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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 Swedish Style Painted Three Drawer Chests by Lexington Furniture
Located in West Chester, PA
Nice pair of Swedish style three drawer commodes or nightstands by Lexington Furniture. These are marked in the drawer and back and in very good condition with intentional factory di...
Category

Late 20th Century American Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Circa 1810 Swedish Gustavian Painted Two Door & Four Drawer Reeded Buffet
Located in London, GB
An early circa 19th century painted two door and four drawer Swedish Gustavian buffet. The reeded panel doors are flanked by reeded detail canted corners with four small galleried d...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Oak

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Console Table - Antique End Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-grey, antique Swedish Gustavian console table made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The freestanding Scandinavian end table is composed with a white recta...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Swedish Gustavian Painted Hall Console End Occasional Table
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Hand Painted Hall, End or Occasional Table, Swedish Gustavian Hand painted and hand distressed wood side table with cabriole legs in a muted Scandinavian green color. The clean line...
Category

Early 2000s North American Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Buffet
Located in Houston, TX
The Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Buffet embodies the refined elegance and craftsmanship characteristic of the Gustavian style. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Swedish Gustavian Folk Art Chair, Original Paint, Circa 1800
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE SWEDISH CHAIR A decorative and characterful chair with simple lines, a solid back, a solid seat and double box stretchers. Peg joined construction made of pine with layers o...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Painted Banquette
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A Swedish 18th Century Period Gustavian banquette with its original hand-scraped painted finish. The solid constructed frame makes a statement and has a removable seat cushion. The l...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Sideboard
Located in Huntington, NY
An unusual Gustavian sideboard with a curved Greek key design across the top. Vertically reeded door fronts. Simple tapered feet. Original brass hardware and locks. Tastefully repain...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Iron, Brass

Pair of Gustavian-style medallion chairs, late 19th century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of chairs with medallion-shaped upholstered backrests and upholstered armrests and seats. The beige paintwork with dark green accents is new and has been given a light antique p...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Antique Swedish Genuine Country House Gustavian Style Console Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique country console table in Gustavian style. All four sides are the same, making it suitable as a freestanding table as well. Handma...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode wreath motif C.1880
Located in LONDON, GB
Circa 1850/1880 antique Swedish Gustavian chest of drawers commode in gustavian style with classic Gustavian ribbing detail on the drawer fronts and leading edges. It has been late...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

18th century Swedish turret clock face and movement Rosendal palace
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Here we offer you the chance to own a unique piece of history circa 1787. Here is a turret clock face and most of the movement reclaimed from rosendal palace in sweden. 'rosendal p...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Iron, Lead

Vintage Persian Isfahan Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
78680 Vintage Persian Isfahan Rug, 05'00 x 06'09. Nestled in the heart of central Iran lies a haven of artistry and tradition: the captivating city of Isfahan. Here, amid whispers of...
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Slant Front Desk
Located in Huntington, NY
A Gustavian slant front desk. The upper section has eight small drawers, four cubbies, two sliding columns and a small locking door. The low...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

19th century Swedish birch mora clock
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish Mora longcase clock, circa 1850. Presented in its original birch finish which has taken on a good patina. Naive hand painted enamel clock face with expected min...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

Pair of Gustavian-style medallion chairs, late 19th century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of chairs with medallion-shaped upholstered backrests and upholstered armrests and seats. The beige paintwork is new and has a light antique patina. The chairs have been covered...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Rare Antique Genuine Swedish Gustavian Style Pine Painted Nightstand
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare Swedish antique nightstand in gustavian style. The nightstand is made around 1790 in Sweden with a frame in solid pine. Original paint ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Vintage Persian Isfahan Rug, Relaxed Refinement Meets Mediterranean Charm
Located in Dallas, TX
61251 Vintage Blue Persian Isfahan Rug, 08'02 x 11'07. ​Nestled in the heart of central Iran lies a haven of artistry and tradition: the captivating city of Isfahan. Here, amid whisp...
Category

