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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
Pair of Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Chairs
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Pair of early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian style chairs. Simply elegant, repainted in a soft grey. Reupholstered in linen. Circa 1910.
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Gustavian Style Console Occasional Table with Drawer
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Painted Hand Carved Entry Hall Console Table With The Original Brass Hardware. Hand painted and hand distressed in muted Scandinavian colors. The clean lines and elegance of this pie...
Category

1810s Scandinavian Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique Swedish Gustavian Painted Sideboard Buffet Commode White C.1860
Located in Lewes, England
Circa 1860 antique Swedish Gustavian White painted Sideboard Buffet commode in gustavian style with classic Gustavian diamond ribbing detail on the door front and on the drawer. It ...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Armchairs Pair White Color Gold Detail Early 1900s A
Located in Lewes, England
This is a Classic pair of original Swedish Gustavian early 1900s armchairs in probable original paint with highly carved detailing on the frames , arm and legs, unusual delicately fl...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

Swedish 19th century painted chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century painted chest of drawers circa 1870. Substantial baroque revival swedish chest of drawers.  Presented in later paint which is best described as a very light grey or a d...
Category

1870s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak, Paint

Swedish Unique Gustavian Style Bench
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very Unique Swedish Gustavian style bench, its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White" the seating has been covered in a tan linen
Category

1910s Swedish Vintage 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

Charming Swedish Gustavian Shaving Mirror, Transition Style, 1770s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Charming Swedish Gustavian Shaving Mirror, Transition Style, 1770s A charming Gustavian shaving mirror from Sweden, dating to the 1770s, retaining parts of its original painted sur...
Category

1770s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Alnmått (Cubit measure) in Birch with a Noble Crown. Gustavian, dated 1783
Located in Knivsta, SE
Rare Alnmått (Cubit measure) made in Birch with a Noble Crown. From the Gustavian period of the late 1700s, roughly corresponding to the Louis XVI period in France, made in Sweden an...
Category

1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Sofa, Early 19th Century
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an exceptional Early 19th Century Gustavian Sofa, c. 1800-1810. The sofa is in very good condition and it retains its original scraped surface. The raised center back panel f...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Gustavian Hand Painted and Gilt Mirror
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Gustavian Style Mirror with Hand Painted and Gilt Decoration, believed to be from the Netherlands (as the Netherlands flag is painted at the top), circa 20th Century. Retains...
Category

20th Century Dutch Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Antique Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Antique Swedish Mora clock 1800's in off-white with gold hand painted intricate detailing. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. W...
Category

Early 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Mora Clock Swedish 1800s White Hand Painted Roses
Located in Lewes, England
Shipping special update - We have negotiated a special flat rate shipping cost to the USA with our main US shipping partner for our 1st dibs clients of only £995 export crated by ai...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Bespoke Swedish Style Two Door Buffet
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Bespoke two door buffet featuring two ribbed doors, shaped edges and standing on bun feet. - This one is painted in Paint and Paper Library 'Paper IV'. - Five more are available t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Plywood

Swedish Gustavian Antique Table White Gold Carved Detail, 1800s
Located in Lewes, England
Very rare Swedish antique gustavian table from Skabersjö Castle in Sweden. It is later 1800s in age and has terrific detail to it with decorative ribbing on the top edge - perfect ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th century Swedish alder root square tilt top table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish alder root square tilt top table circa 1860. Good quality piece of mid 19th century Swedish furniture, using alder root veneers to make a near square top surface. Tilting top stands...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Console Tables
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of Swedish grain painted demilune side tables, the D-shaped tops painted in imitation of marble, the bases painted in imitation of flame birch. Ex collection Bill Blass. ...
Category

1830s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mora Clock Swedish White 1800s Antique Gustavian
Located in Lewes, England
Shipping special update - We have negotiated a special flat rate shipping cost to the USA with our main US shipping partner for our 1st dibs clients of only £995 export crated by ai...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Leksand Swedish Dining Chairs Pair in Gilt, 20th Century
Located in Lewes, England
Pair of rare Swedish Gustavian dining chairs in the Classic Leksand style with the distinctive fluted legs and rosette detailing. Unusually for Leksands which are a more country sty...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

Vintage Red Turkish Rug
Located in New York, NY
One of a kind vintage Turkish runner with a all-over borderless design with running circles on a sweet red ground. 4'8'' x 9'10''
Category

20th Century Turkish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Red Turkish Rug
Vintage Red Turkish Rug
$2,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Swedish Gustavian Style Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Gustavian Style 3 drawer chest of drawers. its been restored and repainted with milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mid 19th century Swedish painted table top writing desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century Swedish painted table top writing desk circa 1850. Good quality table top bureau, presented in original scraped back paint.  Made from solid pine and scraped back t...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Gustavian Style Glass Top Corner Cabinet
Located in Hollywood, FL
This s a very unique Gustavian style glass top Corner cabinet. it was just restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White" the measurement from the very back corner out to e...
Category

