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.
to
13
150
921
631
146
3
1
3,933
2,439
794
735
618
598
458
396
392
381
298
217
182
175
175
143
131
125
20
98
28
4
10
12
3
1
137
80
69
69
28
132
126
122
11
11
150
150
150
1
Item Ships From: Texas
Style: Gustavian
Pair of 19th C. Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Swedish 19th Century Barrel Back Gustavian Chairs.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
$14,000 / set
19th Century Swedish Stone Top Black Small Chest of Three Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
It is the original stone top that makes this small chest of three drawers a special find while the serpentine front adds intrigue as well. Please enlarge photos of the top to appreci...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Stone
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Demilunes or Center Table
Located in San Angelo, TX
Here is a beautiful pair of 19th century Swedish Gustavian demilune tables with carved detail above each leg. These are perfect to flank a f...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Pine, Paint
Gustavian White Painted Side Table With Drawer, Sweden circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
The delicate curved cabriolet legs and decorative carved skirt add a romantic touch to this charming Gustavian side table with single drawer.
The newer, professionally applied layer...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
Antique Swedish Gustavian Period Rustic Country Farmhouse Pine Cradle Bin
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce Gustavian Period (1772-1809) country Swedish farmhouse hand carved pine rocking cradle / bassinet for decorative use only (today, it could be repurposed as a wonderful firew...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Armoire Cupboard Cabinet
Located in San Angelo, TX
A beautiful Swedish Gustavian cabinet that has been painted and dry scrapped over its lifetime. It dissembles into two parts. This beautiful piece shows the original paint job with p...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs
Located in San Angelo, TX
A gorgeous and unique pair of late 18th Century Swedish barrel backs from the Gustavian period that have been dry scrapped and then had a recent paint touch up with grays and white h...
Category
Late 18th Century European Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
$12,500 / set
Oak Secretary Bureau With Painted Finish from Sweden circa 1760-1800
Located in Round Top, TX
This oak secretary or "bureau" reflects the grace and class of Swedish styling from the early 1800's.
The dramatic serpentine drawers and carved outer panel of the drop down desk add a romantic touch, accented by brass pulls and key escutcheon.
The traditional interior with 12 unique, small drawers and central “cubbie” with two petite drawers offers perfect space to organize.
Under the desk top is three standard large size drawers and upper narrow drawer, each has two brass pulls used to open drawer.
It was later professionally painted with an exceptional layered salmon/desert pink...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
Stunning 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs, Pair
Located in San Angelo, TX
A gorgeous and unique pair of late 18th century Swedish barrel backs from the Gustavian period that have been dry scrapped and then had a recent paint touch up with grays and white h...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
19th Century Large Swedish Gustavian Sofa with New Cushions
Located in San Angelo, TX
A beautiful, large and very rare large Swedish Gustavian sofa with new upholstered seat cushions added. This piece is very unique and rare with the grande scale and featuring side cu...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 18th Century Large Gustavian Klismos Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Antique 18th century Gustavian Klismos chair. This design was developed by the Greeks in the 5th century BC. The Klismos chair has four curving...
Category
18th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Backless Bench Settee
Located in Round Top, TX
This backless sofa or settee is from the Swedish Gustavian period with carved details and fluted tapered feet.
Please enlarge and examine the close up photos to appreciate the carved...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Paint
19th Century Swedish Blue Side Table Cabinet Nightstand on Cabriolet Legs
Located in Round Top, TX
Small Swedish Gustavian style blue painted side table or nightstand standing on elongated cabriolet legs.
Enlarge photos to appreciate the newer professionally applied light sea foam...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Oak, Paint
19th Century White Painted Swedish Bench
Located in Round Top, TX
This lovely bench is a wonderful example of Swedish Gustavian craftsmanship with turned finials and feet adding to the timeless appeal and style.
The professional newly applied white...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Paint
18th Century Swedish Painted Pine Two-Tiered Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
18th Century Swedish Painted Pine Two-Tiered Cabinet is ideal for the casual decor, providing both visual impact and abundant storage in one! The top ti...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
19th Century Round Gustavian Table
Located in Houston, TX
Round Swedish table on 4 legs with criss-crossed stretcher below. Carved detail around the apron and rectangular medallions at the top of each leg....
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
White Painted Swedish Gustavian 19th Century Side Table Console
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish Gustavian style side table, may also be used as a small desk.
Lovely tapered fluted legs with applied carved embellishments along the skirt add to the romantic grace of this...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
Custom Large Bar Height Farmhouse Modern Round Dining Table by Paradigm
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent custom made hand carved distressed painted cream rustic modern farm house chic round high-top dining table (bar counter height / pub height) by American maker Paradigm ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Gray Gustavian Swedish Chest of Drawers, circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
Lovely Gustavian pine chest of three drawers with diamond accent on drawers, fluted canted sides, dentil molding and tapered fluted feet.
