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
Gustavian Style Commode with natural marble top and Chinoiserie Design
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Gustavian Style Commode with natural marble top and Chinoiserie Design Fine original fittings in solid brass.
Width: 70cm / 27.6"
Depth: 41cm / 16.1"
Height: 69cm / 27.2"
Category
1950s European Vintage Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Marquetry Drop Side Table
Located in west palm beach, FL
Exquisite antique drop top side table with intricate inlay work on the table top and detailed carvings on the pedestal. The side table is a stateme...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Dark Grey Slate Chest of Drawers Commode
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gustavian Painted Commode Chest of Drawers, Sweden
Hand painted Gustavian style chest of drawers constructed from solid wood with a hand-applied distressed finish with brass ring hardware. Wonderful details including dental molding below the solid surface wood top. Additionally, this one of a kind piece has hand painted decoration with mythological figures on the top drawer. This antique chest brings vintage old...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Grey White C.1860
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-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
19th Century Set of Six Swedish Gustavian Period Chairs in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A set of six Swedish chairs from the Gustavian period in original ivory / taupe / gray paint, newly upholstered in antique linen. These beautiful chairs have curved splat backs, insp...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Paint
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
A Pair of Louis XV Style Bedside Tables with Floral Design and Marble Tops
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Gustavian small chests with marble slab and frame in white, redesigned with hummingbird design pattern. Marble top. Fine original fittings in s...
Category
1950s European Vintage Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Gustavian Style 19th Century Painted Swedish Bed / Side Cabinets
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style painted wood side cabinets / bedside cabinets from the mid 19th century.
These soft blue green painted cabinets feature a rectangular top with three...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
Pair, Gustavian White Painted Chest of Drawers, Sweden circa 1840-80
Located in Round Top, TX
A 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, raised c...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
Swedish 1820s Late Gustavian Period Painted Slant-Front Desk with Five Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Late Gustavian period secretary from circa 1820, with tan/cream painted finish, slant-front desk, five drawers, carved reeded motifs and bracket feet. Embrace the timeless ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th century painted Swedish desktop box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century painted Swedish desktop box circa 1840.
Good quality Scandinavian box in original paint. Hand painted in a blue/green colour scheme. Further painted with a red cartou...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
Gustavian ‘Spelbord’ Game Table
Located in Savannah, GA
A fine Gustavian period ‘spelbord’ game table, 18th century.
Four small drawers on each side with one larger drawer; original brasses.
26 ¼ inches wide by 26 ¼ inches deep by 30 in...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of 19th century painted chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of 19th century painted chest of drawers circa 1880.
Good quality pair of gustavian influenced pair of commodes. Shaped top surfaces with faux marble hand painted detailing. ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
Yellow Painted 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
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
Louis XV Style Chest Three Drawer Chest with Floral Design and Wooden Top
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Louis XV Style Chest Three Drawer Chest with Floral Design and Wooden Top.
Width:58cm / 22.8"
Depth: 32cm / 12.6"
Height: 70cm / 27.6"
Category
1950s European Vintage Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Painted Super finish Black
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Gustavian dresser renovated to super condition in super finish black to the highest standard. Fine moldings around drawers and fittings in solid brass. Marble top
Width 86 cm / 33....
Category
1950s European Vintage Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 19th century Swedish Gustavian Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fine 19th century late Gustavian sofa inspired by the Roman Empire and ancient Egypt. Hand Crafted with Gold Leaf Wood Trimmed Hand-Carved Rosette Details. The removable back allows...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Footstools
Located in Huntington, NY
A pair of 19th century Swedish Gustavian style foot stools with detailed fleurons on the corners. The leg tops are finished with vertical reeded over-collaring atop turned and slight...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Gray Gustavian Pine Sideboard Buffet, Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
Tall Swedish Gustavian gray painted pine sideboard with attractive curved sides and traditional fluted diamond details.
The curved long cabinet doors and drawers make this cabinet a ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
Fornasetti Design Three Drawer Chest with Marble Top
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Gustavian chest with Fornasetti Ancient Rome Design and Natural Marble Top. Original cast brass fittings to the drawers and legs.
Width: 70cm / 27.6"
Depth: 38cm / 15"
Height: 75...
Category
1950s European Vintage 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
Antique Genuine Northern Swedish Gustavian Style Country Pine Sideboard
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique genuine Swedish sideboard in gustavian style. The sideboard is a country house furniture made by hand in solid pine in northern Sweden around 1820. With carved wooden panels ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
18th Century Gustavian Swedish Wood Side Table
Located in New York, NY
Late 18th Century Gustavian Era Swedish Wood Side Table. Crafted in solid wood that has patinated nicely into a blue-gray over time. Side table...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Swedish Gustavian Style Secretary Cabinet
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish secretary cabinet in gustavian style. The cabinet is made in northern Sweden around the 1820s. The cabinet is a well ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
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
Fornasetti Design Two Drawer Chest with Marble Top
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Gustavian chest with Fornasetti Ancient Rome Design and Natural Marble Top. Original cast brass fittings to the drawers and legs.
Width: 68cm / 26.8"
Depth: 36cm / 14.2"
Height: ...
Category
1950s European Vintage 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
Gustavian Style Commode with New York Tribeca Street Map in Vintage Look
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Gustavian commode with marble slab and frame in full matt black, one withNew York Tribeca's street network in vintage look. Fine original fittings in solid brass.
Width: 81cm / 3...
Category
1950s European Vintage Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set of Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Upholstered Benches, Two Different Sizes
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Gustavian Style Set of Painted Upholstered Benches.
