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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 1880s Gustavian Style Gray Painted Sideboard with Carved Guilloches
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style gray painted sideboard circa 1880 with two doors, two drawers, carved guilloche frieze and petite rosettes. Embrace the understated elegance of Swedish Gust...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Gustavian Period Bench
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
19th Century Gustavian repainted bench made in the region of Lindome, original size and newly upholstered in linen. Some minor restoration over the years.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Blue Swedish Gustavian Pair of Pinewood Chest - Faux Marble Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th Century, light-blue antique Swedish Gustavian pair of chests made of hand crafted painted Pinewood with two large drawers and one small one, in good condition. The Scandinavia...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Pair of 19th Century Gustavian Bellman Chairs
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Pair of unusual 19th Century Gustavian Bellman armchairs. Scraped to original colour in newly upholstered in linen, these chairs have had some minor restoration over the years.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Gustavian Style Black Painted Mahogany Caned Pedestal Plant Stand 36"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Gustavian style plant stand featuring black painted mahogany frame with hexagon shaped caned planter, tapered tripod legs, and fluted and carved floral accents. DIMENSIONS ...
Category

Early 20th Century Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Cane, Hardwood, Paint

Pair of Gustavian Style Chests of Drawers, Early 20th C.
Located in South Salem, NY
This pair of Gustavian style cream painted chests of drawers exudes timeless charm and sophistication. Each chest boasts three spacious drawers ado...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Louis XV Style Commode with Marble Top
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Rococo Chest/Commode with marble top These chests dates from the early 1900's and have their orginal marble top and cast brass handles. The chests has been restored and renovated to the highest standard with a Christian Lacroix black bords...
Category

1950s European Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Original Painted Swedish Gustavian Sofa
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Original Painted Swedish Gustavian Sofa. the seating has been restored and covered in Muslin.
Category

1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Berlin Iron

18th century Swedish Gustavian Period Side Chair
Located in Charleston, SC
18th century Swedish Gustavian period side chair hand-scraped to its most original paint, with oval back, pierced slats and carved wheat sheaf, cross...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood

20th Century Gustavian Style Glazed Display Cabinet / Bookcase
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
20th Century Gustavian Style Glazed Display Cabinet / Bookcase An early 20th century display painted in the Gustavian style. The Cabinet consi...
Category

20th Century German Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak

1930’s kingwood inlaid Swedish marble top secretaire
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Good quality inlaid secretaire circa 1930. Over-sailing grey marble top with canted corners.  Single drawer below the top surface cross banded and with ormolu mounts.  Profusely inl...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Kingwood, Walnut

Sturehov, Gustavian Style Armchair
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Limited edition reproductions by D. Larsson, inspired by the finest 18th - 19th-century Swedish furniture. STUREHOV, This fine Gustavian style armchair is inspired by a remarkable Gustavian period square back armchair from our own collection. With fine carvings thru out the entire chair. Originally designed and made by Stockholm chair master Melchior Lundberg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Beech

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Side Chairs Attributed to Ephraim Ståhl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A grey, antique Swedish Gustavian pair of armchairs made of hand crafted painted Birchwood, designed and produced most likely by Ephraim Ståhl in good condition. The Scandinavian Neo...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Birch, Velvet, Upholstery

Louis XV Style Chest with Floral Design and Marble Tops
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Gustavian chest with marble slab and frame in white, redesigned with hummingbird design pattern. Marble top. Fine original fittings in solid brass. ...
Category

1950s European Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Louis XV Style Chest with Gold Birds Design and Marble Top
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Gustavian commode with marble slab and frame with Gold Christian Lacroix Design. Fine original fittings in solid brass. Width: 70cm / 27.6" Depth: 41cm / 16.1" Height: 69cm / 27.2"
Category

1950s European Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Chest of drawers in mahogany with Limestone top with fossils, 1790s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Very elegant and small Gustavian Chest of drawers in mahogany (Swietenia mahogoni) with Limestone top with a lot of Fossils. Made during the 1790...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Limestone

Swedish Gustavian Period 1810s Dove Gray Painted Sideboard with Diamond Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period sideboard from circa 1810 with gray painted finish, carved diamond motifs, two doors and hidden drawers. This Swedish Gustavian period sideboard from aroun...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large Round White Washed Pedestal Farmhouse Dining Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
A timeless Swedish Gustavian inspired round pedestal farmhouse table made with reclaimed whitewashed cherry wood table top and a natural colored wood table base. The table makes a p...
Category

