Skip to main content

Gustavian Furniture

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.

to
86
565
919
555
10
102,925
47,790
22,648
21,432
8,877
6,428
4,639
4,422
3,632
3,332
3,214
3,046
2,999
2,432
2,286
2,058
2,039
1,549
156
345
54
10
26
17
4
2
4
2
8
3
2
1
521
283
282
85
54
556
527
502
18
9
565
559
560
6
1
1
1
1
Item Ships From: Europe
Style: Gustavian
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Pair Commode Grey White C.1860 Carved
Located in Lewes, England
Circa 1850 antique Swedish Gustavian Grey White painted chest of drawers commode in gustavian style with classic Gustavian carved detail on the drawer fronts and leading edges. T...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish antique rustic Tilt top table
Located in Boden, SE
A Swedish Gustavian tilt-top table with its original paint from the 18th century. This antique table from Sweden features a rectangular-shaped tilt top which rests upon a delicately ...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

6 equal chairs, early 19th Century, Late Gustavian, made by Ephraim Sthal
Located in SE
6 Late Gustavavian chairs made by Ephraim Ståhl. The chairs are beautifully hand carved with nail clippers and leaf shaped decorations. The chairs are made by Ephraim Stahl, who wor...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

19th century Swedish painted pine chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish painted pine chest of drawers circa 1880. Good quality 3 drawer chest of drawers painted in a light coral paint effect.  2 plank top surface, with 3 drawers of ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Set of 10 Late Gustavian Chairs attributed to Ephraim Ståhl
Located in Ljungby, SE
Set of 10 exquisite late Gustavian Stockholm-made chairs from the early 19th century, attributed to the master chair maker Ephraim Ståhl. The front l...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

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 Furniture

Materials

Pine

Rare 19th century Swedish stone and iron garden table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Rare 19th century Swedish stone and iron garden table circa 1860. The manufacture of cannons at the stavsjo bruk is well known and that is where the base of this table was made. Tax...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Stone, Iron

Antique Genuine Swedish Secretary Cabinet, in Rococo and Gustavian Style
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine antique secretary cabinet from northern Sweden. The cabinet is a genuine country furniture made in a transitional style from between ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish antique rustic Gustavian Table with Original paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish antique rustic Gustavian table from Burea Vasterbotten, North of Sweden. Scraped by hand to its original color. Made in painted ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Gustavian Bucket chair, made in Stockholm
Located in SE
A Swedish Gustavian Bucket Chair. Made in Stockholm about 1790. Decorated with beautiful lion heads at the armrest and leaf shaped border. The legs are elegantly carved. Gently hand ...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Birch

19th Century Swedish Ántique Rustic Corner Cabinet with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
A fantastically fine genuine Gustavian Corner cabinet from Kalix Norrbotten Northern Sweden. The Corner Cabinet is divisible into 2 parts. Fine crest in the form of hand-turned pil...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Handblown Green Glass Storage Jar or Vase, Gustavian Period
Located in Knivsta, SE
Handblown Green Glass Storage Jar or Vase, Gustavian Period A wonderfully characterful green glass vessel, likely dating from the late 18th to earl...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass

Bespoke Swedish Style Painted Sideboard
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Custom built Swedish style enfilade. This can be made to your specific size and color. Dimensions 83.5 inches (212 cms) wide 16.5 inches (42 cms) deep 36 inches (91 cms) high. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair of Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Side Tables
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of side tables in Gustavian style, crafted from pine and painted in light grey. The tabletops have a profiled edge, and the apron features decorative carvings, including flora...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish early 19th century painted pine cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish early 19th century painted cupboard circa 1820. Fine quality 2 part cupboard, ideal for kitchen or multiple rooms around the house. Top section with architectural cornice, d...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Fine 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Corner armchair with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
This Gustavian corner " powder chair" features a beautiful original painting and has sticks in the back for added comfort. It stands on brass wheels, making it easy to move. A perfec...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock from the 1960's in original colour with painted floral decoration. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Width:...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Sofa in Pink Linen
Located in Faversham, GB
A wonderful Swedish sofa in Gustavian style made of Scots Pine. The seat ends collapse, allowing the bench to fold down into a flatbed, which extends the length of the sofa and prov...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Upholstery, Pine

Gustavian Sofa in Pink Linen
Gustavian Sofa in Pink Linen
$4,026 Sale Price
25% Off
Swedish 19th century hand painted Gustavian chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century hand painted Gustavian chest of drawers circa 1820. 3 drawer commode with shaped sides and serpentine shaped drawer fronts.  Made from oak with later early 20th century...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak, Paint

