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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 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

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

19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Square Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
A 19th century Gustavian footstool having ornate carvings along the wooden base. The border having inset bellflower frieze supported by four tapered legs shaped as palmette fluted co...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Pair of Vintage Brass Gusum Candlesticks by Bernt Karlsson, Sweden, 1980
Located in New York, NY
A pair of solid brass candlesticks by Metallslöjden Gusum Bruk, Sweden. Designed by Bernt Karlsson. Dated 1978 and 1980.
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

A pair of chairs Swedish model
Located in SE
A pair of Gustavian chairs, often appointed as the "Swedish model" made in Stockholm around 1790. They are hand carved in shapes typical for the Gustavian period with floral and leaf...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

1920s Swedish armchairs hand-scraped to their original paint
Located in London, GB
A pair of open arm swedish chairs from the early 1900s that have been hand scraped and still retain some traces of the original paint. In an earlier c19th style the backs have an ope...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest of Drawers . Its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th century Swedish pair of Gustavian side chairs with carved flowers
Located in London, GB
A nice pair of Swedish painted Gustavian late c18th side chairs. This desirable model have rounded backs with carved flower detail at the top and rosette corner decoration beneath t...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak

Swedish Mora Clock White Castle Crown Carved Detail Early 1800 Frkysdall Antique
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish mora clock in white paint and gold detailing with very unusual and rare hood ornamentation and highly decorative face, lovely star round moti...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Unique Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Unique Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers, its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

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

1910s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Original Painted Stool
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
19th C original painted Swedish stool with carved detail. 1840. Reference: 7535 Dimensions 22 inches (56 cms) wide 22 inches (56 cms) deep 22.5 inches (57 cms) high.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair Gustavian Style Linen Lounge Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Gustavian style linen lounge chairs. It has a painted wood frame.
Category

Early 20th Century Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood

19th Century Gustavian Commode
Located in Belmont, MA
Exquisite Gustavian commode, bleached mahogany veneer with brass decorations. Beautifully refinished and French polished.
Category

1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Candlesticks Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Gray Marble Brass, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Candlesticks Swedish Gustavian neoclassical gray marble brass, Sweden. A pair of gorgeous white marble candlesticks made during the Gustavian period. Column shaped with polished bras...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Pair of Swedish sconces 19th c
Located in PARIS, FR
Pair of late Gustavian Swedish sconces in brass and glass 2 lights not wired
Category

1880s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Pair of Late 18th Century High Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of high Gustavian armchairs crafted in Sweden during the 1780s. These chairs feature a straight design with square legs. The top rail is adorned with a hop vine motif, with tr...
Category

1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Scriban
Located in Washington, DC
A white painted 19th century, Swedish scriban with several drawers and pockets with drop down front.
Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Writing Desk In Gustavian Style Painted In Grey From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
Grey painted writing desk in the style Gustavian from the 1840s. The desk is freestanding and stamped with "Nordisk Films Kompagni". H - 128 cm, W - 62 cm and D - 62 cm.
Category

1840s Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Swedish Carved Stools
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Pair of late 19th C original painted Swedish carved stools in a Gustavian style. 1890. Dimensions 16 inches (41 cms) wide 16 inches (41 cms) dee...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Beech

Unique Swedish Gustavian Style Armchairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Unique Swedish Gustavian Style Armchairs.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Muslin, Wood

Very Fine Gustavian Period Giltwood Pier Mirror, Swedish Circa 1800
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The very fine water-gilded frame showing an architectural cornice above a rectangular frieze decorated with burnished relief moulded neoclassical motifs, surmounting a very old recta...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Giltwood, Mirror

Desk Swedish 18th Century Green Original Paint Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Desk Swedish 18th Century Green Original Paint Sweden. A writing desk Swedish made during the 18th century in Sweden. Original paint in dark green. Interior with shelving, drawers an...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Bentwood

Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest of Drawers. Its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Unique Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers, its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

Late 18th Century High-Gustavian Commode with Intarsia by Gustaf Foltjern
By Carl Gustaf Foltjern
Located in Ljungby, SE
A distinguished high-Gustavian commode, crafted in Stockholm by Gustaf Foltjern (master 1771-1804). The top features an original slab of Kolsmo marble, while the body is veneered in ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Nightstand Vanity Table Gustavian Swedish Mahogany Brass Lining, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Nightstand vanity table Gustavian Swedish mahogany brass lining, Sweden. Nightstand made in Sweden during the Gustavian period 1790-1810. Made in mah...
Category

Late 18th Century European Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Gilded Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Vienna, AT
Sculpted and gilded wood. Gustavian armchairs, early part of the 19th century. Scratches, marks, stains, Complete restoration with new upholstery on request possible.
Category

1810s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style Barrel Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Gustavian style Barrel chairs. They have been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White" seating is covered in muslin.
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Unique Hand Carved Wall Mirror
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Unique Hand Carved Wall Mirror. it was stained Dark brown and I stripped it down to raw wood and left it that way.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

