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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.

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Style: Gustavian
Swedish pair of 19th century Gustavian influenced chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine pair of 19th century Swedish commodes circa 1880. Presented in a powder blue colour scheme this pair of chests would work in many rooms around the home, such as the living room...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Cabinet Circa 1810
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century Swedish Folk Art cabinet, circa 1810, is an exquisite example of rustic craftsmanship blended with functional design. Made from solid wood, it features a beautifull...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mid 19th Century Swedish Blue Painted Pine Secretary
Located in Round Top, TX
Mid 19th-century Swedish pine secretary with newer professionally applied layered blue exterior painted finish. Upper glass panes allow for beautiful display of any collection held w...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

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 Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Swedish Buffet late 1800 s Original White Paint with (3) Drawers
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
Antique Swedish Buffet from the late 1800's in Original White Paint with (3) Drawers located inside the cabinet. If ever there was a perfect distressed white painted finish to copy, ...
Category

1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

Swedish Gustavian Style 1880s Three-Drawer Painted Chest with Carved Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood chest of drawers from the late 19th century, with swag frieze, carved side posts and tapered feet. Created in Sweden during the last quarter of...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Genuine Swedish Secretary Cabinet, in Rococo and Gustavian Style
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine antique secretary cabinet from northern Sweden. The cabinet is a genuine country furniture made in a transitional style from between ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

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 Furniture

Materials

Ash

20th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers Circa 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
This early 20th-century Swedish chest of drawers, circa 1900, is a refined example of neoclassical Gustavian design. Crafted from pine, a staple material in Swedish furniture for its...
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mid 19th century Swedish pine long case mora clock
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century Swedish pine long case mora clock circa 1850. Large Swedish long case mora clock, presented in scraped back paint. Scraped back down to reveal a partial colour of ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

18th Century Antique Swedish Red Painted Baroque Secretary
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
A two-tiered wooden cabinet from the 18th century Swedish Gustavian period. The top door opens to reveal a decorative top shelf and three other shelves. The top of the bottom shelf c...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pedestal table with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian pedestal table from Skelleftea, Northern Sweden. A charming classic 19th century Swedish round Pedestal table...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Birchwood Veneer Jewelry Box, Hand-Crafted
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish 19th Century wood veneer jewelry box found in Copenhagen. The box features a brass plate in the shape of a heart for for keyhole and knob t...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Period Provincial Cabinet
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
A period provincial early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian cabinet. With carved doors opening to useful storage, below two further doors opening to more storage. Wonderful decorative c...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Period 1790s Painted Slant Front Secretary with Three Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period painted wood secretary from the late 18th century, with slant front desk, multiple drawers, dark painted interior, three drawers in the façade and rustic c...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock from the 1960's in original wood. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Width: 56cm / 22.0" Depth: 16.5cm / 6.5...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Pair Commode Grey White C.1860 Carved
Located in Lewes, England
Circa 1850 antique Swedish Gustavian Grey White painted chest of drawers commode in gustavian style with classic Gustavian carved detail on the drawer fronts and leading edges. The...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined 20th-century Swedish Gustavian-style chest of drawers, showcasing the timeless elegance and craftsmanship of this iconic design. The piece is painted in a soft, muted gray ...
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Round Drop-Leaf Dining Table from the Gustavian Period
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique dining table from the gustavian period around 1820. The table is made by hand in solid Swedish pine. Rectangular leg-frame with carved leaves on the two longer sides....
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

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 Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Corner Hanging Cabinet with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century swedish Gustavian Hanging corner cabinet from Råneå Norrbotten, Northern Sweden. A beautiful cabinet scraped by hand to its well preserved original paint. Stunning blu...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

18th Century Scandinavian Painted Baroque Chest of Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
19th century Scandinavian painted baroque chest of drawers Fine quality solid oak chest of drawers, circa 1840. The chest has 4-drawer and the ...
Category

