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
Unusual 18th Century Swedish Provincial Gustavian Chest of Drawers
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Unusual 18th century Swedish provincial Gustavian period bachelor Chest of Drawers with an fold out writing desk containing five drawers and one compartment. Original colour with fan...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Unique Scalloped Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian Unique Scalloped Desk. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category
1850s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
18th Century Gustavian Buffet
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
18th Century Swedish Gustavian buffet dating to 1780.
110cm Gallery height and 103cm front height.
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Genuine Antique Swedish Black Country Gustavian Style Table with Drawers
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique country table in Gustavian style from northern Sweden made around 1820. The table is a genuine country furniture and has a frame in solid pine. The table is painted a...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
Painted Gustavian Buffet with Reeded-Paneled Doors
Located in Houston, TX
Gustavian painted buffet with reeded-paneled doors circa 1810-1829. Late Gustavian period two-door buffet in white/very light blue-gray paint. Doors paneled in hand-carved reeding.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Metal, Iron
Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Antique Swedish Mora clock from the 18th Century with Chinoiserie hand painted details. The dial of this clock carries the name of its maker 'Peter Englund'.
Width: 58.5cm / 23""
D...
Category
Early 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 19th Century Swedish Pale Grey Bench with Classic Decorative Detail
Located in London, GB
An early circa 19th century painted and upholstered Swedish bench in oak and beech.
The bench would make an elegant and functional addition to the end of a bed. The bench is decorat...
Category
1810s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Beech, Oak
Pair of large Swedish Stools
Located in Salisbury, GB
A pair of large Swedish late gustavian stools in original pale paint finely carved to all four sides - drop in seats have been recovered in a hand embroidered flower sprigged pure li...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Sofa 'Trägsoffa'
Located in Wichita, KS
This is a stunning 18th c. Swedish Trägsoffa (sofa bed) from the Gustavian period newly upholstered in linen, circa 1790. Shaped arms and beautiful carving detail around the seat fra...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Sofa Bench
Located in Houston, TX
The 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Sofa Bench exemplifies the elegance and sophistication of Gustavian furniture design. Carved with meticulous detail, this piece showc...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Bespoke Gustavian Style Bench
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Stunning bespoke Swedish Gustavian style painted bench with reeded panels and decoration.
Seat height - 17"
This bench has been painted in an F&B Old White No.4
Reference: 8339
D...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
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. Painted in a creamy white hue, the chest of drawers...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Writing Desk
Located in Houston, US
Beautifully painted in a contemporary turquoise, this Swedish Gustavian style desk is handmade with mortise joints and dovetailed drawers.
On each drawer there is horizontal fluting...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Painted Wooden Console Table
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning Swedish Gustavian period (1772-1809) console table.
Hand-crafted in Sweden in the early 19th century, Louis XVI Neo-classical taste, the muted dark cream with pale green...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Marble
Early 20th Century Swedish Cabinet
Located in Houston, TX
The Early 20th Century Swedish Cabinet epitomizes the grace and sophistication of Swedish craftsmanship during this period. Its distinguished features include intricate dental moldin...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
18th c. Swedish Painted Secretary with Library
Located in Wichita, KS
This is an exceptional Swedish secretary with library, circa 1780. This secretary has retained its original brass hardware and locks and is wearing black paint on the exterior with b...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Gustavian Window Seat
Located in Salisbury, GB
A very beautiful Swedish period gustavian window seat - window seats are differentiated by stools and benches because they are carved on all four sides - and are quite rare
This exa...
Category
Early 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Gueridon Wood Side Lamp Tables
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Pair of Gustavian Painted Side Lamp Tables
A fantastic pair of painted wood side tables from the early 19th Century, with sc...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century Swedish Painted Grandfather Clock
Located in Houston, TX
The Early 20th Century Swedish Painted Grandfather Clock stands as a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and timeless beauty of its era. Gilded and intricately carved around its...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint
Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian style 3 drawer desk. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
18th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Stockholm, SE
Four gustavian chairs made in Sweden about 1790. The chairs secondary color have been removed and what is left, is the original color.
