Gustavian Seating
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
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pine Daybed - Antique Scandinavian Sofa Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A refined late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian daybed crafted in hand-carved Pinewood, in good original condition. This elegant antique sofa reflects the hallmark characteristics of t...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Pine
Set of Eight Swedish Gustavian Style Dining Chairs, 19th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant set of eight Swedish dining chairs in the Gustavian style, late 19th century. The chairs are finely carved with neoclassical detailing, including fluted legs with rosette acc...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Berlin Iron
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 Seating
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
$6,000 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Daybed - Antique Scandinavian Sofa Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian pull-out daybed made from hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. This freestanding Scandinavian wood bench...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Upholstery, Pine
Rare Set of 8 Gustavian Period Side Chairs, Lindome, circa 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare and elegant set of eight period Gustavian side chairs, crafted in Lindome, Sweden, circa 1800. These chairs exemplify the refined neoclassical aesthetic for which Gustavian fu...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
A Petite 19th century Swedish Gustavian Bench
Located in Leesburg, VA
A Petite 19th century Swedish Gustavian Bench
Approximate size: 29.5”H x 64.5”W x 14”D
This exceptional 19th-century Swedish sofa bench, dating around 1800, perfectly embodies the ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Wooden Sofa Bench with Striped Upholstery
Located in Karis, Nyland
A beautifully aged 19th-century Swedish Gustavian wooden sofa bench, showcasing the handcrafted character and rustic charm typical of rural furniture of the period. The frame is cons...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Pine
19th - 20th Century Grey Swedish Gustavian Set of Ten Pinewood Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th–20th Century, light-grey antique Swedish Gustavian set of ten dining chairs, handcrafted in painted Pinewood and in good structural condition. The curved shield-back design ex...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
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 Seating
Materials
Oak
Swedish Antique Rocking Chair 6 Legs 19th Century Hand Painted Black Gold
Located in Bochum, NRW
Antique Black Swedish Rocking Chair with Original Black Paint, Late 19th Century
The chair is in excellent condition, given its age and use, showing minimal signs of time and use—nor...
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Gustavian Bench
Located in Cirencester, GB
This beautiful antique Swedish bench is early 19th century from Northern Sweden.
The layers of paint have been dry scraped revealing the ori...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
$5,931
18th Century Gustavian Sofa
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine and unusually long late 18th century Gustavian sofa in it's original finish. ca 1790 Sweden.
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
$13,500
Late 19th Century Swedish Period Gustavian Day Bed
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
A rare to source late 19th Century Swedish period freestanding Gustavian day bed repainted in soft blue.
This model is normally is decorated on just...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of 12 Antique Painted Gustavian Dining Chairs
Located in Nijlen, BE
Impressive set of 12 Swedish Gustavian chairs. In a warm grey paint with clear signs of age.
Pure simplicity and craftsmanship.
In very nice condition, all very sturdy.
Unique large ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Ash
18th-19th Century White Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Daybed, Antique Sofa Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, antique Swedish Gustavian daybed made of hand crafted painted Pinewood with two round pillows, in good condition. The sides of t...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Cotton, Pine, Linen, Damask
Fine Pair of Gustavian Chairs by Ephraim Stahl
Located in Allerum, SE
Pair of 19th century Gustavian gilt wood chairs with hoof feet. Signed by Ephraim Sthal (1767-1820). Supplier to the Royal Court and one of the most sophisticated and inventive maker...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Giltwood
$18,000 / set
Antique Genuine Swedish Gustavian Pine Provincial Sofa Bench
Located in Kramfors, SE
Northern Swedish Gustavian provincial sofa crafted in pine, showcasing its original scraped paint. This sofa, dating back to the early 19th century, around 1800 to 1810, exemplifies ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Pine Bench - Antique Daybed Attributed to Lindome
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 18th Century, antique freestanding Swedish Gustavian daybed attributed to Lindome school, in good condition. This Scandinavian sofa bench is hand crafted from solid Pinewood a...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Pine
Pair of Period Gustavian Chairs in Original Paint, Sweden, Late 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A charming pair of Swedish Gustavian side chairs from the late 18th century, each scraped back to reveal traces of their original soft grayish-white paint, now beautifully timeworn a...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Swedish 18th Century Gustavian Painted Banquette
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A Swedish 18th century Gustavian banquette with its original hand-scraped, painted finish. The solidly constructed frame makes for a sheltering sofa as well, with a removable bench s...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Painted Corner Armchairs
