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.
Swedish Gustavian Style Black Painted Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Wonderful hand painted textured Gustavian style chest of drawers. This commode has been constructed from solid wood with a hand-applied black distressed finish with brass ring hardwa...
Brass
Pair of 19th century Swedish hand painted chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of 19th century Swedish hand painted chest of drawers circa 1890. Pair of Swedish commodes that have been stripped back and re-painted in the gustavian taste. Rectangular tops...
Pine
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commode with 3 Drawers
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian commode. For those sourcing a decorative commode to fit that smaller space, this is the piece. Small decorative and functional storage with three ...
Wood
19th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish Gustavian chest of drawers from Umeå Västerbotten ,Northern Sweden . The chest of drawers is a Swedish country house furniture from between 1820 and 1830. Made i...
Pine
Swedish Gustavian 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White".
Wood
20th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers Circa 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
This early 20th-century Swedish chest of drawers, circa 1900, is a refined example of neoclassical Gustavian design. Crafted from pine, a staple material in Swedish furniture for its...
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Bedside Table / Cabinet with Original Blue Paint
Located in Kastrup, DK
Small Gustavian bedside cabinet in pine with light blue paint and a beautiful patina. The piece has an elegant and refined appearance, enhanced by cl...
Metal
Gray Gustavian Swedish Chest of Drawers, circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
Lovely Gustavian pine chest of three drawers with diamond accent on drawers, fluted canted sides, dentil molding and tapered fluted feet. The newer, professionally applied layered gr...
Brass
$3,270 / item
Gustavian Grey Painted Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
Gustavian Grey Painted Dresser, The Swedish Neo Classic style Gustavian commode with a concave front side, with paneled drawers and sides having gold leaf...
Wood
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical Painted Chests
Located in Dallas, TX
The product is a pair of Swedish Gustavian Neoclassical painted chests. These chests feature a neoclassical design with carvings painted detailing, adding a classic touch of eleganc...
Wood
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
Late 19th Century Black Swedish Serpentine 4 Drawer Chest
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Late 19th Century chest of drawers painted in black. This classic Gustavian commode or dresser is a very versatile piece that works well in a foyer, living room or bedroom.
Brass
Pair of 19th century chest of drawers with faux marble tops
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of 19th century chest of drawers with faux marble tops circa 1870. Good quality pair of Swedish commodes. Rectangular tops with canted corners and hand painted to look like ma...
Pine, Paint
Gustavian, Swedish Commodes, Beige Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 19th C.
Located in Stamford, CT
Gustavian, Swedish Commodes, Beige Paint Distressed, Brass, Sweden, 19th C. Stunning pair of step up commodes or nightstands having three diamond designed drawers on tapering turned legs with fluted column sides in a chic beige painted finish with a darker step up table...
Wood
Antique Swedish Gustavian Style Chest with Good Clean Lines
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style wooden chest from the turn of the 19th and 20th century. This antique chest from Sweden, in typical Gustavian style, features a simple, clean design with a ...
Wood
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Painted Chest
Located in New Orleans, LA
A charming small-scale Gustavian chest painted in soft, muted tones with clean lines and subtle neoclassical details—perfect for adding understated Swedish elegance and practical sto...
Wood
$4,880 / set
2 Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is an unusual set of 2 Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers. They have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest with Five Drawers and Fluted Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted chestwith five drawers, discreetly marbleized top, carved fluted accents, tapered feet and fluted side posts. Experience the quiet elegance of Scandinavian design with this Swedish Gustavian style painted chest. This handsome piece radiates timeless grace, combining practical storage with elegant aesthetic details. The chest's rectangular top features subtly protruding, canted corners. This surface is delicately painted with veined motifs, emulating the grandeur of marble yet maintaining a discreet allure. It is a testament to the craftsmanship of the time, marrying functionality and artistry with unassuming sophistication. Below the top, a harmonious assembly of five drawers provides convenient storage. The two upper drawers, carved with fluted motifs...
Wood
$9,950 / set
Pair of 20th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant pair of Gustavian-style chests, crafted circa 100 years ago, embodies the refined simplicity and timeless charm of Scandinavian design. Constructed from pine, a wood com...
Pine
19th Century Blue Gustavian Pine Chest of Three Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
Gustavian style blue painted pine chest of three drawers with carved details along top resting on tapered feet. Newer professionally applied and layered pale blue painted finish with...
Pine, Paint
18th–19th Century Swedish Gustavian Two-Part Pinewood Bureau in Grey
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A 18th-19th century, light-grey, white antique Swedish Gustavian two part bureau made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The Scandinavian secretaire is composed wit...