Mora Clock Swedish 1800s Antique Folk Art 200cm Faux Wood Grain 1800s
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish mora clock from C. 1844 in rare faux wood grain Kurbitz folk art finish finish and a superb rare detailed metal face roman numeral face in generally good condition fo...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Mora Clock 1849
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Antique Swedish Mora clock dated 1849 in brown with hand painted traditional Swedish floral details and clockmakers initials on face AAL. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum...
Category

Early 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish 19th century inlaid birch chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish 19th century inlaid birch chest of drawers circa 1830. Fine quality Swedish commode, with inlay, stringing and contrasting stained birch. Matched veneer top surface, with s...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

Antique Swedish Blue Country Table in Gustavian Style, Drawer and Genuine Patina
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish country table in gustavian style from northern Sweden. The table is a genuine country house furniture from around 1840. Made by hand in solid pine and in genuine and ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pedestal table with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian pedestal table from Skelleftea, Northern Sweden. A charming classic 19th century Swedish round Pedestal table...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Painted Dutch Armoire / Cupboard
Located in Viterbo, VT
Large cupboard hand-made in the Netherlands in the 1800s using oak and pegged construction. Despite being pretty large the cupboard has a very delicate and elegant look because of bo...
Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak

19th Century Swedish Miniature Chest of Drawers with original paint Country
Located in Boden, SE
Original painted Scandinavian miniature chest of drawers from Luleå Norrbotten ,Northern Sweden This small miniature Gustavian 4 drawer dresser can be perfect as a storage of small ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Gustavian Longcase Clock
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique gustavian long case clock in painted pine from Sweden. The clock has a hand carved decor in wood with older paint from the late 1800s. The paint has become slightly distresse...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian White / Gray Painted Sofa Bench. Light Blue Fabric
Located in Kastrup, DK
Swedish gustavian armed bench or sofa. Carved frame in light gray painted birchwood with natural age-related patina. Features a long single seat with coil springs, upholstered w...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Gustavian Swedish Kitchen Cabinet
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Good early 19th century Swedish pine kitchen cabinet with folk art decoration. 1804. Internal depths: Top - 11-inches Bottom - 18-inches Code: 89...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Bedside Cabinet Table with Drawer
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in Sweden, this Swedish one door and one drawer blue bedside table has been constructed from solid wood. Classic details on this piece including patinated iron hardware. Thi...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Paint

Late 19th Century Black Painted Swedish Gustavian 3 Drawer Chest
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Late 19th Century chest of drawers painted in black. This classic Gustavian commode is a very versatile piece that works well in a foyer, living room or bedroom.
Category

Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Charming small Gustavian Shaving Mirror in Mahogany – Sweden, Late 18th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Gustavian Shaving Mirror in Mahogany – Sweden, Late 18th Century Charming small shaving mirror in mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni), made in Sweden during the late 18th century. Execut...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

Pair of Gustavian Candlesticks in Brass and Carrara Marble, Late 18th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of Gustavian Candlesticks in Brass and Carrara Marble, Late 18th Century Elegant pair of Gustavian candlesticks from the 1790s, crafted in brass and fine Carrara marble. The c...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

18th Century Swedish antique genuine Gustavian armchair with original paint.
Located in Boden, SE
Armchair Swedish Gustavian 1775-1790 , Sweden. Called the "Swedish model" .An armchair made during the early part of the Gustavian period circa 1775-1790. Scraped by hand to its we...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock from the 1960's in original colour. Off white with pink highlighting. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Wid...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Painted Mifnight Blue
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Gustavian dresser renovated to highest standard and painted in midnight blue. Fine moldings around drawers and fittings in solid brass. Marble top Width 84 cm / 33.1" Depth: 48cm /...
Category

1950s European Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Tray Table
Located in Ljungby, SE
A Gustavian tray table from southern Sweden with a carved wooden monogram on both sides of the apron. The table is freestanding. It features carved decorative details, such as flutin...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian style three-drawer chest from circa 1900
Located in Kvidinge, SE
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood chest from the early 20th century with three drawers. Painted in grey with black top and a beautiful distressed patina look Classical brass h...
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian desk from Umea Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden. Nice Gustavian desk scraped to its originalpaint. Reeded sides. ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chair with Originalpaint Swedish Antiques
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish Gustavian chair from Umea Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden Nice unusual model with ribs in the back & hand carved flowers & leaves. Has style features of English ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock from the 1960's in original colour and carved detailing. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Width:60cm / 23....
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Rare Untouched Antique Swedish Gustavian Corner Cabinet
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare untouched corner cabinet from Sweden in gustavian style. This antique corner cabinet is from Hälsingland in central Sweden. Made by hand in solid Swedish pine the cabinet has it...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Antique Stylish Swedish Stockholm Gustavian Commode
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique stylish gustavian commode from Stockholm made around 1790. The commode is from the Swedish gustavian period or neoclassical as it’s more known internationally. The commode ha...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Limestone, Brass

