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
Four Vintage Louis XVI Style Dining Chairs
Located in Sheffield, MA
The four classic Louis XVI style dining chairs painted gold have fluted legs topped by squared rosettes, cane backs inset in ribbed frame...
Category
20th Century American Gustavian Seating
Materials
Hemp, Wood
$2,600 / set
Exceptional 18th Century Swedish Daybed
Located in New Orleans, LA
Highly decorative 18th century Swedish daybed with original patina.
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style Bench Unique
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Very Rare and unique Swedish Gustavian style bench, it was just restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category
1910s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Early 19th Century chairs
Located in SE
A pair of Swedish chairs made about 1800. There are two pairs, so it is possible to get a set of four.
Gustavian style was the leading style in Swedish architecture, decor and craft...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
$1,959 / set
A Swedish Gustavian Walnut Upholstered Salon Chair With Inlay
Ceramic Castors
Located in Reading, Berkshire
An Antique Swedish Gustavian Designed Walnut Upholstered Salon Chair With Decorative Inlay
Ceramic Castors 1800s
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Ceramic, Walnut
$1,542 Sale Price
55% Off
Gustavian Style Barrel Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Gustavian style Barrel chairs. They have been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White" seating is covered in muslin.
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$2,495 / set
Pair, Carved Gray Painted Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs, Circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
This impressive pair of Swedish Gustavian side chairs have stylish fluted saber legs and decorative carved braided trim throughout.
The newer professionally applied antique pewter gr...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Swedish Gustavian Armchairs Pair White Color Gold Detail Early 1900s A
Located in Lewes, England
This is a Classic pair of original Swedish Gustavian early 1900s armchairs in probable original paint with highly carved detailing on the frames , arm and legs, unusual delicately fl...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
$4,332 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
Late 18th Century Gustav III White-Painted and Upholstered Chair
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A late 18th century Swedish Gustav III armchair, white-painted with carved floral details and reeded legs. The shield-form back and seat are upholstered in soft blue leather with bra...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood, Paint
Pair of Gustavian-style medallion chairs, late 19th century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of chairs with medallion-shaped upholstered backrests and upholstered armrests and seats. The beige paintwork with dark green accents is new and has been given a light antique p...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood, Fabric
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
Vintage French Regency Fauteuils With Embroidered Jacquard Uoholdtery - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Infuse your home with the sunny elegance of a French chateau with this exquisite pair of vintage Louis XVI style fauteuils. These open armchairs feature a classic rectilinear silhoue...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Unique Swedish Gustavian Style Armchairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Unique Swedish Gustavian Style Armchairs.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Muslin, Wood
Grey Painted Swedish Settee with Shell and Foliate Carving
Located in Essex, MA
Grey painted Swedish settee with shell and foliate carving with turned stretcher bottom and gently curved legs. Off-white muslin seat cover. Measures: 44" H x 50.5" W x 21" D.
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Fine Pair of 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
Rare and fine pair of early 19th century Gustavian chairs in Chinese taste signed by master chair maker Ephraim Sthal (1767-1820) Supplier to the Royal Court and one of the most soph...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
$6,800 / set
Gustavian Painted and Parcel Gilt Canape or Sofa, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
Gustavian Painted and Parcel Gilt Canape or Sofa; having a shell carved crest rail above a padded back and a stuff-over seat, raised on cabriole legs, 19th Century. Re-upholstery is...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Vintage Gustavian Style Chairs by Walter E. Smithe Newly Reupholstered - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Gustavian Style Chairs by Walter E. Smithe Newly Reupholstered in Grey Patterned Alpaca Cashmere - Pair
Experience the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, as these ...