Metal, Bronze
Swedish 19th century hand painted Gustavian chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century hand painted Gustavian chest of drawers circa 1820. 3 drawer commode with shaped sides and serpentine shaped drawer fronts. Made from oak with later early 20th century...
Oak, Paint
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Commode Tallboy Black C 1850
Located in Lewes, England
C 1850 antique Swedish Gustavian painted chest of 3 drawers commode with detailed gustavian ribbed decorative motifs on the top rail, front and brass detailing. It has 3 drawers wi...
Pine
18th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers Circa 1760
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite 18th-century Swedish chest of drawers, circa 1760, is a beautiful example of the Gustavian style, combining neoclassical elegance with functional craftsmanship. Made f...
Brass
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chest of Drawers with Untouched Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
A very genuine 19th century Swedish Gustavian chest of drawers from Umea Vasterbotten, Northen Sweden. The chest of drawers has untouched originalpaint. Hardware and locks are original. Right small drawer has lock & key. The left drawer has no lock but has an attached old key...
Pine
Alexandre II Dresser - Swedish Scraped Bone
By Century Furniture, Tara Shaw
Located in New Orleans, LA
The Swedish 6-drawer double dresser, known for its clean lines and practical design, reflects the influence of Gustavian style, which emerged in the late 18th Century during the reig...
Wood, Pine
Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Swedish chest of drawers is a fine example of Scandinavian craftsmanship and design. Constructed from pine, a wood commonly used in Swedish furniture for its durability and adap...
Pine
Antique Dutch Gustavian Waxed Oak Commode, Early 19th Century
Located in Viterbo, VT
Chest of drawers hand-crafted in the Netherlands in the early 1800s using oak. The chest was crafted following Gustavian style lines, with cantered fluted corners and teethed molding...
Brass
Fine 19th Century Gustavian Chest of Drawers
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine 18th century Gustavian chest of drawers in alder root veneer in its original condition with good subtle patination, circa 1800.
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style Three-Drawer Chest with Marbleized Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style three-drawer chest with light gray painted finish, marbleized top and fluted side posts. This Swedish Gustavian style chest is a testament to timeless elega...
Wood
Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Two-Drawer Dresser with Brass Hardware
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish 19th century Gustavian style two-drawer dresser with brass hardware. EUR 175 delivery to most areas of London UK, The Net...
Brass
Antique Swedish Gustavian Chest, Oakwood & Marble, Circa 1820
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Swedish Gustavian chest made of hand crafted painted Oakwood, in good condition. The Scandinavian commode is composed with a white-grey marble top and three drawers, consisting its original metal hardware and keys. The front of the drawers contains cut corners with fluted carvings...
Marble, Metal, Brass
Swedish Gustavian Chest on Chest, circa 1810
Located in Huntington, NY
An unusual Swedish Gustavian chest on chest featuring a dentil frieze top border with triple fluted canted front corners. Upper chest has two medium drawers over one large drawer. Lo...
Iron
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Pair Commode Grey White C.1860 Carved
Located in Lewes, England
Circa 1850 antique Swedish Gustavian Grey White painted chest of drawers commode in gustavian style with classic Gustavian carved detail on the drawer fronts and leading edges. The...
Pine
Mid-19th Century Black Gustavian Chest of Drawers, Sweden
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-19th Century chest of drawers painted in black. This classic Gustavian commode or dresser is a very versatile piece that works well in a foyer, living room or bedroom.
Brass
19th Century Swedish Black Chest of Three Drawers with Greek Key
Located in Round Top, TX
A decorative Gustavian style pine chest of drawers with dramatic painted "à La Grecque" or Greek key motif and mythical griffin on top drawer, raised on tapered feet. Restored, late...
Pine, Paint
19th Century Swedish Stone Top Black Small Chest of Three Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
It is the original stone top that makes this small chest of three drawers a special find while the serpentine front adds intrigue as well. Please enlarge photos of the top to appreci...
Stone
Swedish Gustavian Style Three-Drawer Wooden Chest, 19th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style chest of three drawers from the 19th century. This antique chest from Sweden has been designed with clean, minimal stylings typical in Gustavian furniture. ...
Wood
$9,272 / set
Pair of 19th century painted Swedish commodes
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of 19th century painted Swedish commodes circa 1880. Fine quality pair of Scandinavian chest of drawers in the Gustavian taste, which could work well as a pair of large bedside...
Oak, Pine, Paint
Swedish Gustavian Painted Chest of Drawers Pair Commode Grey White Bedroom
Located in Lewes, England
Circa 1850 antique Swedish Gustavian Grey White painted chest of drawers commode in Gustavian style with classic Gustavian carved detail on the drawer fronts and leading edges. Thi...
