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Gustavian Furniture

GUSTAVIAN STYLE

With clean lines and muted colors, antique Gustavian furniture is understated and elegant. It represents a more restrained version of the transition from Rococo to neoclassicism that was happening in France under Louis XVI. The style developed under Swedish King Gustav III, who reigned from 1771 until his assassination in 1792, and his son Gustav IV, who ruled until 1809. Although Gustavian furniture is mostly used to refer to pale painted cabinets, commodes, armchairs and other items, it involved a range of influences.

Gustavian-style furniture was inspired by discoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum as well as the grandeur of European palaces like Versailles, with local softwoods such as pine and birch. There was also an emphasis on natural light; crystal chandeliers and large mirrors played a role in radiating the fleeting daylight of winter, giving it a distinctive aesthetic.

Where earlier furniture was curvy and florid, this new era was more architectural, with tapered and fluted legs and rectangular and oval shapes. Luminous gilt contrasted with the palette of soft blues on upholstery and painted surfaces. Leading furniture builders included Gottlieb Iwersson, Louis Masreliez and Erik Öhrmark. The latter, a French-born Swedish decorator, designed the Sulla chair, a seat that was demonstrative of technical skill and precise craftsmanship and drew on Greek klismos chairs. Masreliez’s Sulla chair was made by Öhrmark and featured decorative ornamentation produced by Jean-Baptiste Masreliez, Louis’s younger brother.

While the wealthy had furniture carved with neoclassical details like scallops and rosettes, more affordable options were adorned with faux finishes that mimicked marble and stenciled patterns. The simple elegance of Gustavian furniture would have a long impact on Swedish design, informing the 20th-century appreciation for function and form. In the 1950s, IKEA mass-produced copies of a Gustavian commode designed by cabinetmaker Georg Haupt, who created pieces for the Royal Palace, making the furniture a fixture of everyday Swedish life.

Find a collection of antique Gustavian seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Gustavian
Swedish 18th Century Gustavian Painted Chest
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A Swedish Gustavian chest of drawers from the late 1700’s with its original paint finish. The top is painted a charcoal color, mimicking Belgium bluestone. The cabinet has a layered ...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique Gold Gilt Trumeau Mirror, Sweden circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Lovely trumeau mirror with applied carved swags, flower medallions, and beaded trim. At 4' tall, it will provide a striking decorative presence. Restored, the gold and bronze gilt is accented with soft burnished red undertones and dramatic black accents to the carved areas...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Giltwood

Swedish Gustavian Painted Cabinet
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A painted Swedish Gustavian armoire from the late 1700’s. This solid pine cabinet has its original light gray-blue paint finish that is worn in all the right places. The tall paneled...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Fine Pair of Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Fine pair of Swedish early 19th century late Gustavian chairs in their original finish by master chair maker Melchior Lundberg (active in Stockholm 1795-1834) . Ca 1810 Stockholm, Sw...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Gustavian, Louis XVI Style, Small Swedish Chest, Brass, Marble, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stamford, CT
Gustavian, Louis XVI Style, Small Swedish Chest, Brass, Marble, Sweden, 1970s Small Gustavian chest of drawers in brown wood designed and produced in Sweden circa 1970s. This piece ...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Small Antique Bleached Gustavian Style Round Side Table. English, Circa 1850
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Fabulous small round table. Made from bleached tropical hardwood and fruitwood. Nicely figured top I particularly like its simplicity. I have chosen not to lacquer or wax the tab...
Category

1850s English Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian, Swedish Commode, Gray Paint Distressed, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stamford, CT
Gustavian, Swedish Commode, Gray Paint Distressed, Sweden, 1950s Gustavian chest of drawers with a gray paint distressed finish designed and produced in Sweden circa 1950s. This exa...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Paint

Swedish Antique Mora Clock White Paint 1800s 203cm Crowned
Located in LONDON, GB
203cm v rare early 1800s antique Swedish mora clock with finely carved detail on the body and hood and detailed face in a later white painted finish. Measures: 203cm. The clock ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

2 Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique set of 2 Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers. they have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian, Louis XVI Style, Swedish Chest, Walnut, Brass, Marble, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stamford, CT
Gustavian, Louis XVI Style, Swedish Chest, Walnut, Brass, Marble, Sweden, 1960s Gustavian chest designed and produced in Sweden in the later half of the 20th century. This example h...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Tall White Painted Trumeau Mirror with Greek Figures, Sweden circa 1900
Located in Round Top, TX
Tall decorative trumeau mirror with carved accents. Upper section portrays Greek figures against a blue painted background. The antique white painted finish is lightly distressed cre...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Paint

Pair of 19th century Swedish Chest Of Drawers
Located in Charleston, SC
A pair of mid 19th century Swedish Gustavian style chest of drawers with brass fittings, dental trims under the shaped wooden tops, canted and fluted corners posts in light white/ gr...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Gustavian, Swedish Commode, Grey Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Stamford, CT
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

