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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
Harlequin Set of 10 Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Dining Chairs
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A wonderful set of ten English limed oak chairs. Not quite matching. There are actually 3 different models ( 4 + 3 + 3 ). Each chair has a variation of the same basic characteristi...
Category

Early 20th Century English Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak

Set of 6 Antique 18 C Gustavian Dining Chairs W Carolina Irving Andaluz Linen
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Set of 6 Antique 18 C Gustavian Dining Chairs W Carolina Irving Andaluz Linen Fabric
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

Early 20th Century English Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Daybed - Antique Freestanding Sofa Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian daybed made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The side rests of the Scandinavian Lit Du Jour are enhanced by uniqu...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Black & White Painted Commodes
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of elegant Gustavian-style commodes, crafted in pine and painted black with decorative light grey detailing. Each commode features three drawers, the top one adorned with a cl...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Metal

Antique 18th C. Gustavian Swedish EmpireLinen Press Cabinet
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 18th C. Gustavian Swedish EmpireLinen Press Cabinet
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Blue Pedestal Side Table
Located in Round Top, TX
Small pine side table with decorative skirt and pedestal base. Restored, later professionally painted in layered shades of blue with white undertones, all lightly distressed to fit ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Swedish hand painted 19th century pine cupboard
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish hand painted 19th century pine cupboard circa 1788. We are pleased to offer this fine piece of traditional hand painted scandinavian furniture, in the form of a double door ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Vintage large Scandinavian commode in pine from the 19 century
Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR
Antique 19th century Scandinavian chest of drawers in solid pine opening to 5 drawers. The top drawer is thinner and has compartments. The whole structure is divided into two parts a...
Category

1850s Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Antique Genuine Swedish Original Gustavian Period Handmade Chest of Drawers
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish chest of drawers from the 1700s in gustavian style. The chest is a genuine Swedish gustavian furniture with four drawers made by hand in solid pine around 1790. Class...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock from the 1960's in original colour. Green with gold carved detailing. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Wid...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Northern Swedish Gustavian Period Handmade Rustic Pine Sideboard
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish rustic sideboard from the gustavian period, made around 1810. The sideboard is made in northern Sweden by hand from solid pine. It has a straight shape with two doors...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

A Swedish Gustavian blue painted pine secretary, C. 1800.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This beautiful slant front secretary desk is in two pieces with a stunning blue surface. The top cornice is of a Rococo design with two doors opening to reveal shelves. The slant f...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine early 19th century Gustavian barrel back armchairs in their original condition. Attributed to master chair maker Ephraim Sthal (1767-1820) Supplier to the Royal Court and one of...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish genuine Gustavian Column Cabinet from Northern Sweden
Located in Boden, SE
A rare Gustavian Column Cabinet from the early to mid 19th century, 1820 to 1840. The cabinet is from Umeå Västerbotten Northern Sweden and made in the shape of a round pillar with ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th century Swedish painted pine chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish painted pine chest of drawers circa 1880. Good quality 3 drawer chest of drawers painted in a light coral paint effect.  2 plank top surface, with 3 drawers of ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Gray Swedish Gustavian Style Pine Sideboard Buffet Cabinet
Located in Round Top, TX
Gustavian pale gray painted pine sideboard or server cabinet with large doors and interior single shelf. The newer, professionally applied soft gray-washed painted finish is lightly ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Black Swedish Pine Tall Narrow Bookcase Display Cabinet
Located in Round Top, TX
Narrow and tall Swedish display cabinet with decorative lattice work along upper glass doors.  Note the striking black painted exterior and contrasting gray interior; while a newer f...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Pine, Paint

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Arched Console Table
Located in Mckinney, TX
This Gustavian-period Swedish console table features a distinctive arched design that reflects the elegant yet understated style of the era. Crafted from solid wood, the table has it...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish mid 19th century carved pine rocking cradle
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish mid 19th century carved pine rocking cradle circa 1840. We are pleased to offer this piece of traditional swedish furniture.  Made from solid heavy pine, likely to have been...
Category

