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.
32
1,493
37
36
to
186
992
567
1,566
1,549
1,558
191,109
115,555
41,279
31,896
14,947
11,451
10,252
10,153
9,398
8,569
7,215
7,143
6,224
5,782
5,526
5,118
4,604
3,502
330
820
343
73
117
159
22
12
18
16
20
30
54
22
7
2
2
1,433
458
456
280
230
1,459
1,340
1,307
38
29
6
2
2
2
2
Style: Gustavian
Swedish Gustavian Style 1900s Sideboard or Desk with Single Drawer and Doors
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style bow front painted wood sideboard or desk from the early 20th century, with single drawer, two doors and tapered legs. Creat...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
Swedish Gustavian Style 1900 Painted Wood Armchairs with Carved Aprons
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style painted wood armchairs from the early 20th century, with scrolling arms, carved waterleaf and rosette motifs and fluted legs. Created in Sweden duri...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Custom Made Commodes
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Pair of custom made Swedish style commodes
Reference: 7718
Dimensions
40 inches (102 cms) wide
18.5 inches (47 cms) deep
32 inches (81 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
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
Vintage 1927 Norwegian Girl Etching by Olof Abrahamsen Willums
Located in Seguin, TX
Etching on paper of young woman in traditional dress by Olof Abrahamsen Willums (1886-1967) Norway. Signed, numbered 2/36 and dated 1927 in pencil along lower margin. Unframed, edge ...
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Paper
Swedish Gustavian Style 1880s Three-Drawer Painted Chest with Carved Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood chest of drawers from the late 19th century, with swag frieze, carved side posts and tapered feet. Created in Sweden during the last quarter of the 19th century, this painted chest showcases the stylistic characteristics of the Gustavian era. The chest features a rectangular top adorned with delicate carved swags on the edges. The façade is made of three graduated drawers, fitted with Classical style hardware. Their dovetail construction reveals the piece's age. The side posts are adorned with carved falling campanulas at the top and fluted motifs at the bottom. Resting on short tapered feet, the chest is painted in a soft grey color typical of the Swedish taste for light palettes aiming at brightening the rooms during the long and dark Scandinavian winter.
The Gustavian style takes its roots in the Louis XVI era. Swedish King Gustav III resided in 1771 in Paris, at the beginning stages of the Louis XVI style. There, he was inspired by French art and fashion. With that in his luggage, he had a strong desire to introduce something similar in Sweden. The country had fine craftsmen with high quality craftsmanship, who produced a simple style with harmonious aesthetics. The Gustavian style was born and has been in vogue ever since. It is incredibly popular, especially in England but also in France and in the USA. Price and age are of course inextricably linked, the older and rarer, the higher the price!
With its clean lines and subtly carved décor...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Carved-Wood and Upholstered Tub Sofa, Early 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish period Gustavian upholstered and carved-wood sofa from the early 19th century. This antique tub style sofa from Sweden features an elegantly arch...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 19th Century Gustavian Style Giltwood Console Table and Mirror
Located in Prato, IT
Early 19th century giltwood console table with a lyre supporting the white marble top. Coordinated mirror with decoration.
Authe...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Marble
Extraordinary 19th Century Late Gustavian Console Table
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Extraordinary 19th century late Gustavian gilt wood console table with carrara marble top. Ca 1800 Stockholm Sweden.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Antique Hideaway House Beverly Hills Marble Top Nightstand End or Side Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Hideaway House Beverly hills marble top nightstand end or side table
Additional information:
Materials: Marble, Wood
Color: Antique White
Period: 19th century
Styles:...
Category
19th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Marble
19th Century Swedish Trumeau Mirror
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century Swedish Trumeau mirror, painted wood in florals topped with raised gold fruit basket surrounded by dolphins. Color is a dark blue-green with cream and gold trim.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs Grey Lindome Style Set of 6, Mid-20th Century
Located in LONDON, GB
Unusual set of 6 Gustavian lindome dining chairs in good structural condition with fine carved detailing in Grey with trap seats. Lovely fluted legs and Classic rose detail on the ed...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Birch
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa Original Paint in Vintage French Linen
Located in London, GB
Lovely Swedish circa 18th century hand-scraped to the original paint upholstered Gustavian sofa.
The decoration to the wood is classical and it's been reupholstered in a neutral vintage French linen...
Category
1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
18th-19th Century White Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Daybed, Antique Sofa Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, antique Swedish Gustavian daybed made of hand crafted painted Pinewood with two round pillows, in good condition. The sides of t...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Pine, Linen, Damask
Rustic Antique Country Swedish Gustavian Distressed Painted Pine Stand
Located in Forney, TX
A most distinctive Swedish Country hand painted wooden stand. Hand-crafted of solid pine, most likely Gustavian Period (1772–1809), finished on all sides, showcasing layers of the or...