The newer, professionally applied layered gr...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Swedish Tilt Top Table
Located in Houston, TX
Early 20th Century Swedish Tilt Top Table in rustic blue painted finish
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
19th Century Swedish Painted Hall Bench, Trundle Bed
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Swedish painted hall bench ~ trundle bed is the perfect selection for the active family! By day, a handsome, country style hall bench ~ by nig...
Category
1880s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Gustavian Gray Painted Tall Sideboard Buffet Server circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Gustavian gray painted tall pine sideboard or server cabinet with contrasting faux painted top in black, gray and white.
Scallop or fan detail carved in center above narrow shelf.
...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
Antique Gustavian Gray and Gold Mirror, Sweden circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Lovely Gustavian style mirror with light gray painted finish with white undertones. Carved accents in gold gilt with red undertones.
At just under 4' tall, its size allows it to be d...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood, Paint
Antique Original Blue Painted Grandfather Clock, Sweden Dated 1844
Located in Round Top, TX
Hand painted grandfather clock with exceptional original soft blue painted finish accented in red trim.
Panel details, curved bonnet, slender case with lovely balance to face and bas...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pair of Antique Swedish Carved and Painted Gustavian Benches
Located in Dallas, TX
This pair of antique Swedish Gustavian benches features intricate carvings and painted details, adding a touch of elegance and history to any room. The benches are made of high-quali...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair, Antique Gray Painted Gustavian Arm Chairs, Sweden, circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, gray painted gustavian arm chairs.
Turned fluted legs and decorative carving throughout, crowned with rosettes.
Restored, stable. Any scrat...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Painted Pine Gustavian Chest of Three Drawers, Sweden circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
Gustavian painted pine chest of three drawers with "Greek key" or meander design along top and pair of griffins on top drawer.
Newer professionally applied and layered salmon painted...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Demilune Tables
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 19th century Swedish Gustavian demilune tables with carved detail above each leg and a carved detail around the apron.
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
Pair, Gustavian Style Wingback Arm Chairs from Sweden, circa 1920-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Graceful with a romantic air, this pair of Gustavian style wingback armchairs have delicate carving along the skirt skirt and rest on turned fluted legs.
This pair of armchairs are r...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Swedish Blue Gustavian Side Table Tea Table with Tray Top, circa 1890
Located in Round Top, TX
The elongated cabriolet legs add a charming touch to this side table that originally served as a tea table in Sweden.
Restored, later professionally painted in layered shades of blue...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Porcelain, Wood, Paint
Vintage Persian Isfahan Rug, Relaxed Refinement Meets Mediterranean Charm
Located in Dallas, TX
61251 Vintage Blue Persian Isfahan Rug, 08'02 x 11'07. Nestled in the heart of central Iran lies a haven of artistry and tradition: the captivating city of Isfahan. Here, amid whisp...
Category
Late 20th Century Persian Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wool
$7,728 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Carved and Whitewashed Bench
Located in Dallas, TX
This 19th century Swedish Gustavian carved and whitewashed bench exudes a sense of vintage charm and elegance. With intricate carvings and a classic whitewashed finish, it is a timel...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair, Gustavian Style Wingback Gray Chairs, Sweden circa 1920-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Graceful with a romantic air, this pair of Gustavian style wingback armchairs have delicate carving along frame,crown and skirt and rest on cabriolet legs.
This pair of arm chairs ar...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Reeded 2 Door 2 Drawer Buffet
Located in San Angelo, TX
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood buffet from the 19th century with reeded drawers over doors, and distressed patina. Created in Sweden during the ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Drop Leaf Table
Located in San Angelo, TX
A beautiful 19th century Gustavian drop leaf table with a gate leg that has been dry scrapped. This piece is truly a piece in a...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
19th Century Gustavian Sofa Bench
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Gustavian sofa bench with original paint. Exquisite carving on the front and side panels and along the perimeter of the upholstered a...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Mid Century Swedish Carved and Painted Gustavian Chests
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover the charm of classic Swedish design with this pair of mid-century Gustavian chests. Each piece boasts a Greek Key design carving that add a touch of elegance and character t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Gray Painted Small Chest of Nine Drawers, Sweden circa 1860
Located in Round Top, TX
Fascinating Gustavian pine chest of nine drawers with fluted columns, dentil molding and tapered fluted feet.
The unique configuration of drawers with central three in a square shape...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
White Painted Gustavian Sideboard, Sweden, circa 1820-1840
Located in Round Top, TX
This lovely white Gustavian sideboard comes from the Swedish countryside. The simple fluted carving along the panel doors was a traditional e...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
Pair, 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Armchairs
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, attractive Swedish country Gustavian style painted arm chairs with distinctive round back topped by carved rosettes.
