Gustavian furniture is a style of furniture that originated in Sweden in the late 18th century. It is characterized by its neoclassical, elegant design, and light gray-colored finishes. The Gustavian furniture style is still sought after and widely reproduced today, in large part due to its simplicity and clean, classic lines that can fit in with almost any decorating style.

 


The Gustavian style originated in the late 18th century during the reign of King Gustav III of Sweden, who ruled from 1771 to 1792. The Gustavian era, named after King Gustav III, is considered the golden age of Swedish furniture and is a testament to the timeless elegance and simplistic beauty in furniture design. King Gustav III was deeply influenced by the neoclassical style that he had encountered during his time in France, particularly during the reign of Louis XVI. He brought his touch to creating a truly timeless style. The Gustavian style became the leading style in Swedish architecture, décor, and crafts during the Gustavian era, all inspired by French neoclassicism.


Identifying Details of Gustavian Furniture

One of the defining features of Gustavian furniture is the use of light-colored finishes, such as white, cream, or pale gray. These light finishes were popular during the late 18th century and were seen as a way to bring light and brightness to homes during the long, dark winters in Sweden. Gustavian furniture was also known for its painted finishes, which were often distressed to give them an aged, vintage look.

The impact of neoclassicism is clear in Gustavian furniture. The pieces are architectural in form and display symmetry, columns, and carved detailing. The classical-inspired Swedish furniture's trademark is restraint, as it moved on from the elaborate rococo period – in our newly minted collection you will see the elegant classic lines that have enchanted many over the years.

Aesthetics of Gustavian Furniture

Gustavian furniture fits into a range of aesthetics, from traditional to modern. It can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to a room, and it works well in both formal and informal spaces. The light finishes and understated decoration of Gustavian furniture make it versatile and easy to style.

Tips for Styling Gustavian Furniture in a Modern Home

  1. Mix and match: Gustavian furniture works well when mixed with other styles and pieces. Try pairing a Gustavian chair with a modern sofa, or a Gustavian table with a contemporary rug.
  2. Keep it light: Gustavian furniture is all about light colors and finishes, so try to keep your overall color palette light and airy. This will help create a fresh, modern look.
  3. Add texture: Gustavian furniture can look great when paired with textured fabrics and materials such as linen, wool, and rattan. These materials add depth and interest to the space.
  4. Embrace simplicity: Gustavian furniture is all about simplicity and understated elegance, so try to keep your accessories and decorations simple as well. A few well-chosen pieces can make a big impact.

Our newly expanded Wisteria collection, developed over the last 18 months, pays homage to this style and captures some of the more well-known styles from this movement. We have selected and curated this entire collection in a classic gray hue that is reminiscent of the style and color preferred by King Gustav III and can still be seen in many of the royal palaces in Sweden. The new classics blend easily with our previous items from the Gustavian era, as well as with many of our other unique pieces, which will help you put a personalized look together.

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