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
7
154
914
563
152
1
1
4,041
2,573
790
768
640
558
485
419
379
363
284
224
195
179
169
143
133
123
23
104
25
2
9
11
3
142
94
74
74
36
139
133
129
11
11
154
154
154
1
Item Ships From: Texas
Style: Gustavian
Original Blue Painted Tall Swedish Mora Grandfather Clock, circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Exceptional hand painted mora grandfather clock with original light blue painted finish accented in soft red and white trim. The warm aged patina on this 8' tall clock is what collec...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint
Pair, Antique Gustavian Gray Painted Narrow Cabinets, Sweden circa 1840
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, gray painted Gustavian narrow cabinets or "pedestal cabinet" from Sweden. Rare to find a pair in this fine condition.
Lovely lines with applied wreath or ribbon motif on front ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
Tall Oak Secretary Bureau from Sweden, circa 1800-20
Located in Round Top, TX
This 7' tall oak secretary is an elegant statement piece crowned with an elaborate carved pediment over paneled cabinet doors.
The secretary has been given a professional custom laye...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair, 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Armchairs
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, attractive Swedish country Gustavian style painted arm chairs with distinctive round back topped by carved rosettes.
Turned, fluted legs and carved accents along the skirt add ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
18th/19th Century Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Pine Kitchen Cupboard
Located in Forney, TX
A classic Gustavian Period (1772-1809) Swedish painted pine two door kitchen cupboard sideboard.
Handcrafted in Sweden around the turn of the late 18t...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Grandfather Clock
Located in Dallas, TX
This product is a Swedish Gustavian painted grandfather clock from the 19th century. It is a stylish and elegant piece of home decor that would make a statement in any room. The intr...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Swedish Cupboard in Grey and Antique White
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stately and beautifully preserved Swedish cupboard secretary dating from 1810 to 1830, crafted in oak and pine with a soft grey painted finish that highlights its elegant, understa...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
18th Century Swedish Painted Pine Two-Tiered Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
18th Century Swedish Painted Pine Two-Tiered Cabinet is ideal for the casual decor, providing both visual impact and abundant storage in one! The top ti...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
$6,320 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair, 19th Century Large White Pine Chest of Six Drawers from Sweden
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of large, 4' wide pine chests with six drawers each.
Newer professionally applied and layered white painted finish, lightly distressed to fit age of this pair.
Restored, strong...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
White Gustavian Side Table with Cabriolet Legs, Sweden circa 1800-20
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish Gustavian side table with cabriolet legs and large scalloped skirt.
Restored, later professionally painted in layered shades o...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Green Painted Pine Grandfather Clock, Denmark circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
The curved bonnet, simple panel door, and slender case with lovely balance to face and base are all highlights of this delightful grandfather clock that stands just over 6' tall.
Tak...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Demilune Tables
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 19th century Swedish Gustavian demilune tables with carved detail above each leg and a carved detail around the apron.
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
Large Round Swedish Black Dining Table, Reproduction
Located in Round Top, TX
Round dining table, 6' diameter with the look of the Gustavian style.
This size table did not exist in the Gustavian period; this new table mirrors the Swedish style in a larger size suited for today's modern home.
Lovely tapered fluted legs, applied carved diamond/garland accents.
Professionally applied layered antique black painted finish...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Swedish Blue Gustavian Side Table Tea Table with Tray Top, circa 1890
Located in Round Top, TX
The elongated cabriolet legs add a charming touch to this side table that originally served as a tea table in Sweden.
Restored, later professionally painted in layered shades of blue...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Porcelain, Wood, Paint
19th Century Large Swedish Gustavian Sofa with New Cushions
Located in San Angelo, TX
A beautiful, large and very rare large Swedish Gustavian sofa with new upholstered seat cushions added. This piece is very unique and rare with the grande scale and featuring side cu...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Gray-Green Painted Gustavian Sofa
Located in Houston, TX
Gray-green painted Gustavian sofa circa 1790-1809, Sweden. Neoclassical style Swedish sofa, hand-carved in pine. Scraped back to layers of early gray-green over light gray-blue paint...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Linen, Upholstery, Wood, Pine
19th Century Gustavian Period Swedish Pine Bench with Storage
Located in Pasadena, TX
19th century Gustavian period Swedish pine bench with storage
This bench is a nice example of Gustavian furniture, the Swedish interpretation of French neoclassical design. Decor...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
Pair of Gustavian Light Gray Painted Stools
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Gustavian stools circa 1810. Scrapped back to remnants of gray paint. Sold together and priced $6,800 for the pair.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Upholstery, Pine
$6,800 / set
18th Century Swedish 3 Drawer Painted Chest
Located in Houston, TX
18th Century Swedish 3 Drawer Painted Chest. A solid piece of furniture, drawers slide nicely. Please use pics as your guide. Obvious wear expected of a chest of this age.
