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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
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Three-Drawer Chests, a Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style chests from the 19th century with off white / beige painted finish, three drawers, carved rosettes and tapered feet. Immerse yourself in the effortl...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Gustavian Pewter Candlesticks from the late 18th or early 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful Pair of Gustavian Pewter Candlesticks from the late 18th or early 19th Century. Period Gustavian design. Wear consistent with age and use
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pewter

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Bar Cabinet
Located in San Angelo, TX
A unique and one of a kind 19th century Gustavian Swedish bar cabinet. This can be used for many things and can also function as a serving area. Pai...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Swedish Empire Style Brass 8 Arm Brass and Crystal Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A Sweedish brass eight arm chandelier with octagonal shaped crystals. Inside the central frame are 4 individual light candelabra bulb sockets that emit light out through the crystals...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Gustavian 19th Century Grey Painted 3 Drawer Dresser
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Late Swedish 19th century painted chest of drawers. This 3 drawer dresser has a charming break front style with the original brass hardware.
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century Late Gustavian Footstools
Located in Huntington, NY
A beautiful pair of Swedish Late Gustavian footstools. Featuring a decorative hand-carved Guilloché scroll with reeded fleurons on the corners. Turned legs are tapered and fluted. Su...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Set of Six 19th Century Swedish Dining Side Chairs
Located in Charleston, SC
A set of six Swedish painted wood dining room side chairs from the late 19th century, with carved splats, tapering legs - slip seat cushions upholstered in linen. Note: Two chairs ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

19th Century Blue Swedish Gustavian Pair of Pinewood Chest - Faux Marble Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th Century, light-blue antique Swedish Gustavian pair of chests made of hand crafted painted Pinewood with two large drawers and one small one, in good condition. The Scandinavia...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze

19thc Gustavian Cut Cascading Crystal Wall Sconce
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc Gustavian Bronze Cut Crystal Cascading Waterfall Form Wall Sconce. This sconce is in its original unelectrified state.
Category

1850s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Large Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
19th Century Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers, Germany, 1850 Ashwood A decorative Swedish Gustavian style chest of drawers made of solid ashwood, three drawers with brass hardware....
Category

1850s German Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Ash

Antique Mora Clock Swedish 1800s Blue Gold
Located in LONDON, GB
Antique Swedish mora clock from early 1800s in lovely later deep blue finish with ditressed gold detailing dated 1829 and csimple country style hood decoration and a wide belly body ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style 1840s Gray Painted Drop Front Secretary with Graduated Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style drop front secretary from circa 1840 with gray painted finish, writing area and three graduated drawers. This Swedish Gustavian style drop-front secretary, ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Period Lindome Settee, circa 1800
Located in Charleston, SC
Painted Gustavian period sofa, having the signature fruit and flower carving of the hops plant used by Lindome furniture makers. Hand scraped to the most original color and seat upho...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Pine, Paint

19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Buffet
Located in Huntington, NY
A Swedish Late Gustavian buffet from Medalpad. Detailed wood carvings – flower petal décor and pierced gallery top. Three drawers with horizontal ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Iron

Swedish Gustavian Style 19th Century Painted Sideboard with Carved Reeded Doors
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood sideboard from the 19th century with carved dentil molding, two doors with reeded accents and short tapered feet. Beautify your space with this 19th-century Swedish Gustavian style painted wood sideboard, a timeless fusion of artistry and functionality. Designed with a keen eye for detail, the sideboard exhibits a soft Scandinavian palette that enriches the tranquil ambiance of any room. The sideboard's rectangular top with canted front corners sits above a carved dentil molding, running on three sides, adding a dash of visual interest. Its facade features two doors adorned with carved reeded panels, each bordered by a thin molding and accented with petite medallions in the upper section. Fluted and canted side posts lend an additional layer of architectural allure. Opening the doors reveals a light painted interior equipped with practical inner shelves, including an in-curving spoon shelf for cutlery. This clever design perfectly integrates style with utility, offering ample storage space. The sideboard stands on four short, tapered feet embellished with discreet fluted accents and angled in the front, providing a stable base and enhancing its elegant silhouette. The sideboard's sides remain plain, while the back is unfinished, underscoring its authentic craftsmanship. Infusing classic design with Swedish Gustavian aesthetic, this painted wood sideboard makes a perfect addition to any refined decor...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Column, Antique Scandinavian Décor Piece
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A single, antique Swedish Gustavian column made of hand crafted painted Pinewood in good condition. The Scandinavian pedestal, podium is enhanced by detailed wood carvings. Minor los...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish 19th century alder root tilt top table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish 19th century alder root tilt top table circa 1840. Fine quality Swedish tilt top occasional table, circular top with arranged alder root veneers which form a striking top su...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

