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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.

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Item Ships From: Texas
Style: Gustavian
Original Painted Swedish Mora Grandfather Clock, circa 1840
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish mora grandfather clocks are noted by their gentle curves and classic style as seen in this tall and slender long case clock with simple lines and curvaceous skirt. The origin...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

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

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

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

Vintage Persian Isfahan Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
78680 Vintage Persian Isfahan Rug, 05'00 x 06'09. Nestled in the heart of central Iran lies a haven of artistry and tradition: the captivating city of Isfahan. Here, amid whispers of...
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

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, Gustavian Style Wingback Arm Chairs from Sweden, circa 1920-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Graceful with a romantic air, this pair of Gustavian style wingback armchairs have delicate carving along the skirt skirt and rest on turned fluted legs. This pair of armchairs are r...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair, Antique Gray Painted Gustavian Arm Chairs, Sweden, circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, gray painted gustavian arm chairs. Turned fluted legs and decorative carving throughout, crowned with rosettes. Restored, stable. Any scrat...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

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

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, Pine, Wood, Upholstery

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

Set of 8 Mid Century Swedish Gustavian Style Dining Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted for those who appreciate the elegance of mid-century design, this set of 8 Gustavian style dining chairs offers a blend of sophistication and comfort. Each chair is a testame...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, 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

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

Stunning 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs, Pair
Located in San Angelo, TX
A gorgeous and unique pair of late 18th century Swedish barrel backs from the Gustavian period that have been dry scrapped and then had a recent paint touch up with grays and white h...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

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

19th Century Swedish Country Gustavian Tray Table
Located in Forney, TX
Pale, elegant simplicity and classic design, is how we would describe this large, subtly beautiful, hand carved and painted pine antique tray style table. Handcrafted in Sweden in the late 1800s, decorated in a muted gray-blue paint color, typical of traditional Nordic Swedish County home interiors; pale, light and airy atmospheres, which counteract the low levels of natural light, especially during Scandinavian winters. This substantially sized rustic table blends a comfortable warmth with a clean-lined minimalism—uniting in a way that is functional, unfussy, and timeless. The perfect choice for bridging contemporary and traditional styles. Versatile. Ideal for use as an interesting side or center table, accent table, standing writing desk, work table, wine tasting stand or dry bar drinks table...
Category

19th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Large Round Pedestal Black Table, Sweden circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
This round pine pedestal table has a carved skirt, turned pedestal base resting on four carved legs with lion's paw feet and casters. Restored, later professionally painted in black ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, 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

Pair, 19th Century Gray Swedish Gustavian Pair of Armchairs
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, Swedish Gustavian armchairs with elegant curve to arms into back, balanced with tapered front legs ending with brass cap, all adding to the graceful appeal of each. Distinctive...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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

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

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

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

Pair, White Swedish Gustavian Armchairs, circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, Swedish Gustavian armchairs with a gently curved tub back and saber back legs, adding to the graceful appeal of each. Fluted turned front legs and decorative carving embellish ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Drop Leaf Table
Located in San Angelo, TX
A beautiful 19th century Gustavian drop leaf table with a gate leg that has been dry scrapped. This piece is truly a piece in a...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Armchairs with Muslin Fabric
Located in Houston, 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 Swedish Painted Hall Bench
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Swedish painted hall bench is a charming piece perfect for hallways, stairwell landings, or cozy room settings. The tailored lines crea...
Category

1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

White Painted Pine Sideboard Buffet, Sweden circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish pine sideboard with turned columns, top with profiled edge, fluted carving along drawers all resting on large bun feet. Newer, professionally applied white painted finish sli...
Category

Late 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

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

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

Antique Original Red Painted Chest of Drawers, Sweden circa 1820-1840
Located in Round Top, TX
It is the all original painted finish that makes this chest of drawers from the Swedish countryside a special find. Note the original brick red paint accented with the blue/green/wh...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique Gustavian Gray and Gold Mirror, Sweden circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Lovely Gustavian style mirror with light gray painted finish with white undertones. Carved accents in gold gilt with red undertones. At just under 4' tall, its size allows it to be d...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood, Paint

Zeki Muren Distressed Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
50876 Zeki Muren Distressed Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug. Lovingly timeworn with Gustavian grace, this hand knotted wool distressed Turkish Sivas rug beautifully embodies a Swedish Far...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

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 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

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

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

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Drop Leaf Table Wabi Sabi
Located in San Angelo, TX
Here is a beautiful and unique early 19th century Swedish Gustavian table that features a one sided drop leaf with a gate leg. Thi...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine, Paint

Small White Swedish Stool or Footrest, circa 1900's
Located in Round Top, TX
This petite Swedish stool or tabouret has a yoke shaped base with applied carved flower medallion. The distressed patina of the later antique white painted finish adds to the charm. This small stool or footrest still has the original worn and stained embroidered upholstery which will be easy to reupholster. Seat frame is strong, stable, and ready to be used and enjoyed. All scratches, cracks, dings, or age related separation are commensurate with age and do not detract from the beauty nor function of this Swedish tabouret...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

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

Zeki Muren Distressed Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug with Shabby Chic Cottage Style
Located in Dallas, TX
51153 Zeki Muren Distressed Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug with Shabby Chic Cottage Style. Lovingly timeworn with cottage charm and Gustavian grace, this hand knotted wool distressed Turk...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

19th C. Gustavian Round Table
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful Gustavian round table with stretchers.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair, Gustavian White Painted Arm Chairs from Sweden, circa 1840-1860
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, attractive Swedish country white gustavian painted arm chairs. Turned, fluted legs and carved accents including floral motif. White painted finish distressed fitting the age ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Gray Painted Small Gustavian Cabinet Nightstand, Sweden circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Small Swedish country pine cabinet standing on tapered legs; may serve also as a nightstand or side table. Small drawers with traditional fluted diamond accent sits above and below t...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 Furniture

Materials

Steel

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 White Painted Swedish Cabinet Sideboard
Located in Round Top, TX
Gustavian pine sideboard or buffet with traditional decorative fluted diamond panels on cabinet doors. Later professionally painted in layered shades of antique white and lightly di...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

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

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

Gray Gustavian Pine Sideboard Buffet, Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
Tall Swedish Gustavian gray painted pine sideboard with attractive curved sides and traditional fluted diamond details. The curved long cabinet doors and drawers make this cabinet a ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Gustavian White Painted Side Table With Drawer, Sweden circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
The delicate curved cabriolet legs and decorative carved skirt add a romantic touch to this charming Gustavian side table with single drawer. The newer, professionally applied layer...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

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 Furniture

Materials

Wood

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.

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