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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
Bust of David Von Schulzenheim, Signed by Erik Gustav Göthe, Sweden, Dated 1821
Located in New York, NY
Bust of David von Schulzenheim, owner of Gröönsö castle, signed by Erik Gustav Göthe, a principle of Sergel and inscribed: David Schulz v. Schulzenheim. / MDCCCXXI plaster, Dated 1821 This is a bust of Dr. David von Schulzenheim, owner of Grönsöö Slott. In the 18th Century Grönsöö Slott was owned by the famed Stockholm doctor David von Schultzenheim. Dr. von Schulzenheim introduced the smallpox vaccine to Sweden and served the public’s health needs during its crisis from 1873 – 1874. When not in public health service, he devoted a significant amount of passion and money to beautify the palace and park in the romantic spirit of the time. The castle blossomed towards the end of the 18th century with the palace’s upper floors serving as the residential apartments of the family and furnished in exquisite Gustavian and late Gustavian style. Never one to rest on his laurels in science or design, in 1786, with the smallpox outbreak leveling, Dr. von Schulzenheim ordered the construction of a Chinese...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Gustavian gilt Armchairs with Lions heads, a pair, Sweden, end 19th century
Located in Paris, FR
This pair of large Swedish Armchairs represents a summit in élégance and comfort. The Light Neo-classical shape with half round back generously re...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Swedish Gustavian Writing Chest
Located in New York, NY
A Swedish Gustavian writing desk in original paint. Tapered legs and a reeded drawer. Interior of 3 reeded drawers.
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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

Josef Ekberg, 1908
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a handmade vase, this is a very rare 2 tone green. The only one of its kind. Signed and dated, J-Ekberg 1908. A Swedish Artist that started working for the Gustavsberg Cerami...
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

Berlin Iron

Gustavian Style Unique 7 Drawer Chest of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style Unique 7 Drawer Chest of Drawers. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

3 Gustavian Style Planters
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 3 Original Finish Gustavian Style Planters. Middle planter: 10 H, 12 D, 23 W Left planter: 17 H, 15 W.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

3 Basket Weave Planters
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is an unique set of 3 Basket Weave Planters from Spain.
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage 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

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

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

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

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

Curved Swedish Buffet
Located in Washington, DC
A Curved Swedish Buffet designed for a corner.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Paint, Wood

Bench, Swedish with Griffons, 19th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
With significant size and presence, this armed bench has a long single seat and three separate upholstered back rests and upholstered arm rests. The elaborately carved wood is painte...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, 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

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

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

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

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

Vintage Grey Metal Base Lamp
Located in Sheffield, MA
Neoclassical style lamp base with fluted shaft, the small lamp is designed for European framed shades. Will work well in Louis XVI style, Swedish Gustavian style or most any decor. ...
Category

20th Century European Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

Table Console Swedish Neoclassical 18th Century Marble Giltwood Sweden
By Per Ljungs Art
Located in New York, NY
Table Console Swedish Neoclassical 18th Century Marble Gilt wood Sweden. An exquisite console table made in Per Ljungs Art (for reference See: Thorsten Sylven: Mastarens Mobler p.24...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Marble

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

Swedish/Gustavian 19th Century Painted Wood Table with Faux Marble Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish painted wood table with faux-marble top from the 19th century. This antique Gustavian table from Sweden features a hand painted faux-...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

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

foley&cox HOME custom "Whitfield Hall Bench"
Located in Hudson, NY
Hall bench with exposed frame detail. Front legs accented with antiqued brass mounts. Shown in medium espresso mahogany. Custom finishes also available in light cerused oak and mocha...
Category

2010s American Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Extending Gustavian Style Painted Wood Dining Table
Located in Montreal, QC
Extending Gustavian style painted wood dining table with faux marble Antico Verde top finish resting on tapered legs. When fully extended 120...
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

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

King Gustaf III Cast Iron Fire Place Side
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a, "King Gustaf III" cast Iron fire place siding. Very rare piece to find.
Category

1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Iron

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

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

18th century Gustavian Chest of Drawers, Sweden 1780
Located in Leimen, DE
Gustavian chest of drawers, Sweden, 1780-1800. This elegant chest of drawers is made of yew tree and has a mahogany veneer. Furthermore, it has its original bronze fittings and escut...
Category

1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Original Painted Console, Sweden circa 1800-20
Located in Round Top, TX
This impressive console will make a grand statement in any home. The uniquely shaped wood base was hand-painted; one can still see the faux marble design that was a traditional style...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak, Paint

Antique Frame Lacquered in Imitation Marble
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/6349 - Sober and elegant large frame since the end of eighteenth century, simply lacquered in imitation marble. Perfect for a beautiful picture.
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Gustavian Neoclassical Console Table and Mirror, Sweden, Early 19th Century
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Very decorative set of a Gustavian demilune console table with white marble top and matching pier mirror, signed by one of the leading Stockholm makers Lars Magnus Thiem, (1782-1814)...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Marble

Gray Onyx Top Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers Dresser Commode
Located in Long Branch, NJ
mazing Gray Onyx Top Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers Dresser Commode Dimensions : 43" W X 20" D X 37" T This onyx top commode was made in the 1920's and is in the Swedish Gustavia...
Category

Early 20th Century French Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Onyx

1780s Exceptional Gustavian Original Painted Center Table, Stockholm
Located in Aalsgaarde, DK
An exceptional 1780s-1790s original painted Gustavian center table, richly carved, probably made in Stockholm. It's in a stunning original red color and faux painted marble top.
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Late Gustavian Chest of Drawers from 19th Century
Located in Barcelona, ES
A late Gustavian solid oak chest of drawers from 19th century. Formation: Three drawers. Measurements: Length 108, width 53, height 84 cm. Condition: Stains. Partly worming. Renov...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak

Gustavian Metal Tray, circa 1790
Located in Aalsgaarde, DK
Very fine Gustavian painted metal tray, circa 1790.
Category

18th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

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

XIX Century Swedish Writing Commode, Walnut Veneer
Located in Barcelona, ES
XIX Century Swedish writing commode, walnut veneer, key included, second half of XIX Century.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Antique Scandinavian Pinewood Nightstands
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 19th Century, antique pair of Swedish Gustavian nightstands made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. Each of the detailed bed side tables are composed with tw...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Swedish Gustavian Style Display Case
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique 2 glass door top, 2 door bottom Swediish Gustavian style display case. the Bottom cabinet is circa 1950, the upper cabinet is New made using 150 year old Antique windows...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th - 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Pinewood Cabinets, Nightstands
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, antique Swedish Gustavian pair of pedestal cabinets, bedside tables made of hand crafted Pinewood, in good condition. The small...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Unusual Pair of Gustavian Corner Clock Cabinets, Origin Mora, Sweden, Circa 1780
Located in New York, NY
Unusual pair of Gustavian corner clock cabinets, origin: Mora, Sweden, circa 1780 Each cabinet with matching working, tall case clocks decorated with four fluted diamond patterns an...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique 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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