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair of Swedish 1810s-1830s corner chair scraped down to the original black paint. Seat are loose and be easily re-upholstered.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$1,440 Sale Price / set
62% Off
Neoclassical Swedish Gustavian Style Lacquered Cabriole Sofa Settee
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sublime bespoke cabriole sofa, settee, or canapé made in the neoclassical Swedish Gustavian style. The sofa feature a gracefully curved cabriole style ha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Gustavian Seating
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
$4,977 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Set of 8 - Ralph Lauren Style Barley Twist Leather Chairs
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Fantastic set of eight dining chairs with oak barley twist frame and tastefully aged brown leather seat and back cushions. This is a high-quality chair that combines traditional and...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Gustavian Seating
Materials
Leather
Set of Six 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine set of six 19th century Gustavian laughing chairs in their original condition. Ca 1800, Sweden.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
$15,000 / set
Antique 19th Century Swedish Storage Bench with Blue/Gray Paint and Linen Cushio
Located in Centennial, CO
A beautiful antique late 1800s Swedish storage bench with distressed blue/gray paint and an optional custom made linen tie on cushion. This bench, also called a kitchen or trundle bench...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine, Paint
Fine 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine pair of raw 19th century Gustavian chairs with it's original padding, great carvings and patina. ca 1810 Sweden.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Sofa/Bed Natural Finish
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is an incredibly Unique Swedish Gustavian Sofa bed, the seating was just restored.
when the sofa is pulled out the measurements are 41 deep 65 wide
Category
1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chair with Originalpaint Swedish Antiques
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish Gustavian chair from Umea Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden
Nice unusual model with ribs in the back & hand carved flowers & leaves.
Has style features of English ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Gustavian White Painted Bench, Sweden circa 1820
Located in Round Top, TX
This lovely 6' long bench is a wonderful example of Swedish Gustavian craftsmanship with it's fluted carved skirt and back all resting on turned fluted legs.
Restored, later professi...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Large Gustavian 18th Century Painted Daybed
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An impressive (and long) Swedish Gustavian daybed from the 1790s. The bed frame is all hand carved with bell flower motifs and guilloche patterned carvings defining the graceful curv...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Muslin, Upholstery, Wood, Paint
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Window Seat
Located in Huntington, NY
An unusual Swedish window seat from Lindome in the oval (or zero) style with incredible detailed carvings. The arched sides have an intricately detailed open design. The upper sectio...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
19th Century Period Gustavian Pair of Benches Carved Rams Head and Hoof
Located in Miami, FL
19th century period Gustavian pair of benches, Savonarolas, carved rams head and hoof with original leather seat.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Walnut
Six Swedish Gustavian Style 1850s Painted Wood Side Chairs with Carved Rosettes
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of six Swedish Gustavian style painted wood stick back side chairs from the mid 19th century, with tapered legs, carved rosettes and used upholstery. Created in Sweden during t...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Sofa Bench Tragsofa /
Trägsoffa
Located in Wichita, KS
This is a stunning 18th c. Swedish trag sofa bench Tragsofa / Trägsoffa (sofa bed) from the Gustavian period newly upholstered in linen, circa 1790. Shaped arms and beautiful guilloc...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
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 Seating
Materials
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Giltwood Fauteuil by Ephraim Ståhl, circa 1800
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An exceptional museum-calibre Swedish circa 1800 late Gustavian period armchair of neoclassical form by Swedish royal cabinetmaker Ephraim Ståhl (1768 -1820), the giltwood frame in o...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Giltwood, Paint
19th Century Swedish Sofa Circa 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning 19th-century Swedish sofa, circa 1800, crafted in the neoclassical tradition. This elegant piece is constructed from pine and retains its original painted finish, now soft...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Pair 1930s Swedish Chairs With Black Frames and New Upholstery
Located in Troy, MI
Found in France, this pair of Swedish armchairs date from the 1930s. Streamlined hardwood frames with a black painted finish and brass casters on the front legs. Chairs have tight ba...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Brass
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 Seating
Materials
Pine, Paint
$4,970 / item
18th c. Swedish Sofa Bench Settee in Original Paint, Gustavian Period
Located in Wichita, KS
A beautiful Swedish sofa bench from the Gustavian period dry scraped to it's original patina. The sofa frame is adorned with a lovely leaf motif and rests upon tapered and fluted leg...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Pair, Gustavian White Painted Arm Chairs from Sweden, circa 1840-1860
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, attractive Swedish country white gustavian painted arm chairs.
Turned, fluted legs and carved accents including floral motif.