Category
19th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
Pair of Gustavian Swedish Beige Upholstered Bergere Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Swedish Gustavian (18/19th Century) bergere armchairs with beige painted and carved frames in Neo-classic square form upholstered in beige fabric accented by a double-piped b...
Category
19th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Single Chair White Color Gold Detail, Early 1900s
Located in LONDON, GB
This original Swedish Gustavian early 1900s chairs in probable original paint has highly carved detailing on the frame, arm and legs, unusual delicately fluted feet and wide seat
...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Birch
19th Century, Swedish Gustavian Style Drop Leaf Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Drop leaf table in gustavian style made around 1810 in northern Sweden. The table is hand-made in Swedish pine and painted in a light grey tone. The paint is the original first layer...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Mahogany box with Domed Lid
Located in New York, NY
A curved mahogany chest with a dark marble finishing and untapped legs. Bronze decorations includes triangular tassels along the legs, having signature brass mounts with three triangles lamenting the Swedish...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Mora Clock Swedish Early 1800s Blue Gold Star Motif
Located in LONDON, GB
Antique Swedish mora clock from early 1800s in lovely later deep blue finish with distressed gold detailing and simple country style hood decoration and a wide belly body and a good ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Faux Painted Swedish Demilune Tables
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine pair of early 19th century Gustavian demilune console tables, the half round top with original sponged faux marble paint, over simulated mahogany painted apron and legs, the who...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
18th c. Swedish Sofa Bench in Original Patina, Gustavian Period
Located in Wichita, KS
A beautiful Swedish sofa bench from the Gustavian period dry scraped to it's original patina. The sofa frame is adorned with a lovely leaf motif and rests upon tapered and fluted leg...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Bench, Large Swedish Trag, 18th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
Long trag bench from Sweden. Beautiful finish in shades of blue, nicely distressed. Upholstered in flax linen.
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Mora Clock Swedish 1800s Antique Pink White Country Style
Located in LONDON, GB
Antique Swedish mora clock from the 1800s in lovely later light pink finish and white detailing with a wide belly body and a good face. Measures: 200 cm.
It has the Classic extended...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish 1900s Gustavian Style Painted Console Table with Two Drawers and Shelves
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood console table from the early 20th century with faux marble top, two drawers, brass rosettes, two shelves and curving feet. Created in Sweden du...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Swedish 19th Century Painted Console Table
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Swedish painted console table supported by cabriole front legs and a base at the bottom. This piece was repainted and the top of the console is painted green while the b...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Provincial Gustavian Style Swedish Paint Decorated / Distressed Commode, Chest
Located in Stamford, CT
Provincial Gustavian Style Swedish paint decorated / Distressed Commode, Chest
Beautifully aged paint distressed Swedish dresser. The case having t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish 1860s Gustavian Style Painted Console Table with Carved Floral Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood console table from the mid 19th century, with carved apron, rosettes and fluted tapered legs. Created in Sweden during the third quarter of the...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
Set of Six 19th Century Swedish Dining Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Six 19th century Swedish dining chairs feature classic, stylish lines that are tailored, yet cleverly engineered. The curvature of the seat back with three slats conforms to y...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Oak
Swedish Black and Giltwood Hanging Planter, Gustavian Period Sweden, 1810
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish black and giltwood ceiling hanging planter, Gustavian Period Sweden, 1810
The ceiling plater hangs with 3 black painted metal chains. The inside of the planter has a metal i...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Fine Gustavian Style Paint Decorated Arm Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A particularly fine pair of Gustavian style armchairs. A pair of custom upholstered arm chairs with intentionally distressed paint decorated frames in bluish taupe. The carved palmet...
Category
20th Century Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Antique Rustic Late Gustavian Buffet / sideboard
Located in Boden, SE
A late Gustavian antique buffet/ sideboard made and dated 1854 on the 4th of december by the carpenter Pehr Rönnholm Högland, Västerbotten, Northern Sweden.
A magnificent genuine si...
Category
1850s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
19th C. Swedish Continental Brass Mounted & Parquetry Inlaid Cherry Chairs, Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A magnificent pair of 19th century Swedish continental brass mounted and parquetry inlaid cherry chairs. Beaitiful inlay and parquetry work on backs.
very comfortable, firm seats w...
