Skip to main content

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.

to
159
977
521
1,444
34
26
196,585
112,446
42,558
32,609
15,885
11,704
10,506
10,343
9,621
8,810
7,228
6,739
6,317
6,250
6,075
5,582
4,819
3,731
329
769
346
60
106
155
25
17
15
16
22
40
58
16
6
5
4
1,375
521
520
289
254
1,410
1,305
1,263
41
26
1,504
1,493
1,495
9
2
2
2
1
Style: Gustavian
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

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 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

1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Circa 1800s painted Gustavian side chair with decorative flower carving
Located in London, GB
Delightful painted late c18th Swedish Gustavian chair. Retaining much of its original paint there is a decorative carved wood flower at the top of the back and its drop in seat has ...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish 19th century Gustavian st. Giltwood and faux Porphyry console
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exquisite and most handsome Swedish 19th century Gustavian st. Giltwood, Faux Painted Porphyry, patinated Wood and Iron console, attributed to Jonas Frisk. This most decorative co...
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Candlesticks Gustavian Pair Swedish 18th Century Red Marble Dark Bronze Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Candlesticks Gustavian pair Swedish 18th century red marble dark bronze Sweden. A pair of candlesticks made during the early 19th century in Sweden. Base in red marble with women sha...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Porphyry, Bronze

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

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

19th Century Swedish Painted Dugout Bowl
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good 19th Century trencher, an oblong dugout bowl of rectangular form in original white paint.
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

Late 19th Century Gustavian Style Gilt Settee and Matching Chair
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th century Gustavian style gilt settee and matching chair newly reupholstered. Former restorations and repair to back left leg of sett...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Giltwood and Paint Decorated Italian Columns, Pedestals, Gustavian Style
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pair of Table Top Diminutive Decorative Giltwood and Paint Decorated Italian Columns, Gustavian Style, 19th Century Europe. This fine pair of painted and gilt wood columns or pedesta...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Gustavian 18th Century Giltwood Mirror with Gouaches
Located in Stockholm, SE
A fine gustavian gilt wood mirror with gouaches made in Stockholm c. 1790. Original gilding. The gouaches painted in the neoclassical pompeian style.
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Antique Hollywood Regency Wall/Console Mirror, Parcel Gilt and Paint Decorated
Located in Manhasset, NY
Antique Gustavian wall/console mirror. This stunning, fnely carved mirror is wonderfully Parcel Gilt and Paint Decorated in a mint green color. The frame having shell and leaf motif ...
Category

Early 20th Century Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Vintage Regency Swedish Gustavian Arm Chairs - a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
A vintage pair of Regency arm chairs. A chic Swedish Gustavian design with gorgeous hand carved detail. Upholstered in a classic Schumacher ...
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish 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

Swedish Gustavian White Painted Drop Leaf Antique Dining Table
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A VERY GOOD GUSTAVIAN DROP-LEAF DINING TABLE IN EARLY WHITE PAINT Sweden, circa 1st half of the 19th century 29 1/2" H x 22 1/8" D x 78 1/4" W (opened) This very attractive origin...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Gustavian Living Room Set Decorated With Bronze Ornaments From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
The Gustavian set you described is a beautiful and rare find, reflecting the elegance and craftsmanship of the 19th-century Gustavian style. Gustavian f...
Category

1840s Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

1940s 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

Chest Vanity Europe 19th Century Mahogany Brass The Netherlands
Located in New York, NY
Chest Vanity Europe 19th Century Mahogany Brass Netherlands. A vanity chest made during the 19th century in The Netherlands. Mahogany with brass hardware and a brass bowl. Top with s...
Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

Turned and Painted Bulbous Table Lamp
Located in London, GB
A turned and white painted wooden table lamp of bulbous form. Dimensions refer to wooden section.   
Category

Late 20th Century French Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Gustavian Writing Desk by Johan Oman
Located in New York, NY
A 19th century writing desk by Swedish Master Cabinet Maker Johan Öman (1789-1833) who worked for King Charles XIV. The desk having two drawers with ornate ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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 Crystal Candelabrum Made ca 1790
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Swedish Gustavian candelabrum. It is designed with a cobalt blue blown glass. This type of glass was the most expensive in the 18th c and these type of objects were really expensiv...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Marble

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

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

2 Swedish Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Swedish Gustavian armchairs . They have been restored and repainted with Milk paints "Oyster White" the seating is new an...
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage 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

Early 19th Century Late Gustavian pair of gilded stools, made in Stockholm
Located in 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

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

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

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

1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

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

Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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

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

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

1950s 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

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

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

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

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

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

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

Swedish Gustavian Arm Chair Circa Early 1900's Painted Warm White
Located in London, Park Royal
A Swedish, Gustavian style arm chair from the early 1900's, carved in solid beech wood and hand painted in a warm white which has naturally aged to reveal some of the wood beneath. T...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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

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

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

Pair of Karl Johan Stools
Located in Hudson, NY
Pair of Karl Johann stools.
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood

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.

Recently Viewed

View All