Mid-18th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak

Pair, 19th Century White Swedish Gustavian Bookcases Display Cabinets
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of tall Gustavian style white painted pine bookcases standing just under 8' tall. Dentil molding along crown and traditional fluted carving along cabinet door panels. Two interi...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Pine, Paint

Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Swedish Mora clock from the 1960's in original colour. Cream with gold carved detailing. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Wid...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

RARE Matching Gustavian Style Wardrobes
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Very Rare Matching set of 2 Gustavian style Wardrobes. they have both have just been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th century Swedish Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rustic Swedish bench embodies a simple yet charming Scandinavian folk design, likely from the 19th or early 20th century. Made entirely from solid wood, it features a timeworn, ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th century Swedish Bench
19th century Swedish Bench
$633 Sale Price
64% Off
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 Furniture

Materials

Pine

Gustavian Chest of Drawers, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Gustavian Chest of Drawers, Sweden, 19th Century A beautifully proportioned Gustavian chest of drawers from 19th-century Sweden, showcasing the hallmark simplicity and lightness of...
Category

1840s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Softwood

Swedish Gustavian Style 1860s Painted Chest with Five Drawers and Fluted Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted chest circa 1860 with five drawers, discreetly marbleized top, carved fluted accents, tapered feet and fluted side posts. Experience the quiet elegance of Scandinavian design with this Swedish Gustavian style painted chest, dating back to circa 1860. This handsome piece radiates timeless grace, combining practical storage with elegant aesthetic details. The chest's rectangular top features subtly protruding, canted corners. This surface is delicately painted with veined motifs, emulating the grandeur of marble yet maintaining a discreet allure. It is a testament to the craftsmanship of the time, marrying functionality and artistry with unassuming sophistication. Below the top, a harmonious assembly of five drawers provides convenient storage. The two upper drawers, carved with fluted motifs...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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 Furniture

Materials

Pine

Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Painted Mifnight Blue
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Gustavian dresser renovated to highest standard and painted in midnight blue. Fine moldings around drawers and fittings in solid brass. Marble top Width 84 cm / 33.1" Depth: 48cm /...
Category

1950s European Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Small Swedish Gustavian pine bookcase featuring a professionally applied layered
Located in Round Top, TX
Small Swedish Gustavian pine bookcase featuring a professionally applied layered antique white painted finish with pale gray undertones. Light distressing reveals natural pine wood b...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Antique Swedish Mora clock from the 1800's. Original paint; grey with gold detailing. Not function tested. Measures: Width:58cm / 22.8" Depth: 20cm / 7.8" Height: 215cm / 84.6".
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

19th Century Swedish Pair of Antique Grey Gustavian Oakwood Apothecary Cabinets
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 19th Century, antique pair of light-grey Swedish Gustavian apothecary cabinets made of hand crafted painted Oakwood, they offer elegant and timeless storage solutions for any ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Corner Cabinet
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking late 18th-century Gustavian period corner cabinet from Sweden, featuring the classic neoclassical elegance of the era. Crafted in two parts, the cabinet showcases paneled ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Grey Swedish Gustavian Pair of Antique Pinewood Pedestal Cabinets
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, antique pair of Swedish Gustavian pedestal cabinets with four shelves made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, standing on a round base, enhanced by detailed wood carvin...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Chrome

19th Century Painted Buffet
Located in Houston, TX
Swedish Gustavian buffet with a beautiful antique painted finish. Early 19th century. This is a solid piece and in great antique condition.
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish antique rustic Country Gustavian table
Located in Boden, SE
Early 19th Century Swedish antique Rustic Gustavian Provincial table from Skellefteå Västerbotten,Northern Sweden. The table is scraped by hand to its original paint. The table is ea...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Reeded Swedish Gustavian Style Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
White/greyish hand painted Gustavian style chest of drawers constructed from solid wood with a hand-applied distressed finish with brass ring hardware. These classic Swedish style th...
Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early 19th c. Swedish Crystal Chandelier with Gilt Metal Ferns
Located in Greenwich, CT
A refined and elegant early 19th century Swedish chandelier having crystal swagged garlands on a gilt metal frame featuring gilt metal fern leaves. A topmost crown of fern leaves wi...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th - 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Pinewood Cabinets, Nightstands
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, antique Swedish Gustavian pair of pedestal cabinets, bedside tables made of hand crafted Pinewood, in good condition. The small...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Swedish Gustavian Period 1790s Blue Painted Wall Hanging Corner Cabinet
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period painted wood wall hanging corner cabinet from the late 18th century, with blue paint, single door and weathered appearance. Created in Sweden during the la...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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 Furniture

