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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
Pair of Louis XV Style Chest with Floral Design and Marble Top
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Gustavian Hauptbyrå with marble slab and frame in white, redesigned with hummingbird design pattern. Marble top. Fine original fittings in solid bra...
Category

1950s European Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Two Similar 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs
By Johan Hammarström
Located in Huntington, NY
Two similar Swedish Gustavian chairs made in Stockholm. One chair by Johan Erik Hollander (1748-1813) and signed IEH. The other chair by John Hammarstrom (active 1794-1812) and signe...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Paint, Wood, Linen

Black Painted Pine Chest of Four Drawers, Sweden circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish pine chest of drawers with professional custom black painted finish. Top with profiled edge, canted carved sides and raised on tapered feet. Four drawers with raised panels a...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Swedish Style Gilt Edge Metal Wastebasket
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

Tin

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Huntington, NY
A stunning pair of Gustavian armchairs made in Stockholm and signed by Johan Erik Höglander (1758-1813). Arched shield back style with bow ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Gustavian Style Night Stands
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of 2 Gustavian style nightstands, they have been restored and repainted with milk paints oyster white.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage 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 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

Rare 3 Door Swedish Gustavian Sideboard
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Rare 3 Door Swedish Gustavian Sideboard. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Berlin Iron

18th Century Grey Swedish Gustavian Two Part Pine Secretary - Scandinavian Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, white antique Sweden Gustavian two part bureau with a writing flap made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian writing table, desk is com...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Turn of the Century Scandinavian Wooden Cabinet
Located in High Point, NC
This vintage wooden cabinet embodies the subdued elegance of Gustavian style. Built in Scandinavia at the turn of the century, delicate Neoclassical elements give the case an air of ...
Category

Early 1900s Scandinavian Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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

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

20th Century Gustavian Style Glazed Display Cabinet / Bookcase
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
20th Century Gustavian Style Glazed Display Cabinet / Bookcase An early 20th century display painted in the Gustavian style. The Cabinet consi...
Category

20th Century German Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak

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

Large Round White Washed Pedestal Farmhouse Dining Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
A timeless Swedish Gustavian inspired round pedestal farmhouse table made with reclaimed whitewashed cherry wood table top and a natural colored wood table base. The table makes a p...
Category

20th Century American Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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 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

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 themes...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Swedish 1790s Gustavian Period Two-Part Painted Secretary with Slant Front Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period two-part tall secretary from circa 1790 with elegant carved décor, creamy white painted finish and multiple inner drawers inside the slant-front desk. Disc...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

3 Door Swedish Gustavian Style Side Board
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a 3 Door Swedish Gustavian Style Side Board. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints Oyster White.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage 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

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

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Sideboard
Located in Huntington, NY
A beautiful Swedish Gustavian sideboard made in Angermanland with elaborate wood carvings – reeded door fronts, leaf cut detail at the top and wheat sheath décor on the sides. Interi...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

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

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Bench
Located in Huntington, NY
A rare and exceptional low Swedish Gustavian bench featuring leaf cut design on all four sides. Sits atop square, tapered and fluted legs. Meticulously scraped to its original grey p...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Paint, Wood, Linen

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

Hand-painted Provincial Cabinet with two Doors, South Germany around 1700
Located in Greding, DE
The painting in light blue and dark gray is new and was designed according to antique models.
Category

Early 1700s German Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Hendrix Allardyce Key West Caned Bergere Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sublime pair of bergere armchairs custom made by Hendrix Allardyce, Hollywood, CA. The bespoke chairs feature a large gracefully curved frame inset with double caned sides and back. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Beech

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

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

1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Antique Gustavian Style Black Painted Mahogany Caned Pedestal Plant Stand 36"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Gustavian style plant stand featuring black painted mahogany frame with hexagon shaped caned planter, tapered tripod legs, and fluted and carved floral accents. DIMENSIONS ...
Category

Early 20th Century Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Cane, Hardwood, Paint

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

Mid century Vintage gustavian and Style two door armoire after drexel
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a handsome mid century vintage Swedish gustavian Style Armoire. This armoire features. It’s original ornate solid brass hardware and has a classic chicken wire inset to the f...
Category

1950s American Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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 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

18th Century Gustavian Sofa
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
18th Century Gustavian sofa. Scraped to original paint with exquisite carving and recently reupholstered in linen.
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood

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

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

Early 20th century Swedish painted occasional table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Rustic Swedish side table circa 1910. Over-sailing painted pine top, supported by a contrasting light grey base, raised on 4 tapering legs. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Style 2 Drawer 2 Door Sideboard
Located in Hollywood, FL
Swedish Gustavian Style 2 Drawer 2 Door Sideboard, its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style 4 Door Hutch
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Gustavian style 4 door cabinet. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White".
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Möllers Armaturfabrik Eskiltuna Floor Lamp in Teak and Brass, Sweden, 1950s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare floor lamp was produced by Möllers Armaturfabrik in Eskiltuna, Sweden in the 1950s. The model is numbered 86 and the lamp is marked 'MAE 86' with a metal plate on the botto...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Swedish Pair of Painted Wood Gustavian Style Four-Drawer Side Chests
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish pair of painted wood four-drawer side chests, designed in Gustavian style. This vintage pair of petite chests from Sweden each have a r...
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Gustavian Style 1900s Swedish Footstool with Carved Rosettes and Tapered Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style footstool from circa 1900 with gray painted finish, carved rosettes, tapered legs and upholstery. This Swedish Gustavian style footstool, crafted around 190...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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

Gustavian Style Nightstands
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Gustavian Style Nightstands. they have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Maple

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 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

Gustavian Style Light Gray Painted Desk with Carved Reeded Drawer, circa 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style writing table from circa 1900 with light gray painted finish, single drawer and tapered legs. This Swedish Gustavian style writing table, dating back to aro...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

1780s Gustavian Period Swedish Grey Painted Drop-Front Secretary with Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period grey painted drop-front secretary from circa 1780 with multiple inner drawers and four drawers on the façade. Discover the sublime craftsmanship of this Sw...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Gilded Pinewood Console Table by Jonas Frisk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, antique Swedish Gustavian freestanding console table made of hand crafted gilded Pinewood with a white-grey painted marble top, designed and produced most likely by Jonas Frisk in good condition. The edges, borders of the Scandinavian side table are enhanced by detailed tablecloths and palmettes carvings and porphyry-imitating sides, supported by four round twisted tapered legs, collar and ball, standing on a rectangular wooden base. Minor fading due to age. Circa 1810 - 1820, Stockholm, Sweden, Scandinavia. Jonas Frist was a Swedish artist and designer, born in 1787, in Stockholm, Sweden and passed away in 1849. In 1805, Frist received the rights to design and produce mirrors and console tables by the Kommerskollegium. From 1810 - 1814, his studio was located on the street Storkyrkobrinken and from 1814 - 1824, he moved to the public square Riddarhustorget, in Gamla stan...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Marble, Porphyry

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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