Category
1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Birch
Swedish Gustavian 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White".
Category
1910s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
6 equal chairs, early 19th Century, Late Gustavian, made by Ephraim Sthal
Located in Stockholm, SE
6 Late Gustavavian chairs made by Ephraim Ståhl. The chairs are beautifully hand carved with nail clippers and leaf shaped decorations.
The chairs are made by Ephraim Stahl, who wor...
Category
1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Birch
Antique Swedish Lift Top "Kökssoffa" Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Turn of the 19th - 20th century Swedish lift top bench or bed in a light blue color. These were placed in farm house kitchens and typically the milkmaid's bed, thus the name "kökssof...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
Pair of Black Painted Gustavian Demilune Table Consoles
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Black Painted Gustavian Demilune Table Consoles, A Pair
Impressive Pair of Black Swedish Half-Round Demi-Lune Tables with Brass Hardware. Put together this set makes a fantastic rou...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
Pair of 18th Century Gustavian chairs, made in Stockholm
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair gustavian chairs in original color, about 1780, made in Stockholm,
attributed to Johan Lindgren, who became member of Stockholms chair mak...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Birch
Gustavian Style 9 Drawer Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style 9 Drawer Desk. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Period 1820 Sideboard with Carved, Reeded Panels
Located in Charleston, SC
A richly, exclusively carved Swedish Gustavian period sideboard has reeded paneled doors and drawers with central diamond shape lozenges in hand scraped patina - in classic Gustavian...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Gustavian Style Long leg Nightstands
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Gustavian Style Long leg Nightstands. They have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Gustavian table from 1800, made in Sweden
Located in Stockholm, 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 18th Century sconces, made in Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of gustavian sconces, made in Sweden about 1790. The sconces have gilding with much of indigenous textures remains. The top is decorated with a beautiful, hand carved bow.
G...
Category
1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
18th Century Gustavian mirror signed Johan Åkerblad, Stockholm
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mirror made by Johan Åkerblad, signed IÅ. Johan Åkerblad were working in Stockholm 1754 - 1799 as manufacturer of mirrors. He also delivered mirrors to the Royal Castels.
Gustavian ...
Category
1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Giltwood
Gustavian silver spoon by Arvid Floberg dated 1785 with baronial coat of arms
Located in Knivsta, SE
Gustavian silver spoon by Arvid Floberg (1730-1804), Stockholm, Sweden dated 1785(C2) with baronial coat of arms. Rare and of extremely high quality. Simple beauty.
Wear consistent ...
Category
1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Silver
Late 18th Century Transition Chairs in Original Color
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of transition chairs made in Stockholm about 1780:s. Chairs that are made between the rococo period and the gustavian period are called transition chairs. So for example the b...
Category
1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Birch
Early 19th Century Late Gustavian chair
Located in Stockholm, SE
Chair made in Sweden about 1800. The original and first secondary color give the chairs surface indigenous textures. The seat is original as well as the leather.
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
Italian Hand Painted Blue And White Italian Commode / Chest Att. Niermann Weeks
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a hand painted Italian commode with lovely Gustavian styling. It is intentionally and heavily distressed. The drawers are paper lined. I believe it to be a good reproductio...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
Gustavian Bucket chair, made in Stockholm
Located in Stockholm, 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
Early 19th Century Late Gustavian pair of gilded stools, made in Stockholm
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of banquets made in Stockholm, Sweden, about 1810.
The banquetes are gilded, with sable formed legs. The legs corner are decorated with fleurons. As well as the sideboards, w...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Birch
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Sofa 'Trägsoffa'
Located in Wichita, KS
This is a stunning 18th c. Swedish Trägsoffa (sofa bed) from the Gustavian period newly upholstered in linen, circa 1790. Shaped arms and beautiful guilloche carving around the seat ...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Stool made in Stockholm about 1790
Located in Stockholm, 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
A pair of early 19th Century Late Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of Late Gustavian Armchairs, made by Ephraim Stahl, who worked in Stockholm 1794- 1820. The armchairs are not signed.