Swedish Gustavian Style 19th Century Light Gray Painted Two Drawer Chest
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style chest of drawers from the 19th century with light gray paint, two drawers, carved dentil molding, tapered legs and carved spandrels. This Swedish Gustavian ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Rustic Swedish Farm House Table With Chalk Blue Patina Circa 1860
Located in London, Park Royal
An antique Swedish farm house table, Circa 1860. Hand made in solid, European pine, wood. It has a naturally, age-textured, blond -wood top on an elegant cross frame which has a love...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair of 19th C. Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Swedish 19th Century Barrel Back Gustavian Chairs.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Genuine Swedish Gustavian Handmade Sideboard
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine Swedish gustavian sideboard made during the first few years of the 19th century, around 1810. The sideboard is made by hand in solid Swedish pine. The double doors are decora...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Small White Sideboard or Console, circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
Gustavian white painted pine sideboard or console with one interior shelf (see photos to understand cut-out shape of shelf). Traditional fluted panel doors, Greek key or "meander" de...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Swedish antique genuine Gustavian Bellman Chair Original paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish Gustavian "Bellman Chair" The Bellman Chair is very genuine with untouched original paint. These antique chairs from Sweden has an airy design Quality to them wi...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Louis XVI Painted & Caned Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Swedish Louis XVI Painted & Caned Sofa ~ Canape is the perfect choice for a cozy nook or entryway! Timeless styling is enhanced by the painted off-white finish which ha...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Cane, Wood, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Pinewood Chests - Antique Commodes
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th Century, light-grey antique Swedish Gustavian pair of chests made of hand crafted painted Pinewood with two large drawers and one small one, in good condition. The Scandinavia...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Swedish Antique Mora Clock White Early 1800s Carved Detail 218cm handpainted
Located in LONDON, GB
Very decorative early 1800s antique Swedish mora clock with elaborate handpainted detail on the hood and body in a white paint finish with floral wreaths and flowers Measures: 218c...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish 19th Century Black Painted Four Drawer Dresser
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish 19th century four drawer black painted chest of drawer. EUR 175 front door delivery to most areas of London UK, The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden and Northern Germany.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Fine 19th Century Late Gustavian Gilt Wood Console Table
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Fine 19th Century Late Gustavian Gilt Wood Console Table with Its original grey hand chiseled limestone supported by four tapered golden wooden legs with female figures. Ca 1810 - 20...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Marble

Antique Swedish Gustavian Style Secretary Cabinet
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish secretary cabinet in gustavian style. The cabinet is made in northern Sweden around the 1820s. The cabinet is a well ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish 1890s Gustavian Style Gray Painted Three Drawer Chest with Reeded Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style gray painted chest from circa 1890 with three drawers, reeded accentuation and tapered feet. This Swedish Gustavian style chest, originating from the late 1...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

1800s Swedish Wooden Cabinet
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden cabinet created in 1800s Sweden. Quiet and mysterious, this wooden cabinet communicates a sense of rich history and old-world artisanry. Carefully lathed and joined legs und...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Blue Painted Gustavian Style Buffet, Late 19th Century
Located in South Salem, NY
Emanating the grace of late 19th-century Gustavian style, this captivating blue-painted buffet evokes a sense of timeless sophistication. The buffet's two doors over a two-door cabin...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Set of Ten 19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Chairs
Located in Huntington, NY
A rare and stunning set of ten Swedish Late Gustavian chairs made in Lindome. Rectangular back with leaf cut detailing on three sides. The top has a floral motif leading to a crown o...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Blue Painted Chest of Three Drawers with Serpentine Front, Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
The soft blue painted finish is captivating in this attractive chest with three serpentine front drawers raised on curved cabriolet feet. Restored, later professionally painted in layered shades of blue with white undertones and lightly distressed to fit the age and grace of this lovely chest. Drawers function with two large brass pulls on each. Any scratches, cracks, dings, or age related separation are reflective of age and do not detract from the beauty nor function of this 4' wide dresser...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Mahogany Side Tables, Sweden, 19th century
Located in London, GB
A pair of substantial 19th century Swedish Gustavian side-tables. The symmetry and simplicity of these painted mahogany side tables are hallmarks of the Gustavian style, a distinctl...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Exceptional pair of 19th Century Gustavian Stools
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Exceptional and unusually large pair of early 19th century Gustavian stools in their original finish. Ca 1800 Stockholm, Sweden.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Early 19th Century Gustavian Painted Sofa
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish early 19th century gustavian painted sofa circa 1810. Stunning sofa in original paint.  This would have been a day bed with a pull ou...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Pair, White Painted Small Gustavian Side Tables, circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, lovely white painted Swedish side tables resting on elegant narrow tapered and fluted legs. The newer professionally applied layered white painted finish has contrasting black...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Mid 19th century Swedish pine long case mora clock
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century Swedish pine long case mora clock circa 1850. Large Swedish long case Mora clock, presented in scraped back paint. Scraped back down to reveal a partial colour of ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Style Cabinet or Buffet, late 19th Century
Located in South Salem, NY
Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian style with this exquisite cabinet. Crafted from painted pine wood, it exudes understated sophisticati...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

