Skip to main content

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.

33
1,516
34
32
to
170
993
582
1,582
1,566
1,575
190,425
115,427
41,586
31,847
14,891
11,409
10,389
10,221
9,442
8,634
7,193
7,129
6,174
5,791
5,587
5,051
4,633
3,481
332
831
353
66
117
166
24
12
18
16
21
32
57
23
7
3
2
1,447
475
472
264
231
1,476
1,354
1,320
38
29
6
2
2
2
2
Style: Gustavian
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

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

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Maple

Gustavian Style Drop Front or Slant Front Secretary, Late 19th Century
Located in South Salem, NY
This late 19th-century Gustavian style drop-front secretary bookshelf is a true embodiment of timeless sophistication. Adorned with a later gray pa...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Set of Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Upholstered Benches, Two Different Sizes
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Gustavian Style Set of Painted Upholstered Benches. Please note that this set are two different sizes. Hand painted and hand distressed wood benches fully upholstered in a n...
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

Swedish Late Gustavian Mahogany Stained and Polished "Tub" Armchair
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Swedish late gustavian mahogany stained and polished "tub" armchair made in Stockholm around 1800-1810. Ephraim Stahl (1768-1820). Made in Stockholm ca. 1810. Good used condition. ...
Category

Early 1800s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Red Painted Gustavian Bookcase Display Cabinet, Sweden circa 1790-1820
Located in Round Top, TX
The details in this large red Gustavian pine bookcase are impressive with carved molding and Greek key pattern along the crown, carved inset columns at side and fluted carved details...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Pine, Paint

Pair, Gustavian White Painted Chest of Drawers, Sweden circa 1840-80
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of decorative Gustavian pine chest of drawers painted in shades of white, fitting their Swedish origin. Canted fluted side posts with upper carved diamond medallion, raised c...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Cabinet
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
19th Century Swedish Gustavian cabinet. Manufactured around 1800 with two doors featuring decorative reeded design opening to useful storage. Repainted exterior with original dry scr...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Minimalist Buffet
Located in San Angelo, TX
A beautiful minimalist 19th Century Swedish Gustavian painted buffet. This unique piece features 3 drawers and 3 doors. One of a kind and is a total st...
Category

1840s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Swedish 1820s Late Gustavian Period Painted Slant-Front Desk with Five Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Late Gustavian period secretary from circa 1820, with tan/cream painted finish, slant-front desk, five drawers, carved reeded motifs and bracket feet. Embrace the timeless ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Fine pair of 19th Century Gustavian Chairs
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Fine pair of 19th century Gustavian (the Swedish Model) chairs in their original colour with great wear to the surface.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

18th Century Gustavian Swedish Wood Side Table
Located in New York, NY
Late 18th Century Gustavian Era Swedish Wood Side Table. Crafted in solid wood that has patinated nicely into a blue-gray over time. Side table...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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

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

White Painted Pine Sideboard Buffet, Sweden circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish pine sideboard with turned columns, top with profiled edge, fluted carving along drawers all resting on large bun feet. Newer, professionally applied white painted finish sli...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Small Antique Swedish Black Pine Extendable Table in Gustavian Style
Located in Kramfors, SE
Small antique black table in gustavian style from Sweden. The table is a genuine Swedish country house furniture from around 1820. The table has a rounded leaf table...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Original Painted 3 Drawers Dresser
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An early 19th century original painted small Scandinavian chest of drawers from the region of Värmland in Sweden. This small Gustavian 3 drawer dres...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

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

1840s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Muslin, Wood

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

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

Mid century Vintage gustavian and Style two door armoire after drexel
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a handsome mid century vintage Swedish gustavian Style Armoire. This armoire features. It’s original ornate solid brass hardware and has a classic chicken wire inset to the f...
Category

1950s American Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Tall Blue Painted Swedish Secretary Bureau, circa 1800-20
Located in Round Top, TX
This striking oak secretary is an elegant statement piece crowned with an elaborate carved pediment. The entire secretary has been given a professional custom layered blue painted fi...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 adorned with elegant brass ring pulls ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Grey White C.1850
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 Rare hi...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

