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.
to
30
217
141
347
6
5
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
191
123
6
17
6
23
4
15
5
7
5
9
40,004
21,447
8,372
4,082
1,652
1,486
1,219
1,117
990
978
905
867
730
678
488
458
344
290
88
179
80
11
36
24
5
3
4
8
5
7
2
1
2
1
350
137
91
91
58
334
313
306
9
9
358
356
356
8
2
2
2
1
Style: Gustavian
Swedish Gustavian Arm Chair Circa Early 1900
s Painted Warm White
Located in London, Park Royal
A Swedish, Gustavian style arm chair from the early 1900's, carved in solid beech wood and hand painted in a warm white which has naturally aged to reveal some of the wood beneath. T...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Gustavian Settle Sofa Underseat Storage Later White Paint, 19th Century
Located in Lewes, England
Unusual late 1800s Gustavian settle with sunrise marquetry motif, curved arms and a fully sprung box seat with huge under seat storage and later paint.
The sunrise motif is beautifu...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
$2,824 Sale Price
30% Off
Pair of Gustavian Stools
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of high-quality Gustavian works from Stockholm, signed by Johan Erik Höglander (Sweden, 1750-1813). The stools are elegantly curved on all sides, adding extra sophistication. ...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$5,500 / set
Swedish Gustavian padded back Dining Chairs White Set of 6 early 1900s
Located in Lewes, England
V Rare Set of 6 Swedish Gustavian padded back dining chairs in good condition in white paint with lovely detailed carvings , fluted legs and gilt style embellishment
Great for caref...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
$6,510 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Armchairs Gustavian 1780-1800 Swedish Gray Frame Brown Leather Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Armchairs Gustavian 1780-1800 Swedish gray frame brown leather, Sweden. A pair of armchairs made during the early Gustavian period in Sweden 1780-1800. Pa...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Gustavian Leksand Swedish Dining Chairs Pair in Gilt, 20th Century
Located in Lewes, England
Pair of rare Swedish Gustavian dining chairs in the Classic Leksand style with the distinctive fluted legs and rosette detailing.
Unusually for Leksands which are a more country sty...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
$1,969 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Good 19th Century Gustavian Sofa
Located in Bozeman, MT
Good early 19th century Gustavian sofa in Its original colour and newly upholstered. Ca 1810 Sweden.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Early 19th Century Late Gustavian chair
Located in SE
Chair made in Sweden about 1800. The original and first secondary color give the chairs surface indigenous textures. The seat is original as well as the leather.
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
C18th century Swedish rococo original painted carved shell detailed chair
Located in London, GB
A lovely C18th Swedish rococo single chair which is full of original character. It was made in 1760. The chair features carved shell detailing to the front of the seat and back, with...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Oak
Pair of 20th Century Gustavian Style Armchairs
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Pair of 20th century Gustavian style armchairs, repainted in soft grey.
Newly upholstered in linen.
Category
20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen
$5,607 / set
18th Century Swedish Neoclassical Bench
Located in New Orleans, LA
This piece depicts cherubs holding torches on the backs of lions.
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
6 equal chairs, early 19th Century, Late Gustavian, made by Ephraim Sthal
Located in SE
6 Late Gustavavian chairs made by Ephraim Ståhl. The chairs are beautifully hand carved with nail clippers and leaf shaped decorations.
The chairs are made by Ephraim Stahl, who wor...
Category
1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Cream and Gilt Armchairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A very decorative pair of early 19th Century Swedish armchairs in old velvet.
Showing elements of both late Gustavian and Carl Johan style, these chairs are a wonderful statement of...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Velvet, Giltwood, Paint
A pair of early 19th Century Late Gustavian Armchairs
Located in SE
A pair of Late Gustavian Armchairs, made by Ephraim Stahl, who worked in Stockholm 1794- 1820. The armchairs are not signed.
Ephraim Sthal made several chairs and armchairs for the ...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
Swedish Gustavian Style Berger Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of 2 Swedish Gustavian Style Berger Chairs They have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$1,895 / set
Gustavian Living Room Set Decorated With Bronze Ornaments From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
The Gustavian set you described is a beautiful and rare find, reflecting the elegance and craftsmanship of the 19th-century Gustavian style.
Gustavian f...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Bronze
Original Painted Swedish Gustavian Sofa
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a 100% original painted Swedish Gustavian sofa. it has new cushion seating covered in Muslin. This sofa was found at an Auction ...
Category
1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Fine 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fine 19th century Swedish sofa from the Gustavian period in its original colour newly upholstered in a raw linen. Ca 1810 Sweden.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
19th Century Provincial Gustavian Chair
Located in Bozeman, MT
Good early 19th century provincial Gustavian chair in it's original condition with great patination. ca 1810 Sweden.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Pair of Swedish Carved Stools
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Pair of late 19th C original painted Swedish carved stools in a Gustavian style. 1890.
