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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
Period: 19th Century
Gustavian Style Swedish 19th Century Three-Drawer Gray Painted and Carved Chest
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style chest from the 19th century with gray painted finish, three drawers, carved dentil molding and reeded accents. This Swedish Gustavian style chest, hailing f...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gray Gustavian Pine Sideboard Buffet, Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
Tall Swedish Gustavian gray painted pine sideboard with attractive curved sides and traditional fluted diamond details. The curved long cabinet doors and drawers make this cabinet a ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Swedish Antique Mora Clock White Early 1800s Sven Sunesson Loushult
Located in LONDON, GB
Elegant tall 220cm early 1800s antique Swedish mora clock with carved detail on the hood in a white paint finish and detailed face and the markings of the maker Sven Sunesson Lous...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Gray Painted Small Gustavian Cabinet Nightstand, Sweden circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Small Swedish country pine cabinet standing on tapered legs; may serve also as a nightstand or side table. Small drawers with traditional fluted diamond accent sits above and below t...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early 19th century Swedish Gustavian Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fine 19th century late Gustavian sofa inspired by the Roman Empire and ancient Egypt. Hand Crafted with Gold Leaf Wood Trimmed Hand-Carved Rosette Details. The removable back allows...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

Pair of Gustavian Gray Painted Pine Side Tables, Sweden circa 1890
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, Gustavian pine side tables with slender tapered legs. Restored, later professionally painted in layered shades of aged white and gray, lightly distressed to fit the age and gra...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

White Painted Pine Sideboard Buffet, Sweden circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish pine sideboard with turned columns, top with profiled edge, fluted carving along drawers all resting on large bun feet. Newer, professionally applied white painted finish sli...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair, Painted Oval Swedish Side Tables, circa 1890
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of lovely oval side tables with turned legs, highly decorative carved skirt and finials above stretcher base. Restored, later professionally painted in muted shades of rose, sof...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Cabinet
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
19th Century Swedish Gustavian cabinet. Manufactured around 1800 with two doors featuring decorative reeded design opening to useful storage. Repainted exterior with original dry scr...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian sofa from Skellefteå Västerbotten, Northern Sweden. Scraped by hand to its original color. The sofa has some retouches. The kitchen sofa...
Category

1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Circa 1858 Gustavian Pine Buffet
Located in Houston, TX
This 19th century Gustavian style buffet originated from Sweden. It has wonderful craftmanship throughout with hand carved wooden pulls, wood pegging, faux marbleized paint on the to...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair of Gustavian Style 19th Century Painted Swedish Bed / Side Cabinets
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style painted wood side cabinets / bedside cabinets from the mid 19th century. These soft blue green painted cabinets feature a rectangular top with three...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Antique Mora Clock White Early 1800s Doves Detail 235cm Kruko
Located in LONDON, GB
Stunning and rare one of a kind very tall 235cm C.1830 antique Swedish mora clock with elaborate carved detail on the hood with curlicues and 2 dove figures in a white paint finish ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th C. Gustavian Round Table
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful Gustavian round table with stretchers.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style 1850s Painted Desk with Single Drawer and Tapered Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style desk from circa 1850 with tan painted finish, single drawer, fluted tapering legs and carved oval medallions on ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Footstools
Located in Huntington, NY
A pair of 19th century Swedish Gustavian style foot stools with detailed fleurons on the corners. The leg tops are finished with vertical reeded over-collaring atop turned and slight...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Swedish 1820s Gustavian Style Gray Painted Chest with Carved Semi-Columns
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish gray painted chest from circa 1820 with three drawers, carved reeded semi-columns and tapered legs. Embrace the enduring elegance of Swedish Gustavian craftsmanship with th...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

White Painted Swedish Sideboard Buffet, circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish 5.5' long Gustavian pine sideboard buffet server with traditional carved fluted diamond panel motif on each of the four doors. Tapered fluted feet. Central 2 cabinet doors bo...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Swedish antique rustic genuine Game Table for Playing games
Located in Boden, SE
A lovely Swedish Gustavian Game table from the early 1800s. The table is from Örnsköldsvik , Northern Sweden. The table is scraped by hand to its charming original English red`color....
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Round Black Painted Pedestal Side Table, Sweden circa 1890
Located in Round Top, TX
This round pine pedestal table has a carved skirt, turned pedestal base and decoratively carved tripod legs which were a traditional style in Sweden. Restored, later professionally p...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

A Set of Four 19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Chairs
Located in Huntington, NY
A set of four 19th century Swedish Late Gustavian Ax (also known as Vase) chairs from Lindome featuring a balloon-shaped back with five vertical, interconnected slats. In the center,...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