Late 20th Century Persian Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

Pair Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Upholstered Benches
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Gustavian Style Set of Smaller Painted Upholstered Benches. Hand painted and hand distressed wood benches fully upholstered in a neu...
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

Large 5' Round White Painted Pedestal Table, Sweden circa 1920
Located in Round Top, TX
This large round pedestal 5' table has a decorative carved skirt and dramatic pedestal base resting on four carved lion's paw feet. Restored, later professionally painted in white an...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage French Grey Painted Wine Tasting Table
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Tilt-Top Round Wine Tasting Table, France Vintage French wine tasting low table, with a Gustavian painted patina with folding top, secured by a swinging gate. The trestle base is su...
Category

Late 20th Century French Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century Swedish Wooden Clock
Located in High Point, NC
This antique wooden clock combines a striking silhouette with a muted patina. Built in Sweden in the early 1800s, the elegant simplicity of the d...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

Swedish Painted Cupboard, 19th Century
Located in Free Union, VA
A flat backed Scandinavian cupboard with an interesting shape and lots of charm, suitable for wall mounting or it could be a quirky tabletop or countertop feature. Fitted with two sh...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Pair of 20th Century Gustavian Style Armchairs
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Pair of 20th century Gustavian style armchairs, repainted in soft grey. Newly upholstered in linen.
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen

19th c. Pair of Swedish Gustavian Painted Barrel Back Armchairs with Lion Heads
Located in Wichita, KS
A pair of Swedish antique barrel back armchairs in the Gustavian style, circa 1880. These stunning chairs have shaped barrel backs with li...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Grey White C.1860
Located in LONDON, GB
Shipping update - please message us directly with your city and zip/postcode for a delivery cost to your location on this item - please do not request shipping from 1st dibs Circa 1...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Gold and Blue Painted Trumeau Mirror, Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
Lovely trumeau mirror with upper applied carved swag and lower Greek key pattern. At 3.5' tall, its size allows it to be displayed in a wide variety of spaces. Restored, later profes...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Oak, Paint

Swedish Antique Mora Clock Green Early 1800s 192cm
Located in LONDON, GB
192cm early 1800s antique Swedish mora clock with carved detail on the hood in a green paint finish and detailed face and hand painted detailing. Measures: 192cm. The clock body ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Gustavian gilt Armchairs with Lions heads, a pair, Sweden, end 19th century
Located in Paris, FR
This pair of large Swedish Armchairs represents a summit in élégance and comfort. The Light Neo-classical shape with half round back generously re...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

19th Century Swedish genuine Gustavian buffet with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
A late Gustavian antique buffet/ sideboard 1850-1870 A magnificent genuine sideboard that has never been repainted. Beautiful top with marble paint. Superb quality piece which would ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Gustavian White Tile Top Tea Side Table with Purple Flowers Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish Gustavian tile top side table with tapered fluted legs and raised lip around tile top. Fluted carved details surround the 6.5" skirt. An original Swedish tile table such as t...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Swedish Gustavian 1880s Light Gray Nightstands with Drawers and Doors, a Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style bedside tables from circa 1880 with light gray finish, single drawer over single door, canted side posts and tapered feet. This pair of Swedish Gust...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large Swedish Greige Gustavian Style Two Drawer Writing Desk
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Painted Grey Green Gustavian Style Two Drawer Writing Table Desk, Sweden Classic and Scandinavian style writing desk. Hand-carved and hand-painted. Drawer knobs are patinated...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Swedish 18th Century Gustavian Serpentine Two Piece Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in Wichita, KS
Beautiful 18th Century Swedish Serpentine front Commode Chest of Drawers in two pieces. this Two piece design was often used for moving the chest in small spaces. The paint on this...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Style Three-Drawer Chest with Carved Reeded Motifs, 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style three-drawer chest from the 19th century with creamy painted finish, carved reeded motifs on the drawers and diamonds on the side panels. Delve into the ser...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Swedish Antique Mora Clock Green Early 1800s 210m Åman Arboga
Located in LONDON, GB
210cm early 1800s antique Swedish mora clock with carved detail on the hood in a green paint finish and detailed face and hand painted detailing. Maker Named Åman, Arboga on face ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Very Unusual Swedish Antique Gustavian Drop Leaf Console or Dining Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Very unusual console table or dining table from Sweden. This antique table is long and narrow made in gustavian style around 1810 to 1820. The table is from Hälsingland in Sweden and...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Style Gray Painted Three-Drawer Chest with Carved Panels
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style three-drawer chest from the 19th century, with marbleized top, gray painted finish, reeded panels and fluted side posts. This 19th-century Swedish Gustavian...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Fornasetti Design Two Drawer Chest with Marble Top
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Gustavian chest with Fornasetti Ancient Rome Design and Natural Marble Top. Original cast brass fittings to the drawers and legs. Width: 66cm / 26.0" Depth: 35cm / 13.8" Height: ...
Category