20th Century American Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Antique Mora Clock White Early 1800s Doves Detail 235cm Kruko
Located in LONDON, GB
Stunning and rare one of a kind very tall 235cm C.1830 antique Swedish mora clock with elaborate carved detail on the hood with curlicues and 2 dove figures in a white paint finish ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Pinewood Candle Holders - Antique Sticks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Swedish pair of mid 19th Century Gustavian candle holders made of hand crafted Pinewood, in good condition. The sticks are patinated in...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Armoire - Antique Scandinavian Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A blue-grey, antique Swedish Gustavian armoire, wardrobe made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The tall Scandinavian cabi...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Bench
Located in Huntington, NY
A rare and exceptional low Swedish Gustavian bench featuring leaf cut design on all four sides. Sits atop square, tapered and fluted legs. Meticulously scraped to its original grey p...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Paint, Wood, Linen

Gustavian Style 1840s Gray Painted Drop Front Secretary with Graduated Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style drop front secretary from circa 1840 with gray painted finish, writing area and three graduated drawers. This Swedish Gustavian style drop-front secretary, ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th c. Swedish Gustavian Style Sofa Bench in Original Patina
Located in Wichita, KS
19th c. Swedish sofa bench in the Gustavian style wearing its original, natural patina. There are carved rosettes at each corner post and the tapered and fluted legs feature fluted, round caps. This sofa is covered in old linen...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

Swedish 1890s Gustavian Style Gray Painted Three Drawer Chest with Reeded Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style gray painted chest from circa 1890 with three drawers, reeded accentuation and tapered feet. This Swedish Gustavian style chest, originating from the late 1...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Grey Swedish Gustavian Pine Two Part Bureau - Antique Secretaire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 18th Century, light-grey, white antique Swedish Gustavian two part bureau made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian secretaire is composed with two...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

Gray Painted Gustavian Style 1890s Demilune Tables with Carved Dentil, a Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style demi-lune console tables from circa 1890 with carved dentil molding, and discrete diamond motifs. This pair of Swedish Gustavian style demi-lune con...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Elegant pair of Gustavian Carrara marble and Gilt brass Candlesticks from 1790s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant pair of Gustavian Carrara marble and Gilt brass Candlesticks from the 1790s. Simple beauty with some charming patina. Wear consistent with age and use
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

Gustavian Period 1800s Swedish Dove Grey Painted Three-Drawer Chest
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period light dove grey painted chest from circa 1800 with three dovetail drawers, canted side posts and fluted tapering feet. Evoking the serene elegance of the S...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Glass Rinsers, circa 1800
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of glass rinsers in untouched condition. Painted metal. These are since they are a pair and that they are in original condition which is rare.
Category

Early 1800s European Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Sheet Metal

Rococo Style Mora Clock 1700's
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Rococo longcase Mora Clock dated 1777 by Anders Swensson with original decorative paint detailing. Carved detailing to crown. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weigh...
Category

Early 18th Century European Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century Blue Painted Swedish Gustavian Period Slant-Front Secretary
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish late Gustavian period painted wood slant-front secretary from the early 19th century with light blue painted finish and carved bracket feet. This exquisite Swedish late Gustavian period painted wood slant-front secretary, dating back to the early 19th century, exudes grace and understated elegance. Painted in a serene light...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Sideboard
Located in Huntington, NY
A beautiful Swedish Gustavian sideboard made in Angermanland with elaborate wood carvings – reeded door fronts, leaf cut detail at the top and wheat sheath décor on the sides. Interi...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair of 19th Century Late Gustavian Footstools
Located in Huntington, NY
A beautiful pair of Swedish Late Gustavian footstools. Featuring a decorative hand-carved Guilloché scroll with reeded fleurons on the corners. Turned legs are tapered and fluted. Su...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair of Swedish Gustavian End or Side Tables with Stone tops
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A charming pair of 20th Century Swedish nightstands or night tables in mahogany wood with green serpentine marble tops. These Gustavian brass gallery oval tables with fluted Louis XV...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Serpentine, Brass

