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.
Harlequin Set of 6 Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Dining Chairs.English C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A wonderful set of six English limed oak chairs. Not quite matching. They are actually 2 different models ( 3 + 3 ). The chairs have the same basic characteristics. Firstly, the de...
Oak
Set of 6 Gustavian Style Dining Chairs
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Set of six early 20th century Gustavian style dining chairs. Seats have recently been fully upholstered (including webbing, foam etc) and finished in calico. 1920. Seat height: 19.5...
Beech
$7,800Sale Price / set|35% Off
H 34 in W 19 in D 19 in
Beautiful Set of 6 Period Gustavian Era Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
6 piece set of late Gustavian (circa 1800) era dining chairs with fluted legs and carved floret and leaf details on base and legs Upholstered back an...
Wood
Set of Ten Antique Shield Back Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
A lovely set of ten antique shield back dining chairs in the Sheraton style. They were made in England, and date from around the 1950’s. The quality is superb, they have beautifully...
Cotton, Wood
Set of Six Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Cane Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exquisite set of six Swedish painted dining chairs crafted in the Gustavian Louis XVI taste. The chairs feature a distinctive arched crest back with a woven cane inset. The beech frames have a painted or glazed finish with an intentionally faded patina to mimic age. The grey painted frames have subtle scarlet accents on the feet and . The generous seats are newly upholstered with an off-white fabric that compliments the painted frames. The chairs are sturdy and strong with excellent joinery and craftsmanship. The molded frames have intricate details throughout. Classic Gustavian style and profile with a desirable aged patina on the finish. Erin Lane Estate...
Fabric, Cane, Beech
Set of Twelve Louis XVI Gustavian Style Painted Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Glorious set of twelve Swedish dining chairs crafted in the Louis XVI Gustavian taste. The chairs feature beech frames that have been painted or glazed with an intentionally distressed and faded patina to mimic age. The grey painted frames have a sculptural flared back ending with a scroll. The generous seats have carved rosettes on the front apron corners and decorative red accents throughout the frames. The seats are supported by fluted, tapered legs. The chairs have been recently reupholstered in a neutral muslin style fabric. The chairs are sturdy and strong with excellent joinery and craftsmanship. Sold as a set of twelve chairs. Erin Lane Estate...
Fabric, Beech
Swedish Set of Five Gustavian Dining Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A set of five (5) Gustavian style dining chairs, circa 1810, with fantastic potential in any space. The curved backrests feature horizontal reeded texture and are perfectly balanced ...
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Set of Eight 20th Century Gustavian Style Dining Chairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A very attractive set of eight early 20th Century Gustavian style dining chairs. Highly decorative with a later aged white paint finish the set comprises of two carver chairs and si...
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
$7,500 / set
H 37 in W 18 in D 17.5 in
Set of Six Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Wheat Sheaf Back Dining Chairs
Located in Charleston, SC
A set of six Swedish Gustavian style painted dining chairs with pierced slats and carved wheat sheaf details. Loose seats covered in light color pure linen. Sweden, circa 1900-30 Sea...
Linen, Wood, Paint
Set of Eight Hepplewhite Mahogany Dining Chairs, Carved Backs, 1920
Located in Potters Bar, GB
An elegant set of eight mahogany Hepplewhite style dining chairs, comprising six side chairs and two armchairs Circa 1920 We have various dining tables to match if you are looking fo...
Mahogany
$4,342Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 35.04 in W 19.3 in D 18.12 in
Swedish Gustavian Oval back Dining Chairs White Set of 6 mid C20th
Located in Lewes, England
Unusual Set of 6 Swedish Gustavian oval back dining chairs in good condition in grey paint with lovely detailed carvied oval back rests , fluted legs and decorative embellishment Gr...
Birch
$4,342Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 35.44 in W 21.66 in D 21.66 in
Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs Grey Lindome Style Set of 6, Mid-20th Century
Located in Lewes, England
Unusual set of 6 Gustavian lindome dining chairs in good structural condition with fine carved detailing in Grey with trap seats. Lovely fluted legs and Classic rose detail on the ed...
Birch
Gustavian Klismos Dining Chairs by Nierman Weeks, Set of 8
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Set of 8 exquisite Gustavian Klismos dining chairs by Niermann Weeks. Inspired by Grecian 18th century design, this Swedish style version is generous...
Faux Leather, Wood, Paint, Upholstery
Sold
H 42.5 in W 20.25 in D 20 in
Set of 4 Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Dining Chairs.English C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A delightful matching set of 4 English limed oak chairs. They have been recently limed to enhance the beautiful grain in the wood. The seats have been re-upholstered in hessian or...
Oak
Sold
H 41.25 in W 20 in D 20 in
8 Gustavian Style Urn Back Dining Chairs, large table, lamp and candlesticks
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A delightful matching set of 4 English limed oak chairs. Plus a large bleached table, 4 more chairs a lamp and a pair of candlesticks
Oak
Set of 4 Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Dining Chairs. C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A delightful matching set of 4 English limed oak chairs. They have been recently limed to enhance the beautiful grain in the wood. The seats have been re-upholstered in hessian or...
Oak
Exceptional Early 20th C Swedish Gustavian Style Dining Table and Chairs
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Exceptional early 20th C Swedish extending dining table with matching set of 12 chairs. The chair seats have been reupholstered with ne...
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Period Dining Table
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Early 19th century Swedish Gustavian period painted pine extendable dining table comprised of two demi-lunes and two leaves. 1810. 62cm clearance. Reference: 7791 Dimens...
Pine
8 Louis XVI Style Wood Carved Painted Dining Chairs, Cane Back, Leather
Located in Stamford, CT
Louis XVI Style Traditional, Gustavian Dining Room Set. A custom Painted Dining Table & 8 Chairs, a pair of arm and six sides. This listing is only for the dining chairs. This finely...
Wood
Harlequin Set of 8 Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Dining Chairs
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A set of 8 English limed oak chairs. Not quite matching. There are actually 4 different pairs. Two with arms Each chair has a variation of the same basic characteristics. Firstly, t...
Oak
Gustavian Style Ivory Painted Swedish Dining Table with Gilt Trim
Located in Essex, MA
This antique Gustavian Style painted dining table is a lovely shade of cream with gilt trim. From the early 1900's the table has tapered legs and is decorated with gilt trim throughout. The table closed measures 65 L X 30 H X 49 W . It has one regular leaf and 3 additional 16 inch leaves and measures 113 inches fully opened. Can be used with one, two or 3 leaves. This table is part of a set which includes a glass fronted breakfront...
Wood, Giltwood
Harlequin Set of 12 Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Dining Chairs
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A set of twelve English limed oak chairs. Not quite matching. There are actually 6 different models. I have priced them individually because you might want a set of six or eight. I ...
Oak
8 Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Dining Chairs
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A super matching set of 6 + 2 near matching dining chairs Typical of the Gustavian chair they have the lovely urn shaped splat, the unadorned cabriole leg and the top rail with the ...
Oak
Grey Painted Gustavian Dining Set with Dining Table and Chairs
Located in Lejre, DK
Grey painted Gustavian dining set consisting of large dining table with 4 extension plates and 8 dining chairs. All parts are in great antique con...
Pine
Harlequin Set of 14 Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Dining Chairs
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A set of fourteen English limed oak chairs made up of seven different pairs. I have priced them individually because you might want a set of six or eight. I can also extend the set ...
Oak