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Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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
Late Gustavian Chest of Drawers from 19th Century
Located in Barcelona, ES
A late Gustavian solid oak chest of drawers from 19th century. Formation: Three drawers. Measurements: Length 108, width 53, height 84 cm. Condition: Stains. Partly worming. Renov...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest of Drawers . Its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers, its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Birch

Late 18th C. Swedish Chest w/Traditional Swedish-Red Color &Faux-Marble Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish painted wood chest of three drawers, with faux marble top, from the turn of the 18th and 19th century. This period Gustavian chest from Sweden, designed in clean lines, features a hand-painted faux-marble top, with lovely dentil trim just beneath the top ledge, and case which houses three full-sized and graduated drawers. The skirt is linear and and the case is raised up on four squared legs. Brass ring pulls flank the escutcheon set between them (note that hardware is not original). The darker faux-marble color of the top contrasts nicely against the traditional Swedish red color of the rest of the body; we believe the finish to be either original or quite old. This late 18th century Swedish...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Painted Small Commode Chest of Drawers Nightstand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Hand painted, in a wonderful Scandinavian neutral green color, Gustavian style chest of drawers or nightstand. This piece has been constructed from solid wood with a hand-applied dis...
Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Fine 19th Century Gustavian Chest of Drawers
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine 18th century Gustavian chest of drawers in alder root veneer in its original condition with good subtle patination, circa 1800.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian White Grey Painted Marble Top Chest of Drawers Commode 1875
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish Gustavian White Grey painted plain front chest of drawers commode in gustavian style with classic Gustavian detail on the drawer fronts and leading edges. It has a...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Houston, TX
The 19th Century Swedish Painted Chest of Drawers is a charming piece of furniture that exudes timeless elegance and rustic charm. Pain...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Danish Late Gustavian Commode
Located in Huntington, NY
A Danish Late Gustavian commode with old (possibly original) brass hardware and locks. Notched corners with two wide drawers over a crisscross patterned apron. Square legs with small...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Tallboy, 19th Century White A
Located in Lewes, England
19th century antique Swedish Gustavian painted chest of drawers commode with detailed hand painted designs on the top rail and gilt detailing. It has four drawers with brass ring pu...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Birch

Swedish Gustavian Style Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Gustavian Style 3 drawer chest of drawers. its been restored and repainted with milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers. Its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Berlin Iron

Swedish Gustavian Style Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian Style Chest Of Drawers. its been restored and repainted with Milk paints "Oyster White"
Category

1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Unique Swedish Gustavian 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Unique Swedish Gustavian 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers . its been restored and repainted with Milk paints "Oyster White"
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Gustavian Commode, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
Gustavian commode, Sweden 19th century, Beautiful walnut, beechwood, elmwood and mahogany marquetry with hand drawn pictures on front and sides. Original brass fittings. Grey- greeni...
Category

1840s Swedish Antique Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Gustavian-Style Marquetry Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
A Swedish Gustavian-style marquetry inlaid chest. The rosewood and walnut veneered case having 3 drawers and a finely detailed marquetry inlay with penwork details, the square and ta...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut

Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers . its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Birch

Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian style 3 drawer chest, its been restored and repainted with Milk paints "Oyster White".
Category

1880s Swedish Antique Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest of Drawers . Its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

19th Century Gustavian Commode
Located in Belmont, MA
Exquisite Gustavian commode, bleached mahogany veneer with brass decorations. Beautifully refinished and French polished.
Category

1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Unique Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Unique Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers, its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Birch

Swedish Gustavian Four Drawer Chest
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very Unique Swedish Gustavian Style 4 drawer chest of drawers. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1910s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Mahogany box with Domed Lid
Located in New York, NY
A curved mahogany chest with a dark marble finishing and untapped legs. Bronze decorations includes triangular tassels along the legs, having signature brass mounts with three triangles lamenting the Swedish...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

Chest of Drawers Signed by Gustaf Furlow Swedish Gustavian, 1780-1800, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Chest of drawers signed by Gustaf Furlow Swedish Gustavian, 1780-1800, Sweden. An exquisite chest made by cabinet maker Gustaf Furlow in Sweden during the Gustavian period. All origi...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style Unique 3 Drawer Chest of Drawers. Its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Unique Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers, its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Birch

Late 18th Century High-Gustavian Commode with Intarsia by Gustaf Foltjern
By Carl Gustaf Foltjern
Located in Ljungby, SE
A distinguished high-Gustavian commode, crafted in Stockholm by Gustaf Foltjern (master 1771-1804). The top features an original slab of Kolsmo marble, while the body is veneered in ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

Gustavian Style Unique 4 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style Unique 4 Drawer Chest Of Drawers . its been restored and repainted with Milk paints "Oyster White"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

18th century Gustavian Chest of Drawers, Sweden 1780
Located in Leimen, DE
Gustavian chest of drawers, Sweden, 1780-1800. This elegant chest of drawers is made of yew tree and has a mahogany veneer. Furthermore, it has its original bronze fittings and escut...
Category

1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Gray Onyx Top Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers Dresser Commode
Located in Long Branch, NJ
mazing Gray Onyx Top Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers Dresser Commode Dimensions : 43" W X 20" D X 37" T This onyx top commode was made in the 1920's and is in the Swedish Gustavia...
Category

Early 20th Century French Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Onyx

19th Century Walnut Swedish Writing Commode / Chest of Drawers
Located in Barcelona, ES
19th century Swedish writing commode / chest of drawers Date: 1800 Material: Walnut Structure: Three drawers with key included.   
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

XIX Century Swedish Writing Commode, Walnut Veneer
Located in Barcelona, ES
XIX Century Swedish writing commode, walnut veneer, key included, second half of XIX Century.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Gustavian commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Gustavian commodes and chests of drawers 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 commodes and chests of drawers created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, softwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gustavian commodes and chests of drawers 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 commodes and chests of drawers, popular names associated with this style include and André-Charles Boulle. 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 commodes and chests of drawers differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,600 and tops out at $44,500 while the average work can sell for $4,650.

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