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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 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

Hollywood Regency Style Metal Waste Basket with Gilt Accent
Located in Sheffield, MA
Rustic and elegant at the same time, add a neoclassical country touch to your bedroom, bathroom or office. The gold gilt edging gives it a Classic vintage/antique feel. Suitable for ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

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

Pair of Swedish 1910s Painted Wood Armchairs with Carved Splats and Stretchers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish painted wood armchairs from the early 20th century, with carved splats, serpentine arms and black fabric. Created in Sweden during the early years of the 20th centu...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Secretary in Mahogany With Inlaid wood and Brass Handles from the 1790s
Located in Lejre, DK
Light mahogany secretary decorated with inlaid wood decorations and brass handles from around the 1790s. Measurements in cm: H:130 W:107 D:48
Category

1790s Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Zabihi Collection Neutral Turkish Yastik Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Anatolian Turkish Yastik rug mat Measures: 1'6” x 3'2”
Category

20th Century Turkish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

Pair of Gustavian Sconces
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine pair of North European, probably Swedish, neoclassical sconces with gilt bronze and brass rings, the lower fluted ring with putto playing musical instruments, the whole strung w...
Category

1860s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Late 18th century Decorative double sided Swedish Folk biblical wall hanging
Located in London, GB
A large size decorative Swedish folk art painted wall hanging-Bonad which may have been originally from a church. Painted on canvas in natural pigments it depicts naive biblical them...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Antique Gustavian Gray Painted Tall Sideboard Buffet Server circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Gustavian gray painted tall pine sideboard or server cabinet with contrasting faux painted top in black, gray and white. Scallop or fan detail carved in center above narrow shelf. ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Pair of Hand Painted Architectural Wall Fragments, Plaster, Italian, Venetian
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pair of hand painted architectural wall fragments, Plaster, Italian, Venetian Style.
Category

Late 20th Century Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Composition

Table Console Rare Quality Swedish Early Gustavian Gilded, 18th Century, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Table console rare quality Swedish early Gustavian gilded 18th century Sweden. A console table made during the Gustavian period in Sweden 1775-1790. Original gilding and white marble top. Decorated with laurel swags and channeled legs. Frieze edged with a pearl beading and a circular plaster decor...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Marble

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

Gustavian, Dining Chairs, Spindle Back, White Paint, Giltwood, Blue Fabric
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gustavian, Dining Chairs, Spindle Back, White Paint, Giltwood, Blue Fabric Set of 5 white distressed paint decorated and gilt gold Gustavian Style side chairs. Each seat with new u...
Category

Early 20th Century Argentine Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Circa 1800s set of six Swedish painted oak Provincial Gustavian dining chairs
Located in London, GB
A set of (6) Gustavian chairs of wonderful quality with rounded backs, open work, and cut decoration.The seats are removable and upholstered in woven horse tail hair. The oak is from...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak

Cabinet Gustavian Swedish Original Paint Greenish Yellow, 18th Century, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Cabinet Gustavian Swedish original paint greenish yellow 18th century Sweden. A cabinet made during the 18th century in Sweden. Glassed doors ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair, Gustavian Style White Painted Stools, Sweden circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
This lovely pair of Gustavian style Swedish stools are a special find due to their size. They each rest on tapered fluted legs while intricate carving along the skirt also adds an el...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Gilt and Painted Wood Armchairs
Located in Bradenton, FL
Beautiful Rare Pair of Swedish Gilt and Painted Wooden Armchairs, ca. 1790. Exquisitely carved scrolled and curved frame with distal part of each arm terminating into gilt eagle head...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Textile, Wood

Swedish Gustavian Centre Mirror Carved Dressing Table Early 20th Century White
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish Gustavian single mirror carved dressing table in later white paint with 2 pedestal cabinets with carved motifs. It has the origi...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Antique Mora Clock Swedish 1800s Antique Burgundy and Gold
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 Gustavian Carved Canework Dining Chairs Natural Finish, Early 1900s A
Located in Lewes, England
Unusual early 1900s pair of Gustavian carved canework dining chairs in natural finish with fully webbed seats and lots of detail. The carved canework is really lovely with the delic...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

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

Gold and Green Painted Trumeau Mirror, Sweden circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Lovely trumeau mirror painted in soft shades of green, pale red, and gold. At just under 4' tall, its size allows it to be displayed in a wide variety of spaces. In solid condition r...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Paint

Swedish Gustavian Style 2 Drawer Console Table
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Gustavian Style 2 Drawer Console Table, its just been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style Side Tables
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of 2 Gustavian style side tables with drawers. They have just been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

1910s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Gustavian White and Parcel Gilt Torcheres
Located in New York, NY
Each with round gilt-edged platform supported on three square legs with guilloche decoration, headed by lion's masks and terminating in paw feet; on a tripartite spreading base with ...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Late Gustavian or Early Biedermeier Painted Wall Mirror
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique painted mirror with gilded accents and beveled mercury mirror. The painted finish has been distressed over time, but we will be happ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror

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

Eric Wahlberg 18th Century Gustavian Mirror, Stockholm, Sweden, Dated 1792
By Eric Wahlberg, Lago Lundén
Located in New York, NY
Eric Wahlberg (1760 Stockholm, Sweden 1811), 18th century Gustavian mirror with center cameo, origin: Stockholm, Sweden, hallmarked and stamped on verso: Eric Wahlberg and Lago Lunde...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Giltwood, Paint

Traditional Bright 20th Century Turkish Runner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Turkish Oushak runner with a medallion and border design on a bright red field. Measures: 3'5" x 6'5".
Category

20th Century Turkish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

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

Gustavian Commode, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
Gustavian commode, Sweden 19th century, Beautiful walnut, beechwood, elmwood and mahogany marquetry with hand drawn pictures on front and sides. Original brass fittings. Grey- greeni...
Category

1840s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Late Gustavian Carrara Marble Candlesticks
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of Swedish late Gustavian candleholders in white Carrara marble and fire-gilded bronze.
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Bronze

Grey Painted Swedish Settee with Shell and Foliate Carving
Located in Essex, MA
Grey painted Swedish settee with shell and foliate carving with turned stretcher bottom and gently curved legs. Off-white muslin seat cover. Measures: 44" H x 50.5" W x 21" D.
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Period Gustavian Corner Cabinet, Vertical Reeds and Natural Wood
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish 19th century period Gustavian corner cabinet. This Swedish corner cabinet features vertically reeded details on the doors and sides, with the reeds coming to an upward poin...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian White Painted Commode
Located in Westwood, NJ
Gustavian White Painted commode, The Swedish Neo Classic style Gustavian commode with a concave front side, with paneled drawers and sides having gold leaf trim details. The two long drawers with brass ring pull hardware...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

C1800s naive Swedish oil painting of a castle & lake scene
Located in London, GB
Charming naive/folk early 1800s Swedish framed oil painting of a castle viewed from across a lake where figures are boating and fishing. The canvas has been laid on board and later f...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Antique Scandinavian Wooden Cabinet
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden cabinet made in 20th century Scandinavia. With a sturdy, wide stance, rounded feet, and top resembling a castle wall, this curious cabinet ...
Category

20th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Unique Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer 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

1910s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

18th Century Gustavian Mirror, Sweden 1780
Located in Belmont, MA
Exquisite 18th century Gustavian mirror, Stockholm circa 1780. Mahogany, carved and partly gilded. The Swedish Gustavian Style was named after King Gustav III of Sweden (reign 1771-92). Gustav III visited the French Court during the reign of Louis XVI several times and loved the French neoclassical...
Category

1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Set of Four Swedish Gustavian Period Dining Chairs
Located in Southampton, NY
Set of four late Gustavian dining chairs in intricately carved decoration depicting leaves and grape vine. Fan shaped center is surrounded by intricate carving on sides. These chairs...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

1910s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

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

19th Century Gustavian Carved and Painted Occasional Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Very fine 19th century Gustavian carved occasional table. Featuring a beautifully carved base and claw feet. Makes an elegant statement!
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century Late Gustavian Bench
Located in Ljungby, SE
A late Gustavian bench made in Western Sweden, most likely Lindome, around 1800. The back features an elegant crossed pattern.
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

20th century Gustavian style gilt brass and crystal chandelier 'Hagamodel'
Located in SON EN BREUGEL, NL
An elegant and fine Gustavian style chandeliers with 8 small lights inside the chandelier. Beautiful quality in gilt brass. Decorated with c...
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

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

Antique Mora Clock Swedish Gold Black Early 1800s Chinoiserie Painted Original
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish Mora clock from early 1800s in probable original paint with a great decorative shape body and a good face with lots of detail and a very ornate hood. It has the most...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Clay

Distressed Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug with Swedish Cottage Gustavian Style
Located in Dallas, TX
52573 Zeki Muren Distressed Vintage Turkish Sivas rug with Swedish cottage Gustavian style. Whimsy and rusticity collide in this hand knotted wool dist...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Turkish Oushak Hallway Runner with Gustavian or French Country Style
Located in Dallas, TX
51145, vintage Turkish Oushak hallway runner with Gustavian or French Country style. This hand knotted wool vintage Turkish Oushak runner features five amulet medallions filled with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Turkish Oushak Hallway Runner with Gustavian or French Country Style
Located in Dallas, TX
51146 Vintage Turkish Oushak Hallway Runner with Gustavian or French Country Style 04'10 X 12'03. This hand knotted wool vintage Turkish Oushak runner features five amulet medallions...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

18th Century Swedish Transitional Chair
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine 18th century Swedish transitional Rococo & Gustavian chair with royal proportions, circa 1775 Stockholm, Sweden. The two styles merge together finely with the Rococo curvy back ...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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

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

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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