Gustavian Style Drop Front or Slant Front Secretary, Late 19th Century
Located in South Salem, NY
This late 19th-century Gustavian style drop-front secretary bookshelf is a true embodiment of timeless sophistication. Adorned with a later gray pa...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Antique Table Desk Grey White Carved Detail, C.1860-1870
Located in LONDON, GB
Shipping update - please message us directly with your city and zip/postcode for a delivery cost to your location on this item - please do not request shipping from 1st dibs Beautif...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Gustavian Period Bench
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
19th Century Gustavian repainted bench made in the region of Lindome, original size and newly upholstered in linen. Some minor restoration over the years.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Minimalist Buffet
Located in San Angelo, TX
A beautiful minimalist 19th Century Swedish Gustavian painted buffet. This unique piece features 3 drawers and 3 doors. One of a kind and is a total st...
Category

1840s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Tall Blue Painted Swedish Secretary Bureau, circa 1800-20
Located in Round Top, TX
This striking oak secretary is an elegant statement piece crowned with an elaborate carved pediment. The entire secretary has been given a professional custom layered blue painted fi...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Swedish 1820s Late Gustavian Period Painted Slant-Front Desk with Five Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Late Gustavian period secretary from circa 1820, with tan/cream painted finish, slant-front desk, five drawers, carved reeded motifs and bracket feet. Embrace the timeless ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century Gustavian Bellman Chairs
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Pair of unusual 19th Century Gustavian Bellman armchairs. Scraped to original colour in newly upholstered in linen, these chairs have had some minor restoration over the years.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Period 1800s Swedish Dove Grey Painted Three-Drawer Chest
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period light dove grey painted chest from circa 1800 with three dovetail drawers, canted side posts and fluted tapering feet. Evoking the serene elegance of the S...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Pinewood Candle Holders - Antique Sticks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Swedish pair of mid 19th Century Gustavian candle holders made of hand crafted Pinewood, in good condition. The sticks are patinated in...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

White Painted Side Table With Single Drawer, Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique Swedish Gustavian white painted side table with tapered fluted legs and single drawer, may be used as small writing table or nightstand. Restored, later professionally painte...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Swedish 1880s Gustavian Style Gray Painted Sideboard with Carved Guilloches
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style gray painted sideboard circa 1880 with two doors, two drawers, carved guilloche frieze and petite rosettes. Embrace the understated elegance of Swedish Gust...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Hand-Painted Blue Gustavian Chest of Drawers
Located in High Point, NC
The delicate blue hue adorning this 19th Century Gustavian chest of drawers exudes a sense of tranquility and sophistication, while the hand-painted details showcase the artistry of ...
Category

19th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Commode
Located in Huntington, NY
A Swedish Late Gustavian commode with original brass hardware and locks. Featuring canted and fluted corners. Drawer fronts outlined in brass. Sits on fluted and tapered feet with br...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs Attributed to Ephraim Ståhl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A grey, antique Swedish Gustavian pair of armchairs made of hand crafted painted Birchwood, designed and produced most likely by Ephraim Ståhl in good condition. The Scandinavian Neo...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Birch, Velvet, Upholstery

Fine pair of 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Fine pair of 19th century Gustavian (the Swedish Model) chairs in their original colour with great wear to the surface.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Black Swedish Gustavian Fållbänk, Antique Pinewood Fall Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black, antique Swedish Gustavian FÅLLBÄNK, fall bench composed with a storage space below sitting area, made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good con...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Style 1870s Gray Painted and Carved Three Drawer Chests, Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style three-drawer chests from circa 1870 with lightly marbleized tops, gray painted finish and carved reeded motifs. Elevate your interior with this stun...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Period 1802 Painted Wood Cupboard with Doors and Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period painted wood cupboard from 1802 with broken pediment, two doors, three drawers, bracket feet and distressed patina. Experience the epitome of Swedish Gusta...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century Blue Painted Swedish Gustavian Period Slant-Front Secretary
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish late Gustavian period painted wood slant-front secretary from the early 19th century with light blue painted finish and carved bracket feet. This exquisite Swedish late Gustavian period painted wood slant-front secretary, dating back to the early 19th century, exudes grace and understated elegance. Painted in a serene light...
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19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Original Painted Swedish Gustavian Sofa
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Original Painted Swedish Gustavian Sofa. the seating has been restored and covered in Muslin.
Category

1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Berlin Iron

Small Gustavian Chest Drawers Painted Blue
Located in Kastrup, DK
Swedish small-sized chest of drawers or nightstand in blue painted wood. Height: 47 cm / 18,5 inch. Dating from the early 19th century, this small dresser is composed with three dra...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Style 19th Century Three-Drawer Chest with Marbleized Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style three-drawer chest from the 19th century with light gray painted finish, marbleized top and fluted side posts. This 19th-century Swedish Gustavian style che...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Corner Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Corner Cabinet is an exceptionally well-crafted piece, designed to make the maximum use of your floor plan, especially since corners are u...
Category