Custom Build Swedish Style Dressing Table
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Custom build Swedish style five drawer dressing table / kneehole desk. Can be made to your chosen dimensions and paint colour. Kneehole dimensions: 20" wide x 24" high. Reference: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Painted Trumeau Mirror, Sweden circa 1820-80
Located in Round Top, TX
Lovely trumeau mirror with upper painted and carved thistle design and smaller octagon shaped mirror create a striking crown. Beautiful shades of gold, antique white, muted red and p...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Paint

Swedish Gustavian Painted Center Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A large Swedish Gustavisn style center table with its original paint finish. This table can be used as a desk, console or center table as it is finished on all sides. The simple top sits over a carved table apron...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Swedish early 19th century painted cupboard
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish early 19th century painted cupboard circa 1820. Fine quality 2 part cupboard, ideal for kitchen or multiple rooms around the house. Top section with architectural cornice, d...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Gustavian, Swedish Commode, Gray Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 1800s
Located in Stamford, CT
Gustavian, Swedish Commode, Gray Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 1800s Gustavian dresser or chest of drawers designed and produced in Sweden in the first half of the 19th century. ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Gustavian, Swedish Secretaire Desk, White Paint, Pinewood, Sweden, 1900s
Located in Stamford, CT
Gustavian, Swedish Painted Secretaire Desk, White Paint, Pinewood, Sweden, 1900s Gustavian secretaire desk or storage cabinet designed and produced in Sweden in the early part of the 20th century. This example features a white paint distressed finish. The top portion of the cabinet flips down to reveal a light green paint distressed writing desk...
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Drop Front Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
19th Century Swedish Gustavian hand painted drop top desk. Writing top H 31”
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Door Sideboard
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Gustavian Style 3 door sideboard. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian, Swedish Commode, Grey Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Stamford, CT
Gustavian, Swedish Commode, Grey Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 1930s Gustavian chest of drawers designed and produced in Sweden circa 1930s. This example features a gray paint di...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Paint

Swedish Gustavian Style Glass Top Hutch
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian Style Glass Top Hutch. the bottom cabinet is circa 1950 the upper glass top is New made using Antique windows found at an Estate Auction in Sweden. the gl...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Painted Corner Cabinet
Located in Hudson, NY
Great age to this Swedish corner cabinet. Uniquely concave, and painted in teal with the perfect amount of distress on diamond paneled doors.
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Custom Made Swedish Style Enfilade
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Custom made Swedish style four door enfilade. Can be made to your chosen paint colour and dimensions. Colour on enfilade pictured is F&B Shaded White. Reference: 8371 Dimensions 80...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Fine quality 18th Century burr walnut chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine quality 18th century burr walnut chest of drawers circa 1730. Fine quality swedish commode circa 1730. Beautiful natural colour which has taken nearly 300 years to develop.  S...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Gustavian white painted Longcase Clock Mathias Kullberg Stockholm 18th century
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Very decorative Swedish longcase clock from the Gustavian period painted in a cream white with giltwood decoration. The dial is signed by the St...
Category

1770s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Bench, Swedish with Griffons, 19th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
With significant size and presence, this armed bench has a long single seat and three separate upholstered back rests and upholstered arm rests. The elaborately carved wood is painte...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Rare Period 1740-60s era Swedish Gustavian Baroque Bergere Chair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Carved distressed painted frame. Upholstered. 41 1/2" h x 26 3/8" w x 23 1/2" d. Seat height 20 1/4". Condition Splits in wood. Paint loss. Chips and nicks in wood. Minor stains to ...
Category

1740s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Unique Gustavian Style 2 Drawer Nightstands
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Unique set of Gustavian Style 2 Drawer Nightstands. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Style Rams Head Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Style Rams Head Chair.  its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style 4 Door Sideboard
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Gustavian Style 4 Door Sideboard. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

White Painted Gustavian Style Table Writing Desk With One Drawer, circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish Gustavian style table with single fluted drawer and tapered legs. Restored, later professionally painted in layered shades of white now distressed to add to the character and...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Blue-Grey Swedish Gustavian Side Table - Scandinavian Kitchen Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A blue-grey, antique Swedish Gustavian single center, kitchen table made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian side table is composed with one drawer,...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Eight Hand-Blown Genuine Gustavian Shot glasses from Sweden in Amethyst tones
Located in Stockholm, SE
Eight hand-blown Gustavian shots made in Provincial Sweden in Amethyst tones. It is a reminiscent of a bygone era of peoples gatherings. Each glass bears the subtle imperfections and characterful quirks that are the hallmark of artisanal craftsmanship. The glass mass of these goblets carries an enchanting warmth that infuses every sip with a touch of provincial magic. The irregularities in the glass, and the amethyst tones is a testament to their handmade nature, add a delightful charm that speaks of authenticity and heritage. Whether gracing a farmhouse kitchen table or adorning a cozy tavern bar...
Category