Turned, fluted legs and carved accents along the skirt add ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
19th Century Swedish White Painted Pine Nightstand Small Narrow Cabinet
Located in Round Top, TX
19th-century Swedish pine nightstand with a newer professionally applied antique white painted finish, lightly distressed to complement the age and character of the piece. The cabine...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
Swedish Drop-Leaf Dining Table in Early Ocher Paint
Located in Houston, TX
Swedish drop-leaf dining table in early ocher paint. Circa 1820-1840. Good condition. Stable, sturdy and level. All legs, stretchers, top and base are original. The majority of paint...
Category
1830s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Steel
Pair of Painted Italian Pine Cabinets
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stately and sophisticated pair of large Gustavian-style cabinets, masterfully crafted from reclaimed Italian pine and finished in a soft, hand-painted cream tone. Drawing inspirati...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
$11,000 / set
Tall White Swedish Pine Mora Grandfather Clock, circa 1840
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish mora grandfather clocks are identified by their gentle curves and classic style as seen in this exceptional longcase clock that stands just over 7.5' tall.
Restored, later pr...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
19th Century Swedish Painted Drop-Leaf Table, Sofa Table
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Swedish painted drop-leaf table, sofa table is a marvel of ingenuity! Handcrafted by talented rural artisans, it features two huge leaves that drop down out of the way w...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
18th Century Painted Gustavian Dresser / Commode / Chest of Drawers
Located in Carmine, TX
Commode hand-made in the Netherlands in the late 1700s using oak and dovetail construction. The commode features three drawers with serpentine fronts and beautifully made dovetail jo...
Category
Early 18th Century Dutch Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Oak
Swedish Style Reeded Buffet
Located in Houston, TX
Painted Swedish reeded buffet with two doors.
Category
20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish Circa 1858 Gustavian Pine Buffet
Located in Round Top, 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
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Grandfather Clock
Located in Dallas, TX
This product is a Swedish Gustavian painted grandfather clock from the 19th century. It is a stylish and elegant piece of home decor that would make a statement in any room. The intr...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Buffet
Located in Dallas, TX
18th century Swedish Gustavian Period painted buffet will make a handsome addition to your collection, and a stylistic touch to your decor! Hand-crafted from indigenous old-growth pi...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
18th Century Swedish Painted Commode, Chest of Drawers
Located in Dallas, TX
18th century Swedish painted commode ~ chest of drawers is a timeless example of the craftsmanship and artistry in cabinetmaking for which the Swedes are well known. Their reputation...
Category
1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Buffet
Located in Houston, TX
The Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Buffet embodies the refined elegance and craftsmanship characteristic of the Gustavian style. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Swedish Cupboard in Grey and Antique White
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stately and beautifully preserved Swedish cupboard secretary dating from 1810 to 1830, crafted in oak and pine with a soft grey painted finish that highlights its elegant, understa...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Gustavian Carved and Painted Occasional Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Very fine 19th century Gustavian carved occasional table. Featuring a beautifully carved base and claw feet. Makes an elegant statement!
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 19th Century Original Painted Swedish Mora Grandfather Clock
Located in Round Top, TX
Early 19th-century Swedish Mora clock crafted in pine with an original brick-red-brown painted finish. The long case features hand-carved details, especially around the opening refer...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
19th Century Swedish Demilune Console Side Table with Harp Base
Located in Round Top, TX
19th-century Swedish pine console table in a demilune, or half-circle form with a harp-shaped base. The table retains an antique white painted finish (while old, not original to the ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Drop Front Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
19th Century Swedish Gustavian hand painted drop top desk. Writing top H 31”
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wood
Vintage Persian Tabriz Area Rug with Neoclassical Swedish Gustavian Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75613, vintage Persian Tabriz area rug with neoclassical Swedish Gustavian style. This hand knotted wool vintage Persian Tabriz area rug...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Wool
$7,600 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid 19th Century Swedish Black Painted Writing Desk
Located in Round Top, TX
Mid 19th-century Swedish writing desk in pine with elongated cabriole legs and delicate carved detail around the sitting area. Newer black painted finish is lightly distressed, revea...
Category
19th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture
Materials
Pine
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.
More Ways To Browse
Burled Walnut Desk
Burnished Bamboo
Butter Table
Cabinet Dowel
Cabinets With Metal Inlay
Cameo Glass Bowl
Campaign Chest 1970
Campaign Chest Camphor
Canopic Jars
Canton Chinese Bowl
Cardinal Sculpture
Carrera Marble Dining Table
Carved Boar
Cast Grape Vine
Ceramic Cheetah
Ceramic Giraffe
Ceramic Pagoda
Ceramic Spanish Jug