White Painted Side Table With Single Drawer, Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique Swedish Gustavian white painted side table with tapered fluted legs and single drawer, may be used as small writing table or nightstand. Restored, later professionally painte...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Set 10 Genuine Swedish Gustavian Gilded Gray Paint Decorated Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic set of 10 gray paint decorated and gilded Swedish or Gustavian dining chairs. they are authentic Swedish chairs and have gorgeous coloration and fine gilded detai...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Antique Genuine Northern Swedish Gustavian Style Country Pine Sideboard
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique genuine Swedish sideboard in gustavian style. The sideboard is a country house furniture made by hand in solid pine in northern Sweden around 1820. With carved wooden panels ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair, White Painted Swedish Gustavian Linen Arm Chairs circa 1900-20
Located in Round Top, TX
This pair of Swedish arm chairs have a gently curved barrel back, cabriolet legs and decorative carving embellish the skirt which all add to the graceful appeal of each. The newer pr...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Linen, Wood, Paint

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

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

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

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

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

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

Pair of Louis XV Style Chest with Floral Design and Marble Top
Located in Crowthorne, Surrey
Gustavian Hauptbyrå with marble slab and frame in white, redesigned with hummingbird design pattern. Marble top. Fine original fittings in solid bra...
Category

1950s European Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

White Painted Pine Sideboard, Sweden circa 1900's
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish pine sideboard/buffet with traditional diamond motif carved in drawers and door panels. Four drawers over four cabinet doors, one long interior shelf. Restored, later profes...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Commode
Located in Huntington, NY
A Swedish Late Gustavian commode with original brass hardware and locks. Featuring canted and fluted corners. Drawer fronts outlined in brass. Sits on fluted and tapered feet with br...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Rare pair of 19th Century Gustavian Faux Bamboo Chairs
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Rare pair of early 19th century Gustavian faux bamboo chairs in their original finish. Ca 1810 Stockholm, Sweden. The chairs are attributed to Ephraim Sthal. Supplier to the Royal ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Fine pair of 19th Century Gustavian Barrel Back Armchairs
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Fine pair of early 19th century Gustavian barrel back armchairs in Egyptian taste. Ca 1810 Stockholm, Sweden. Attributed to Ephraim Stahl (1767-1820) Supplier to the Royal Court an...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Style 1870s Gray Painted and Carved Three Drawer Chests, Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style three-drawer chests from circa 1870 with lightly marbleized tops, gray painted finish and carved reeded motifs. Elevate your interior with this stun...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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

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

White Painted Swedish Sideboard Buffet, circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Swedish 5.5' long Gustavian pine sideboard buffet server with traditional carved fluted diamond panel motif on each of the four doors. Tapered fluted feet. Central 2 cabinet doors bo...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

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 Antique Mora Clock White Early 1800s Sven Sunesson Loushult
Located in LONDON, GB
Elegant tall 220cm early 1800s antique Swedish mora clock with carved detail on the hood in a white paint finish and detailed face and the markings of the maker Sven Sunesson Lous...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

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

20th Century Gustavian Furniture

Hollywood Regency Style Metal Waste Basket with Gilt Accent
Located in Sheffield, MA
Rustic and elegant at the same time, add a neoclassical country touch to your bedroom, bathroom or office. The gold gilt edging gives it a Classic vintage/antique feel. Suitable for ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

Turn of the Century Scandinavian Wooden Cabinet
Located in High Point, NC
This vintage wooden cabinet embodies the subdued elegance of Gustavian style. Built in Scandinavia at the turn of the century, delicate Neoclassical elements give the case an air of ...
Category

Early 1900s Scandinavian Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Gustavian Pewter Candlesticks from the late 18th or early 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful Pair of Gustavian Pewter Candlesticks from the late 18th or early 19th Century. Period Gustavian design. Wear consistent with age and use
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pewter

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

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

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 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.

Recently Viewed

View All