1610s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Bellman White Dining Chairs, Set of Six, Late 19th Century
Located in Lewes, England
Set of six late 19th century antique Swedish Gustavian Bellman dining chairs with webbed seats and lovely brass style detailing on backrest and at the top of the pyramid legs. Very h...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mora Clock Swedish Antique Folk Art Painted, Early 1800s, Gustavian
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish mora clock from early 1800s Gustavian in possible original folk art paint of great quality showing a folk scene and a good face with lots of detail and nicely shaped ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian, Swedish Commode, Grey Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gustavian, Swedish Commode or Dresser, Grey Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 1940s Gustavian chest of drawers designed and produced in Sweden circa 1940s. This example features a gr...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Paint

Gustavian Style Console Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Gustavian Style Console Table, probably American, circa 20th Century. Beautiful distressed paint finish. It is a versatile size and can be used as a console or sofa table, or...
Category

20th Century American Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century, Swedish Gustavian Style Drop Leaf Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Drop leaf table in gustavian style made around 1810 in northern Sweden. The table is hand-made in Swedish pine and painted in a light grey tone. The paint is the original first layer...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Gustavian / Louis XVI Table in Pine with Original Coral Painted
Located in Kastrup, DK
Beautiful and refined Gustavian / Louis XVI table in pine, carefully scraped to reveal its original coral-colored paint with an attractive patina. The tabletop has a profiled edge a...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Rustic Antique Country Swedish Gustavian Distressed Painted Pine Stand
Located in Forney, TX
A most distinctive Swedish Country hand painted wooden stand. Hand-crafted of solid pine, most likely Gustavian Period (1772–1809), finished on all sides, showcasing layers of the or...
Category

19th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Monumental Painted Wood Iron Swedish Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Monumental size eight light wood & iron chandelier. The chandelier is painted a dove gray coloration. The iron has developed a beautiful patina. The fixture is newly rewired and incl...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Paint, Wood

18th Century Giltwood Gustavian Bucket Chairs, Set of 4, Sweden, Circa 1790-1800
Located in New York, NY
18th Century Gustavian bucket chairs, set of four (4), giltwood, origin: Stockholm, Sweden, circa 1790 - 1800. Elegant proportions, beautif...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Zabihi Collection Vintage Persian Bakhtiari Carpet
Located in New York, NY
Colorful Persian Bakhtiari carpet with traditional panel design. The weaver added colorful salvage to each side too giving it an added characteristic. 4'7'' x 7'2''
Category

20th Century Persian Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

Pair of Hendrix Allardyce Key West Caned Bergère Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing pair of bergère armchairs custom made by Hendrix Allardyce. The bespoke chairs feature a large gracefully curved frame inset with double caned sides. Known as Key West chairs...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Beech

Cobalt Blue Swedish Girandoles, A Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of Swedish Girandoles of Gustavian style, crafted with cobalt blue ovoid shafts resting on a white marble base. These elegant two-piece girandoles feature two brass candleholder...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Marble, Brass

Light Blue Terracotta 20th Century Room Size Pigeon Motif Persian Malayer Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century Persian Malayer rug. Abrashed blue field and terracotta border. A few pigeons are spotted in the field, circa 1920. Measures...
Category

20th Century Persian Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

Swedish 19th Century Rectangular Occasional Table w/Deep Drawer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish smaller-sized wooden table, with single drawer, from the 19th century. This antique table from Sweden has a simple, unassuming design of straight lines, making it easy to b...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

French Distressed Ivory Color Mirror with Gilt Decoration 48.5" h x 33.75" w
Located in Atlanta, GA
French Distressed Ivory Color Mirror with Gilt Decoration, France, 20th Century. It measures 48.5" height x 33.75" width.
Category

20th Century French Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

18th century painted oak Scandinavian baroque chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
18th century painted oak Scandinavian baroque revival chest of drawers circa 1790. Made from solid oak this 4 drawer commode offers generous proportions. 4 shaped drawers with orna...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Gustavian Style Unique 5 Drawer Desk
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian Style Unique 5 Drawer Desk. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Fruitwood Mirror
Located in Woodbury, CT
18th c. swedish fruitwood mirror with ormolu mounts and finials. Fruitwood is framed by ebony inlay.
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Swedish Style Shopkeeper s Slant Front Writing Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Swedish Style Painted Shopkeeper's Slanted Front Writing Desk commonly used by merchants in the 1800s. Desk features a hinged front panel that opens to reveal compartmen...
Category