Mid-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 out section to the front, but it has since...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Rare Swedish Antique Cabinet, Genuine Country Furniture in Gustavian Style
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare Swedish antique cabinet, a genuine country house furniture in gustavian style from northern Sweden. The cabinet is made by hand in solid p...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pine Living Room Cabinet - Scandinavian Cupboard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early 19th Century, white-grey antique Swedish Gustavian living room cabinet made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The upper part of the Scandinavian buffet is...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

18th Ctr. Gustavian Black-Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
Gustavian chest of drawers in black-painted wood with beautiful patina. An elegant chest of drawers with four drawers – one upper, smaller drawer featureing fine fluting, while the t...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak

Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock from the 1960's in original colour with painted floral decoration. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Width:...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Tallboy Black C 1850
Located in Lewes, England
C 1850 antique Swedish Gustavian painted chest of 3 drawers commode with detailed gustavian ribbed decorative motifs on the top rail, front and brass detailing. It has 3 drawers wi...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Antique Scandinavian Pinewood Nightstands
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 19th Century, antique pair of Swedish Gustavian nightstands made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. Each of the detailed bed side tables are composed with tw...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock from the 1960's in original wood. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Width: 56cm / 22.0" Depth: 16.5cm / 6.5...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th - 20th Century Swedish Mahogany Chest of Drawers - Antique Stone Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian chest, commode with three drawers made of hand crafted polished, partly veneered Mahogany, in good condition. The rectangular Scandinav...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Stone, Metal, Brass

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Corner Cabinet
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian corner cabinet from Piteå Norrbotten, Northern Sweden. Highly stately Corner Cabinet with reeded doors at the ...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Side Occasional Bedside Table
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This Swedish style hand painted, in a Scandinavian neutral green color, table has been constructed from solid wood. Classic details on this table including a hand-applied finish and ...
Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Swedish early 19th century painted pine cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish early 19th century painted cupboard circa 1820. Fine quality 2 part cupboard, ideal for kitchen or multiple rooms around the house. Top section with architectural cornice, d...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Gray Swedish Gustavian Bench
Located in Round Top, TX
This elegant Swedish Gustavian sofa or settee has graceful decorative arms curving outward.  Please enlarge and examine the close up photos to appreciate the newer, professionally ap...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Muslin, Pine, Paint

Antique Swedish Gustavian Corner Cabinet, Genuine Rustic Country Furniture
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique gustavian corner cabinet made by hand in solid pine. The cabinet is an authentic country furniture from Sweden made into two parts. It has a classic gustavian style, a straig...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century White Swedish Gustavian Sideboard Buffet
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish Gustavian painted pine sideboard with attractive curved sides and panel details.The curved end cabinet doors make this cabinet a special find. Later professionally painted in...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

18th Century Large Blue Painted Chest of Four Drawers, Denmark
Located in Round Top, TX
Large pine chest of four drawers flanked with turned columns and decorative carving along top and skirt. The newer, professionally applied blue layered painted finish with white und...
Category

Mid-18th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Swedish 18th Century Gustavian Painted Chest
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A Swedish Gustavian chest of drawers from the late 1700’s with its original paint finish. The top is painted a charcoal color, mimicking Belgium bluestone. The cabinet has a layered ...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Painted Narrow Display Cabinet Bookcase
Located in Round Top, TX
This narrow Swedish display cabinet may also be used as a bookcase. Fluted panel doors and decorative carving along the crown add to the Gusta...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Pine, Paint

Swedish Antique Bureau in Gustavian Style, Made By Hand in Solid Pine Circa 1820
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique bureau in gustavian style from around 1820. The bureau has three drawers and is made by hand with a frame in solid pine. Classic shape with straight corners and edges...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

18th Century Blue Painted Gustavian Sideboard, Sweden
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A custom-made Swedish blue and grey painted Gustavian antique cupboard, circa 1780-1820. The clean and useful interior has three drawers that were used for cutlery tools. This Scandi...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