19th Century Swedish Pine Gustavian Country Side Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Gustavian country side table from Northern Sweden made in painted pine. The table has a hatch opening up to a storage space instead of a drawer and the hatch opens with a metal latch...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Fine 19th Century Swedish Bench
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine 19th century Swedish bench From The Gustavian period in it's original finish. Can be used as a corner bench, long strait bench or two separate benches. Ca 1810 Sweden.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Royal 18th Century Wash stand with Chinese Water Cistern.
By Per Ljungs Art
Located in Stockholm, SE
A historically important 18th century piece of interior from the Swedish King Gustav III:s yacht Amphion built in 1777-1778. One of the last pieces in private hands to have survive...
Category

1770s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Mahogany

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Rustic Gustavian Sofa with Original paint
Located in Boden, SE
Early 19th Century Antique Rustic Swedish Gustavian Provincial Sofa from Råneå Norrbotten ,Northern Sweden. A beautiful Swedish Gustavian sofa ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Stool made in Stockholm about 1790
Located in SE
A Gustavian stool made in Stockholm about 1790. The stool is hand crafted with an elegantly leaf shaped border. The stool has fine originally paint with much of indigenous textures r...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Birch

Pair of Gustavian Candlesticks in Carrara Marble and Brass, Late 18th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of Gustavian Candlesticks in Carrara Marble and Brass, Late 18th Century An elegant pair of late Gustavian (Swedish Neoclassical) candlesticks, crafted in Carrara marble with ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

Swedish Gustavian Tall Painted Wood Column Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Bring a touch of Scandinavian classical architecture into your home with this impressive vintage Column Pedestal. Certainly makes a wonderful addition to any home seeking a display p...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Beautiful Swedish Gustavian Style Brass Table Lamp, Late 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful Swedish Gustavian Style Brass Table Lamp, Late 19th Century A beautiful Gustavian style brass table lamp, most likely from the late 1800s, richly decorated with classical...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Swedish Pillar Console Tables, Early 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair of Narrow Scraped Two Pillar Console Tables, Sweden, circa 1830.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak

Pair of Late 19th Century Demi Lune Tables with Painted Greek Key Detail
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A charming pair of late 19th Century Swedish demi-lune tables, later painted in soft, neutral tones. Featuring elegant tapered legs and classic painted Greek Key detailing along the...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Buffet in Original Salmon Pink Paint
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
A very unusual early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian buffet. With reeded front and sides, a pierced gallery on top and original lion feet. Scraped back to original salmon paint. Thee ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Late 18th Century Gustavian Side Chairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of chairs made by master craftsman Johan Erik Hoglander in Stockholm (1750-1813). Considered to be one of Sweden's best chair makers during t...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

Long Early 19th Century Swedish Stool
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
An early 19th century Swedish long stool or bench. With fine hand carved detail to front and sides in original paint. The seat has been reupholstered with antique linen in traditiona...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Upholstery, Wood

19th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish Gustavian chest of drawers from Umeå Västerbotten ,Northern Sweden . The chest of drawers is a Swedish country house furniture from between 1820 and 1830. Made i...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Glass Cabinet Painted In Grey From 1810s
Located in Lejre, DK
Glass cabinet with beautiful gray painted decoration from the Gustavian period 1810. The cabinet has a large drawer at the bottom and 4 large interior shelves with lots of storage sp...
Category

1810s Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Secretary / Writing Desk - Painted
Located in Kvidinge, SE
Swedish Gustavian Secretary / Writing Desk from early 19th century A rectangular top sitting above a slant front desk opening to reveal a gray painted interior and multiple smal draw...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

20th Century Black Painted Display Bookcase Glazed Cabinet
Located in Kvidinge, SE
A gorgeous Bookcase Display with two glazed cabinet doors Painted and refinished in a black with a delicate hint of red under and distress for an authentic antique feel The inside i...
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Gustavian furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Gustavian furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, seating, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, softwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gustavian furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include Ephraim Stahl, Hendrix Allardyce, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, and Jonas Frisk. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $49,500 while the average work can sell for $4,473.

Recently Viewed

View All