Category
Late 20th Century Gustavian Seating
Materials
Alpaca, Wood
19th Century Gustavian Period Swedish Pine Bench with Storage
Located in Pasadena, TX
19th century Gustavian period Swedish pine bench with storage
This bench is a nice example of Gustavian furniture, the Swedish interpretation of French neoclassical design. Decor...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
$6,319 Sale Price
28% Off
Set of 8 Swedish Gustavian White Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 6 Swedish Gustavian mid century side chairs with an antique white painted finish and an open back design
Category
20th Century Gustavian Seating
Materials
Paint
$3,500 / set
Maison Jansen, Swedish Louis XVI Style, Wood, Fabric, Lounge Chairs, 1940s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Maison Jansen, Gustavian, Louis XVI Style, Lounge Chairs, Grey Painted Wood, Fabric, 1940s
A pair of Gustavian Louis XVI lounge chairs from 20th century France. The Directoire style...
Category
1940s French Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Fine Gustavian Style Paint Decorated Arm Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A particularly fine pair of Gustavian style armchairs. A pair of custom upholstered arm chairs with intentionally distressed paint decorated frames in bluish taupe. The carved palmet...
Category
20th Century Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Chair Corner Swedish Leather Rustic Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Chair Swedish leather 1775-1790 Sweden. Made during the transition between the Rococo period and Gustavian period. Frame made from beech wood and a seat, back and armrests in worn le...
Category
1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
$4,900 Sale Price
24% Off
Late 18th Century Transition Chairs in Original Color
Located in SE
A pair of transition chairs made in Stockholm about 1780:s. Chairs that are made between the rococo period and the gustavian period are called transition chairs. So for example the b...
Category
1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
Bench, Swedish with Griffons, 19th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
With significant size and presence, this armed bench has a long single seat and three separate upholstered back rests and upholstered arm rests. The elaborately carved wood is painte...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Antique Swedish Neoclassical Armchairs
Located in London, GB
An impressive and beautifully designed pair of antique Swedish neoclassical armchairs. They are in the Gustavian style, they were recently imported from Sweden and date from around t...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$6,374 / set
Set of Four Swedish Gustavian Period Dining Chairs
Located in Southampton, NY
Set of four late Gustavian dining chairs in intricately carved decoration depicting leaves and grape vine. Fan shaped center is surrounded by intricate carving on sides. These chairs...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Armchairs by Erik Öhrmark
By Erik Öhrmark
Located in Huntington, NY
A stunning pair of Swedish Gustavian armchairs made in Stockholm and signed (OEM) by Erik Öhrmark (1747-1813). In 1777 Öhrmark was granted the right, as a master chair maker, to prod...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
6 Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 6 Swedish Gustavian dining chairs. They have been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White" the seating is new a...
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Two Similar 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs by Johan Hammarström
Located in Huntington, NY
Two similar Swedish Gustavian chairs made in Stockholm. One chair by Johan Erik Höglander (1748-1813) and signed IEH. The other chair by Johan
Hammarström (active 1794-1812) and sign...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Stool made in Stockholm about 1790
Located in SE
A Gustavian stool made in Stockholm about 1790. The stool is hand crafted with an elegantly leaf shaped border. The stool has fine originally paint with much of indigenous textures r...
Category
1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood, Birch
A pair of chairs Swedish model
Located in SE
A pair of Gustavian chairs, often appointed as the "Swedish model" made in Stockholm around 1790.
They are hand carved in shapes typical for the Gustavian period with floral and leaf...
Category
1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
$3,700 / set
18th Century Gustavian Chairs, Set of Six
Located in Ljungby, SE
Six Gustavian chairs featuring a bundled spindle motif on the backrests. The top rails are arched. The legs are connected by H-stretchers. The seats are removable. The chairs were ma...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$6,500 / set
Pair of 18th Century Gustavian chairs, made in Stockholm
Located in SE
A pair gustavian chairs in original color, about 1780, made in Stockholm,
attributed to Johan Lindgren, who became member of Stockholms chair mak...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Armchairs by Johan Erik Höglander
Located in Huntington, NY
A stunning pair of Gustavian armchairs made in Stockholm and signed by Johan Erik Höglander (1758-1813). Arched shield back style with bow ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Original Painted Swedish Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 original painted Swedish Gustavian armchairs. The seating has been restored and covered in Muslin.
Category
1830s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
$2,895 / set
18th century Swedish pair of Gustavian side chairs with carved flowers
Located in London, GB
A nice pair of Swedish painted Gustavian late c18th side chairs.
