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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
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 lower section has two small drawers over two ...
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

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...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Brass

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Black Writing Desk With 3 Drawers

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Black Writing Desk With 3 Drawers

Large Swedish Greige Gustavian Style Two Drawer Writing Desk
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Painted Grey Green Gustavian Style Two Drawer Writing Table Desk, Sweden Classic and Scandinavian style writing desk. Hand-carved and hand-painted. Drawer knobs are patinated...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood, Paint

Large Swedish Greige Gustavian Style Two Drawer Writing Desk

Large Swedish Greige Gustavian Style Two Drawer Writing Desk

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...
Category

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

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...
Category

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

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

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

Swedish Gustavian Style Drop Front Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian style drop front desk , its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Dove Grey" Desk Measurements open 28.5 in high, 15 in deep.
Category

1860s Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style Drop Front Desk
Swedish Gustavian Style Drop Front Desk

Swedish Gustavian Style Drop Front Desk

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

Swedish Gustavian Style Drop Front Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian Style drop front desk, its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White". The Desk open measures 31 in high, 18...
Category

1870s Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style Drop Front Desk
Swedish Gustavian Style Drop Front Desk

Swedish Gustavian Style Drop Front Desk

Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Painted Wood Slant-Front Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish mid-19th century painted wood Gustavian style slant-front desk or secretary with three lower drawers standing on short tapered feet. Here are the measurements: 48" W x 2...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood

Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Painted Wood Slant-Front Desk
Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Painted Wood Slant-Front Desk

Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Painted Wood Slant-Front Desk

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary with Library
Located in Wichita, KS
This is an exquisite Swedish Gustavian period painted secretary with library. Brass hardware and original locks, circa 1820. The upper section h...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary with Library
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary with Library

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary with Library

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

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

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 very solid and sturdy with removable top....
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

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

Related Items
Neoclassical desk with lid and drawer. Grey.original hardware. Swedish
Located in MADRID, ES
Neoclassical swedish desk 19th century. Very good condition
Category

1810s Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood

Neoclassical desk with lid and drawer. Grey.original hardware. Swedish
Neoclassical desk with lid and drawer. Grey.original hardware. Swedish

Neoclassical desk with lid and drawer. Grey.original hardware. Swedish

H 31.11 in W 39.38 in D 22.05 in
Early 1900s Antique Swedish Pine Writing Desk, Bleached
Located in Franklin, TN
Vintage Swedish pine writing desk from the early 1900s, meticulously sanded and bleached to unveil its inherent natural color and wood grain. The slanted lift-top lid gracefully hing...
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Pine

Early 1900s Antique Swedish Pine Writing Desk, Bleached
Early 1900s Antique Swedish Pine Writing Desk, Bleached

Early 1900s Antique Swedish Pine Writing Desk, Bleached

H 32.5 in W 22 in D 22.5 in
Desk French Style Writing Desk, Black Lacquer with Grey Leather Writing Surface
By Selva
Located in Toronto, CA
We present a beautifully finished desk made in Italy by Selva in cherry wood, with a leather writing surface. This item has been recently re-stained by our expert team in a black lac...
Category

20th Century Italian Gustavian Desks

Materials

Leather, Cherry

Desk French Style Writing Desk, Black Lacquer with Grey Leather Writing Surface
Desk French Style Writing Desk, Black Lacquer with Grey Leather Writing Surface

Desk French Style Writing Desk, Black Lacquer with Grey Leather Writing Surface

H 31 in W 55.25 in D 27.75 in
Karges Ebonized, Gilt & Chinoiserie Decorated Secretary Desk 20th Century
By Karges Furniture
Located in Big Flats, NY
A tall secretary by Karges offers ebonized wood construction with upper having carved shell form crest over single door case having internal bookcase; lower ...
Category

20th Century American Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood

Karges Ebonized, Gilt & Chinoiserie Decorated Secretary Desk 20th Century
Karges Ebonized, Gilt & Chinoiserie Decorated Secretary Desk 20th Century

Karges Ebonized, Gilt & Chinoiserie Decorated Secretary Desk 20th Century

H 91.25 in W 34.5 in D 21.25 in
English Mahogany Secretary Desk, 19th Century
Located in Southampton, NY
English Mahogany secretary desk, 19th century Three pieces: Crown, upper drawers and lower cabinet. Lowest draw pulls out as a secretary desk. Measures: 21" deep x 46.5" wide x 80....
Category

19th Century British Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Mahogany

English Mahogany Secretary Desk, 19th Century
English Mahogany Secretary Desk, 19th Century

English Mahogany Secretary Desk, 19th Century

H 80.5 in W 46.5 in D 21 in
Vintage French Provincial Style Painted Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Painted Wood, Brass Handles
Category

1960s American Vintage Gustavian Desks

Materials

Brass

Vintage French Provincial Style Painted Writing Desk
Vintage French Provincial Style Painted Writing Desk

Vintage French Provincial Style Painted Writing Desk

H 30.25 in W 47 in D 21 in
French 19th Century Writing Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French writing desk made of rosewood and mahogany. This desk has an upper console containing four drawers and a center open cavity with a scalloped shelf. The writing surface has a...
Category

19th Century French Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Leather, Mahogany, Rosewood

French 19th Century Writing Desk
French 19th Century Writing Desk

French 19th Century Writing Desk

H 38.75 in W 56.75 in D 33.5 in
Early Antique English Georgian Secretary, circa 1750
Located in Big Flats, NY
An early antique English Georgian secretary offers lift top and drop-down desk over two long drawers, circa 1750 Measures - 29.25" x 26" x 16.25".
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood

Early Antique English Georgian Secretary, circa 1750
Early Antique English Georgian Secretary, circa 1750

