Skip to main content

Gustavian Footstools

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.

12
to
1
11
1
12
12
12
594
272
112
82
56
32
30
25
16
14
13
11
9
8
8
4
4
3
3
6
3
2
1
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
4
7
11
8
7
7
2
12
12
12
Style: Gustavian
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Footstools
By Ephraim Stahl
Located in Huntington, NY
A beautiful pair of Late Gustavian footstools. In the style of Ephraim Ståhl. Rectangular frame with slight bowfront and back. Featuring a decorative hand-carved scroll with fleurons...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Footstools
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Footstools

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Footstools

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Footstools
Located in Huntington, NY
A pair of 19th century Swedish Gustavian style foot stools with detailed fleurons on the corners. The leg tops are finished with vertical reeded over-collaring atop turned and slight...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Footstools
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Footstools

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Footstools

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Rococo-Gustavian Footstools
Located in Huntington, NY
An unusual pair of Rococo-Gustavian transitional footstools made in Stockholm. The base has rounded fleurons on the corners and a flower-leaf carving in the bowed center. The legs are turned, tapered and fluted. This piece has older grey paint and has been reupholstered in linen. The original seats are marked with Örebro shipping labels...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Rococo-Gustavian Footstools
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Rococo-Gustavian Footstools

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Rococo-Gustavian Footstools

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 Footstools

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair of 19th Century Late Gustavian Footstools
Pair of 19th Century Late Gustavian Footstools

Pair of 19th Century Late Gustavian Footstools

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 Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Gustavian Style 1900s Swedish Footstool with Carved Rosettes and Tapered Legs
Gustavian Style 1900s Swedish Footstool with Carved Rosettes and Tapered Legs

Gustavian Style 1900s Swedish Footstool with Carved Rosettes and Tapered Legs

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Footstools
Located in Huntington, NY
A rare pair of Gustavian footstools with Stockholm chairmaker’s seal on both. Frames are decorated with upright leaf cut. The corners meet in decorative medallions. The legs are fini...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Footstools
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Footstools

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Footstools

Pair of Antique Swedish Gustavian Ottomans
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Ottomans in white paint and parcel gilt. In a white painted finish, the carved frames in the Louis XVI style with cylindric...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Wood

Pair of Antique Swedish Gustavian Ottomans
Pair of Antique Swedish Gustavian Ottomans

Pair of Antique Swedish Gustavian Ottomans

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Provincial Taburettes/ Stools with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian Provincial taburettes / stools. Handscraped to its originalcolor. Beautiful fluted legs. The taburettes is reholstery in beautiful linen fabric. Th...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Provincial Taburettes/ Stools with Originalpaint
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Provincial Taburettes/ Stools with Originalpaint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Provincial Taburettes/ Stools with Originalpaint

French Painted "X" Rocking Bench with Linen Upholstery, circa 1930s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French painted rocking stool that is newly upholstered in washed Belgium linen and finished with antique brass nailhead trim detail.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Brass

French Painted "X" Rocking Bench with Linen Upholstery, circa 1930s
French Painted "X" Rocking Bench with Linen Upholstery, circa 1930s

French Painted "X" Rocking Bench with Linen Upholstery, circa 1930s

Swedish Gustavian Round Stool
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian round stool, it has been restored and painted with milk paints "Oyster White". Seating recovered in Muslin. The seat spins around
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Birch

Swedish Gustavian Round Stool
Swedish Gustavian Round Stool

Swedish Gustavian Round Stool

Pair of Swedish Neoclassic Painted Footstools
Located in Essex, MA
Each with carved seat rail with set in seat raised on carved legs headed by paterae and tapered with reeded tassel and fluting joined by a turned X-form stretcher.
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Other

Pair of Swedish Neoclassic Painted Footstools
Pair of Swedish Neoclassic Painted Footstools

Pair of Swedish Neoclassic Painted Footstools

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Footstools
Located in Huntington, NY
A beautiful pair of Swedish Gustavian footstools from Gotland. Leaf cut decor around the sides with reeded fleurons on the corners. The leg tops are finished with inverted pedals ove...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Footstools
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Footstools

