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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
Place of Origin: Swedish
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

Swedish 18th Century Gustavian Painted Banquette
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A Swedish 18th century Gustavian banquette with its original hand-scraped, painted finish. The solidly constructed frame makes for a sheltering sofa as well, with a removable bench s...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Chests of Drawers Circa 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
A classic pair of 19th-century Gustavian-style chests of drawers, circa 1880-1890, crafted from solid pine and featuring a distinctive broken-front design. These elegant pieces are p...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

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

Swedish 18th Century Gustavian Grey and Blue Display Cabinet
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique Swedish Glass-Top Cabinet Made in Two-parts. The base has a set of 4 drawers and the top display cabinet has two glass doors that is pati...
Category

1770s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Rare Set of 8 Gustavian Period Side Chairs, Lindome, circa 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare and elegant set of eight period Gustavian side chairs, crafted in Lindome, Sweden, circa 1800. These chairs exemplify the refined neoclassical aesthetic for which Gustavian fu...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood

Antique Genuine Swedish Gustavian Pine Provincial Sofa Bench
Located in Kramfors, SE
Northern Swedish Gustavian provincial sofa crafted in pine, showcasing its original scraped paint. This sofa, dating back to the early 19th century, around 1800 to 1810, exemplifies ...
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

Gustavian Grey Painted 3 Drawer Dresser with Faux Marble Top, Sweden, 1850-1880
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Late 19th century grey painted chest of drawers, Swedish. This 3 drawer dresser has a charming break front style, an amazing faux marble top and the original brass hardware.
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Daybed - Antique Scandinavian Sofa Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian pull-out daybed made from hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. This freestanding Scandinavian wood bench...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Upholstery, Pine

Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Nightstands
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Nightstands. They where just restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century French Oak Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
Early 19th-century French oak chest of three drawers with newer professionally layered painted finish in tones of gray, blue, and antique white blended for a soft, mottled effect. Ca...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak

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

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

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

Drop-Leaf Table from Sweden, Early 20th Century
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This folding table was made in Sweden in the early 20th century. The legs have a beautiful structure and a practical design that allows the tabletop to be folded or folded depending ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Bench
Located in Cirencester, GB
This beautiful antique Swedish bench is early 19th century from Northern Sweden. The layers of paint have been dry scraped revealing the ori...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Console Table
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Charming early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian period console table. In original paint with carved detail to all four sides. This table has multiple uses. Circa 1800. With restoration.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

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

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Antique Painted Pinewood Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Swedish Gustavian pair of armchairs with a loose seat cushion, made of hand crafted painted Pinewood in good condition. The l...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Pine

1820s Swedish Gustavian Wood Patinated Corner Cabinet
Located in High Point, NC
This 1820s Swedish Gustavian corner cabinet embodies the understated elegance and symmetry of the Gustavian period. Crafted from wood with its original layered patina in soft blue an...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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

Swedish early 19th century painted pine wall cupboard
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish early 19th century painted pine wall cupboard circa 1820. We are pleased to offer this 200 year old wall cupboard in original condition. Presented in it's original paint.  ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

A period gustavian wall cabinet with glossed doors scraped to original paint
Located in Atlanta, GA
An authentic Gustavian period wall cabinet from Sweden, late 18th century, retaining its remarkable original surface and timeworn patina. The cabinet features a simple rectangular form with two glazed doors, each framed with wooden mullions that divide the glass into panels, creating a refined balance of proportion and symmetry. The paint has been carefully scraped back to its original layers both inside and out, revealing a soft, warm ochre tone with subtle variations that speak to centuries of age and use. The interior provides practical storage while maintaining the cabinet’s understated neoclassical elegance, typical of the Gustavian era. With its versatile scale, this piece may be mounted on a wall or used as a countertop cabinet...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Swedish Art Deco, Set of 4 Klismos Chairs in Birch Elm, Griffin Inlays, 1930s
Located in Odense, DK
A set of four exquisite dining chairs from the 1930s, crafted in solid elm with elegantly curved backrests adorned in birch root veneer. Each backrest is enhanced with intricate grif...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Bone, Fabric, Bakelite, Birch, Elm

19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Mirror
Located in Huntington, NY
A Swedish Late Gustavian mirror scraped to its original surface with remnants of original paint and gilt. Detailed carvings adorn the upper molding with overlapping stars in each cor...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

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

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretary
Located in Huntington, NY
A Swedish Gustavian secretary. The bonnet top consists of an impressive overhanging arched pediment cornice. Upper section has three shelves and two small drawers. Lower section has ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

Swedish 18th Century Painted Upholstered Settee
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A unique Swedish Gustavian settee from the late 18th century with painted wood frame sheltering the fully upholstered interior of a single bench cushion, matching seatback, and two s...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