Materials

Oak

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Secretary - Antique Scandinavian Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian one part bureau, secretary made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian writing table, desk is composed with a...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Hall Console Table with Carving
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Painted Hand Carved Entry Hall Console Table Hand painted and hand distressed in authentic Scandinavian colors. This table has been painted in blue with ...
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Mid-19th Century Painted Wooden Table with Drawer, Sweden, Circa 1850s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare mid-19th century Swedish wooden table with a single drawer, dating to circa the 1850s. The table has a long, narrow proportion and a restrained, utilitarian form, reflecting i...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair of 19th century painted Swedish commodes
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of 19th century painted Swedish commodes circa 1880. Fine quality pair of Scandinavian chest of drawers in the Gustavian taste, which could work well as a pair of large bedside...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak, Pine, Paint

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Pine Hall Bench - Antique Scandinavian Wood Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 18th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian Fållbänk, hall bench made of hand crafted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian three seater pull-out wood sofa has a tall curved ba...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Cabinet with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish antique Gustavian corner cabinet from Umeå Västerbotten, Northern Sweden. Beautifully reeded doors. Scraped by gentle hand to its well preserved original color...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th century Scandinavian painted pine double door cupboard
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Scandinavian painted small sideboard circa 1870. Good example of a practical antique providing many uses around the home, being shallow in depth it lends itself perfect...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

An Early 19th Century Blue Painted Gustavian Mirror
Located in London, GB
Sweden, circa 1860 An early nineteenth century painted Gustavian pier mirror with traces of blue paint, foliate cresting and bevelled mirror plate. Height 118.00cm Width 67....
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Antique Swedish Console Table with Original Paint and Gustavian Carved Decor
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique console table in gustavian style dated September 24th 1852. Straight tapered legs, apron with period-typical gustavian carved leaves. Original thin paint which is slightly wo...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Antique Scandinavian Pine Bed Side Tables
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian pair of bed side tables made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. Each of the detailed Scandinavian nightstands are composed with two drawers, consisting their original hardware and keys, standing on four square-pointed wooden legs. The small commodes...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

19th Century Swedish Black Chest of Three Drawers with Greek Key
Located in Round Top, TX
A decorative Gustavian style pine chest of drawers with dramatic painted "à La Grecque" or Greek key motif and mythical griffin on top drawer, raised on tapered feet. Restored, late...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Gustavian Style 9 Drawer Dresser
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a 9 drawer Gustavian style dresser. It was just restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

RARE Gustavian Style Wardrobe
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Very Rare Gustavian Style wardrobe, it was just restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Genuine Gustavian Small Table from Northern Sweden with a Drawer
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish gustavian table from around 1810. The table is gustavian, also known as neoclassic, and made in solid Swedish pine. The table has the original paint with a rustic cha...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Faux Marble Painted Console Table
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A light grey painted Gustavian painted with faux marble original imitation painting on the top. The Swedish console table with brass hardware on the front is from around 1800-1820 an...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style White Bookcase Cabinet
Located in Round Top, TX
Late 19th-century Swedish Gustavian-style two-door pine bookcase with newer professionally applied antique white painted finish. The paint has been lightly distressed, revealing natu...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Style 1860s Painted Three-Drawer Chest with Greek Key Frieze
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood chest from the mid 19th century, with Greek Key frieze, carved rosettes, fluted accents and wraparound feet. Created in Sweden during the third...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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.