Please note that this set are two different sizes.
Hand painted and hand distressed wood benches fully upholstered in a n...
Category
Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Pine
Honest 19th Century Provincial Gustavian Sofa
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Honest early 19th century provincial Gustavian sofa in it's original finish and padding. Ca 1810 Sweden.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Candlesticks
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of 18th Century Swedish baroque hand hammered brass candlesticks with removable drip pan over barleytwist shafts with central drip collar, standing on bulbous bases having ...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Hand-Painted Blue Gustavian Chest of Drawers
Located in High Point, NC
The delicate blue hue adorning this 19th Century Gustavian chest of drawers exudes a sense of tranquility and sophistication, while the hand-painted details showcase the artistry of ...
Category
19th Century 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
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs
Located in Huntington, NY
A pair of Swedish Gustavian chairs made in Stockholm by master craftsman Melker Falkberg (1746 - 1822). Stamped with Stockholm chairmaker's seal and maker signature. Scraped to their...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Fine pair of 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Fine pair of 19th century Gustavian (the Swedish Model) chairs in their original colour with great wear to the surface.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
Rococo Chest with feather design and marble top
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Rococo Chest with feather design and painted marble top.
Width: 91cm / 35.8"
Depth: 42cm / 16.5"
Height: 77cm / 30.3"
Category
1950s European Vintage Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rare Original Painted Swedish Gustavian Chaise Lounge
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Rare Original Painted Swedish Gustavian Chaise Lounge.
the seating has been restored and covered in Muslin.
Category
1840s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Muslin, Wood
Swedish Circa 1858 Gustavian Pine Buffet
Located in Houston, TX
This 19th century Gustavian style buffet originated from Sweden. It has wonderful craftmanship throughout with hand carved wooden pulls, wood pegging, faux marbleized paint on the to...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
White Painted Side Table With Single Drawer, Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique Swedish Gustavian white painted side table with tapered fluted legs and single drawer, may be used as small writing table or nightstand.
Restored, later professionally painte...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Tall Blue Painted Swedish Secretary Bureau, circa 1800-20
Located in Round Top, TX
This striking oak secretary is an elegant statement piece crowned with an elaborate carved pediment.
The entire secretary has been given a professional custom layered blue painted fi...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Rococo-Gustavian Footstools
Located in Huntington, NY
An unusual pair of Rococo-Gustavian transitional footstools made in Stockholm. The base has rounded fleurons on the corners and a flower-leaf carving in the bowed center. The legs are turned, tapered and fluted. This piece has older grey paint and has been reupholstered in linen. The original seats are marked with Örebro shipping labels...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Swedish 1820s Gustavian Style Gray Painted Chest with Carved Semi-Columns
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish gray painted chest from circa 1820 with three drawers, carved reeded semi-columns and tapered legs. Embrace the enduring elegance of Swedish Gustavian craftsmanship with th...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
A Set of Four 19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Chairs
Located in Huntington, NY
A set of four 19th century Swedish Late Gustavian Ax (also known as Vase) chairs from Lindome featuring a balloon-shaped back with five vertical, interconnected slats. In the center,...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Pair of Gustavian Side Chairs with Linen Upholstery Late 18th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful pari of Late 18th C., Early 19th C., Swedish Gustavian Chairs.
The Swedish Grey patination is perfection and the attention to detail, carving and design represent the er...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
White Painted Pine Sideboard, Sweden circa 1900's
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish pine sideboard/buffet with traditional diamond motif carved in drawers and door panels.
Four drawers over four cabinet doors, one long interior shelf.
Restored, later profes...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
Console Table
Located in Hellerup, DK
Graceful and long Gustavian style console table with grey patinated elegantly tapered legs with vertically carved details and a black painted table top. Great for the large hallway o...
Category
1970s Scandinavian Vintage Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 Style 1870s Gray Painted and Carved Three Drawer Chests, Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style three-drawer chests from circa 1870 with lightly marbleized tops, gray painted finish and carved reeded motifs. Elevate your interior with this stun...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style 1850s Painted Demilunes with Carved Guilloches, Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style painted wood demi-lune console tables from circa 1850 with carved guilloche motifs, tapered legs with fluted accents and carved rosettes on the knee...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
White Painted Pine Sideboard Buffet, Sweden circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish pine sideboard with turned columns, top with profiled edge, fluted carving along drawers all resting on large bun feet.
Newer, professionally applied white painted finish sli...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
White Painted Swedish Sideboard Buffet, circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish 5.5' long Gustavian pine sideboard buffet server with traditional carved fluted diamond panel motif on each of the four doors.
Tapered fluted feet. Central 2 cabinet doors bo...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
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 1880s Gustavian Style Gray Painted Sideboard with Carved Guilloches
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style gray painted sideboard circa 1880 with two doors, two drawers, carved guilloche frieze and petite rosettes. Embrace the understated elegance of Swedish Gust...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Gustavian Period Bench
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
19th Century Gustavian repainted bench made in the region of Lindome, original size and newly upholstered in linen.
Some minor restoration over the years.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of 19th Century Gustavian Bellman Chairs
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Pair of unusual 19th Century Gustavian Bellman armchairs.
Scraped to original colour in newly upholstered in linen, these chairs have had some minor restoration over the years.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
Red Painted Gustavian Bookcase Display Cabinet, Sweden circa 1790-1820
Located in Round Top, TX
The details in this large red Gustavian pine bookcase are impressive with carved molding and Greek key pattern along the crown, carved inset columns at side and fluted carved details...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Glass, 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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