19th Century American Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Neoclassical Painted Secretary Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
18th century Swedish neoclassical painted secretary desk will make the perfect addition to your home whether your decor is modern, traditional,...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Steel

Exceptional 18th Century Swedish Daybed
Located in New Orleans, LA
Highly decorative 18th century Swedish daybed with original patina.
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th C. Swedish Continental Brass Mounted Parquetry Inlaid Cherry Chairs, Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A magnificent pair of 19th century Swedish continental brass mounted and parquetry inlaid cherry chairs. Beaitiful inlay and parquetry work on backs. very comfortable, firm seats w...
Category

1840s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Large Antique Swedish Rörstrand Porcelain Signed Hand Painted Decorative Tray
Located in Forney, TX
A rare monumental Swedish Rörstrand porcelain (established in 1726) heavy high quality decorative serving tray. Exquisitely hand-crafted in Sweden in the early 20th century, the dished and molded palatial rectangular shaped tray features exceptionally executed period Art Nouveau hand-painted polychrome decoration, adorned with neoclassical motif of florals, foliage, acanthus leaves, and urn with flowers. Signed, marked Rorstrand with three crowns to verso, dated 1913, and lower right impressed HD Rorstrand CO 1/2. Provenance / Acquisition: Hailing from the estate of a former supermodel and actress, Kathy Speirs-Puccio, who spared no expense in the decorating of her massive, curated to perfection Weston home. Kathy Speirs-Puccio, who throughout her acting and modeling career (she graced multiple magazine covers in the 1970s including Cosmopolitan. She collected, wore, and kept only the finest in designer fashion and accessories. Her passion for high design continued through until the end of her life. Acquired from the reputable auction house Blackrock Galleries...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Bench Swedish Gustavian Style
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian style bench, The seating has been restored and covered in Muslin. and its been painted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1880s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Antique Gustavian Wall Appliques, Sweden 1820-30
Located in Belmont, MA
Discover the timeless elegance of a pair of antique Swedish Gustavian Glass Appliques, meticulously crafted from handcrafted brass and adorned with prism glass drops. These Scandinav...
Category

1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Late 18th Century Gustav III White-Painted and Upholstered Chair
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A late 18th century Swedish Gustav III armchair, white-painted with carved floral details and reeded legs. The shield-form back and seat are upholstered in soft blue leather with bra...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood, Paint

19thc Gustavian Cut Cascading Crystal Wall Sconce
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc Gustavian Bronze Cut Crystal Cascading Waterfall Form Wall Sconce. This sconce is in its original unelectrified state.
Category

1850s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Gustavian Painted and Parcel Gilt Canape or Sofa, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
Gustavian Painted and Parcel Gilt Canape or Sofa; having a shell carved crest rail above a padded back and a stuff-over seat, raised on cabriole legs, 19th Century. Re-upholstery is...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Gustavian Period Swedish Pine Bench with Storage
Located in Pasadena, TX
19th century Gustavian period Swedish pine bench with storage This bench is a nice example of Gustavian furniture, the Swedish interpretation of French neoclassical design. Decor...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Country Gustavian Tray Table
Located in Forney, TX
Pale, elegant simplicity and classic design, is how we would describe this large, subtly beautiful, hand carved and painted pine antique tray style table. Handcrafted in Sweden in the late 1800s, decorated in a muted gray-blue paint color, typical of traditional Nordic Swedish County home interiors; pale, light and airy atmospheres, which counteract the low levels of natural light, especially during Scandinavian winters. This substantially sized rustic table blends a comfortable warmth with a clean-lined minimalism—uniting in a way that is functional, unfussy, and timeless. The perfect choice for bridging contemporary and traditional styles. Versatile. Ideal for use as an interesting side or center table, accent table, standing writing desk, work table, wine tasting stand or dry bar drinks table...
Category

19th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Inlaid Swedish Satinwood Console
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine Swedish 19th Century gilt bronze mounted center table in the manner of George Haupt. In mixed woods, the top with marquetry basket of flowers withing an oval on a satin bir...
Category

1850s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Unusual Northern Swedish Gustavian Country Pine Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Northern Swedish country pine table in gustavian style. The table is a rare example and has a large centered drawer and straight tapered legs with flutes. Hand made and in genuine un...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

20th century Gustavian style gilt brass and crystal chandelier Hagamodel
Located in Eindhoven, NL
An elegant and fine Gustavian style chandeliers with 8 small lights inside the chandelier. Beautiful quality in gilt brass. Decorated with c...
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Mora Clock
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Antique Swedish Mora clock from the 1800's. Original paint; cream with gold detailing. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weights and a bell chime on the hour. Width...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Faux Painted Swedish Demilune Tables
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine pair of early 19th century Gustavian demilune console tables, the half round top with original sponged faux marble paint, over simulated mahogany painted apron and legs, the who...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

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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