White painted finish distressed fitting the age ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
A set of four period Gustavian chairs scraped to original paint and newly covere
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined set of four period Gustavian chairs from Sweden, late 18th to early 19th century, each scraped to reveal traces of their original paint. These chairs embody the restrained ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Pine
Gray-Green Painted Gustavian Sofa
Located in Houston, TX
Gray-green painted Gustavian sofa circa 1790-1809, Sweden. Neoclassical style Swedish sofa, hand-carved in pine. Scraped back to layers of early gray-green over light gray-blue paint...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Upholstery, Wood, Pine
8 Swedish Gustavian Style Original Painted Side Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of 8 - 100% Original painted Swedish Gustavian Style side chairs. all the seating have been restored and waiting for you to put your finished material on.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
19th Century Swedish Settle Bench
Located in Houston, TX
A 19th-century Swedish settle bench crafted from warm, solid pine, combining rustic simplicity with timeless Scandinavian charm. Featuring a high...
Category
19th Century Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
$2,396 Sale Price
20% Off
Swedish 18th Century Painted
Upholstered Settee
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A unique Swedish Gustavian settee from the late 18th century with painted wood frame sheltering the fully upholstered interior of a single bench cushion, matching seatback, and two s...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Antique Painted Pinewood Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Swedish Gustavian pair of armchairs with a loose seat cushion, made of hand crafted painted Pinewood in good condition. The l...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Pine
18th Century Set Six Swedish Chairs Gustavian Period
By Melchior Lundberg
Located in Madrid, ES
A set of six elegant and exceptional Swedish chairs from the Gustavian period, two of which are marked by Melchior Lundberg, a chairmaker in Stockholm (1714-1816). Woodcut decoration...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
$9,478 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Haga, Gustavian Style Armchair
Located in Allerum, SE
Limited edition reproductions by D. Larsson, inspired by the finest 18th - 19th-century Swedish furniture.
HAGA, a fine reproduction Gustavian barrel back armchair is influenced by ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Beech
$2,080 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Early 19th century painted Swedish Gustavian sofa
Located in London, GB
A nice painted Swedish Gustavian sofa with a typical high back from the early 1800s.
classic decorative border detail with turned wood finials either end.
Repainted over time in a ...
Category
1810s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Oak
Exceptional 19th Century Gustavian Sofa
Located in Allerum, SE
Exceptional, elegant and unusually long 19th century Gustavian sofa in it's original condition. Signed by Ephraim Sthal (1767-1820). Supplier to the Royal Court and one of the most s...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Giltwood Long Bench, circa 1805
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A rare and elegant circa 1805 Swedish late Gustavian period neoclassical long bench, the upholstered seat atop carved giltwood frame having tripartite curule leg supports connected b...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Giltwood
$6,875 / item
A pair of slender Gustavian chairs with smiling details Circa 1780
Located in Atlanta, GA
A charming pair of slender Gustavian chairs, Sweden, circa 1780. The gently curved ladder-backs feature the distinctive “smiling” details typical of the period, lending an inviting a...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
Dining Chairs Swedish Set of Four Gustavian Original Paint Green Sweden
Located in New York, NY
A set of four side chairs made during the Gustavian period in Sweden 1790-1810. The original paint in a grayish green which has a stunning patina. Rounded legs with channeled details.
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Stockholm, Gustavian Style Armchair
Located in Allerum, SE
Limited edition reproductions by D. Larsson, inspired by the finest 18th - 19th-century Swedish furniture.
STOCKHOLM, This Gustavian style armchair...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Beech
$2,240 Sale Price
20% Off
Set of Twelve 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs includes 2 Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Twelve 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs includes 2 Armchairs were built to grace an elegant mansion in Sweden, now ready to add style, flair and timeless elegance ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Mohair, Elm
19th c. Swedish Gustavian Painted Barrel Back Armchair
Located in Wichita, KS
A Swedish antique armchairs from the Gustavian period with a unique shaped barrel back, circa 1810. The frame features carved bell flowers with front legs adorned with lotus flowers ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Extraordinary 19th Century Gustavian Paint Decorated And Gilt Sofa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine and elegant example of the type of 19th century neoclassical Gustavian paint decorated square frame upholstered sofa. Paint decorated overall in pale gray with gilt details. ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Gustavian seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Gustavian seating 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 seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gustavian seating 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 seating, popular names associated with this style include Ephraim Stahl, Hendrix Allardyce, Boet, and Johan Hammarström. 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $295 and tops out at $27,600 while the average work can sell for $4,764.