19th C. Gustavian Round Table
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful Gustavian round table with stretchers.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish 1790s Gustavian Period Two-Part Painted Secretary with Slant Front Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period two-part tall secretary from circa 1790 with elegant carved décor, creamy white painted finish and multiple inner drawers inside the slant-front desk. Disc...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Bar Cabinet
Located in San Angelo, TX
A unique and one of a kind 19th century Gustavian Swedish bar cabinet. This can be used for many things and can also function as a serving area. Pai...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Mid 19th century Swedish pine long case mora clock
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century Swedish pine long case mora clock circa 1850. Large Swedish long case Mora clock, presented in scraped back paint. Scraped back down to reveal a partial colour of ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Möllers Armaturfabrik Eskiltuna Floor Lamp in Teak and Brass, Sweden, 1950s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare floor lamp was produced by Möllers Armaturfabrik in Eskiltuna, Sweden in the 1950s. The model is numbered 86 and the lamp is marked 'MAE 86' with a metal plate on the botto...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Pinewood Chests - Antique Commodes
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 19th Century, light-grey antique Swedish Gustavian pair of chests made of hand crafted painted Pinewood with two large drawers and one small one, in good condition. The Scandinavia...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Gustavian Style 1880s Light Gray Painted Vitrine Cabinet with Glass Doors
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood vitrine cabinet from circa 1880 with light gray painted finish, glass doors and carved diamond motifs. This Swedish Gustavian style vitrine cabinet, hailing from the late 19th century, effortlessly marries classic elegance with practical functionality. Its light Gustavian gray painted finish with some wood showing, bathes the piece in a soft and timeless aura. At the top, a gracefully molded cornice with dentil molding exudes sophistication while providing a stately frame for the twin glass doors below. These doors, a key feature, not only allow for a glimpse into the treasures within but also invite ambient light to dance upon your cherished objects. Inside, three shelves offer versatility, catering to your unique display needs. Whether it's heirloom china, collectibles, or books, this vitrine provides the perfect stage for showcasing your most cherished possessions. The lower section boasts two wooden doors adorned with carved reeded diamond motifs, adding a touch of depth and texture to the piece. The short tapered feet lend a sense of balance and proportion, while maintaining a light and airy feel. In your home, this vitrine cabinet becomes a multifunctional masterpiece. Place it in your dining room to showcase fine china, silverware, and glassware, elevating your dinner parties to a new level of sophistication. Alternatively, use it in your living room as an artful display for books, objets d'art, or family photos, infusing your space with refined charm. This Swedish Gustavian vitrine...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Old Prints - Hazel Grouse & Common Moorhen
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Wilhelm and Ferdinand von Wright belonged to a Swedish-Finnish noble family in the 17th century. Together with their brother Magnus von Wright these ornithologists, scientists, natur...
Category

1920s Finnish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Paper

Set of Six 19th Century Swedish Dining Side Chairs
Located in Charleston, SC
A set of six Swedish painted wood dining room side chairs from the late 19th century, with carved splats, tapering legs - slip seat cushions upholstered in linen. Note: Two chairs ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

18th Century Grey Swedish Gustavian Two Part Pine Secretary - Scandinavian Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, white antique Sweden Gustavian two part bureau with a writing flap made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian writing table, desk is com...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Exceptional pair of 19th Century Gustavian Stools
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Exceptional and unusually large pair of early 19th century Gustavian stools in their original finish. Ca 1800 Stockholm, Sweden.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Column, Antique Scandinavian Décor Piece
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A single, antique Swedish Gustavian column made of hand crafted painted Pinewood in good condition. The Scandinavian pedestal, podium is enhanced by detailed wood carvings. Minor los...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Oval Gustavian Giltwood Wall Mirror
Located in Kastrup, DK
Classic Gustavian or Louis Seize carved giltwood wall mirror. Features an oval mirror with pearl beading on the interior perimeter, exterior frame decorated with a bow-tied ribbon on...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Tragsofa
Located in Huntington, NY
An intricately carved Swedish Gustavian tragsofa featuring a decorative hand carved Guilloché scrolling apron. Decorative fleurons sit atop fluted tapered legs. This piece has been t...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Small White Gustavian Chest of Two Drawers, Sweden circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
This small chest of drawers is quite dramatic thanks to the bow front and fluted carving along the skirt. Rests on tapered feet. Restored, later professionally painted in layered sha...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique Swedish Country Pine Rocking Bassinet
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce late 18th / early 19th century Gustavian Period country Swedish farmhouse pine bassinet / cradle with beautifully aged character and warm patina. Hand-crafted in Sweden, c...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Set of Swedish Gustavian Armchairs Attributed to Ephraim Ståhl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A grey, antique Swedish Gustavian set of similar armchairs made of hand crafted painted Birchwood, designed and produced most likely by Ephraim Ståhl in good condition. The Scandinav...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Birch

Gustavian Blue Painted Chest of Drawers, Sweden Late 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A small Gustavian-style light blue painted chest with 3 drawers and brass hardware from the second half of the 19th Century. This little Scandinavia...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

18th Century Gustavian Sofa
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
18th Century Gustavian sofa. Scraped to original paint with exquisite carving and recently reupholstered in linen.
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood

Late 18th century Decorative Double Sided Swedish Folk Biblical Wall Hanging
Located in London, GB
A large size decorative Swedish folk art painted wall hanging - Bonad - which may have been originally from a church. Painted on canvas in natural pigments it depicts naive biblical themes...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Canvas

19th Century Large Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
19th Century Gustavian Style Chest of Drawers, Germany, 1850 Ashwood A decorative Swedish Gustavian style chest of drawers made of solid ashwood, three drawers with brass hardware....
Category

1850s German Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Ash

Gustavian Style 1900s Swedish Footstool with Carved Rosettes and Tapered Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style footstool from circa 1900 with gray painted finish, carved rosettes, tapered legs and upholstery. This Swedish Gustavian style footstool, crafted around 190...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, 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

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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