Skip to main content

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
127
924
595
1,468
34
26
197,826
115,192
44,126
33,064
16,199
12,170
10,883
10,822
9,969
8,936
7,360
6,636
6,525
6,416
6,202
6,133
4,919
3,739
330
795
343
60
101
153
21
13
15
13
20
38
52
16
7
5
1
1,390
518
516
262
253
1,424
1,303
1,256
42
34
1,528
1,510
1,514
8
2
2
2
2
Style: Gustavian
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

Fine Swedish Mirror in Gustavian Gray, circa 1870
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine Swedish mirror of exceptional quality, dating to circa 1870. The rectangular frame is finished in a soft Gustavian gray, its surface enriched by a gentle, time-earned patina t...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted 3 Drawer Chest Bureau
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Petroleum Blue Painted Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers This classic Swedish style three drawer hand-painted chest has been constructed from solid wood with a hand-applied distresse...
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique Genuine Northern Swedish Country Gustavian Style Rustic Corner Cabinet
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique country corner cabinet in gustavian style from northern Sweden. The cabinet is from around 1820 to 1840 and has a frame in solid pine. Made in two parts with an upper and low...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Linen Press Gustavian 18th Century In Pine
Located in Kastrup, DK
Beautiful Gustavian linen press in two parts from northern Sweden, crafted around 1790–1800. Made of solid pine with elegant grain and fine craftsmanship of high quality. The upper ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair, 19th Century Tall White Painted Pine Bookcases Display Cabinets
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of tall Gustavian style white painted pine bookcases standing 7.5' tall. Dentil molding along crown and traditional fluted tapered feet. Two interior upper shelves and one lower...
Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Pine, Paint

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

Pair of Gustavian-Style Painted Commodes
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of commodes in Gustavian style, painted in a light grey-white shade with a beautiful patina. Beneath the top runs a carved dentil frieze. The body features three drawers with ar...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Vitrine Cabinet Danish Gustavian. Blue Painted
Located in Kastrup, DK
A beautiful two-part Gustavian display cabinet, crafted in pine and painted in an elegant blue tone with a light grey interior. The upper section features a moulded cornice and two ...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

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

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

Antique 19th Century Swedish Storage Bench with Blue/Gray Paint and Linen Cushio
Located in Centennial, CO
A beautiful antique late 1800s Swedish storage bench with distressed blue/gray paint and an optional custom made linen tie on cushion. This bench, also called a kitchen or trundle bench...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Chest of Drawers with Original Brass Fittings. Danish Gustavian (Louis XVI)
Located in Kastrup, DK
Decorative Gustavian chest of drawers (known in Denmark as Louis XVI) crafted in pine, carefully stripped back to its original black paint with a beautifully aged patina. The top is ...
Category

Late 18th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

20th Century Swedish Linen Press
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century Swedish linen press exemplifies the charm and functionality of Gustavian-inspired furniture. Crafted from solid wood, it features clean, geometric lines with hand-c...
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th century Swedish hand painted pine blanket box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Hand painted small Swedish trunk circa 1877. Good quality piece of rustic Swedish furniture, offering plenty of opportunities for storage in multiple rooms around the home, such as ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

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

Late 18th Century Black Oak Vitrine Cabinet from Denmark
Located in Round Top, TX
This Danish oak vitrine may be used as a display cabinet or bookcase. The upper pane glass doors and canted sides allow for lovely display of any collection held within. The newer pr...
Category

Late 18th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak, Paint, Glass

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

Large Antique Northern Swedish Gustavian Period Rustic Black Cabinet in Pine
Located in Kramfors, SE
Large antique Swedish cabinet from the gustavian period around year 1800. From northern Sweden made by hand in solid Swedish pine. The cabinet is made in two parts with a classic str...
Category

Early 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

18th - 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Gilded Pinewood Wall Glass Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 18th Century - 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian wall mirror made of hand crafted gilded Pinewood with its original two-part mirrored glass, in good condition. The Scand...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Pine, Giltwood

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

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

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

18th Century Swedish Gustavian One Part Pinewood Bureau - Antique Secretaire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 18th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian one part bureau made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian secretaire table, desk is composed with a wr...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

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

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

19th Century French Gustavian Floor Mirror with Canted Corners
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French Gustavian floor mirror with canted corners reflects the elegance and restraint characteristic of the Gustavian aesthetic. Its tall, commanding form is soften...
Category

19th Century French Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

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

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

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

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Corner Cabinet
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian corner cabinet from Piteå Norrbotten, Northern Sweden. Highly stately Corner Cabinet with reeded doors at the ...
Category

Early 1800s 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

Pair of Gustavian Style Blue Painted Chest of Drawers Commodes
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Gustavian Style Blue Painted Chest of Drawers Commodes, A Pair Classic Pair Swedish Style Painted Chest of Drawers. Two drawer c...
Category

Early 2000s European Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze

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

19th Century Swedish antique Gustavian buffet with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
Early 19th century Swedish Antique Rustic Gustavian buffet from Umeå Northern Sweden. Beautiful genuine buffet in original condition. These doors open to reveal inner shelves offer...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Antique Northern Swedish Gustavian Period Handmade Rustic Pine Sideboard
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish rustic sideboard from the gustavian period, made around 1810. The sideboard is made in northern Sweden by hand from solid pine. It has a straight shape with two doors...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19th Century Narrow White Chest of Three Drawers, Denmark
Located in Round Top, TX
Decorative pine Gustavian chest of drawers with traditional carved dentil molding, canted fluted side posts, decorative upper drawer all raised on four tapered fluted feet. Restored,...
Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

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

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

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.

Still Thinking About These?

All Recently Viewed