three-quarter framed top, two doors, carved reeded motifs and bracket plinth. Step into the heart of Scandinavian design with this ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood

Antique Gustavian White Painted Tall Sideboard Buffet Server from Sweden circa 1
Located in Round Top, TX
Gustavian white painted tall pine sideboard or server cabinet. Traditional decorative fluted diamond panels on cabinet doors, two small upper drawers with small brass pull. One key...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood, Paint

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Buffet
Located in Dallas, TX
18th century Swedish Gustavian Period painted buffet will make a handsome addition to your collection, and a stylistic touch to your decor! Hand-crafted from indigenous old-growth pi...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Brass

Swedish 1900s Gustavian Style Painted Sideboard with Three Drawers over Doors
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood sideboard from the early 20th century, with three drawers, three doors, carved skirt and fluted side posts. Created in Sweden during the early ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood

Swedish Late Gustavian Period 1820s Painted Buffet with Carved Reeded Doors
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish late Gustavian period painted wood buffet from the early 19th century, with canted sides, two doors, reeded panels and weathered patina. Created in Sweden during the first ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Reeded 2 Door 2 Drawer Buffet
Located in San Angelo, TX
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood buffet from the 19th century with reeded drawers over doors, and distressed patina. Created in Sweden during the ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Brass

Custom Made Swedish Style Enfilade
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Custom made breakfront Swedish style enfilade. Dimensions 107.5 inches (273 cms) Wide 19.5 inches (50 cms) Deep 35 inches (89 cms) High.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Antique Rustic Late Gustavian Buffet / sideboard
Located in Boden, SE
A late Gustavian antique buffet/ sideboard made and dated 1854 on the 4th of december by the carpenter Pehr Rönnholm Högland, Västerbotten, Northern Sweden. A magnificent genuine si...
Category

1850s Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Bow Fronted Painted Buffet Pink Interior & Original Keys
Located in London, GB
Late 18th century painted Swedish buffet, with central door with a triangular reeded design, sitting below three drawers of similar decoration. The exterior has been hand scraped to ...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Oak

Swedish Gustavian Period 1820s Painted Sideboard with Reeded Doors and Diamonds
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period painted wood sideboard from the early 19th century, with reeded doors, diamond motifs and carved ogee bracket feet. Created in S...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Lime Washed Buffet / Server
Located in Essex, MA
Gustavian-style buffet cupboard with original paint, 19th century, Sweden, circa 1840. Beige Lime Washed Cabinet, 3/4 gallery top above two frieze drawers...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style 19th Century Painted Wood Sideboard with Reeded Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood sideboard from the 19th century, with reeded and fluted motifs. Created in Sweden during the 19th century, this Gustavian style sideboard featu...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Brass

Swedish Gustavian Period 1780s Sideboard with Original Paint & Carved Panels LiL
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period wooden sideboard from the late 18th century with original paint and distressed patina. Created in Sweden during the Gustavian era, this sideboard features ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood

19th Century Corner Buffet
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Gustavian low corner buffet from the North of Sweden. This buffet features two large curved and paneled doors that open to useful storage. It has been later scraped to reveal its or...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood

Swedish 1880s Gustavian Style Painted Wood Sideboard with Carved Diamond Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood sideboard from the late 19th century, with diamond motifs and carved rosettes. Created in Sweden during the last quarter of the 19th century, t...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Fall Front Desk with originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Late Gustavian fall front desk from Boden Norrbotten, Northern Sweden. Scraped by hand to its originalpaint. Hight to the top 132cm. For other measurements see...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Buffet with Original Paint, Swedish Antiques
Located in Boden, SE
18th century Swedish Gustavian Buffet with original paint from Burtrask Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden. An elegant Gustavian period buffet with beautifully carved reeded details on t...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Corner Buffet with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian Corner Buffet from Pitea Norrbotten, Northern Sweden. A classic fine Gustavian Corner Buffet with marbled painted top. Nicely hand-cut down at feet. ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Buffet with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Buffet from Umea Vasterbotten ,Northern Sweden. An elegant Gustavian period buffet with beautifully carved ree...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Buffet with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
Exceptional Gustavian Buffet. Stockholm Sweden circa 1780-1800. Nice details and proportion from higher class environment. Dryscraped by hand to its well preserved original condition...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Pine

Swedish Style Reeded Buffet
Located in Houston, TX
Painted Swedish reeded buffet with two doors.
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood

Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Wood Sideboard with Fluted Pilasters
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period painted wood sideboard from the late 18th century, with canted side posts, four drawers and three doors. Born in Sweden during the early years of King Gustav III's reign, this painted sideboard features a rectangular top with canted corners in the front and molded edges, sitting above three thin drawers with brass pulls. Three doors and a lower drawer, beautifully arranged to accentuate the presence of the upper drawers, make up the rest of the façade. The canted side posts are decorated with neoclassical fluted pilasters...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Provincial Sideboard
Located in Sheffield, MA
19th century Louis XV French painted buffet server. Can be used in a Swedish Gustavian setting as well. Light grey wash finish, brass handles, pewter knob...
Category

19th Century French Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Oak, Paint

Chest Vanity Europe 19th Century Mahogany Brass The Netherlands
Located in New York, NY
Chest Vanity Europe 19th Century Mahogany Brass Netherlands. A vanity chest made during the 19th century in The Netherlands. Mahogany with brass hardware and a brass bowl. Top with s...
Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Mahogany

Painted Gustavian Buffet with Reeded-Paneled Doors
Located in Houston, TX
Gustavian painted buffet with reeded-paneled doors circa 1810-1829. Late Gustavian period two-door buffet in white/very light blue-gray paint. Doors paneled in hand-carved reeding.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Metal, Iron

Early 19th Century Gustavian Sideboard with Diamond Detail
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
Classic Swedish Gustavian Style sideboard or cupboard. Three top drawers, a pullout shelf and storage behind two doors.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Buffets

Materials

Wood

Gustavian buffets for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Gustavian buffets 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 buffets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, pine and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gustavian buffets made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 buffets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $4,000 and tops out at $15,250 while the average work can sell for $5,895.

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