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Footstools

Related Items
Pair of Mid Century X Stretcher Ottomans or Footstools
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant pair of Mid Century ottomans a xwith travel related print in the fabric. X Stretcher in dark walnut. Nice and tight, fabric is good. In excellent vintage condition...
Category

1980s English Vintage Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Pair of Mid Century X Stretcher Ottomans or Footstools
Pair of Mid Century X Stretcher Ottomans or Footstools

Pair of Mid Century X Stretcher Ottomans or Footstools

H 19.25 in W 21 in D 21 in
Small Swedish 19th Century Brown Leather Footstool
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Swedish 19th century brown leather footstool with great patina and burn branded initials underneath.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Leather, Wood

Small Swedish 19th Century Brown Leather Footstool
Small Swedish 19th Century Brown Leather Footstool

Small Swedish 19th Century Brown Leather Footstool

Free Shipping
H 6.3 in W 19.3 in D 13.78 in
1950s Italian Foot Stool with Solid Brass Tapered Legs
Located in Hanover, MA
Footstool or ottoman, Italian 1950s, in rectangular slightly kidney bean shape. Wood frame upholstered in dense foam and covered in its original wine colored cotton velvet, standing ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Brass

1950s Italian Foot Stool with Solid Brass Tapered Legs
1950s Italian Foot Stool with Solid Brass Tapered Legs

1950s Italian Foot Stool with Solid Brass Tapered Legs

H 13.75 in W 18 in D 14 in
Contemporary Swedish Modern Style Faux Sheepskin Footstool / Ottoman, Cream
By Philip Arctander
Located in Stamford, CT
Contemporary Swedish Modern Style Faux Sheepskin Footstool / Ottoman, Cream Contemporary organic form tri-pod stool or ottoman. New comfortable foam cushioning and white faux shearli...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Faux Fur, Wood

Contemporary Swedish Modern Style Faux Sheepskin Footstool / Ottoman, Cream
Contemporary Swedish Modern Style Faux Sheepskin Footstool / Ottoman, Cream

Contemporary Swedish Modern Style Faux Sheepskin Footstool / Ottoman, Cream

H 19.5 in Dm 19 in
Italian Walnut and Upholstered Rococo Footstool, Mid 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having a brown velvet upholstered top trimmed in patinated nailheads, the shaped apron supported by cabriole legs terminating in upturned raised pad feet.
Category

1750s Italian Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Walnut

Italian Walnut and Upholstered Rococo Footstool, Mid 18th Century
Italian Walnut and Upholstered Rococo Footstool, Mid 18th Century

Italian Walnut and Upholstered Rococo Footstool, Mid 18th Century

H 9.5 in W 12.25 in D 12.25 in
19th Century American Empire Round Upholstered Footstool.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th Century American Empire Round Upholstered Footstool. Round, footed stool with rich mahogany wood veneer stands on four short, hand-carved, flared and graduated legs. A great room accessory...
Category

19th Century Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

19th Century American Empire Round Upholstered Footstool.
19th Century American Empire Round Upholstered Footstool.

19th Century American Empire Round Upholstered Footstool.

H 8.5 in Dm 18.5 in
18th Century Swedish Folk Art Stool
Located in Mjöhult, SE
A unique organic and sculptural 18th century Swedish Folk Art stool, ca 1770 - 1800. Sweden.
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Folk Art Stool
18th Century Swedish Folk Art Stool

18th Century Swedish Folk Art Stool

H 12.6 in W 19.3 in D 11.42 in
Louis XV Style 19th Century French Footstool with Carved Cabriole Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XV style wooden footstool from the 19th century with carved cabriole legs and double welt linen custom upholstery. Elevate the elegance of your living space with this ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Louis XV Style 19th Century French Footstool with Carved Cabriole Legs
Louis XV Style 19th Century French Footstool with Carved Cabriole Legs

Louis XV Style 19th Century French Footstool with Carved Cabriole Legs

H 10.5 in W 15.5 in D 12.5 in
Antique Swedish Pair of Large Rococo Style Footstools
Located in Kramfors, SE
Pair of large upholstered stools in rococo style made during the rococo revival in the late 19th century. The stools are unusually large and h...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Pine

