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Gustavian Desks

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 Century Swedish Gustavia Tall Case Antique Secretaire
Located in New Orleans, LA
A stately Gustavian tall case secretary featuring a refined, neoclassical silhouette with paneled doors, drop down writing space with six drawers. The piece has a soft, muted painted...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavia Tall Case Antique Secretaire
19th Century Swedish Gustavia Tall Case Antique Secretaire

19th Century Swedish Gustavia Tall Case Antique Secretaire

$7,980
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Circa 1790
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 18th-century Swedish Gustavian writing desk, circa 1790, embodies the clean lines and restrained elegance characteristic of the Gustavian style, which was inspired by the neocla...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Brass

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Circa 1790
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Circa 1790

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Circa 1790

$4,950
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Slant Front Desk
Located in Huntington, NY
An unusual trapezoid-shaped Swedish Gustavian slant front desk. Front opens to reveal an ample work surface with six cascading drawers sitti...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Brass, Iron

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Slant Front Desk
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Slant Front Desk

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Slant Front Desk

$8,900
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Fall Front Desk
Located in Huntington, NY
A two part Swedish Gustavian fall front desk. Upper section top opens to an ample work surface, eleven drawers with brass pulls and four storage cubbies. The lower section has three ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Brass, Iron

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Fall Front Desk
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Fall Front Desk

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Fall Front Desk

$7,700
19th Century Swedish Desk Circa 1860
Located in Atlanta, GA
This classic Swedish desk, crafted from pine wood and dating to the mid-19th century, embodies timeless elegance and functionality. The desk features a beautiful painted finish in a ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Desk Circa 1860
19th Century Swedish Desk Circa 1860

19th Century Swedish Desk Circa 1860

$4,950
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Bureau
Located in New Orleans, LA
This lovely 19th century Gustavian slant front bureau features a painted lid with sleek paneling that encloses a fitted interior. The ornate handles perfectly contrast the patinated ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Bureau
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Bureau

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Bureau

$7,890
Antique Swedish Secretary Cabinet 19th Century
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century Swedish Secretary Desk with open book shelves above the fall front desk and bottom cabinet doors. The desk section has multiple sma...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood

Antique Swedish Secretary Cabinet 19th Century
Antique Swedish Secretary Cabinet 19th Century

Antique Swedish Secretary Cabinet 19th Century

$15,500
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Secretary
Located in San Angelo, TX
This beautiful and unique 19th century Swedish Gustavian writing desk is perfect for any room or hallway. The colors are amazing with th...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood, Pine, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Secretary
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Secretary

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Secretary

$2,396 Sale Price
20% Off
18th Century Swedish Neoclassical Painted Secretary Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
18th century Swedish neoclassical painted secretary desk will make the perfect addition to your home whether your decor is modern, traditional,...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Steel

18th Century Swedish Neoclassical Painted Secretary Desk
18th Century Swedish Neoclassical Painted Secretary Desk

18th Century Swedish Neoclassical Painted Secretary Desk

$4,980
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Slant Front Desk
Located in Huntington, NY
A Gustavian slant front desk. The upper section has eight small drawers, four cubbies, two sliding columns and a small locking door. The low...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Brass, Iron

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Slant Front Desk
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Slant Front Desk

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Slant Front Desk

$6,200
Swedish Scriban
Located in Washington, DC
A white painted 19th century, Swedish scriban with several drawers and pockets with drop down front.
Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood

Swedish Scriban
Swedish Scriban

Swedish Scriban

$7,800
19th Century Swedish Style Shopkeeper's Slant Front Writing Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Swedish Style Painted Shopkeeper's Slanted Front Writing Desk commonly used by merchants in the 1800s. Desk features a hinged front panel that opens to reveal compartmen...
Category

19th Century American Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Style Shopkeeper's Slant Front Writing Desk
19th Century Swedish Style Shopkeeper's Slant Front Writing Desk

19th Century Swedish Style Shopkeeper's Slant Front Writing Desk

$1,750
Swedish Gustavian Writing Chest
Located in New York, NY
A Swedish Gustavian writing desk in original paint. Tapered legs and a reeded drawer. Interior of 3 reeded drawers.
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Writing Chest
Swedish Gustavian Writing Chest

Swedish Gustavian Writing Chest

$4,500
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Drop Front Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
19th Century Swedish Gustavian hand painted drop top desk. Writing top H 31”
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Drop Front Desk
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Drop Front Desk

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Drop Front Desk

$5,950
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18th Century Maple and Tiger Maple Slant Front Desk

18th Century Maple and Tiger Maple Slant Front Desk

$2,850
H 40.5 in W 37 in D 21 in
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19th Century Italian Cherrywood Drop-Front Desk Secretaire with Inlay