17th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Blown Glass

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Drop-Leaf Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Swedish painted drop-leaf table. Table features two large leaves that drop down when not needed, making this usable as a dining, sofa or hall table. When a dining table ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish antique genuine small Gustavian table original paint
Located in Boden, SE
A fantastically pretty & elegant Gustavian table. It is easy to place & fits in any room. The Gustavian table comes from Umeå Västerbotten, Northern Sweden. It has been in an old V...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest of Drawers Bureau
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Blue Painted Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Bureau. This three drawer bureau is based on an 18th Century Gustavian antique chest. The chest is handmade and hand painted with...
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Blue Painted Bookcase Display Cabinet with Glass Doors, Denmark circa 1840
Located in Round Top, TX
Delightful blue painted pine bookcase with dentil molding along crown and traditional diamond details throughout. Lower drawers and attractive feet bring balance to this display cab...
Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Pine, Paint

Antique Swedish Gustavian White Painted Side Table With Drawer, circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique Swedish Gustavian White Painted Side Table With Drawer. Tapered legs and horizontal fluted carving along single drawer. May also serve as nightstand. Restored, later professi...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Swedish Antique Mora Clock Folk Art Paint 1800s 230cm C Palmlöf Sala
Located in LONDON, GB
230cm rare early 1800s antique Swedish mora clock with carved detail in a folk art finish and detailed face with the makers name C Palmlöf of Sala marked on it and hand painted de...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Gold and Green Painted Trumeau Mirror, Sweden circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Lovely trumeau mirror painted in soft shades of green, pale red, and gold. At just under 4' tall, its size allows it to be displayed in a wide variety of spaces. In solid condition r...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Paint

Antique Swedish Lift Top "Kökssoffa" Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Turn of the 19th - 20th century Swedish lift top bench or bed in a light blue color. These were placed in farm house kitchens and typically the milkmaid's bed, thus the name "kökssof...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Pair Of Gustavian Style Armchairs With Gilt Plume & Shell Motif
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of distressed white paint decorated armchairs with back splats having carved gilt plume and shell motif. The chairs with inset carved geometric motifs, baluster form armrest sup...
Category

20th Century Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Country Folk Art Cabinet dated 1830 originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish antique Jämtskåp from Jämtland .The beautifully marbled crown in the lovely blue shade.The upper cabinet has reeded doors, and the lower part with the imitation ...
Category

1830s Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mid 19th Century Gray Painted Swedish Drop Leaf Dining Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Faded gray painted drop leaf table Beautiful patina the height of Swedish style Gate legs fold to a narrow side table
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

18th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Painted Fall Front Desk
Located in Wichita, KS
An 18th century Swedish fall-front bureau from the Gustavian period wearing beautiful black paint, circa 1790. Original brass hardware and locks. This secretary displays neoclassical...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair, White Painted Gustavian Style Armchairs, Sweden circa 1900's
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, Swedish white painted armchairs with carved details along edges, top of back and bottom of seat; turned fluted legs. The newer, professionally applied antique white painted fin...
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair of 19th century Swedish painted faux marble top chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of 19th century swedish painted faux marble top chest of drawers circa 1870. Hand painted top surface to simulate marble, stepped edge with dentil frieze detailing.  Canted cor...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Pair of Black Painted Gustavian Demilune Table Consoles
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Black Painted Gustavian Demilune Table Consoles, A Pair Impressive Pair of Black Swedish Half-Round Demi-Lune Tables with Brass Hardware. Put together this set makes a fantastic rou...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Antique Country Gustavian Style Console Table, Northern Swedish Hand-Made Pine
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique country console table in gustavian style from northern Sweden. The table is made around 1820 and has original light paint with genuine patina and distress. Made by hand in so...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair, Gustavian Style White Arm Chairs, Sweden circa 1940
Located in Round Top, TX
This pair of Swedish arm chairs have a gently curved back, cabriolet legs and decorative carving embellish the skirt and top which all add to the graceful appeal of each. The newer p...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair of Blue Painted Chest of Three Drawers With Griffins, Sweden circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of elegant Gustavian pine chests of three drawers painted in soft blue and contrasting black top with pair of griffins highlighting the upper drawer. Canted fluted side posts ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of White Painted Swedish Chest of Drawers, circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of Gustavian pine chest of drawers with Greek key motif carved in upper molding resting on fluted feet. The newer, professionally applied antique white custom painted finish i...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Period 1810s Gray Painted Mora Clock with Brown Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period painted wood Mora clock from circa 1810 with round head, gray painted finish with green and brown accents, carved waterleaf motifs and rustic character. Th...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Pair, White painted Gustavian Nightstands Side Tables, Sweden circa 1880-90
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, small Swedish country Gustavian white painted nightstands or side tables standing on tapered legs. Applied floral carving accents the front along with dentil molding and diamon...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak, Pine, Paint

19th c. Swedish Gustavian Period Sofa Bench in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A long 19th c. Swedish sofa bench from the Gustavian period, hand-scraped to reveal the original paint, circa 1800. This beautiful sofa has been newly upholstered in linen and has un...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, 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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