Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
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
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 Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Paint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Writing Desk
Located in Houston, US
Beautifully painted in a contemporary turquoise, this Swedish Gustavian style desk is handmade with mortise joints and dovetailed drawers.
On each drawer there is horizontal fluting...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Gustavian Style 9 Drawer Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style 9 Drawer Desk. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian style 3 drawer desk. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Unique Scalloped Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian Unique Scalloped Desk. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category
1850s Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Gustavian Style 1870s Swedish Gray Painted Desk, Fluted Drawers and Tapered Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style gray blue painted desk from circa 1870 with five fluted drawers and tapered legs. Step back in time with this exquisite Swe...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Swedish Antique Gustavian Console Table Desk Grey White Carved Detail 1850-1870
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
Rare Antique Gustavian console...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
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 Desks and Writing Tables
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 Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
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 Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Gustavian Pine Table with Green Paint, Sweden, Late 18th Century
Located in Copenhagen K, DK
Sweden, Late 18th Century
Antique genuine gustavian table from Sweden made around 1790. Painted in green.
H 77 x W 117 x D 81 cm
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine, Wood
Black Gustavian Writing Desk with 5 Drawers, Sweden
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish office writing desk in Gustavian black paint with five drawers, red leather embossed top and the original brass hardware.
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine, Leather
Gustavian White Painted Partner's Desk Writing Table, Sweden circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique Swedish Gustavian white painted "partner's desk" with two drawers on each side of the table.
Traditional tapered fluted legs with diamond accent above.
Floor to skirt height:...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Paint
Swedish Desk 19th Century in Black Original Paint
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A rustic writing desk made during the 19th century in Sweden. Made of pine wood and original black paint. With great patina on the wood.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Pinewood Desk Console Table
Located in Madrid, ES
Swedish Gustavian style hand carved pinewood painted console, desk table with simple drawer and clasical hardwarwe, painted in light grey typical Scandenavian taste. the top is paint...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Round Black Pedestal Dining Table, Sweden 1920
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early Swedish 20th Century Pedestal Dining Table in Black Paint.
This round table has beautiful Gustavian ribbed details with a border going around the table edge.
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Single Drawer Stand, Table or Nightstand, Paint Decorated
Located in Stamford, CT
Swedish Gustavian Single Drawer Stand, Table or Nightstand, Paint Decorated
A Sweet One Drawer Original Paint Decorated Stand or End Table, Writing Desk. Having long sleek tapering...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
18th Century Black Swedish Gustavian Oak Bureau - Antique Drop Front Secretaire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Swedish Gustavian bureau made of hand crafted painted Oakwood, in good condition. The Scandinavian writing table, desk features man...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
19th Century Gustavian Writing Desk by Johan Oman
By Johan Öman
Located in New York, NY
A 19th century writing desk by Swedish Master Cabinet Maker Johan Öman (1789-1833) who worked for King Charles XIV. The desk having two drawers with ornate ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
20th Century White-Grey Swedish Gustavian Two Part Pinewood Bureau, Secretary
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, white antique Swedish Gustavian two part bureau with a writing flap made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian secretaire is composed with two upper doors, three large drawers and many small storage spaces, enhanced by detailed wood carvings. The doors have the original window panes in glass. The secretary writing table, desk represents the Neoclassical Greek style with the original bronze hardware and key. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1910-1920...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Bronze
19th Century Antique Swedish Gustavian Writing Table / Desk Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian desk from Umeå Västerbotten, Northern Sweden.
A high-class & beautiful desk with wood-cut details & beautiful tapered legs.
The beautifully cut leave...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Two Part Pine Bureau, Scandinavian Secretaire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 18th - 19th Century, dark-grey antique Swedish Gustavian two part bureau with a writing flap made of hand crafted painted pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian secretaire i...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Swedish Gustavian Style 1900s Sideboard or Desk with Single Drawer and Doors
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style bow front painted wood sideboard or desk from the early 20th century, with single drawer, two doors and tapered legs. Creat...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Gray Painted Desk in the Style of Gustavian from the 1930s
Located in Lejre, DK
Exquisite Gray Painted Desk, Reflecting Gustavian Elegance from the 1930s: A timeless piece that embodies the refined aesthetic of the Gustavian style.
Crafted in the 1930s, this de...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian desk from Umea Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden.
Nice Gustavian desk scraped to its originalpaint.
