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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
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

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

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

Late 18th Century High-Gustavian Commode with Intarsia by Gustaf Foltjern
By Carl Gustaf Foltjern
Located in Ljungby, SE
A distinguished high-Gustavian commode, crafted in Stockholm by Gustaf Foltjern (master 1771-1804). The top features an original slab of Kolsmo marble, while the body is veneered in ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

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

Chest of Drawers Signed by Gustaf Furlow Swedish Gustavian, 1780-1800, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Chest of drawers signed by Gustaf Furlow Swedish Gustavian, 1780-1800, Sweden. An exquisite chest made by cabinet maker Gustaf Furlow in Sweden during the Gustavian period. All origi...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Four Vintage Louis XVI Style Dining Chairs
Located in Sheffield, MA
The four classic Louis XVI style dining chairs painted gold have fluted legs topped by squared rosettes, cane backs inset in ribbed frame...
Category

20th Century American Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Hemp, Wood

Pair of Hendrix Allardyce Key West Caned Bergere Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sublime pair of bergere armchairs custom made by Hendrix Allardyce, Hollywood, CA. The bespoke chairs feature a large gracefully curved frame inset with double caned sides and back. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Beech

Vintage Turkish Oushak Hallway Runner with Gustavian or French Country Style
Located in Dallas, TX
51145, vintage Turkish Oushak hallway runner with Gustavian or French Country style. This hand knotted wool vintage Turkish Oushak runner features five amulet medallions filled with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

1950 s Turkish Oushak Carpet with Gustavian or French Country Style
Located in Dallas, TX
51117, vintage Turkish Oushak hallway runner with Gustavian or French Country style. This hand knotted wool vintage Turkish Oushak runner features five amulet medallions filled with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

1920 s Persian Mahal Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
72659 Antique Persian Mahal Rug, 06'09 x 10'02. Emanating a rich tableau of history and color, this hand-knotted wool antique Persian Mahal rug enchants with its bold artistry and tr...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

Swedish Mora Clock White Castle Crown Carved Detail Early 1800 Frkysdall Antique
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish mora clock in white paint and gold detailing with very unusual and rare hood ornamentation and highly decorative face, lovely star round moti...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Zeki Muren Distressed Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug with Shabby Chic Cottage Style
Located in Dallas, TX
51153 Zeki Muren Distressed Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug with Shabby Chic Cottage Style. Lovingly timeworn with cottage charm and Gustavian grace, this hand knotted wool distressed Turk...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

Swedish Gustavian Candleholders Late 1800th in Pewter
Located in Stockholm, SE
Swedish Gustavian candleholders. Made late 18th century in Pewter, signed N. Height ~ 16,5cm. Ribbed columns on a bell shaped postament, with loose light cuffs and charmingly patinat...
Category

1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pewter

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

Early 19th Century chairs
Located in SE
A pair of Swedish chairs made about 1800. There are two pairs, so it is possible to get a set of four. Gustavian style was the leading style in Swedish architecture, decor and craft...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Distressed Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug with Modern Rustic Cotswold Cottage Style
Located in Dallas, TX
​51292 Distressed Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug with Modern Rustic Cotswold Cottage Style 08'00 x 12'05. ​With its soft, subtle hues and cozy simplicity, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

Zeki Muren Distressed Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
50876 Zeki Muren Distressed Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug. Lovingly timeworn with Gustavian grace, this hand knotted wool distressed Turkish Sivas rug beautifully embodies a Swedish Far...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

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

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

1960s Swedish Gustavian Style Lane Furniture Double Tier Console Table
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, console table you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful table is statement pie...
Category

1960s American Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Bench by Johan Lindgren
Located in Huntington, NY
A unique hourglass shaped Swedish Gustavian bench made by Stockholm master furniture maker, Johan Lindgren (active 1770-1800). His initials, ILG, can be found underneath. Frame is de...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Gray Gustavian Side Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
The antique gray finish highlights the table's refined features, including a bow front, a ribbed drawer front and beautifully reeded tapered legs with subtle turnings. Each architec...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

A Swedish Gustavian Walnut Upholstered Salon Chair With Inlay Ceramic Castors
Located in Reading, Berkshire
An Antique Swedish Gustavian Designed Walnut Upholstered Salon Chair With Decorative Inlay & Ceramic Castors 1800s
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Maison Jansen, Swedish Louis XVI Style, Wood, Fabric, Lounge Chairs, 1940s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Maison Jansen, Gustavian, Louis XVI Style, Lounge Chairs, Grey Painted Wood, Fabric, 1940s A pair of Gustavian Louis XVI lounge chairs from 20th century France. The Directoire style...
Category

1940s French Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of Vintage Brass Gusum Candlesticks by Bernt Karlsson, Sweden, 1980
Located in New York, NY
A pair of solid brass candlesticks by Metallslöjden Gusum Bruk, Sweden. Designed by Bernt Karlsson. Dated 1978 and 1980.
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Two Similar 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs by Johan Hammarström
Located in Huntington, NY
Two similar Swedish Gustavian chairs made in Stockholm. One chair by Johan Erik Höglander (1748-1813) and signed IEH. The other chair by Johan Hammarström (active 1794-1812) and sign...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Swedish Monarchs - Set of 4 Lithographs
Located in Savannah, GA
A set of 4 lithographs depicting the Swedish Monarchs, Erik XIV, Christina, Carl XIII and Oscar I, circa 1900. sight: 6 ½ by 10 ¼ inches frame: 8 ⅜ by 12 inches
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Swedish Gustavian Marble Top Egyptian Pharaoh Mask Pier Table circa 1820
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A VERY FINE EMPIRE POLYCHROMED MARBLE-TOP PIER CONSOLE TABLE IN THE EGYPTIAN TASTE Sweden, circa 1810-1820 with early green and pearl painted elements against parcel-gilding Item # ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Marble