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Antique Gustavian Gray Painted Tall Sideboard Buffet Server circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Gustavian gray painted tall pine sideboard or server cabinet with contrasting faux painted top in black, gray and white.
Scallop or fan detail carved in center above narrow shelf.
...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
Early 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Cabinet
Located in San Angelo, TX
A stunning and unique baroque early 18th century Swedish Gustavian cabinet that features two doors with shelving inside and sets on ball feet. This piece completely breaks down to he...
Category
Early 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
Blue Painted Small Oak Chest of Three Drawers Nightstand, Denmark circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
This small oak chest of drawers with upper dentil molding will serve well as a side table or nightstand.
The newer, professionally applied and layered blue painted finish is perfectl...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
18th Century Painted Gustavian Dresser / Commode / Chest of Drawers
Located in Carmine, TX
Commode hand-made in the Netherlands in the late 1700s using oak and dovetail construction. The commode features three drawers with serpentine fronts and beautifully made dovetail jo...
Category
Early 18th Century Dutch Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Oak
Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Neoclassical Swedish Gustavian Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75613, vintage Persian Tabriz area rug with neoclassical Swedish Gustavian style. This hand knotted wool vintage Persian Tabriz area rug...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wool
Classic Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers in Grey
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined and timeless late 19th century Gustavian style chest of drawers, originating from Sweden and crafted from solid pine. Painted in a soft, neutral grey, this piece embodies t...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
Oak Secretary Bureau With Painted Finish from Sweden circa 1760-1800
Located in Round Top, TX
This oak secretary or "bureau" reflects the grace and class of Swedish styling from the early 1800's.
The dramatic serpentine drawers and carved outer panel of the drop down desk add a romantic touch, accented by brass pulls and key escutcheon.
The traditional interior with 12 unique, small drawers and central “cubbie” with two petite drawers offers perfect space to organize.
Under the desk top is three standard large size drawers and upper narrow drawer, each has two brass pulls used to open drawer.
It was later professionally painted with an exceptional layered salmon/desert pink...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Swedish Gustavian White Painted Side Table With Drawer, circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique Swedish Gustavian White Painted Side Table With Drawer.
Tapered legs and horizontal fluted carving along single drawer. May also serve as nightstand.
Restored, later professi...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Tall White Swedish Pine Mora Grandfather Clock, circa 1840
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish mora grandfather clocks are identified by their gentle curves and classic style as seen in this exceptional longcase clock that stands just over 7.5' tall.
Restored, later pr...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
White Painted Gustavian Stool, Sweden circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
This lovely Swedish stool or tabouret has graceful legs and turned hand rests providing stability as well as balanced beauty.
The slightly distressed patina of the later antique whi...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Gray Gustavian Swedish Chest of Drawers, circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
Lovely Gustavian pine chest of three drawers with diamond accent on drawers, fluted canted sides, dentil molding and tapered fluted feet.
The newer, professionally applied layered gr...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair, White Painted Gustavian Style Armchairs, Sweden circa 1900's
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, Swedish white painted armchairs with carved details along edges, top of back and bottom of seat; turned fluted legs.
The newer, professionally applied antique white painted fin...
Category
20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Armchairs with Muslin Fabric
Located in Round Top, TX
These are some of the most elegant Swedish chairs I have ever had. The original black paint peaks out from the light gray refreshed paint and they have new cotton muslin fabric.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Dutch Blue Chest of Drawers
Located in Carmine, TX
Chest of drawers hand-made in The Netherlands in the early 1800s using oak and with beautiful blue patina. The dresser has beautiful proportions and follows the simple, yet gorgeous,...
Category
Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Oak
$4,008 Sale Price
20% Off
Set of Twelve 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs includes 2 Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Twelve 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs includes 2 Armchairs were built to grace an elegant mansion in Sweden, now ready to add style, flair and timeless elegance ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Elm
Swedish Circa 1858 Gustavian Pine Buffet
Located in Round Top, 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 Furniture
Materials
Pine
19th Century Gustavian Sofa Bench
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Gustavian sofa bench with original paint. Exquisite carving on the front and side panels and along the perimeter of the upholstered a...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Painted Bench, Trundle Bed
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Swedish Neoclassical Painted Bench ~ Trundle Bed is an amazing approach to practicality with style! The neoclassical influence in the design is readily apparent, with a ...