1870s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak

Swedish Gustavian Period 1810s Dove Gray Painted Sideboard with Diamond Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period sideboard from circa 1810 with gray painted finish, carved diamond motifs, two doors and hidden drawers. This Swedish Gustavian period sideboard from aroun...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gray Painted Gustavian Style 1890s Demilune Tables with Carved Dentil, a Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style demi-lune console tables from circa 1890 with carved dentil molding, and discrete diamond motifs. This pair of Swedish Gustavian style demi-lune con...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style 1850s Blue Gray Painted Slant Front Secretary
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style slant front secretary from circa 1850 with blue gray painted finish and off white trim. This Swedish Gustavian style slant front secretary, dating back to circa 1850, is a magnificent blend of elegance and practicality. It boasts a serene blue-gray painted finish, gracefully accented with off-white trim, encapsulating the essence of Gustavian design. The subtle yet sophisticated color palette ensures that it would seamlessly integrate into a variety of interior schemes, from traditional to more contemporary settings. The upper section houses a slant front desk, which, when opened, reveals an intricately organized interior. Multiple drawers of varying sizes encircle a central door, while vertical compartments...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Armoire - Antique Scandinavian Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A blue-grey, antique Swedish Gustavian armoire, wardrobe made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The tall Scandinavian cabi...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

Gustavian Style 1880s Swedish Light Gray Painted Demilune Console Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style light gray / cream painted demi-lune console tables from circa 1880 with fluted tapered legs, dentil molding and carved rosettes on the knees. This ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Rare pair of 19th Century Gustavian Faux Bamboo Chairs
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Rare pair of early 19th century Gustavian faux bamboo chairs in their original finish. Ca 1810 Stockholm, Sweden. The chairs are attributed to Ephraim Sthal. Supplier to the Royal ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Honest 19th Century Provincial Gustavian Sofa
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Honest early 19th century provincial Gustavian sofa in it's original finish and padding. Ca 1810 Sweden.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Painted Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Swedish Painted Bookcase features a stately, tailored architecture that makes it incredibly versatile in a wide variety of decor ...
Category

1880s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Steel

19th Century Set of Swedish Gustavian Armchairs Attributed to Ephraim Ståhl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A grey, antique Swedish Gustavian set of similar armchairs made of hand crafted painted Birchwood, designed and produced most likely by Ephraim Ståhl in good condition. The Scandinav...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Birch

Swedish Gustavian Original Painted 3 Drawers Dresser
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An early 19th century original painted small Scandinavian chest of drawers from the region of Värmland in Sweden. This small Gustavian 3 drawer dres...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Danish Late Gustavian Commode
Located in Huntington, NY
A Danish Late Gustavian commode with old (possibly original) brass hardware and locks. Notched corners with two wide drawers over a crisscross patterned apron. Square legs with small...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Genuine Northern Swedish Gustavian Style Country Pine Sideboard
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique genuine Swedish sideboard in gustavian style. The sideboard is a country house furniture made by hand in solid pine in northern Sweden around 1820. With carved wooden panels ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Gustavian Style 1880s Light Gray Painted Vitrine Cabinet with Glass Doors
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood vitrine cabinet from circa 1880 with light gray painted finish, glass doors and carved diamond motifs. This Swedish Gustavian style vitrine cabinet, hailing from the late 19th century, effortlessly marries classic elegance with practical functionality. Its light Gustavian gray painted finish with some wood showing, bathes the piece in a soft and timeless aura. At the top, a gracefully molded cornice with dentil molding exudes sophistication while providing a stately frame for the twin glass doors below. These doors, a key feature, not only allow for a glimpse into the treasures within but also invite ambient light to dance upon your cherished objects. Inside, three shelves offer versatility, catering to your unique display needs. Whether it's heirloom china, collectibles, or books, this vitrine provides the perfect stage for showcasing your most cherished possessions. The lower section boasts two wooden doors adorned with carved reeded diamond motifs, adding a touch of depth and texture to the piece. The short tapered feet lend a sense of balance and proportion, while maintaining a light and airy feel. In your home, this vitrine cabinet becomes a multifunctional masterpiece. Place it in your dining room to showcase fine china, silverware, and glassware, elevating your dinner parties to a new level of sophistication. Alternatively, use it in your living room as an artful display for books, objets d'art, or family photos, infusing your space with refined charm. This Swedish Gustavian vitrine...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

1880s Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Desk with Five Drawers and Tapered Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood writing table from circa 1880 with five drawers, carved diamond motifs, fluted tapering legs and slig...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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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