19th Century Italian Cherrywood Drop-Front Desk Secretaire with Inlay

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Previously Available Items
Circa 1888 Antique Swedish Writing Desk in Birch with Matching Ballon Back Chair
By Ephraim Stahl
Located in Unionville, TN
An exquisite 19th-century Swedish writing desk and matching balloon back chair, dated 1888, in the style of its Gustavian heritage. Featuring beautifully aged flame birch with a warm...
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1880s Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

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Circa 1888 Antique Swedish Writing Desk in Birch with Matching Ballon Back Chair
Circa 1888 Antique Swedish Writing Desk in Birch with Matching Ballon Back Chair

Circa 1888 Antique Swedish Writing Desk in Birch with Matching Ballon Back Chair

H 30 in W 44.25 in D 21.5 in
19th Century Swedish Bureau
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant Swedish bureau from the 1860-1870 period is a striking example of functional yet decorative craftsmanship. Its black exterior finish is complemented by a beautifully con...
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19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

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19th Century Swedish Bureau
19th Century Swedish Bureau

19th Century Swedish Bureau

H 42 in W 39.5 in D 18 in
19th Century Swedish Desk Circa 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
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19th Century Swedish Desk Circa 1880
19th Century Swedish Desk Circa 1880

19th Century Swedish Desk Circa 1880

H 30.75 in W 44 in D 23 in
19th Century Swedish Bureau Circa 1820
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19th Century Swedish Bureau Circa 1820
19th Century Swedish Bureau Circa 1820

19th Century Swedish Bureau Circa 1820

H 48.25 in W 40.75 in D 18 in
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Located in Kvidinge, SE
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Swedish Desk in Gustavian Style

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H 31.11 in W 45.67 in D 24.41 in
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19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Fall Front Desk
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Fall Front Desk

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Fall Front Desk

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19th Century Swedish Gustavian Black Writing Desk With 3 Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Black Painted Gustavian 3-Drawer Office Desk, Sweden Classic and simple Scandinavian style writing desk with cabriole legs in its original fi...
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19th Century Swedish Gustavian Black Writing Desk With 3 Drawers
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Black Writing Desk With 3 Drawers

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Black Writing Desk With 3 Drawers

H 29.5 in W 45.6 in D 23.6 in
Period Swedish Gustavian Painted Office Desk Table With Drawer, 1790-1810
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Office Desk Table With Drawer, 1790-1810 Original Blue Painted Gustavian Desk with One Drawer. This piece is ver...
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Wood, Paint, Pine

Period Swedish Gustavian Painted Office Desk Table With Drawer, 1790-1810
Period Swedish Gustavian Painted Office Desk Table With Drawer, 1790-1810

Period Swedish Gustavian Painted Office Desk Table With Drawer, 1790-1810

H 29.75 in W 49.4 in D 31 in
Swedish Gustavian Style Writing Desk With Drawer
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gustavian Style Painted Writing Desk With Drawer Classic and simple Scandinavian style writing desk. Hand carved and hand painted. Drawer knobs are bronze patinated. Wonderful piece...
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21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style Writing Desk With Drawer
Swedish Gustavian Style Writing Desk With Drawer

Swedish Gustavian Style Writing Desk With Drawer

H 30 in W 43.4 in D 23.5 in
Tall Blue Painted Swedish Secretary Bureau, circa 1800-20
Located in Round Top, TX
This striking oak secretary is an elegant statement piece crowned with an elaborate carved pediment. The entire secretary has been given a professional custom layered blue painted fi...
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Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Brass

Tall Blue Painted Swedish Secretary Bureau, circa 1800-20
Tall Blue Painted Swedish Secretary Bureau, circa 1800-20

Tall Blue Painted Swedish Secretary Bureau, circa 1800-20

H 87 in W 44.25 in D 23.25 in
Antique White Painted Swedish Country Secretary Bureau, circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique secretary with graceful Swedish country charm. Newer, professionally applied white exterior and blue interior painted finish bring new life to this lovely "bureau" or secret...
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Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

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Wood, Paint

Antique White Painted Swedish Country Secretary Bureau, circa 1820-40
Antique White Painted Swedish Country Secretary Bureau, circa 1820-40

Antique White Painted Swedish Country Secretary Bureau, circa 1820-40

H 81.5 in W 42.75 in D 21.25 in
Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Style Lacquered Writing Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous Swedish writing table desk made in the neoclassical Gustavian taste. Crafted from birch featuring a hand-painted antique white lacquer fin...
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21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Gustavian Desks

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Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Style Lacquered Writing Table Desk
Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Style Lacquered Writing Table Desk

Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Style Lacquered Writing Table Desk

H 30 in W 55 in D 27.5 in

Gustavian desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Gustavian desks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks 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 and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gustavian desks 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 desks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,895 and tops out at $2,895 while the average work can sell for $2,895.

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