Antique Swedish 6-Arm Chandelier
Located in Sheffield, MA
Large, elegant and impressive, newly restored antique Swedish Gustavian style chandelier with 6 scrolled arms and gold hanging wood and mult...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mirror Gustavian Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Description: A guilded mirror made from carved wood with a mirror glass in two pieces. Made in Sweden between 1775-1810 and the Gustavian period.
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Table with Carved Griffins
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
19th Century Swedish table with carved griffins.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Metal and Mahogany Tray Table
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Gustavian metal tray table. Original oval metal tray decorated with a finely hand painted allegorical scene. Standing rim with pierced handle ...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

An 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Corner Cupboard
Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire
An 18th-century Swedish Gustavian corner cupboard, featuring an original dry-scraped finish that reveals a delicate patina with subtle tones of white and light grey. The elegant desi...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Trumeau Mirror
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century Swedish Trumeau mirror, painted wood in florals topped with raised gold fruit basket surrounded by dolphins. Color is a dark blue-green with cream and gold trim.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Vintage Gustavian Style Chairs by Walter E. Smithe Newly Reupholstered - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Gustavian Style Chairs by Walter E. Smithe Newly Reupholstered in Grey Patterned Alpaca Cashmere - Pair Experience the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, as these ...
Category

Late 20th Century Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Alpaca, Wood

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Armchairs by Erik Öhrmark
Located in Huntington, NY
A stunning pair of Swedish Gustavian armchairs made in Stockholm and signed (OEM) by Erik Öhrmark (1747-1813). In 1777 Öhrmark was granted the right, as a master chair maker, to prod...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Swedish Wall Cabinet by Mats David Gahrn Gustavian Style Studio, 1980 s, Sweden
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Swedish Wall Cabinet by Mats David Gahrn Gustavian Style Studio, 1980's, Sweden MATS DAVID GAHRN. Studio wall cabinet in oak, blackened oak and teak with glazed glass cathedral cabin...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Oak, Teak

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Painted Open Armchair
Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire
an 18th century Swedish open armchair displaying dry scraped paint. Featuring a pierced splat back, raised on, cabriole legs, united by a cross s...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

18th Century Gustavian Sconce Mirror with Center Cameo, Sweden, Circa 1780
Located in New York, NY
18th century Swedish Gustavian single arm candle sconce mirror with center cameo, origin: Sweden, circa 1780 In Scandinavia, candlelight is an important element found in any interio...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Exceptional Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Gilt Wood Mirrors
Located in Allerum, SE
Exceptional, rare and unusually large pair of late Gustavian gilt wood mirrors with gouaches in neoclassical Pompeian style and faux porphyry marble mirror frame. Stockholm, ca 1790.
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Giltwood

1970s Gustavian Style Spanish Rustic Distressed Vintage Dresser Chests, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, Gustavian Distressed rustic design dressers you could hope to find. In original and unfinished condition. Outstanding ...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Set of 8 Swedish Gustavian White Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 6 Swedish Gustavian mid century side chairs with an antique white painted finish and an open back design
Category

20th Century Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Paint

Mora Clock Swedish 1800s Antique white 202cm tall star motif
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish mora clock from the 1800s in lovely white finish with a star motif on the main body and a superb detailed roman numeral face in good condition. Measures: 202 cm. It...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian White Grey Painted Marble Top Chest of Drawers Commode 1875
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish Gustavian White Grey painted plain front chest of drawers commode in gustavian style with classic Gustavian detail on the drawer fronts and leading edges. It has a...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mora Clock Swedish 1800s Antique Fryksdal 217cm Faux Wood Grain 1800s
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish mora clock from the 1800s in rare faux wood grain folk art finish finish and a superb detailed roman numeral face in good condition. Measures: 217 cm. The clock is l...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage Grey Metal Base Lamp
Located in Sheffield, MA
Neoclassical style lamp base with fluted shaft, the small lamp is designed for European framed shades. Will work well in Louis XVI style, Swedish Gustavian style or most any decor. ...
Category

20th Century European Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Console
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Well carved 18th Century Swedish Gustavian console. Decorative carved detailing around three sides, carved and turned legs and repainted in soft blue. Circa 1780.
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Late Gustavian or Early Biedermeier Painted Wall Mirror
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique painted mirror with gilded accents and beveled mercury mirror. The painted finish has been distressed over time, but we will be happ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror

Gustavian Grey Painted Four Poster Bed, US Queen
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Modern Gustavian Grey Painted Four Poster Bed. Queen Size. A wonderful combination of antique Gustavian design and modern details. The posters ar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Danish Late Gustavian Commode
Located in Huntington, NY
A Danish Late Gustavian commode with old (possibly original) brass hardware and locks. Notched corners with two wide drawers over a crisscross patterned apron. Square legs with small...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Gustavian White Painted Commode
Located in Westwood, NJ
Gustavian White Painted commode, The Swedish Neo Classic style Gustavian commode with a concave front side, with paneled drawers and sides having gold leaf trim details. The two long drawers with brass ring pull hardware...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Grey Painted Chatol With Four Drawers From 1790s
Located in Lejre, DK
Gustavian Chatol with four drawers and built-in drawers inside. The Chatol is painted gray and from around 1790. The Chatol will be inspected at the workshop before delivery. Dimen...
Category

1790s Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Buffet with Original Paint, Swedish Antiques
Located in Boden, SE
18th century Swedish Gustavian Buffet with original paint from Burtrask Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden. An elegant Gustavian period buffet with beautifully carved reeded details on t...
Category

Late 18th 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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