The Kiss by GUSTAV KLIMT Throw Pillow Cushion
By (after) Gustav Klimt
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Kiss by GUSTAV KLIMT Throw Pillow Cushion Made in Belgium by Flemish Tapestries. Elevate Your Home with Premium Luxury Tapestry Cushion Throw Pillow Made in Flanders, Belgium Ind...
Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Cotton

19th century Scandinavian walnut chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Scandinavian walnut chest of drawers circa 1880. Good quality Swedish chest of drawers unusually made in walnut. Rectangular top with moulded edge and canted front cor...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Pine

Antique Swedish Sofa from the Gustavian Period, Hand-Made during the Late 1700s
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique sofa from the gustavian period around the late 1700s. The sofa has a hand-made frame in solid pine which has been dry scraped by hand down to the original, first laye...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair, 19th Century Gustavian White Chest of Three Drawers, Sweden
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of decorative Gustavian pine chest of drawers painted in shades of white, fitting their Swedish origin. Canted fluted side posts with upper carved diamond medallion, carved flu...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Large Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest of Drawers Bureau
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gray Painted Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Bureau. This three drawer bureau is based on an 18th Century Gustavian antique chest of drawers. The chest is handmade and hand pa...
Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Cabinet with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish antique Gustavian corner cabinet from Umeå Västerbotten, Northern Sweden. Beautifully reeded doors. Scraped by gentle hand to its well preserved original color...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Gustavian Period Rustic Country Farmhouse Pine Cradle Bin
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce Gustavian Period (1772-1809) country Swedish farmhouse hand carved pine rocking cradle / bassinet for decorative use only (today, it could be repurposed as a wonderful firew...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

18th Century Antique Swedish Red Painted Baroque Secretary
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
A two-tiered wooden cabinet from the 18th century Swedish Gustavian period. The top door opens to reveal a decorative top shelf and three other shelves. The top of the bottom shelf c...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Long 19th Century Swedish Bench
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
19th Century Swedish long stool or bench. With hand carved detail to front and both ends with traditional Swedish hand stitched antique linen upholstery. Re-painted in soft blue. ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Pine

Antique Genuine Swedish Gustavian Period Sideboard in Original Condition
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique sideboard from the gustavian period. The sideboard is a genuine antique from around 1820 made by hand in solid pine in northern Sweden. Classic gustavian straight sha...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Tilt Top Table / Pedestal Table Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century swedish Gustavian Tilt top table from Kalix Norrbotten, Northern Sweden. A beautiful table in good condition & stable in construction. The table is originalpainted. Tur...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Antique Rustic Gustavian Drop Leaf Table Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
Small, pretty, easily placed antique Drop leaf table from Boden Norrbotten, Northern Sweden. Nice untouched original paint in beautiful Englis...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock from 1830 in original colour. Cream with hand painted floral detailing. Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime. This Mora clock conta...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Rare Swedish Sideboard, Unusually Low Gustavian Style Original Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare antique Swedish sideboard. The sideboard is unusually low and made in gustavian style. It is an authentic country house furniture from 1834 made in Hälsingland. The frame is mad...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chest of Drawers
Located in Houston, TX
The commode features three nice sized drawers with sufficient storage. Solid wood painted in a soft white, brass handles and keyholes. This piece is a wonderful storage solution wit...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Pinewood Chests - Antique Commodes
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th Century, light-grey antique pair of Swedish Gustavian 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

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Armoire - Antique Scandinavian Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian armoire, wardrobe made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The tall blue-grey Scan...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Hall Console Table with Carving
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Painted Hand Carved Entry Hall Console Table Hand painted and hand distressed in authentic Scandinavian colors. This table has been painted in blue with ...
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Paint, Wood

19th Century Swedish Oval Pedestal Table Circa 1890
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant 19th-century Swedish oval pedestal table, circa 1890, beautifully blends form and functionality with its neoclassical design. Crafted from solid pine wood, the table fea...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

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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