Dimensions
16 inches (41 cms) wide
16 inches (41 cms) dee...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Beech
$2,202 / set
2 Swedish Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Swedish Gustavian armchairs . They have been restored and repainted with Milk paints "Oyster White" the seating is new an...
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa Recovered in Contemporary Velvet
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Late 19th Century Swedish distressed painted Gustavian sofa.
Circa 1880.
The loose cushions re-covered in a funky velvet and the paintwork dry scraped back for a cleaner Contemporar...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine, Paint
Early 19th Century Gustavian Day Bed / Bench
Located in Southampton, GB
A Swedish pine day bed / bench.
Original scraped blue / burgundy paint.
Detailed reeded woodwork all around.
We can support with a upholstering a cushion if required.
The front of th...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Oak, Pine
Fine Pair of 19th Century Gustavian Stools
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine pair of early 19th century Gustavian stools in their original condition. Ca 1800 Sweden.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$5,000 / set
1960s, Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Armchairs Newly Upholstered
Located in London, GB
These comfortable tub square armchairs are a classic Swedish design from the 1960s. They have been reupholstered in a light cream bouclé fabric and the walnut frames have been lacque...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of Louis XVI Chairs, Signed by Georges Jacob
By Georges Jacob
Located in SE
A pair of Medallion chairs (Louis XVI)
Gustavian chairs made in France, Paris, by Georges Jacob. Paris most eminent and productive carpenter, lived ...
Category
1780s French Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$10,085 / set
Early 19th Century Late Gustavian pair of gilded stools, made in Stockholm
Located in SE
A pair of banquets made in Stockholm, Sweden, about 1810.
The banquetes are gilded, with sable formed legs. The legs corner are decorated with fleurons. As well as the sideboards, w...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
Gustavian inspired 19th century Swedish pine bench
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Gustavian inspired 19th century Swedish pine bench circa 1890.
Elegant painted pine bench from the late 19th century, very much in the taste of the gustavian period.
Upright back w...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine, Paint
Pair of 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fine pair of 19th century Gustavian chairs in secondary historical color and it's original padding, ca 1810 Stockholm, Sweden.
This particular model is called Bellman, after Carl M...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Gustavian Style Swedish Stool
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
19th century Swedish Gustavian style carved stool. Seat is in need of upholstery, 1880
Dimensions:
21 inches (53 cms) wide
18 inches (46 cms) deep
18.5 inches (47 cms) high.
...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Pair of Late 18th Century Gustavian Side Chairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of chairs made by master craftsman Johan Erik Hoglander in Stockholm (1750-1813). Considered to be one of Sweden's best chair makers during t...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
Late 18th Century Gustavian Sofa
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Fantastic late 18th century Gustavian sofa.
This lovely sofa has a great carved form which has been newly upholstered with simple ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Late 18th Century elegan Swedish Gustavian Settee
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Refined Swedish Gustavian Settee, Lindome School, Late 18th Century. Features neoclassical carving with fluted legs, rosettes, and the signature berry-and-leaf motif. Retains traces ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Textile, Upholstery, Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs Original Painted "The Swedish model"
Located in Boden, SE
Early 19th century Swedish Gustavian chairs " The Swedish Model"
A beautifully pair of Gustavian chairs scraped by hand to its well preserved...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Set of Four Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
A finely carved set of four Gustavian period side chairs from Sweden, featuring square backs with pierced splats, fluted legs, and rosette carvings. Retaining traces of the original ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
$5,300 / set
Pair of 19th century Swedish carved gilt armchairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of 19th century swedish gilt and ebonised armchairs circa 1860.
Pair of fine quality shaped back gilt armchairs. Unusual shaped back with ebonised leaf detailing contrasting wi...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Giltwood
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Open Armchair
Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire
an 18th century Swedish open armchair displaying dry scraped paint. Featuring a pierced splat back, raised on, cabriole legs, united by a cross s...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fruitwood
Swedish Unique Gustavian Style Bench
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very Unique Swedish Gustavian style bench, its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White" the seating has been covered in a tan linen
Category
1910s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair, 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Round Top, TX
This graceful pair of Swedish Gustavian arm chairs have a wonderfully warm patina thanks to the soft, scraped finish revealing much of the natural pine wood below.
Note the residual ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
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 Seating
Materials
Pine
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs with Original Paint Swedish Antiques
Located in Boden, SE
A pair of 19th century Swedish Gustavian chairs from Smaland, Southern Sweden.
Scraped by hand to its original paint.
The seats are upholstered in a linen fabric.