Swedish Gustavian Sofa/Bed Natural Finish
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is an incredibly Unique Swedish Gustavian Sofa bed, the seating was just restored. when the sofa is pulled out the measurements are 41 deep 65 wide
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Small Gustavian Antique Country House Side Table from Northern Sweden
Located in Kramfors, SE
Gustavian antique country table from northern Sweden. The table is made by hand around 1820 in solid pine. Classic straight gustavian shape and straight tapered legs with flutes. One...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Corner Cabinet in Gustavian Style with Carved Stylised Flowers
By Jonas Lust
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish corner cabinet in gustavian style. The cabinet is in two parts and likely made by master carpenter Jonas Lust (1794-1845) in Forsa, Hälsingland during the early 1800s...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair, 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Nightstands Small Cabinets
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, small Swedish country Gustavian style painted nightstands or small cabinets standing on tapered feet. Two doors over one drawer; key and lock function in one, key used only as ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Swedish Oval Pedestal Table Circa 1890
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant 19th-century Swedish oval pedestal table, circa 1890, beautifully blends form and functionality with its neoclassical design. Crafted from solid pine wood, the table fea...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Side Table with Reeded Drawer and Tapered Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood side table from the late 19th century, with single drawer, reeded accents and tapered legs. Created in Sweden during the last quarter of the 19...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style 2 Door Wardrobe
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very Unique 2 door Swedish Gustavian style wardrobe. it was just restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Late Gustavian Cherry and Nutwood Game Table with Checkerboard and Backgammon
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful late Gustavian game table, circa 1840, crafted in cherry with nutwood inlays, combining refined neoclassical design with playful function. The rectangular top is inlaid w...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Nutwood

19th Century Swedish Blue Oak Secretary Bureau
Located in Round Top, TX
This oak secretary is a striking statement piece with panel doors, dramatic bonnet, and traditional lower three large drawers. The entire secretary has been given a professional cust...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid 19th century Swedish burr birch writing desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Stunning birch root escritoire circa 1855. We are pleased to offer this piece for sale.  Profusely using birch root veneers on every surface. Matched birch veneers used which span ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

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

18th-19th Century White Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Daybed, Antique Sofa Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, antique Swedish Gustavian daybed made of hand crafted painted Pinewood with two round pillows, in good condition. The sides of t...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Cotton, Pine, Linen, Damask

Swedish Gustavian Style 1860s Gray Painted Three-Drawer Chest with Carved Drawer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style chest from circa 1860 with three drawers, light gray painted finish, reeded accents, dentil molding and tapered legs. Embrace the understated elegance of Sw...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian White Painted Narrow Display Cabinet Bookcase
Located in Round Top, TX
This narrow Swedish display cabinet may also be used as a bookcase. Fluted panel doors and decorative carving along the crown add to the Gusta...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Pine, Paint

Gustavian Style Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
Patinated brass and brass details copied from the pre-electricity Gustavian period, featuring six faux candles hanging on three decorative brass chains,...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Two-part Cabinet Circa 1790
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 18th-century Swedish Gustavian two-part cabinet, circa 1790, is a stunning example of the elegant simplicity that defines the Gustavian style. Crafted from pine, the cabinet fea...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Gustavian, Antique Scandinavian Pine Drop-Leaf Dining Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, antique Swedish Gustavian drop-leaf table with one drawer, made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, particularized in the Neoclassical Greek style, in good condition. The...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Genuine Antique Classic Gustavian Period Sideboard in Pine from Northern Sweden
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine Swedish classic sideboard from the gustavian period, made around 1790 in northern Sweden. Straight classic shape with pronounced corners decorated with flutes. Double doors a...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Provincial Barrel Back Armchair
Located in Allerum, SE
Rare 19th century Swedish provincial barrel back armchair in it's original finish. ca 1800 Sweden.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

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

A Swedish Gustavian painted fall front desk, C. 1820.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Crafted in two pieces, this Neoclassical form desk features clean lines and understated elegance, with a soft painted finish typical of the Gustavian palette. The upper section has o...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Rare Untouched Antique Swedish Gustavian Corner Cabinet
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare untouched corner cabinet from Sweden in gustavian style. This antique corner cabinet is from Hälsingland in central Sweden. Made by hand in solid Swedish pine the cabinet has it...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Massive Gustavian Trestle Base Dining Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This massive Swedish Gustavian pine dining table is over 12 feet long, (12’-3 ⅝” to be exact). The simple wooden top sits over a pair of hand-cut and painted trestle base legs, each ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Iron

Genuine rustic antique Gustavian Drop leaf table country original color.
Located in Boden, SE
Genuine gustavian drop-leaf table made around 1790 to 1810 in Luleå Norrbotten ,Northern Sweden. The frame is made from solid pine and it has the original paint with genuine distres...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Set of Six 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine set of six 19th century Gustavian laughing chairs in their original condition. Ca 1800, Sweden.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish 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.

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