Reeded sides.
...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Antique Gustavian-Style Grey-Painted Dining Table w/ Dark Faux-Bois Grained Top
Located in Miami, FL
A rectangular dining table with hardwood top & square tappering legs. Base was newly painted in a grey-white Gustavian color with a faux bois tooled & grained top, made to look like ...
Category
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birch, Oak
Genuine Antique Blue Swedish Gustavian Style Country Pine Desk Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Blue gustavian style country desk in pine from Hälsingland in northern Sweden. The table is a genuine Swedish country house furniture and has the authentic patina of time. Made with ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Antique Table White Gold Carved Detail, 1800s
Located in LONDON, GB
Very rare Swedish antique gustavian table from Skabersjö Castle in Sweden.
It is later 1800s in age and has terrific detail to it with decora...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Early 19th Century Swedish antique rustic Gustavian Desk with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
Early 19th century Swedish Gustavian antique rustic desk from Umeå Västerbotten, Northern Sweden.
Nice Gustavian Desk Scraped by hand to its origi...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian desk from Umeå Västerbotten, Northern Sweden.
Nice Gustavian Desk scraped to its original paint.
The table has a lovely blue color.
Reeded legs.
Marble...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk with Marble Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish desk from Skelleftea Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden.
Untouched originalpaint with fantastic Marble paint on table top.
Made in painted Pine.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Swedish Writing Table
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Original painted Swedish 3 drawer writing table. Nicely decorated with fluted legs and swag carving. Carved on all sides so can be a free standi...
Category
20th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk with Marble Imitaition Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian desk from Sundsvall Medelpad, Northern Sweden.
A stunning desk with fantastic patina.
Scraped and washed to its well Preserved Originalpaint.
Lovely...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
White Swedish Gustavian Wall Table and Desk
Located in Kramfors, SE
White Gustavian table made in northern Sweden between 1790 and 1810. The table is an early example of compact living where one item has multiple uses. This table has a folding tablet...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian desk from Lulea Norrbotten, Northern Sweden.
A beautiful desk with nice propotion & fine condition.
Untouched base, the top is scraped and washed to it...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Gustavian table from northern Sweden in untouched original condition. The table is from the years circa 1780-1790 with traces of thin paint on the frame and a white painted tabletop....
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Late 18th Century Gustavian Styled Work Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Gustavian styled work table from the county Norrbotten in northern Sweden. The table was manufactured during the late 18th century and has a faux painted leg frame. The wooden knob o...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk, Late 18th Century, Late 1700s
Located in New York, NY
A Swedish late Gustavian writing desk, late 18th century in excellent antique condition.
Key included.
Restored with additions. Slight damages, wear and repairs due to age and as ...
Category
Late 18th Century Scandinavian Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Fine 18th Century Gustavian Desk With Gallery
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Exceptional antique Swedish 18th century Gustavian writing desk, veneered in mahogany with a very nice and subtle patina. Scandinavian, Sweden, circa 1790.
Very good condition with wear consistent with age and use. The top features an inset dark green professionally re leathered...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Desk Swedish 18th Century Green Original Paint Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Desk Swedish 18th Century Green Original Paint Sweden. A writing desk Swedish made during the 18th century in Sweden. Original paint in dark green. Interior with shelving, drawers an...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bentwood
Grey Painted Writing Desk in the Style Gustavian from the 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
A grey painted writing desk in the Gustavian style from the 1840s is a captivating piece that reflects the aesthetics and craftsmanship of its time.
The Gustavian style originated i...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Swedish End Table
Located in New Haven, CT
This elegant Gustavian writing table was made in the late 18th century out of kingwood and tulipwood with solid mahogany curved legs ending in hove feet. The apron is scalloped and h...
Category
1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Kingwood
Antique Gustavian White Painted Side Table Small Writing Table, Sweden circa 180
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish Gustavian style side table, may also be used as a small desk.
Lovely turned and carved legs with elongated leaf motif and carved skirt with scallops add to the romantic gra...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Paint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian desk from Buddbyn Boden Norrbotten, Northern Sweden.
The desk is handscraped to its original color.
Hardware pe...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
Gustavian desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Gustavian desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks and writing tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, pine and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gustavian desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables, popular names associated with this style include and Johan Öman. 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 desks and writing tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,320 and tops out at $26,900 while the average work can sell for $4,460.
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