1820s Late Gustavian Period Swedish Buffet with Carved Reeded Diamond Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish late Gustavian period buffet from circa 1820 with gray painted finish, carved reeded diamond motifs, petite rosettes and inner drawers. Radiating a quiet sophistication, th...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th century Swedish Gothenburg gilt armchairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of 19th century Gothenburg gilt armchairs circa 1870. Fine quality pair of Swedish Gothenburg gilt armchairs circa 1870. Slipper like shaped backs, the shaped arms supported by...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Silk, Beech, Giltwood

Pair, Gray Painted Gustavian Chest of Drawers, Sweden circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of decorative Gustavian pine chest of drawers painted in mottled shades of gray and plum. Canted fluted side posts with unique arrow carving at top, dentil molding, and flute...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Swedish Gustavian Mora Clock in Original Green Orange Colors, Early 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish antique mora clock dating from early/ 1800s featuring green paint with orange details that is painted on the body. The clockwork is sold 'as is' and should be considered as...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

White Sideboard Cabinet from Sweden, circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
Gustavian small pine sideboard with traditional decorative fluted panels on cabinet doors, two small upper drawers with fluted diamond detail. The newer, professionally applied white...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

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

Original Blue Painted Swedish Mora Grandfather Clock, circa 1800-20
Located in Round Top, TX
Hand painted Swedish Mora grandfather clock with original soft blue painted finish distressed through years of use with pine wood revealed below. Note the gentle curves in the base a...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Pine, Paint

Wood Mantle Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
Very ornate white washed wood mantle clock with gold details. The face is behind a functional glass door with latch. The top is crowned by an urn with a cascading laurel garland that...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Swedish Cabinet / Buffet with a Scraped Painted Finish
Located in Houston, TX
The Swedish Painted Buffet is a charming and distinctive piece of furniture that captures the essence of Swedish craftsmanship and design. Its simple yet captivating aesthetics make ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

White Oval Dining Table With Three Leaves, Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
Decorative carving along the skirt and graceful lines are seen in the tapered legs of this incredible Swedish dining table, which extends to a remarkable length of just under 11 feet...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Small White Gustavian Chest of Two Drawers, Sweden circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
This small chest of drawers is quite dramatic thanks to the bow front and fluted carving along the skirt. Rests on tapered feet. Restored, later professionally painted in layered sha...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Swedish Gustavian Style 1820s Grey Blue Painted Slant Front Desk Secretary
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood secretary circa 1820 with slant front desk, carved fluted motifs, three drawers and carved feet. Transport yourself to the elegant Swedish Gust...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Gray Painted Sideboard Cabinet, circa 1840
Located in Round Top, TX
Gustavian gray painted tall pine sideboard with carved faces and acanthus leaves accenting the upper corners. Newer, professionally applied layered gray painted finish with plum und...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

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

1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th C. Gustavian Style Swedish Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1890 Gustavian Style Swedish painted distressed Dresser-Nightstand. Original brass hardware.
Category

1850s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Swedish Mora Grandfather Clock, circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Graceful curves and unique lines create the attractive silhouette of this Swedish mora grandfather clock. Newer professionally applied painted finish with layers of plum, white and g...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th c. Swedish Gustavian Style Sofa Bench in Original Patina
Located in Wichita, KS
19th c. Swedish sofa bench in the Gustavian style wearing its original, natural patina. There are carved rosettes at each corner post and the tapered and fluted legs feature fluted, round caps. This sofa is covered in old linen...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Sofa
Located in Huntington, NY
A sizable Swedish Late Gustavian sofa made in Stockholm by master furniture maker Ephraim Stahl (active 1794-1820). Signed ES on a back leg. Frames and sashes are decorated with upri...
Category

Early 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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