Pine
19th Century Swedish Miniature Chest of Drawers with original paint Country
Located in Boden, SE
Original painted Scandinavian miniature chest of drawers from Luleå Norrbotten ,Northern Sweden This small miniature Gustavian 4 drawer dresser can be perfect as a storage of small ...
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Gustavian Style 3 drawer chest of drawers. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Wood
Antique Stylish Swedish Stockholm Gustavian Commode
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique stylish gustavian commode from Stockholm made around 1790. The commode is from the Swedish gustavian period or neoclassical as it’s more known internationally. The commode ha...
Limestone, Brass
Swedish early 19th century hand painted pine chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish early 19th century painted pine chest of drawers circa 1800. Fine quality chest of drawers, fitted with 4 graduating drawers that open on the key. Bold red paint that has w...
Pine, Paint
$3,241Sale Price|20% Off
Swedish Gustavian Painted Sideboard Buffet Commode White C.1860 Green Gold
Located in Lewes, England
Circa 1850/1880 antique Swedish Gustavian green and gold painted chest of drawers buffet commode in gustavian style with classic Gustaviancurverd detail features on the bottom drawer...
Pine
$3,740
Swedish Painted Commode
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
19th C Swedish painted 4 drawer pine commode . 1830
Pine
Antique Original Chest on Chest from the Gustavian Period from Stockholm, Sweden
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish chest on chest in gustavian style made around 1780 in Stockholm, Sweden. The chest is made in a classic, straight gustavian styl...
Pine
Gustavian, Louis XVI Style, Small Swedish Chest, Brass, Marble, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stamford, CT
Gustavian, Louis XVI Style, Small Swedish Chest, Brass, Marble, Sweden, 1970s Small Gustavian chest of drawers in brown wood designed and produced in Sweden circa 1970s. This piece ...
Brass
18th Century Scandinavian Painted Baroque Chest of Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
19th century Scandinavian painted baroque chest of drawers Fine quality solid oak chest of drawers, circa 1840. The chest has 4-drawer and the ...
Oak
Swedish Gustavian Style 1860s Gray Painted Three-Drawer Chest with Carved Drawer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style chest from circa 1860 with three drawers, light gray painted finish, reeded accents, dentil molding and tapered legs. Embrace the understated elegance of Sw...
Wood
Swedish Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest Of Drawers
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very High Quality High Class Gustavian 3 drawer chest of drawers. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Wood
Gustavian Style 3 Drawer Chest
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Gustavian style 3 drawer chest, its been restored and repainted with Milk paints "Oyster White".
Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Gray Painted Bench Settee
Located in Round Top, TX
19th century Swedish Gustavian bench crafted in pine. Decorative hand-carved Greek key meander detailing runs along the skirt, turned finials create the sides and back, adding sculpt...
Fabric, Pine, Paint
Antique Swedish Gustavian Pedestals, Light-Grey Pinewood, Circa 1790
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A white-grey, antique pair of Swedish Gustavian pedestals, cabinets made of light-grey painted Pinewood with carved garlands. The hand carved Scandinavi...
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Commode, circa 1800
Located in Huntington, NY
A three drawer Swedish Gustavian commode. Front corners are canted and fluted. Back corners are fluted as well. Sits atop tapered rectangular feet. Later iron pulls and original iron...
Iron
Late 18th Century Gustavian-Style Painted Commode
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Gustavian-Style Painted Commode A Swedish commode in the Gustavian style, featuring a gently curved front, panelled drawers and turned feet. Hand-painted in a soft blue-grey tone wi...
Brass
Gustavian Style Rare Greek Key 2 Drawer Chest Set
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Very RARE and unique set of 2 Gustavian style Greek Key chest of drawers. They have been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Wood
$7,716 / set
Pair of Gustavian Grey Painted Dressers
Located in Westwood, NJ
Pair of Gustavian Grey Painted Dressers, The Swedish Neo Classic style Gustavian commode with a concave front side, with paneled drawers and sides having gold leaf trim details. The two long drawers with brass ring pull hardware...
Wood
$2,403Sale Price|30% Off
Swedish Gustavian White Grey Painted Marble Top Chest of Drawers Commode 1875
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish Gustavian White Grey painted plain front chest of drawers commode in gustavian style with classic Gustavian detail on the drawer fronts and leading edges. It has a...
Pine
19th Century Swedish antique rustic Country Chest of drawers with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish Gustavian chest of drawers from Piteå, Norrbotten , Northern Sweden. The chest of drawers is a Swedish country house furniture from between 1820 and 1840. Made i...
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Style Three-Drawer Painted Chest with Carved Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood chest of drawers, with swag frieze, carved side posts and tapered feet. Created in Sweden, this painted chest showcases the stylistic character...
Wood