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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
Gustavian, Louis XVI Style, Small Swedish Chest, Brass, Marble, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gustavian, Louis XVI Style, Small Swedish Chest, Brass, Marble, Sweden, 1970s Small Gustavian chest of drawers in brown wood designed and produced in Sweden circa 1970s. This piece ...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Good 19th Century Swedish Provincial Chest of Drawers
Located in Bozeman, MT
Good 19th century Swedish provincial chest of drawers combined with a table in it's original finish from the Gustavian period. Ca 1800 Sweden.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Wall Plate Rack
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fantastic and rare 18th century provincial floor standing wall plate rack with shelves from the Gustavian period in its original condition with great patination and color, circa 1790...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish, Gustavian Bucket Chairs, about 1800
Located in SE
A pair of Swedish Gustavian Bucket Chairs. Made in Stockholm about 1800. Attributed to Ephraim Ståhl who was operative between 1794–1810. De...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Birch

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

Swedish Gustavian Armchairs Pair White Color Gold Detail Early 1900s A
Located in Lewes, England
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

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

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Gustavian Style 3 drawer chest of drawers. its been restored and repainted with milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style Console Table
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Gustavian Style console table. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style Console Table
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique 2 drawer Gustavian style console chest. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style Console Table
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Gustavian Style Console Table. Its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style Console Table With A Drawer
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a single drawer Gustavian Style console table. Its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Side Tables Gustavian Style 2
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of 2 Oval Swedish Gustavian style side tables. They have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Midnight Black"
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Antique Mora Clock Grey White Gustavian Early 1800s Carved
Located in Lewes, England
Shipping special update - We have negotiated a special flat rate shipping cost to the USA with our main US shipping partner for our 1st dibs clients of only £995 export crated by ai...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Daybed with Elegantly Carved Amphora Motifs
Located in PARIS, FR
This stunning Gustavian daybed, dating back to the 18th century, is a perfect example of Swedish neoclassical elegance. Known for its graceful simplicity and refined proportions, the...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Swedish Sofa
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Stunning 18th century Swedish sofa with original paint, 1810. Seat height: 20" (51cm) Dimensions: 84 inches (213 cms) wide 24 inches (61 cms) dee...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak

Gustavian table from 1800, made in Sweden
Located in SE
A gustavian table made in Sweden about 1800. The secondary color has been removed by hand and the rest is original color. The iron urns are a pair ...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Birch

Late Gustavian Early 19th Century Giltwood Eagle Console Table and Mirror
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Very attractive early 19th century giltwood console table with a fully carved eagle supporting the white marble top. A matching mi...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Marble

Antique Scandinavian Coal or Fireplace Bucket in Copper, 18th Cen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A fine quality Scandinavian (probably Swedish) coal or fireplace bucket. It dates to circa 1750. Perhaps a tat earlier. Finely hand forged brass handl...
Category

Mid-18th Century Scandinavian Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass, Copper

Swedish Gustavian Storage Cabinet
Located in Hollywood, FL
What makes this unique, its BIG and hand carved doors. its a very unique piece!!!!
Category

1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

19th Century Gray Painted Gustavian Small Cabinets or Nightstands, Sweden
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, Swedish country pine small cabinets with canted fluted sides, dentil molding and carved diamond motif on top drawer. The newer, professionally applied antique soft gray custom ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style Four Drawer Chest
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a 4 drawer Swedish Gustavian chest, its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Louis XVI Style Console or Card Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
Set against a wall as a console or lamp table, the top unfolds and the back legs slide to fully support the unfolded half of a square card table, sea...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

1918 Swedish Grace Period Inlaid Neoclassical Cabinet A. B. Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Forest Grove, PA
This early cabinet is by A. B. Nordiska Kompaniet attributed to Carl Bergsten, 1918. Figural birch with inlay. The door opening is 12.5" wide and 21.2" high. Swedish Grace: elegant ...
Category

1910s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

Swedish Gustavian Antique Table White Gold Carved Detail, 1800s
Located in Lewes, England
Very rare Swedish antique gustavian table from Skabersjö Castle in Sweden. It is later 1800s in age and has terrific detail to it with decora...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mirrored Wall Sconces Swedish Gustavian 18th Century Signed Gilded Sweden, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A pair of mirrored wall sconces made during the early part of the Gustavian period 1775-1790. Made and signed by frame maker Johan Martin ...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

A Handsome Swedish Gustavian Alder Root Parquetry Chest
Located in San Francisco, CA
A handsome Swedish Gustavian alder root parquetry 3-drawer chest; the well-figured top with canted corners above a body fitted with 3 graduated drawers with parquetry veneer; raised ...
Category