Antique Swedish Pair of Large Rococo Style Footstools
Antique Swedish Pair of Large Rococo Style Footstools

Antique Swedish Pair of Large Rococo Style Footstools

H 18.9 in W 18.9 in D 18.9 in
Louis XVI French 1900s Footstool with Carved Rais de Cœurs and Rosettes
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XVI style footstool from circa 1900 with carved rais-de-cœur and rosettes motifs on the apron, fluted legs and custom upholstery. This charming French Louis XVI style ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Louis XVI French 1900s Footstool with Carved Rais de Cœurs and Rosettes
Louis XVI French 1900s Footstool with Carved Rais de Cœurs and Rosettes

Louis XVI French 1900s Footstool with Carved Rais de Cœurs and Rosettes

H 9.5 in W 13.5 in D 9.25 in
Upholstered Bench with Brown Horsehair Seat with Mahogany Frame and Tapered Legs
By LF Upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Denton bench made by LF Upholstery is shown with brown and taupe patterned horsehair with soft foam padding. It has a hand carved mahogany wood and finished frame with tapered legs - it is shown without trim but can be made custom with choice of pewter or French Natural nailheads or gimp trim...
Category

2010s American Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Mahogany

Upholstered Bench with Brown Horsehair Seat with Mahogany Frame and Tapered Legs
Upholstered Bench with Brown Horsehair Seat with Mahogany Frame and Tapered Legs

Upholstered Bench with Brown Horsehair Seat with Mahogany Frame and Tapered Legs

H 18 in W 22 in D 18 in
Louis XVI Style 19th Century French Stamped Pihouée Footstool with Carved Décor
By Alexandre Pihouée
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XVI style wooden footstool from the late 19th century stamped Alexandre Pihouée with carved base, tapered fluted legs and needlepoint upholstery. Indulge in the refine...
Category

19th Century French Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Wood

Louis XVI Style 19th Century French Stamped Pihouée Footstool with Carved Décor
Louis XVI Style 19th Century French Stamped Pihouée Footstool with Carved Décor

Louis XVI Style 19th Century French Stamped Pihouée Footstool with Carved Décor

H 6 in W 15 in D 10.5 in
Previously Available Items
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Footstools
Located in Huntington, NY
A pair of Swedish Gustavian footstools with rounded fleurons on the corners. The legs are turned, tapered and fluted. Supported by turned H-cross construction. This piece has been me...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Footstools
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Footstools

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Footstools

H 18.9 in W 15.8 in D 15.8 in
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Footstools
Located in Huntington, NY
A beautiful pair of Swedish Gustavian footstools from Gotland. Leaf cut decor around the sides with reeded fleurons on the corners. The leg tops are finished with inverted pedals ove...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Footstools
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Footstools

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Footstools

H 17.5 in W 16 in D 16 in
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Leather and Birch Stool
Located in New York, NY
19th century Gustavian stool having an original black leather upholstery top resting upon a white birch frame. The border with an inset hard carved bellflower frieze supported by fou...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Leather, Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Leather and Birch Stool
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Leather and Birch Stool

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Leather and Birch Stool

H 16 in W 16 in D 16 in
Vintage Swedish Gustavian Style Upholstered Bench
Located in Allentown, PA
This is an early 20th century Swedish gustavian style upholstered bench. This bench has a Swedish gray paint on the legs and apron with raised gold Painted empire details. This bench...
Category

1940s Vintage Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Wood

Vintage Swedish Gustavian Style Upholstered Bench
Vintage Swedish Gustavian Style Upholstered Bench

Vintage Swedish Gustavian Style Upholstered Bench

H 20.5 in W 45 in D 23 in
Pair of 18th Century Stockholm Footstools
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Period pair of 18th century Stockholm made pair of Gustavian footstools. Repainted in soft grey with decorative carved detailing to the stretchers and legs. Circa 1780.
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Wood

Pair of 18th Century Stockholm Footstools
Pair of 18th Century Stockholm Footstools

