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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
Late 18th Century Transition Chairs in Original Color
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of transition chairs made in Stockholm about 1780:s. Chairs that are made between the rococo period and the gustavian period are called transition chairs. So for example the b...
Category

1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

1960s, Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Armchairs Newly Upholstered
Located in London, GB
These comfortable tub square armchairs are a classic Swedish design from the 1960s. They have been reupholstered in a light cream bouclé fabric and the walnut frames have been lacque...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Painted Swedish Sideboard, circa 1880
Located in Washington, DC
A Swedish Gustavian pine sideboard server with traditional carved fluted diamond panel motif on both of the two doors. Tapered fluted feet. This Swedish Gustavian style sideboard, ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th century painted pine Swedish chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of 19th century painted pine Swedish commodes circa 1880. Here we have 2 decorative chest of drawers from Sweden painted in the gustavian taste. Stepped rectangular top's and ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Painted Hall Bench, Trundle Bed
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Swedish painted hall bench ~ trundle bed is the perfect selection for the active family! By day, a handsome, country style hall bench ~ by nig...
Category

1880s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style 1870s Painted Chests with Two Fluted Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style painted wood chests from circa 1870 with two fluted drawers, fluted side posts, tapered legs and classical hardware. This exquisite pair of Swedish ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Set of Four Restoration Hardware Swedish Gustavian Style Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Weathered set of four deconstructed Swedish Gustavian style dining chairs featuring muslin fabric upholstery. The unfinished hardwood frames are very sturdy and strong crafted with a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Muslin, Wood

19th Century Swedish antique genuine small Gustavian table original paint
Located in Boden, SE
A fantastically pretty & elegant Gustavian table. It is easy to place & fits in any room. The Gustavian table comes from Umeå Västerbotten, Northern Sweden. It has been in an old V...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
1900's Swedish Mora clock with cream and gold paint detailing. Carved detailing to crown. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Wi...
Category

1880s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style 1860s Gray Painted Three-Drawer Chest with Carved Drawer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style chest from circa 1860 with three drawers, light gray painted finish, reeded accents, dentil molding and tapered legs. Embrace the understated elegance of Sw...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Blue-Grey Swedish Gustavian Side Table - Scandinavian Kitchen Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A blue-grey, antique Swedish Gustavian single center, kitchen table made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian side table is composed with one drawer,...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Set of 6 Antique Swedish Gustavian Painted Dining Chairs Includes 2 Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of 6 antique Swedish Gustavian painted dining chairs includes 2 armchairs and will make a great addition to your intimate dining ac...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak, Paint

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Blue Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of antique Swedish Gustavian style blue painted chest of three drawers, dating from the 19th century. Each chest features a black painted rectangular top with canted corners i...
Category

Mid-19th Century Albanian Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
Decorative Swedish Gustavian Style chest of drawers painted in dusty antique yellow, typical of the Scandinavian taste for light palettes...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

Gustavian table from 1800, made in Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
A gustavian table made in Sweden about 1800. The secondary color has been removed by hand and the rest is original color. The iron urns are a pair ...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Birch

Pair, Gustavian White Painted Armchairs, Sweden circa 1940
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, attractive Swedish country Gustavian style arm chairs with gently curved barrel back and carved ribbon/bow adorning the back and skirt. Turned fluted feet. Newer, professionall...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Rare Period 1740-60s era Swedish Gustavian Baroque Bergere Chair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Carved distressed painted frame. Upholstered. 41 1/2" h x 26 3/8" w x 23 1/2" d. Seat height 20 1/4". Condition Splits in wood. Paint loss. Chips and nicks in wood. Minor stains to ...
Category

1740s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style Glass Top Hutch
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian Style Glass Top Hutch. the bottom cabinet is circa 1950 the upper glass top is New made using Antique windows found at an Estate Auction in Sweden. the gl...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style Glass Top Hutch
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian Style Glass Top Hutch. the bottom cabinet is circa 1950 the upper glass top is New made using Antique windows found at an Estate Auction in Sweden. the g...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Settee With Trundle
Located in Houston, US
This is a beautiful Swedish Gustavian settee with a pull out trundle. The settee was designed to provide stylish seating during the day and extra sleeping area at night. The mattress...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Pine