2 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

Set of 4 Swedish Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 4 Swedish Gustavian armchairs. They have been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White" the seating is new and covered in Muslin.
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chest of Drawers Signed by Gustaf Furlow Swedish Gustavian, 1780-1800, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Chest of drawers signed by Gustaf Furlow Swedish Gustavian, 1780-1800, Sweden. An exquisite chest made by cabinet maker Gustaf Furlow in Sweden during the Gustavian period. All origi...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Armchair Swedish Black Gustavian, 19th Century, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
An armchair made during the late Gustavian period and early part of the 19th century. Most likely later added blackened ball feet. Repainted in our custom paint "Laserow Black".   
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

3 Basket Weave Planters
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is an original finish set of 3 basket weave planters.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Late Gustavian Table from Stockholm ca 1790
Located in Ljungby, SE
High-class Stockholm piece from around 1790. Crafted in veneered and partially solid mahogany with carved wooden decorations of corner florets. The core material is pine and alder. T...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass, Other

Early 19th Century Late Gustavian chair
Located in 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

Umbrella Stand Swedish Gustavian Style White Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Umbrella Stand Swedish Gustavian Style White Sweden. An umbrella stand made during in the Gustavian style in Sweden ca 1830. Painted in a grayish white. Shaped as a column.
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Ten Decorative Rectangular Italian Planters
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of 10 Decorative Rectangular Italian Planters with Concrete tray for each one.
Category

1990s Italian Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

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

Chair Corner Swedish Leather Rustic Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Chair Swedish leather 1775-1790 Sweden. Made during the transition between the Rococo period and Gustavian period. Frame made from beech wood and a seat, back and armrests in worn le...
Category

1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

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

19th Century Swedish Column Clock
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Early 19th Century Swedish column clock with original painted decoration. This clock has a lovely elegant shape, with unusual scrolled decoration to the neck. It has been dry-scraped to its original paint that is rich in patina and graining. A unique and beautiful clock, that will have a powerful presence in any interior. PLEASE NOTE: The clocks we sell are decorative and are not guaranteed to be in working order. If you require the clock to be in working order, we can recommend an antique clock...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Gustavian Style Unique 4 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style Unique 4 Drawer Chest Of Drawers . its been restored and repainted with Milk paints "Oyster White"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Painted Wood Floor Clock, Soft with Minimal Embellishments
Located in Atlanta, GA
A 19th century Swedish floor clock. This antique clock from Sweden is simple and unassuming with it's round-shaped head, minimally adorn with a curved top crest, an elongated neck mo...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

Table luster from about 1800 made in Stockholm
Located in SE
Gustavian table lusters, made in Stockholm from about 1800. A pair of beautiful table lusters in gilded brass. The top is decorated with a cresent moon. In the center there is a blue...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Marble

18th Century Gustavian mirror signed Johan Åkerblad, Stockholm
Located in 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

Original Painted Swedish Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 original painted Swedish Gustavian armchairs. The seating has been restored and covered in Muslin.
Category

1830s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

6 Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 6 Swedish Gustavian dining chairs. They have been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White" the seating is new a...
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Style Painted Lyre Form Jardinière or Planter
Located in Essex, MA
Gustavian style painted and distressed Lyre form planter. In the neoclassical taste. Wonderfully dovetailed and distressed. Quite charming.
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs, 1820-30
Located in Leimen, DE
Explore the refined charm of this pair of Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs, dating back to the period around 1820-30. With slender legs and a delightful mahogany veneer, these chairs ep...
Category

1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Gustavian white painted Longcase Clock Mathias Kullberg Stockholm 18th century
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Very decorative Swedish longcase clock from the Gustavian period painted in a cream white with giltwood decoration. The dial is signed by the St...
Category

1770s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very unique set of six Gustavian dining chairs, I was told in Sweden they where called "Kung Stolar" King Chairs. I found ...
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Small Sideboard Cabinet
Located in Round Top, TX
Gustavian oak small sideboard or cabinet with traditional decorative fluted diamond panels on cabinet doors, canted sides and fluted tapered feet. Later professionally painted in la...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak, Paint

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

Gustavian Style Swedish Stool
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
19th century Swedish Gustavian style carved stool. Seat is in need of upholstery, 1880 Dimensions: 21 inches (53 cms) wide 18 inches (46 cms) deep 18.5 inches (47 cms) high. ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Set of 8 Swedish Gustavian White Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 6 Swedish Gustavian mid century side chairs with an antique white painted finish and an open back design
Category

20th Century Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Paint

Unique Antique Sofa Newly Upholstered and with Cut Decor
Located in Budapest, Budapest
This late Gustavian-style sofa is painted with bronzed accents and decorated with carved details. Newly upholstered in beautiful green fabric, it combines classic elegance with a fre...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

18th Century Swedish Clay Mortar
Located in Bozeman, MT
Rare 18th century clay mortar, ca 1790 Sweden.
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Clay

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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