Category
1870s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
Pair of Painted Italian Pine Cabinets
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stately and sophisticated pair of large Gustavian-style cabinets, masterfully crafted from reclaimed Italian pine and finished in a soft, hand-painted cream tone. Drawing inspirati...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
$11,000 / set
18th Century Swedish Painted Two-Tiered Corner Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
18th Century Swedish painted two-tiered corner cabinet represents the essence of tailored elegance, with a rustic charm that only the Swedes can produce! Encompassing a quarter of a ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
$6,320 Sale Price
20% Off
Painted Pine Gustavian Chest of Three Drawers, Sweden circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
Gustavian painted pine chest of three drawers with "Greek key" or meander design along top and pair of griffins on top drawer.
Newer professionally applied and layered salmon painted...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of 19th C. Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Swedish 19th Century Barrel Back Gustavian Chairs.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
$14,000 / set
Pair of Mid Century Swedish Carved and Painted Gustavian Chests
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover the charm of classic Swedish design with this pair of mid-century Gustavian chests. Each piece boasts a Greek Key design carving that add a touch of elegance and character t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Painted Hall Bench, Trundle Bed
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Swedish painted hall bench ~ trundle bed is the perfect selection for the active family! By day, a handsome, country style hall bench ~ by nig...
Category
1880s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Houston, TX
The 19th Century Swedish Painted Chest of Drawers is a charming piece of furniture that exudes timeless elegance and rustic charm. Pain...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Red Painted Gustavian Bookcase Display Cabinet, Sweden circa 1790-1820
Located in Round Top, TX
The details in this large red Gustavian pine bookcase are impressive with carved molding and Greek key pattern along the crown, carved inset columns at side and fluted carved details...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Glass, Pine, Paint
Swedish 18th Century Gustavian Serpentine Two Piece Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in Wichita, KS
Beautiful 18th Century Swedish Serpentine front Commode Chest of Drawers in two pieces. this Two piece design was often used for moving the chest in small spaces. The paint on this...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$5,560 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair, Carved Gray Painted Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs, Circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
This impressive pair of Swedish Gustavian side chairs have stylish fluted saber legs and decorative carved braided trim throughout.
The newer professionally applied antique pewter gr...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, 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 Furniture
Materials
Brass
$7,840 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Swedish Gustavian White Painted Side Table With Drawer, circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique Swedish Gustavian White Painted Side Table With Drawer.
Tapered fluted legs and decorative applied carving accents this useful table.
Restored, later professionally applie...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Custom Large Bar Height Farmhouse Modern Round Dining Table by Paradigm
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent custom made hand carved distressed painted cream rustic modern farm house chic round high-top dining table (bar counter height / pub height) by American maker Paradigm ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood, Pine, Paint
$2,396 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique 18th Century Large Gustavian Klismos Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Antique 18th century Gustavian Klismos chair. This design was developed by the Greeks in the 5th century BC. The Klismos chair has four curving...
Category
18th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Blue Side Table Cabinet Nightstand on Cabriolet Legs
Located in Round Top, TX
Small Swedish Gustavian style blue painted side table or nightstand standing on elongated cabriolet legs.
Enlarge photos to appreciate the newer professionally applied light sea foam...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Oak, Paint
Swedish Style Reeded Buffet
Located in Houston, TX
Painted Swedish reeded buffet with two doors.
Category
20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set of Eight 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Dining Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Eight 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Dining Chairs were very recently reupholstered in a high quality fabric and will make a great choice for your dining and ente...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Bench
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Swedish Gustavian bench with carving around all sides and tapered square legs.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
Pair of Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Gustavian armchairs. Ready for upholstered seat and back. Beautiful fretwork on back section. Carved detail throughout the frame with fluted ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Painted Drop-Leaf Table, Sofa Table
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Swedish painted drop-leaf table, sofa table is a marvel of ingenuity! Handcrafted by talented rural artisans, it features two huge leaves that drop down out of the way w...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
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 AllMore Ways To Browse
Iron Cross
Japanese Step
Indian Painted Wood
Inlaid Wood Frame
Irish Gold
Japan Antiques Collectables
Large Wood Columns
Large Copper Plate
Italian Mid Century Textiles
Italian Glass Fish
Italian Mid Century Vanity
Irish Carved Furniture
Latin American Furniture
Green Vanity
Imperial Mid
Hand Woven Mat
Large Tassels
Hand Painted Hand Fans