This desirable model have rounded backs with carved flower detail at the top and rosette corner decoration beneath t...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Oak
Pair of Gustavian 18th Century Swedish Painted and Gilded Side Chairs
Located in Hudson, NY
This pair of nice old side chairs are of the period called Gustavian. This correlates to that time in Sweden between 1772 and 1809. These chairs were made circa 1790 and are typical ...
Category
Late 18th Century Finnish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Pair of 18th Century Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of exceptional Gustavian armchairs crafted in Stockholm during the 1780s. These chairs represent the classic medallion-back style that was widely popular during the period. Th...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$15,000 / set
19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Square Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
A 19th century Gustavian footstool having ornate carvings along the wooden base. The border having inset bellflower frieze supported by four tapered legs shaped as palmette fluted co...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Set of Four Gustavian Chairs, Sweden beginning of 19th century
Located in Belmont, MA
Exquisite set of four Gustavian vintage chairs, Sweden around 1810. Finely carved, cream painted with gold details. Shimmering red silk fabric. In vi...
Category
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of Eight 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Dining Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Eight 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Dining Chairs were very recently reupholstered in a high quality fabric and will make a great choice for your dining and ente...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Bench
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Swedish Gustavian bench with carving around all sides and tapered square legs.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Pine
Pair Gustavian Style Linen Lounge Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Gustavian style linen lounge chairs. It has a painted wood frame.
Category
Early 20th Century Gustavian Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
$16,500 / set
Vintage Regency 19th Century Gustavian Side Chairs - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Introduce a touch of sophisticated historical elegance to your home with this exquisite pair of Vintage Regency 19th Century Gustavian Side Chairs. Each chair is a testament to the r...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Set of 4 Swedish Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 4 Swedish Gustavian armchairs. They have been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White" the seating is new and covered in Muslin.
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Late 18th Century High Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of high Gustavian armchairs crafted in Sweden during the 1780s. These chairs feature a straight design with square legs. The top rail is adorned with a hop vine motif, with tr...
Category
1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Gilded Gustavian Armchairs
Located in Vienna, AT
Sculpted and gilded wood. Gustavian armchairs, early part of the 19th century.
Scratches, marks, stains,
Complete restoration with new upholstery on request possible.
Category
1810s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$4,680 / set
Armchair Swedish Black Gustavian, 19th Century, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
An armchair made during the late Gustavian period and early part of the 19th century. Most likely later added blackened ball feet. Repainted in our custom paint "Laserow Black".
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
$2,450 Sale Price
30% Off
1920s Swedish armchairs hand-scraped to their original paint
Located in London, GB
A pair of open arm swedish chairs from the early 1900s that have been hand scraped and still retain some traces of the original paint.
In an earlier c19th style the backs have an ope...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs, 1820-30
Located in Leimen, DE
Explore the refined charm of this pair of Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs, dating back to the period around 1820-30. With slender legs and a delightful mahogany veneer, these chairs ep...
Category
1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Mahogany
$4,988 / set
Swedish Original Painted Stool
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
19th C original painted Swedish stool with carved detail. 1840.
Reference: 7535
Dimensions
22 inches (56 cms) wide
22 inches (56 cms) deep
22.5 inches (57 cms) high.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Circa 1800s painted Gustavian side chair with decorative flower carving
Located in London, GB
Delightful painted late c18th Swedish Gustavian chair.
Retaining much of its original paint there is a decorative carved wood flower at the top of the back and its drop in seat has ...
Category
1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Wood
Unique Antique Sofa Newly Upholstered and with Cut Decor
Located in Budapest, Budapest
This late Gustavian-style sofa is painted with bronzed accents and decorated with carved details. Newly upholstered in beautiful green fabric, it combines classic elegance with a fre...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$1,140 Sale Price
20% Off
Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very unique set of six Gustavian dining chairs, I was told in Sweden they where called "Kung Stolar" King Chairs. I found ...
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Seating
Materials
Birch
$2,895 / set
Large Swedish Tragsofa Bench, 18th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
Long trag bench from Sweden. Beautiful finish in shades of blue, nicely distressed. Upholstered in flax linen.
Category
18th 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.