Antique Early 19th Century Gustavian Sofa / Bench, By a Swedish Cabinetmaker
Located in Odense, DK
A stunning antique late Gustavian sofa/bench, skillfully crafted by a talented Swedish cabinetmaker of the era. This exquisite piece showcases the hallmark elements of Gustavian desi...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Tall Gray Painted Gustavian Bookcase Display Cabinet, Sweden circa 1960
Located in Round Top, TX
Elegant and stately Swedish Gustavian style display cabinet or bookcase in two sections standing just under 7' tall. Newer professional painted finish in softly distressed light grey...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Set of 8 Swedish Gustavian White Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 Swedish Gustavian mid century side chairs with an antique white painted finish and an open back design
Category

20th Century Gustavian Furniture

Mid 19th Century Gray Painted Swedish Drop Leaf Dining Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Faded gray painted drop leaf table Beautiful patina the height of Swedish style Gate legs fold to a narrow side table
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Blue Painted Bookcase Display Cabinet with Glass Doors, Denmark circa 1840
Located in Round Top, TX
Delightful blue painted pine bookcase with dentil molding along crown and traditional diamond details throughout. Lower drawers and attractive feet bring balance to this display cab...
Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Pine, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Country Folk Art Cabinet dated 1830 originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish antique Jämtskåp from Jämtland .The beautifully marbled crown in the lovely blue shade.The upper cabinet has reeded doors, and the lower part with the imitation ...
Category

1830s Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair of Gustavian-Style Demilune Console Tables, Sweden Approx. 1900
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Demilune console tables in Gustavian style. Gray marble painted tabletop with profiled edge. Blue-painted base with curved apron. Tapered legs with fluting. Sold as a pair.
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Vintage Gustavian Ribbed Corner Cabinet Rosette Storage Mid-20th Century
Located in LONDON, GB
Mid-20th century Swedish vintage Gustavian style ribbed corner cabinet with upper and lower shelf storage. The cabinet is decorated with Gustavian rosettes and has the classic rib...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

Pair Of Gustavian Style Armchairs With Gilt Plume & Shell Motif
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of distressed white paint decorated armchairs with back splats having carved gilt plume and shell motif. The chairs with inset carved geometric motifs, baluster form armrest sup...
Category

20th Century Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Whitewashed Pine Armoire
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Whitewashed Pine Armoire will command a stately presence in the room, but with a subtle elegance that enables it to blend with a wide variety of dec...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Swedish Antique Mora Clock Folk Art Paint 1800s 230cm C Palmlöf Sala
Located in LONDON, GB
230cm rare early 1800s antique Swedish mora clock with carved detail in a folk art finish and detailed face with the makers name C Palmlöf of Sala marked on it and hand painted de...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

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

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

20th Century Turkish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

Reeded Gustavian Style Commode Nightstand Chest of Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
White Painted Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers Hand painted Gustavian style chest with three drawers constructed from solid wood with a hand-applied distressed finish with brass ring hardware. This classic Swedish style chest...
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Gustavian Antique Painted Desk on Cabinet, Swedish or Danish circa 1820-40
Located in Shippensburg, PA
FINE GUSTAVIAN SECRETARY DESK OVER CABINET IN EARLY RUST AND BLUE PAINT Probably Swedish or Danish, circa first half of the 19th century Item # 403BAS18Q An very cool and quite rare...
Category