Pair of 18th Century Stockholm Footstools

H 16.93 in W 17.52 in D 15.56 in
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Footstools
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Period pair of 18th century Gustavian footstools. With decorative carved detailing on the stretchers and legs. Repainted in light grey and re-upholstered in linen.
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Wood

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Footstools
Pair of 18th Century Swedish Footstools

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Footstools

H 16.93 in W 16.34 in D 15.16 in
19th C. Swedish Gustavian Painted Window Seat Bench with Armrests
Located in Wichita, KS
A rare Swedish window bench in the Gustavian style newly upholstered in fine Belgian linen with padded armrests. The frame features beautifully carved a...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

19th C. Swedish Gustavian Painted Window Seat Bench with Armrests
19th C. Swedish Gustavian Painted Window Seat Bench with Armrests

19th C. Swedish Gustavian Painted Window Seat Bench with Armrests

H 26.75 in W 41.75 in D 15.75 in
Late Gustavian Swedish Painted Pine Footstool or Tabouret
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish late gustavian tabouret or footstool from the years around 1790 to 1810. The tabouret is from Sweden and made in pine. This piece is made with armrests or handles on each sid...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Pine

Late Gustavian Swedish Painted Pine Footstool or Tabouret
Late Gustavian Swedish Painted Pine Footstool or Tabouret

Late Gustavian Swedish Painted Pine Footstool or Tabouret

H 25.6 in W 23.23 in D 17.33 in
19th Century Pair of Swedish Gustavian Period Stool in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A beautiful pair of Swedish footstools from the Gustavian period. These stools have been hand-scraped to reveal the original paint. There are carved bell flowers on the seat frame wi...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Linen, Paint

19th Century Pair of Swedish Gustavian Period Stool in Original Paint
19th Century Pair of Swedish Gustavian Period Stool in Original Paint

19th Century Pair of Swedish Gustavian Period Stool in Original Paint

H 18.13 in W 17.32 in D 15.36 in
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Period Provincial Stools
Located in Wichita, KS
A pair of Swedish period Gustavian stools from the 19th century wearing their original linen. There are carved bell flowers on the seat frame with wheat sheaths on the corner posts. ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Period Provincial Stools
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Period Provincial Stools

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Period Provincial Stools

H 18.88 in W 16.13 in D 16.13 in
19th Century Gustavian Foot Stool Pine Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian foot stool Beautiful well worked carvings on the footstool. Carefully scraped by hand to its preserved original ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Pine

19th Century Gustavian Foot Stool Pine Originalpaint
19th Century Gustavian Foot Stool Pine Originalpaint

19th Century Gustavian Foot Stool Pine Originalpaint

H 7.88 in W 14.97 in D 9.45 in
Early 19th Century Embroidered Footrest
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful footstool is in great condition with the original hand embrodiery still in excellent shape. Footstools have evolved throughout history starting in ancient Egypt, where it was utilized to ascend chairs perched high off the ground. It was also used to rest a person's feet when he or she was seated. In the 18th century a low footstool...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Footstools

Materials

Cotton

Early 19th Century Embroidered Footrest
Early 19th Century Embroidered Footrest

Early 19th Century Embroidered Footrest

H 6 in W 12.5 in D 9 in

Gustavian footstools for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Gustavian footstools for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage footstools created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gustavian footstools made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 footstools differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $575 and tops out at $7,300 while the average work can sell for $3,850.

Recently Viewed

View All

More Ways To Browse

20th Century Steel Footstools
British Oak Footstools
Chrome Footstool Pair
Elephant Footstool
English Walnut Footstools
Gray American Footstools
Grey Vintage Footstool
Italian Animal Skin Footstools
Mid-20th Century Chrome Footstools
1930s Upholstery Footstools
20th Century Faux Leather Footstools
Mahogany Victorian Footstools
Rhino Footstool
1970s Chrome Footstools
1980s Animal Skin Footstools
19th Century Animal Skin Footstools
Barcelona Footstool
Georgian Wood Footstools
View All Popular Footstools Searches