1950s European Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Black Painted Pine Chest of Four Drawers, Sweden circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish pine chest of drawers with professional custom black painted finish. Top with profiled edge, canted carved sides and raised on tapered feet. Four drawers with raised panels a...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style Unique 4 Drawer Chest f Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian Style Unique 4 Drawer Chest of Drawers. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Late 18th Century Gustavian Cupboard
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Late 18th Century Gustavian Cupboard with reeded doors. Later painted and dry scraped to old paint on the inside, and the feet were replaced at a later date. Circa 1790.
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Reeded Commode Cabinet
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
White Painted Gustavian 2 Drawer Commode Cabinet Hand painted Gustavian style commode constructed from solid wood with a hand-applied distressed finish with brass ring hardware. Thi...
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Zabihi Collection Turkish Yastik Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th-century Turkish Yastik Antique Rug Measures: 1'7” x 3'3”.
Category

20th Century Turkish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wool

1960s, Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Armchairs Newly Upholstered
Located in London, GB
These comfortable tub square armchairs are a classic Swedish design from the 1960s. They have been reupholstered in a light cream bouclé fabric and the walnut frames have been lacque...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Swedish Carved Painted and Giltwood Sofa
Located in Bradenton, FL
Swedish Painted and Parcel-Gilt Sofa. Features padded scrolled back, sides and seat within a berry-leaf carved frame. The arms are decorated with unique black griffin supports, the a...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Chest of drawers With 8 Drawers Inspired By The Gustavian style From 1780s
Located in Lejre, DK
Dive into the past with this Swedish chest of drawers in the enchanting Gustavian style from around the 1780s. The subtle design, characterized by the simple elegance of the period, ...
Category

1780s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak

Pair, Gustavian White Chest of Drawers Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of decorative Gustavian pine chest of drawers with Greek key motif painted along upper drawer. Canted fluted side posts topped with carved applied tassels resting on four tape...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Swedish Gustavian Style Painted 3 Drawer Chest Bureau
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Painted Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Bureau Three drawer bureau based on an 18th Century Gustavian antique chest. Handmade and hand painted w...
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Swedish Gustavian Style 1 Door Cabinet
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian Style 1 Door Cabinet. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1910s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Dressing Mirror
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedsh Gustavian style full length dressing mirror.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Swedish 19th century inlaid birch chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish 19th century inlaid birch chest of drawers circa 1830. Fine quality swedish commode, with inlay, stringing and contrasting stained birch. Matched veneer top surface, with s...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs
Located in Huntington, NY
A pair of Gustavian chairs made in Stockholm by noted maker Johan Melchior Lundberg (active 1774 - 1812). One chair is signed MLB. Scraped to its well preserved original cream color....
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Painted Swedish Sideboard, circa 1880
Located in Washington, DC
A Swedish Gustavian pine sideboard server with traditional carved fluted diamond panel motif on both of the two doors. Tapered fluted feet. This Swedish Gustavian style sideboard, ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

20th Century Norwegian Gustavian Style Tile Table
Located in Huntington, NY
A Gustavian style table with Dutch tile top. Single drawer with original brass pull. Frame has diamond corner details. Legs are tapered and fluted. In original blue paint.
Category

Early 20th Century Norwegian Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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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