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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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Style: Gustavian
Cabinet Gustavian Swedish Original Paint Greenish Yellow, 18th Century, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Cabinet Gustavian Swedish original paint greenish yellow 18th century Sweden. A cabinet made during the 18th century in Sweden. Glassed doors ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

18th Century Gustavian Painted Corner Cupboard
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Gustavian bow fronted corner cupboard from the North of Sweden. Refreshed old paint to the exterior, later painted interior. Circa 1790.
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

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

Swedish Gustavian Style 1860s Gray Painted Three-Drawer Chest with Carved Drawer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style chest from circa 1860 with three drawers, light gray painted finish, reeded accents, dentil molding and tapered legs. Embrace the understated elegance of Sw...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Fine Pair of 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
Rare and fine pair of early 19th century Gustavian chairs in Chinese taste signed by master chair maker Ephraim Sthal (1767-1820) Supplier to the Royal Court and one of the most soph...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Nightstands Gustavian Style
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Gustavian Style 2 door 1 drawer Nightstands. they have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chest of Drawers with Untouched Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
A very genuine 19th century Swedish Gustavian chest of drawers from Umea Vasterbotten, Northen Sweden. The chest of drawers has untouched originalpaint. Hardware and locks are original. Right small drawer has lock & key. The left drawer has no lock but has an attached old key...
Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Low and Wide Gustavian Sideboard with Original Faux Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Wide and low gustavian sideboard from Northern Sweden made circa 1810-1820. The sideboard is in untouched original condition with original paint from the early 1800s. It is unusually low and wide...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Dos Gallos Custom Coffee Table in Driftwood Finish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom coffee table with fluted apron and carved legs. Can be made in oak, teak, walnut or mahogany in a variety of sizes and finishes. Shown here in teak, with a grey driftwood and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak, Walnut

18th Century Danish Gustavian Single Antique Fruitwood Console, End Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, antique Danish Gustavian freestanding console table made of hand crafted Fruitwood, in good condition. The Scandinavian corner tables...
Category

Late 18th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass, Metal

18th Century Grey Danish Oak Pedestal Attributed to Caspar Frederik Harsdorff
By Caspar Frederik Harsdorff
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 18th Century, single antique Danish Gustavian pedestal cabinet made of hand crafted painted Oakwood designed and produced most likely by Caspar...
Category

Mid-18th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pedestal Table with Original Paint Antiques
Located in Boden, SE
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pedestal table from Boden Norrbotten, Northern Sweden. A charming classic early 19th Century Swedish Pedestal table with turned base supported b...
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 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

Gustavian Wall Clock signed Jacob Kock
Located in Ljungby, SE
Large Gustavian wall clock with a movement signed by Jacob Kock (1737-1805). He was a court clockmaker in Stockholm and supplied clocks to the court of King Gustav III. This pendulum...
Category

18th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass, Enamel, Iron

Swedish Maple Tripod Center/Side Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century maple tripod table. A round top sits on a tripod base with the original tilting mechanism. The table does not tilt at this point, but the detail is great. The table is s...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Maple

19th Century Gustavian Style Walnut Secretaire Avatant
Located in Madrid, ES
A Swedish writing desk, made of walnut wood, also decorated with gilded lateral grooves in the late Gustavian style. The writing desk is divided into two parts, each of which has bro...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Drop-Leaf Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Swedish painted drop-leaf table. Table features two large leaves that drop down when not needed, making this usable as a dining, sofa or hall table. When a dining table ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Nightstands Gustavian Style
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Gustavian Style 2 door 1 drawer Nightstands. they have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Period Gustavian Pair of Benches Carved Rams Head and Hoof
Located in Miami, FL
19th century period Gustavian pair of benches, Savonarolas, carved rams head and hoof with original leather seat.
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Gustavian Cream Painted Four Poster Bed, US King
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Modern Gustavian Cream Painted Four Poster Bed. A wonderful combination of antique Gustavian design and modern details. The posters are in a tape...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Swedish Empire Mahogany Armchairs 19th Century Sweden
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair of Stockholm Mahogany Armchairs in the Empire / Karl Johan period, circa 1810-1830 Sweden. A pair of armchairs are veneered in a beautiful dark brown mahogany and are very clas...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Swedish Gustavian Style Sideboard
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian Style Sideboard, its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White".
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Working Table - Antique Carpenter Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian working bench made of hand crafted painted Pinewood in a pale grey finish, in good condition. The detailed Scandinavian carpenter bench is composed with its original wooden screw...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Side Table in Pine
Located in Kramfors, SE
Gustavian side table manufactured in northern Sweden, circa 1790. The table is in untouched original condition with original blue marbled paint. The painting technique imitates the s...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Rococo Console Table
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a wall mount Rococo style console table. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1910s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th c. Pair of Swedish Gustavian Painted Barrel Back Armchairs with Lion Heads
Located in Wichita, KS
A pair of Swedish antique barrel back armchairs in the Gustavian style, circa 1880. These stunning chairs have shaped barrel backs with li...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, 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

Two Light Swedish Gustavian Sconces in Crystal & Bronze, A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Swedish Gustavian (neo-classical) two light sconces. The frames are bronze hung generously with faceted crystal drops. There are six arms above and below with faceted crystal...
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Mid-19th century Painted Swedish Mora Column Case Floor Clock
Located in Leesburg, VA
Mid-19th century Painted Swedish Mora Column Case Floor Clock Anonymous Sweden; probably mid-19th century Wood, enamel, iron Approximate size: 84 (h) x 21.75 (w) x 10 (d) in. This...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Iron

