History of Gustavian furniture

In recent years, the classic clean lines and true elegance of Gustavian Swedish antique furniture have become very popular. They have a life and refinement that excites the eye and the patina that has accumulated as part of the finish over the years of use gives them a sense of authenticity amongst today’s mire of reproductions. So how did it start and where did the influences come from? of? The Gustavian period (1772-1792) followed the more florid excesses of early Swedish Rococo styles under the patronage of King Carl Gustaf III, who had returned from an extended stay at the court of Louis XVI at Versailles. He traveled there as a young man and was heavily influenced by the pomp and glamor associated with the court of King Louis. In typical Swedish fashion, the excesses of the French court were toned down, creating a much more understated and elegant style that we see so much today.

The classic grays and off-whites of the Gustavian color palette highlight the striking use of golden gilt in the most elegant way. While most people are familiar with Gustavian gray minimalism, Gustavian public entertainment rooms were replete with stunning giltwood sofas, chairs, mirrors, chairs, and cabinets in a Swedish interpretation of the more ostentatious French Louis XVI style. You may also recognize the classic fluted front pattern featured on many grey/white gustavian cabinets as an intricate part of the design. Also the classic Gustavian sofa is largely based on the French louis xvi style. Very often in gilt or white gold and gold, the sofas would be highly detailed in appointments and beautifully hand carved.

Since they were on display in public entertainment rooms, they were upholstered in sumptuous fabrics and stuffed with horsehair that made them exceptionally comfortable. They can be found in sizes from 2 to 8 seater if you look at Gustavian chests of drawers, while they are thick in build and usually painted. They have fairly plain handles and shields and are often made of pine. Unlike modern pine, this wood is heavy and you get good drawer storage space.

Traditional 3-drawer version measures approx 110cm wide x 92cm high, finally kurbits folk art style developed in the Dalarna region of central Sweden around 1700 to mid 1800s. His style Decorative and floral motifs adorned a variety of rustic pinewood furniture, beds, blackberry clocks and cabinets. Often given as wedding gifts, they would take pride of place on small village ‘stugas’ and provide a riot of color and detail in the otherwise roughly hewn pine tree of village life. The ‘Kurbits’ style is a freehand pattern to which each artist brought her own individual sentiment. It is now very difficult to find someone who can master the intricate swoops and swirls created by these 18th century craftsmen. Usually painted in a variety of browns, ochres, yellows, reds, and oranges, you can also occasionally find it in aquamarines and shades of blue and turquoise.