18th Century and Earlier Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

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

Antique Mora Clock Swedish Early 1800s Blue Gold Star Motif
Located in Lewes, England
Shipping special update - We have negotiated a special flat rate shipping cost to the USA with our main US shipping partner for our 1st dibs clients of only £995 export crated by ai...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Mora Clock Swedish 1800s Antique Tall J. Svensson Svenstad A
Located in Lewes, England
Shipping special update - We have negotiated a special flat rate shipping cost to the USA with our main US shipping partner for our 1st dibs clients of only £995 export crated by ai...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of 18th Century Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of exceptional Gustavian armchairs crafted in Stockholm during the 1780s. These chairs represent the classic medallion-back style that was widely popular during the period. Th...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Vanity Dresser in Gustavian Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chest of drawers with vanity mirror in birch. The Gustavian gray painted finish has a nicely worn patina. Chest has four spacious drawers;...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

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

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

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century Marquetry Drop Side Table
Located in west palm beach, FL
Exquisite antique drop top side table with intricate inlay work on the table top and detailed carvings on the pedestal. The side table is a stateme...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Swedish Gustavian Dressing Mirror
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedsh Gustavian style full length dressing mirror.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Gustavian Paint Decorated Storage Bench, New Wool Shearling, Sweden, 19th C.
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gustavian paint decorated storage bench, new wool shearling, Sweden 19th Century Wonderful gustavian bench or daybed having a brand new white wool shearling/sheepskin upholstery ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool, Wood

Set of 8 Late Gustavian Chairs attributed to Ephraim Ståhl
Located in Ljungby, SE
Set of 8 exquisite late Gustavian Stockholm-made chairs from the early 19th century, attributed to the master chair maker Ephraim Ståhl. The front le...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Alpine Scandinavian Pewter Wine Can Flask Metalwork Decanter Flagon
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Very evocative piece of decor, a real old world relic of nobility and or wealth. Noted as a Swiss Swirl Wine Can by last collector owner, but could also be Austrian or German made. V...
Category

18th Century Swiss Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pewter

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

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

Gustavian Sofa or Bench
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a very good example of a Gustavian Sofa or Bench that dates to the end of the 18th century or beginning of the 19th century. The sofa is in overall good to very good original condition. It retains its scraped old surface with a wonderful deep natural patina. The arms are slightly outward bent in a neoclassical style. The cartouche over the central section displays a pair of neoclassical opposing sphinxes and is a reference to Napoleon's late 18th century campaign...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Pine

Antique Scandinavian Chest of Six Drawers Gustavian Swedish Karl Johan 1840 Pine
Located in London, GB
An extremely rare, hugely impressive, sizeable and strikingly attractive antique Scandinavian stripped pine chest in lovely antique condition with six lockable drawers and original k...
Category

1840s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Chest Of Drawers Swedish Gustavian Style Unique 4 Drawer
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Gustavian Style 4 drawer Chest of Drawers. It has just been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Wall Mirror
Located in Godstone, GB
18th Century Swedish Gustavian giltwood mirror. Simple and elegant design, signed by master mirror maker Johan Akerblad . Original split...
Category

1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

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

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

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Birch

Gustavian Style Italian Terracotta Planters
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 original finish Gustavian style Italian terracotta planters. I actually have 6 sets of 2.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Antique Swedish Rustic Gustavian Pedestal Table with Distressed Original Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique pedestal table from the early 1800s in gustavian style. The table has a square table top on a pedestal with three elongated legs. Made in solid pine in northern Swede...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Two Similar 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs by Johan Hammarström
By Johan Hammarström
Located in Huntington, NY
Two similar Swedish Gustavian chairs made in Stockholm. One chair by Johan Erik Höglander (1748-1813) and signed IEH. The other chair by Johan Hammarström (active 1794-1812) and sign...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Bench by Johan Lindgren
Located in Huntington, NY
A unique hourglass shaped Swedish Gustavian bench made by Stockholm master furniture maker, Johan Lindgren (active 1770-1800). His initials, ILG, can be found underneath. Frame is de...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Console Ribbon Wood Table Desk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, table you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it bei...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Gustavian Period Table with Faux Marble-Top, 18th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
Late 1700s Gustavian style table with faux marble top - beautifully carved, lovely color, and great scale.
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

A Set Of 2 Gustavian Style Chairs From 1880s
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of two Gustavian style chairs from 1880 is a beautiful expression of early European furniture art and aesthetics. Inspired by the Swedish Gustavian period, these chairs are ...
Category

1880s Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Danish Late Gustavian Commode
Located in Huntington, NY
A Danish Late Gustavian commode with old (possibly original) brass hardware and locks. Notched corners with two wide drawers over a crisscross patterned apron. Square legs with small...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Gustavian furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Gustavian furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, seating, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, softwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gustavian furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Ephraim Stahl, Hendrix Allardyce, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, and Jonas Frisk. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $49,500 while the average work can sell for $4,473.

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