Ephraim Sthal made several chairs and armchairs for the ...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Birch
Early 19th Century chairs
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of Swedish chairs made about 1800. There are two pairs, so it is possible to get a set of four.
Gustavian style was the leading style in Swedish architecture, decor and craft...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
Early 19th Century Late Gustavian armchairs made by Ephraim Stahl, Stockholm
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of armchairs, about 1800, made in Stockholm. The armchairs are made by Ephraim Stahl, who worked in Stockholm 1794- 1820, not signed.
Ephraim Stahl sold several chairs and arm...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Birch
Gustavian, Italian Renaissance Style, Chair, Burlap, Distressed Paint, Giltwood
Located in Stamford, CT
Gustavian, Italian Renaissance Style, Chair, Burlap, Distressed Paint, Giltwood
A Gustavian paint decorated armchair. The later burlap tweed upholstery added to this piece creates w...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Burlap, Wood
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Mora Clock with Original Paint
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Swedish antique Mora clock dating with its original paint.
The original mechanism, pendulum and weights are included. We do not guarantee functionality. This Grand-father clock has...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Pair of Late 19th Century Swedish Gripsholm Armchairs
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Scandinavian Gripsholm Painted Grey Armchairs, A Pair
A pair of elegant Swedish armchairs, modeled after the traditional Gripsholm type. The model is named after the Gripsholm castl...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category
1910s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set of Twelve 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs includes 2 Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Twelve 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs includes 2 Armchairs were built to grace an elegant mansion in Sweden, now ready to add style, flair and timeless elegance ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Elm
C19th Century Swedish Long Case Clock with Gilded Decoration & Original Paint
Located in London, GB
Wonderful early C19th Swedish long case clock from Kougsta in the Jamtland region in an area of natural beauty of central Sweden.
The painted face is numbered simply and framed with ...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Painted Swedish Gustavian Style Secretary
Located in Houston, US
Really beautiful Swedish secretary with drop front, interior drawers, cubbies and a secret compartment. Two doors sit on two drawers on the top and there are two small drawers over t...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Swedish Demi-lune Table
Located in Calgary, Alberta
Antique Swedish demi-lune console table. The half moon table top is supported on cabriole legs. The original red paint along with its simplistic design is a perfect addition to Swedi...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style Reeded Sideboard Cabinet
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
White Painted Gustavian 3 Drawer Painted Commode Cabinet with Doors
Hand painted Gustavian style sideboard constructed from solid wood with a hand-applied distressed finish with bra...
Category
Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Antique Genuine Swedish Gustavian Pine Distressed Patina Drop-Leaf Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine gustavian drop-leaf table made around 1790 to 1810 in northern Sweden. The frame is made from solid pine and it has the original paint with genuine distress and patina from u...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
Mid 19th Century Primitive Gustavian Swedish Bench
Located in Calgary, Alberta
Mid 19th century Gustavian bench from the historic Uppland Provence of Sweden. This primitive bench has an unusual high back, slightly shaped and splayed legs with its original blue ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
18th Century Northern Gustavian Swedish Cupboard
Located in Calgary, Alberta
Smaller size Gustavian cupboard from Northern Sweden. This 2 door over one drawer unit has its original hardware and original pale blue and pale grey paint that has distressed beauti...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
19th Century Gustavian Style Painted Sofa
Located in Houston, TX
In the opulent world of 19th-century Swedish design, the Gustavian style painted sofa stands as an epitome of elegance and craftsmanship. This magnificent piece, born in the heart of...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Swedish Gustavian Painted Secretary Cabinet Bookcase
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gustavian Painted Secretary Cabinet Bookcase, Sweden
Antique Swedish secretary cabinet in Gustavian Style. The cabinet is a well crafted pie...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
Swedish Gustavian Painted Round Center Hall Table
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Painted Round Gustavian Center Hall Table
This classic Scandinavian style painted table has been constructed from solid wood with a hand-applied distressed finish. The color on this...
Category
Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
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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