Category
1840s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
18th C. Swedish Chimney Cupboard
Located in Houston, TX
18th c. Swedish Chimney cupboard with a scraped painted finish and reeded detail on front door. Interior has four shelves and a fall front panel concealing the bottom space. Also has...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Period 1820s Painted Sideboard with Reeded Doors and Diamonds
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period painted wood sideboard from the early 19th century, with reeded doors, diamond motifs and carved ogee bracket feet. Created in S...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Gustavian Sofa Made In Oak From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
Crafted from oak in the Gustavian style, this sofa from the 1840s exudes timeless elegance and historical charm. With its gracefully curved arms and tapered legs, it embodies the neo...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Oak
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 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
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
20th Century Grey Swedish Gustavian, Scandinavian Pine Extendable Dining Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, white antique Swedish extendable dining, conference table made of hand crafted Pinewood with five leaves and apron, in good condition. The Scandinavian half round table...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Style 1900s Painted Wood Console Table with Carved Apron
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood console table from the early 20th century, with carved frieze, rosettes, fluted legs and X-Form cross stretcher. Created in Sweden at the Turn ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish Rococo Original Painted Carved Shell Detailed Chair, circa 18th Century
Located in London, GB
A lovely 18th century Swedish Rococo single chair which is full of original character. It was made in 1760. The chair features carved shell detailing to the front of the seat and bac...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Oak
20th Century White-Grey Swedish Gustavian Two Part Pinewood Bureau, Secretary
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, white antique Swedish Gustavian two part bureau with a writing flap made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian secretaire is composed with two upper doors, three large drawers and many small storage spaces, enhanced by detailed wood carvings. The doors have the original window panes in glass. The secretary writing table, desk represents the Neoclassical Greek style with the original bronze hardware and key. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1910-1920...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Swedish Gustavian Armchairs Pair White Color Gold Detail Early 1900s
Located in LONDON, GB
This is a Classic pair of original Swedish Gustavian early 1900s armchairs in probable original paint with highly carved detailing on the frames , arm and legs, unusual delicately fl...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Birch
19th Century Antique Provincial Swedish Gustavian Table
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century antique provincial Gustavian table from Skellefteå Västerbotten,Northern Sweden.
It has original condition with original untouched paint.
Fine color combination with g...
Category
1840s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
Pair of Glass Rinsers, circa 1800
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of glass rinsers in untouched condition. Painted metal.
These are since they are a pair and that they are in original condition which is rare.
Category
Early 1800s European Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Sheet Metal
20th Century Gustavian Side Console Table
Located in New York, NY
Gold gilded Gustavian styled table with intricate carvings around the frame and legs with a green marble top resting upon the frame. Marked by a ...
Category
1910s European Vintage Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Marble
Gustavian Style 4 Drawer Chest
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian style 4 drawer chest, its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White".
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style 1900s Painted Three-Drawer Chest with Diamond Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood chest from the early 20th century with three drawers, carved diamond motifs, fluted side posts, carved rosettes and tapered feet. Created in Sw...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish Set of 5 Gustavian Dining Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A set of five Gustavian style dining chairs, circa 1810, with fantastic potential in any space. The curved back rests feature reeding details on the back and seem suspended by turned...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Swedish Drop-Leaf Dining Table in Early Ocher Paint
Located in Houston, TX
Swedish drop-leaf dining table in early ocher paint. Circa 1820-1840. Good condition. Stable, sturdy and level. All legs, stretchers, top and base are original. The majority of paint...
Category
1830s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Steel
Gustavian Style Dining Chairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Swedish Neo-Classic Gustavian style dining chair, with a chalky white painted finish, carved upholstered top rail about turned acanthus...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Custom Made Swedish Style Enfilade
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Custom made breakfront Swedish style enfilade.
Dimensions
107.5 inches (273 cms) Wide
19.5 inches (50 cms) Deep
35 inches (89 cms) High.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
Gustavian Style 6 Drawer Dresser
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Gustavian style 6 drawer dresser. Its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White".
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Antique Rustic Gustavian Drop Leaf Table Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
Small, pretty, easily placed antique Drop leaf table from Boden Norrbotten, Northern Sweden.
Nice untouched original paint in beautiful Englis...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
Gustavian Style 9 Drawer Dresser
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is an unusual Gustavian style 9 drawer dresser. Its been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White".
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage 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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Brass Filing
Yellow Wood Cabinet
Mid Century Knoll Office Chair
United Furniture Company Chest Of Drawers
Wood Shop Sign
Bedside Cabinets Modern
Bedside Modern Cabinets
Blue Commodes And Chest Of Drawers
Wood Dutch Cabinet
Yellow Neoclassical
Wood Fluted Column
Cabinet 1930 Vintage
Carved Wood Black Cabinet
Ebonized Display
Case Pieces And Storage With Paw Feet
Vintage House Keys
Vintage House Key
Box Small Cabinets