19th Century European Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Pair, Gustavian Style White Arm Chairs, Sweden circa 1940
Located in Round Top, TX
This pair of Swedish arm chairs have a gently curved back, cabriolet legs and decorative carving embellish the skirt and top which all add to the graceful appeal of each. The newer p...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair, White Painted Gustavian Style Armchairs, Sweden circa 1900's
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, Swedish white painted armchairs with carved details along edges, top of back and bottom of seat; turned fluted legs. The newer, professionally applied antique white painted fin...
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair of 19th century Swedish painted faux marble top chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of 19th century swedish painted faux marble top chest of drawers circa 1870. Hand painted top surface to simulate marble, stepped edge with dentil frieze detailing.  Canted cor...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Antique Gustavian Style Chest, Swedish Genuine Country Black Pine with Drawers
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique chest in gustavian style from Sweden. The chest is a genuine country furniture from around 1820 and has the classic straight shape of the period. Three functional drawers whe...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Drop-Leaf Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Swedish painted drop-leaf table. Table features two large leaves that drop down when not needed, making this usable as a dining, sofa or hall table. When a dining table ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian 18th Century Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A Swedish Gustavian style center table is sure to make a statement in any interior. This table has its original worn blue painted finish and features a removable top over an apron wi...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique Swedish Gustavian White Painted Side Table With Drawer, circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique Swedish Gustavian White Painted Side Table With Drawer. Tapered legs and horizontal fluted carving along single drawer. May also serve as nightstand. Restored, later professi...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Swedish 19th century painted chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century painted chest of drawers circa 1870. Substantial baroque revival Swedish chest of drawers.  Presented in later paint which is best described as a very light grey or a d...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak, Pine, Paint

Pair, Gustavian Small White Demi Lune Side Tables
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, Gustavian style demi-lune small side tables or consoles. Gently tapered long fluted legs topped by diamond medallion with Greek key design carving along skirt. Newer professio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th c . Swedish Gustavian Painted Stools Signed by Johannes Ericsson
Located in Wichita, KS
Beautifully carved pair of Swedish benches from the late Gustavian period, newly upholstered in linen with nailhead trim, circa 1830. Signed by Johannes Ericsson, 1803-1865, a chair ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Pedestal Tables
Located in Charleston, SC
A pair of charming pedestal tables with oval tops and turned bases supported by intricately carved scrolling legs in Gustavian style. Värmland, Sweden, circa 1850.
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

White Painted Gustavian Style Table Writing Desk With One Drawer, circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish Gustavian style table with single fluted drawer and tapered legs. Restored, later professionally painted in layered shades of white now distressed to add to the character and...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Side Tables Bedside
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Side Tables Bedside, A Pair These Swedish style three drawer hand painted neutral toned bedside tables have been ...
Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Country Gustavian Style Console Table, Northern Swedish Hand-Made Pine
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique country console table in gustavian style from northern Sweden. The table is made around 1820 and has original light paint with genuine patina and distress. Made by hand in so...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Sofa Bench in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A long 19th c. Swedish sofa bench from the Gustavian period, hand-scraped to reveal the original paint, circa 1800. This beautiful sofa has been newly upholstered in linen and has un...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Mid 19th century Swedish decorative column long case clock
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century swedish decorative column long case clock circa 1850. Beautiful long case clock from sweden. Made with a decorative fluted column which forms a demi lune shape. Clo...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Late 18th century Swedish Gustavian painted chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Late 18th century Swedish Gustavian painted chest of drawers, circa 1790. Fine quality oak and pine Gustavian period commode, with scraped back paint. 5 drawer chest with a small d...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak, Paint, Pine

White Painted Chest of Three Drawers, Sweden circa 1770
Located in Round Top, TX
The enticing curves of the drawers and cabriolet feet create the strong visual appeal in this pine chest of three drawers. Restored, the white painted finish has been scraped through...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Swedish Gustavian 19th Century Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A rustic Gustavian painted pine table from the 1820’s, Sweden. The waxed pine table top is removable and sits over its worn painted base. The base has many layers of paint and has re...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair of Reeded Gustavian Style Commodes Chest of Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
White Painted Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers, A Pair Pair of white/greyish hand painted Gustavian style chest of drawers constructed from solid wood with a hand-applied distress...
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Swedish Gustavian Side Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite Swedish Gustavian side table made during the mid 1800’s. This table has a worn painted blue frame featuring a plank top with pink painted flowers over a splayed pedestal bas...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair of Blue Painted Chest of Three Drawers With Griffins, Sweden circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of elegant Gustavian pine chests of three drawers painted in soft blue and contrasting black top with pair of griffins highlighting the upper drawer. Canted fluted side posts ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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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