Chest Of Drawers Swedish Gustavian Style
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique 3 drawer Swedish Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Midnight Black"
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish 1810s Gustavian Period Painted Sideboard with Carved Diamond Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period painted wood sideboard from the early 19th century, with three-quarter gallery, carved frieze, two drawers, two doors and reeded diamond motifs. Created in...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Swedish Gustavian /Empire Crystal Chandelier w/ Gilt Bronze & Ten Lights
Located in Miami, FL
A very fine and large-scale Antique Gustavian or Karl Johan Empire crystal chandelier with gilt bronze armature featuring a center ring with thinly pressed rosettes and foliage betwe...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Gustavian table from northern Sweden in untouched original condition. The table is from the years circa 1780-1790 with traces of thin paint on the frame and a white painted tabletop....
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Set of Swedish Gustavian Armchairs Attributed to Ephraim Ståhl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A grey, antique Swedish Gustavian set of similar armchairs made of hand crafted painted Birchwood, designed and produced most likely by Ephraim Ståhl in good condition. The Scandinav...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Birch

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Pinewood Desk Console Table
Located in Madrid, ES
Swedish Gustavian style hand carved pinewood painted console, desk table with simple drawer and clasical hardwarwe, painted in light grey typical Scandenavian taste. the top is paint...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Monumental Swedish Gustavian Style Marble Top Center Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Impressive grand round marble top center table made on a monumental scale in the neoclassical Gustavian taste. The Swedish table features a massive 1.5 inch thick slab of Carrara mar...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Stickback Settee
Located in Huntington, NY
A stunning Swedish Gustavian stickback settee. Rectangular back with vertical leaf cut detailing on upper frame topped by round finials. Back and sides are carved with a unique arrow...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

18th Century Gustavian Chairs, Set of Six
Located in Ljungby, SE
Six Gustavian chairs featuring a bundled spindle motif on the backrests. The top rails are arched. The legs are connected by H-stretchers. The seats are removable. The chairs were ma...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Painted Pine Cupboard Storage Original Grey Rustic Finish
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
An original, late 19th Century Swedish painted pine cupboard in superb original condition. Lovely detailing, with ogee moulding to the top, diamond motif pillars leading to moulded f...
Category

1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Swedish Gustavian Sofa Bench or Settee with Griffin Carvings in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A rare Gustavian style sofa with beautiful wood carved griffins, hand-scraped to the original paint and newly upholstered, circa 1900. Exquisite carved detail. The seat frame feature...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Inlaid Swedish Satinwood Console
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine Swedish 19th Century gilt bronze mounted center table in the manner of George Haupt. In mixed woods, the top with marquetry basket of flowers withing an oval on a satin bir...
Category

1850s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Swedish Antique Rocking Chair 6 Legs 19th Century Hand Painted Black Gold
Located in Bochum, NRW
Antique Black Swedish Rocking Chair with Original Black Paint, Late 19th Century The chair is in excellent condition, given its age and use, showing minimal signs of time and use—nor...
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Wood Chest
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian-style painted wood chest from the Mid-20th Century. This mid-century chest from Sweden, designed in typical Gustavian style, features a simple, clean design with slightly overhanging top over case which houses three graduated drawers, a straight molded skirt, and presented on four spaded legs...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Swedish Gustavian Painted Sideboard Buffet Commode White C.1890
Located in Lewes, England
Circa 1870/1890 antique Swedish Gustavian White painted Sideboard Buffet commode in gustavian style with classic Gustavian diamond ribbing detail on the drawer fronts and leading edg...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Rare Period 1740-60s era Swedish Gustavian Baroque Bergere Chair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Carved distressed painted frame. Upholstered. 41 1/2" h x 26 3/8" w x 23 1/2" d. Seat height 20 1/4". Condition Splits in wood. Paint loss. Chips and nicks in wood. Minor stains to ...
Category

1740s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Gustavian Grey Painted Nightstands
Located in Westwood, NJ
This beautifully crafted Neo Classic Swedish-inspired nightstand features an elegant and classic grey finish, accented with delicate gold trim that highlights its refined design. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Swedish Gustavian Style Gray Painted Three-Drawer Chest with Carved Panels
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style three-drawer chest from the 19th century, with marbleized top, gray painted finish, reeded panels and fluted side posts. This 19th-century Swedish Gustavian...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Gustavian Haupt Chest with Three Drawers in a black finish with brass detailing
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Gustavian Haupt Chest with Three Drawers in a black finish with brass detailing. Originally from the 1930's fully restored and redesigned. Original brass fittings and marble top (pai...
Category

1950s European Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Armchairs by Johan Erik Höglander
Located in Huntington, NY
A stunning pair of Gustavian armchairs made in Stockholm and signed by Johan Erik Höglander (1758-1813). Arched shield back style with bow ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Gustavian Style 3 Drawer NightStands
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of Gustavian style 3 drawer nightStands. They have been restored and repainted with milk paints midnight black.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Pair of Elegant Gustavian Chairs in Original Paint, circa 1780
Located in Jesteburg, DE
Fine pair of Gustavian dining chairs, retaining their original paint.  
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th C. Swedish Gustavian Settee or Bench c. 1790
Located in Charlottesville, VA
18th C. Swedish Gustavian Settee or Bench c. 1790. Having original paint. The beautifully foliate carved back supported by turned and foliate spindles over a rectangular seat with ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Drop-Leaf Table with Birch Faux Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Gustavian drop-leaf table with original untouched faux paint imitating birch. The table has one extra table top on each side and double gates. Made in northern Sweden, circa 1810. Ha...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Late Gustavian Mahogany Game Table with Felt Backgammon Andremovable Top
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Late Gustavian mahogany game table, circa 1800. Has patina and imperfections that add to its charm but can be refinished if requested. The top of the table can expand or be re...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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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