Early Antique English Georgian Secretary, circa 1750

H 29.25 in W 26 in D 16.25 in
Writing Desk Table in Walnut, Drawers and Pull-Out Shelves, 19th Century Italy
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Antique piece of furniture, writing desk in walnut, hand-carved with turned legs, it was used as a bedroom due to its small size, it has twelve drawers, roller shutter...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Walnut

Writing Desk Table in Walnut, Drawers and Pull-Out Shelves, 19th Century Italy
Writing Desk Table in Walnut, Drawers and Pull-Out Shelves, 19th Century Italy

Writing Desk Table in Walnut, Drawers and Pull-Out Shelves, 19th Century Italy

H 48.04 in W 31.5 in D 20.08 in
Petite circa 1880 French Napoleon III Black Lacquer Two-Drawer Writing Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Striking original Antique French Napoleon III Bureau Plat, Writing Table or Ladies Desk. Highlighted by polished brass decorations, the black ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Brass

Petite circa 1880 French Napoleon III Black Lacquer Two-Drawer Writing Desk
Petite circa 1880 French Napoleon III Black Lacquer Two-Drawer Writing Desk

Petite circa 1880 French Napoleon III Black Lacquer Two-Drawer Writing Desk

H 29.38 in W 41.75 in D 28 in
19th Century French Directory Cherry Wood Secretary Desk
Located in Madrid, ES
A French Directory era secretary desk, from the early 19th century, made of beautiful cherry wood, in a light tone with bronze handles and bronze keyholes as well. In their lower part they have a long drawer, and two smaller upper ones. When opening the lid, with a mechanism of lateral iron bars, we can see four other smaller drawers, two on each side, separated by a small walnut arch...
Category

19th Century French Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Directory Cherry Wood Secretary Desk
19th Century French Directory Cherry Wood Secretary Desk

19th Century French Directory Cherry Wood Secretary Desk

H 43.31 in W 43.31 in D 19.69 in
Painted French Provincial Ivory and Green circa 1920s Secretary/ Desk
Located in Essex, MA
In an all-over ivory paint with a wonderful light green interior throughout this beautiful turn of the century, a French provincial secretary...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood, Paint

Painted French Provincial Ivory and Green circa 1920s Secretary/ Desk
Painted French Provincial Ivory and Green circa 1920s Secretary/ Desk

Painted French Provincial Ivory and Green circa 1920s Secretary/ Desk

H 87 in W 34 in D 20.5 in
Previously Available Items
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 very solid and sturdy with removable top....
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

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
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...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Gustavian Desks

Materials

Brass

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
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Secretaire
Located in San Angelo, TX
Faux Marble Painted Swedish Gustavian Secrétaire. What a beautiful piece for just about any room! The top cabinet opens up with shelves al...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Secretaire
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Secretaire

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Secretaire

H 84 in W 46 in D 18 in
19th Century Swedish Secretaire
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Good 19th C Swedish secretaire. Nice fitted interior. 1840. Height to underside of desk is 29"(56cms) Reference: 7551 Dimensions 47 inche...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Secretaire
19th Century Swedish Secretaire

19th Century Swedish Secretaire

H 50.5 in W 47 in D 22 in
18th Century Swedish Secretary with Painted Finish
Located in Houston, TX
18th c. Swedish Secretary with Painted Finish having two upper doors above the fall front secretary desk and 4 bottom drawers. The interior of the upper and lower section have multip...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Secretary with Painted Finish
18th Century Swedish Secretary with Painted Finish

18th Century Swedish Secretary with Painted Finish

H 93 in W 45.5 in D 21.5 in
Swedish Gustavian Style Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique style Swedish Gustavian style desk. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White".
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style Desk
Swedish Gustavian Style Desk

Swedish Gustavian Style Desk

H 32 in W 67 in D 21 in
19th C. Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Secretary with Library
Located in Wichita, KS
This is a beautiful Swedish secretary from the Gustavian period with a richly carved gallery, old locks and hardware. Circa 1810. The upper library has two shelves, the top shaped an...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th C. Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Secretary with Library
19th C. Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Secretary with Library

19th C. Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Secretary with Library

H 87 in W 48 in D 21.63 in
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Secretary with Library
Located in Wichita, KS
This is an exceptional Swedish Gustavian period secretary with library, circa 1780. This secretary has retained its original brass hardware and locks and is wearing black paint on th...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Brass

18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Secretary with Library
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Secretary with Library

18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Secretary with Library

H 79.32 in W 39.75 in D 18.88 in
Tall Writing Desk Secretary Swedish Black 19th Century Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Tall writing desk secretary Swedish Black 19th Century Sweden. A writing desk made during the 19th Century in Sweden. Painted in our signature paint ...
Category

19th Century European Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood

Tall Writing Desk Secretary Swedish Black 19th Century Sweden
Tall Writing Desk Secretary Swedish Black 19th Century Sweden

Tall Writing Desk Secretary Swedish Black 19th Century Sweden

H 72 in W 37.5 in D 19.5 in
Gustavian Style Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian style desk, its been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White". Measurements of seating area: 30 wide, 24 high ...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Desks

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style Desk
Gustavian Style Desk

Gustavian Style Desk

H 30 in W 68 in D 24 in
Gustavian or Swedish Secretary Chest
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a fine example of a Swedish Gustavian late 18th century Secretaire. The two-part structure is very desirable and retains it's original scraped surface and wonderful natural p...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks

Materials

Pine, Paint

Gustavian or Swedish Secretary Chest
Gustavian or Swedish Secretary Chest

Gustavian or Swedish Secretary Chest

H 50 in W 45 in D 18 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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