Nice model with ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
19th Century Grey Danish Gustavian Set of Eight Scandinavian Dining Room Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Danish set of six side chairs and two armchairs in a chalky grey finish made of hand crafted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian chairs have a rounded backrests and a centered floral decoration, possibly Denmark. The seats have been newly created in a cotton fabric with a Vichy checker pattern combining dark blue grey and light grey. Wear consistent with age and use, circa 1880, Scandinavia.
Armchair 39" H x 23" W x 18.5" D; Seat 19...
Category
Late 19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Pine
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chair with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian chair from Burträsk Västerbotten, Northern Sweden. The chair is scraped by hand to its well-preserved original painting.
Beautifully carved pilasters ...
Category
1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
19th Century Pair of Swedish Gustavian Birch Chairs Attributed to Ephraim Ståhl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique pair of Swedish Gustavian armchairs made of hand crafted painted Birchwood, designed and produced most likely by Ephraim Ståhl in good condition. The Scandinavian side cha...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Metal, Brass
Swedish Gustavian Style Side Chair - 20th
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Swedish Gustavian Style Side Chair - 20th
Artist studio chair - Side chair
Swedish Gustavian-style slatted-back chair, dating from the early 19th century. This antique Swedish chair ...
Category
20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Chairs
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Pair of early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian style chairs.
Simply elegant, repainted in a soft grey. Reupholstered in linen.
Circa 1910.
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Pickled Wood Swedish Style Tub Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Gustavian style tub armchairs with painted finish showing natural wear, each arched and bowed channeled backrest carved with gadrooning and upholstered with Rococo-print line...
Category
20th Century Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$13,500 / set
19th Century Swedish antique genuine Gustavian Bellman Chair Original paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish Gustavian "Bellman Chair"
The Bellman Chair is very genuine with untouched original paint.
These antique chairs from Sweden has an airy design Quality to them wi...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Fine 19th Century Swedish Bench
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine 19th century Swedish bench From The Gustavian period in it's original finish. Can be used as a corner bench, long strait bench or two separate benches. Ca 1810 Sweden.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Provincial Taburettes/ Stools with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian Provincial taburettes / stools.
Handscraped to its originalcolor.
Beautiful fluted legs.
The taburettes is reholstery in beautiful linen fabric.
Th...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
19th C. Rococo Gustavian Ebonized and Partial Gilt Upholstered ArmChairs, Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Rococo Gustavian / Swedish Arm Chairs for him and her. Light greenish. Measures 21"W x 22"D x 32H. Seat height is 17" and arm height is 23" and 22". Seat interior width 17"...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Hardwood, Giltwood
Swedish Gustavian Single Chair White Color Gold Detail, Early 1900s
Located in Lewes, England
This original Swedish Gustavian early 1900s chairs in probable original paint has highly carved detailing on the frame, arm and legs, unusual delicately fluted feet and wide seat
Th...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
$1,094 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Genuine Swedish Gustavian Upholstered Armchair
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish gustavian upholstered armchair from the late 18th century, circa 1790. The armchair has a straight shape with hand carved woode...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
18th Century Giltwood Gustavian Bucket Chairs, Set of 4, Sweden, Circa 1790-1800
Located in New York, NY
18th Century Gustavian bucket chairs, set of four (4), giltwood, origin: Stockholm, Sweden, circa 1790 - 1800.
Elegant proportions, beautif...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Giltwood
Pair of Gustavian Style Armchairs Newly Upholstered in Christopher Farr Fabric
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Gustavian Style Armchairs Newly Upholstered in Christopher Farr "Carnival in Green" Fabric
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
19th century Swedish Gustavian set of (4) painted dining chairs
Located in London, GB
Wonderful set of Swedish C19th white painted High back chairs.
Their is a slight variance of height for (2) chairs.
93 cm / 98 cm
Please note one seat is missing, they are ready for...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Gustavian Sofa, Early 19th Century
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an exceptional Early 19th Century Gustavian Sofa, c. 1800-1810. The sofa is in very good condition and it retains its original scraped surface. The raised center back panel f...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Oak
Pair of Gustavian Carved Canework Dining Chairs Natural Finish, Early 1900s A
Located in Lewes, England
Unusual early 1900s pair of Gustavian carved canework dining chairs in natural finish with fully webbed seats and lots of detail.
The carved canework is really lovely with the delic...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
$2,188 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Vintage Swedish Modern Gustavian Dining Chairs - Fully Restored Set of Four
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautifully restored set of four vintage Mid-Century Swedish Modern dining chairs often referred to as “Forsa style” which is a graceful, refined take on the traditional spindle-back...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Bouclé, Hardwood, Lacquer
19th C. Swedish Continental Brass Mounted
Parquetry Inlaid Cherry Chairs, Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A magnificent pair of 19th century Swedish continental brass mounted and parquetry inlaid cherry chairs. Beaitiful inlay and parquetry work on backs.
very comfortable, firm seats w...
Category
1840s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Brass
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.