Guest Picks: Gustavian Design
Part Swedish, part collected, this look for furniture, lighting and accessories is light, airy and grounded in history
The fusion of Swedish taste with styles imported by King Gustav III during his reign in the late 18th century account for the majority of the decorative influences of that period in Sweden. The look that gathered influences from various European courts (mainly France, Italy and England), became known as the "Gustavian" style. Gustavian furniture often possesses neoclassical design elements, with straight legs and elegant lines. While noble households used expensive woods such as mahogany, the painted finishes were more affordable and in turn became what we know to be of the Gustavian style. These lighter finishes — often painted in white, gray, blue or yellow — also add a sense of light to Swedish homes during the long winters.
The Gustavian style is quite popular today, as the restrained design details suit modern lifestyle and the gathered influences also reflect the modern taste toward eclectic interior design. With a few key pieces of furniture and attention to the design elements, Gustavian decor is quite attainable. — Lauren from Fourth Floor Walk Up
The Gustavian style is quite popular today, as the restrained design details suit modern lifestyle and the gathered influences also reflect the modern taste toward eclectic interior design. With a few key pieces of furniture and attention to the design elements, Gustavian decor is quite attainable. — Lauren from Fourth Floor Walk Up
Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain Dinnerware
In the taste of 18th century Swedish manor houses, early blue and white porcelain was often imported directly from China. Remaining popular today, blue and white porcelain dinnerware is representative of the Scandinavian aesthetic.
Swedish Antique Gustavian Painted Bench
Benches were quite popular in Gustavian interiors. The refined lines combined with upholstery in a casual fabric makes this settee the epitome of Swedish style.
Mia Faceted-Crystal Pendant, Small (13.5" Diameter)
Gustavian interiors are known for their luxurious crystal chandeliers, and this classically-designed reproduction piece has a marvelous price.
Sumner Extending Dining Table, Rustic Pine
Swedish country homes are incomplete without farmhouse tables for all to gather around.
Harrison Table
Among the many straight neoclassical lines, a round table with curved legs is the perfect complement.
White Gustavian Floor Clock
During the late 1700s, longcase Mora clocks were produced as supplemental income for farm families in Sweden. Having a clock of this make and stature represented high style and taste.
Set Of Two Sorrento Side Chairs
These straight-back dining chairs, upholstered in raw linen, are quite elegant with their clean lines and refined details.
Strasbourg Chair
Bergere chairs were the lounge chair of their day, with comfortable down cushions. For today's standards, this Louis-style chair by Ballard Designs possesses both the looks and comfort.
Carl Gustaf Half Moon Table
Demilune tables, a longtime favorite of mine, fit beautifully in hallways and entries.
Mariefred Light Blue And White Checked Cotton Fabric
Casual elements, such as stripes and checks, were introduced into Gustavian fabrics to offset the grand and austere designs.
Beaded Bulls Eye Mirror
Gustavian interiors featured many mirrors and reflective surfaces as tools to add more light. This particular convex mirror has a painted finish and beaded details that play on the Swedish look.
Small Sussex Framed Sconce
Formal light fixtures were common in Swedish interiors. Those with reflective finishes were especially favored.
Sofia Sofa
Gustavian furniture is often leggy in design, maintaining a royal character. This sofa, with its bleached wooden frame and tight back, is an exceptional example of a Gustavian-style seat.
Etched Arcadia Mural
This grisaille-style wallpaper is representative of neoclassical scenic murals. Although traditional in design, the shades of gray have a modern feel for today.
Stunning Venetian Mirror
An elegant Venetian mirror is the perfect opportunity to incorporate the Italian influence.
Swedish Bed
There's something to be said for a classically-designed Swedish bed. The design is quite reserved, but still romantic as it has both a masculine and feminine appeal.
Distressed Wood Cabinet
Swedish-style kitchens were often less formal than the rest of the house as they were purely functional. Antique cabinets were constructed to hold linens and dinnerware. The look of distressed wood finishes is now considered an important aesthetic element.
Infinite Petals Canister
Small accents of white and cream-colored decorative objects add character to the Swedish-style home. These canisters, from Terrain, are both functional as storage and pleasing to the eye.
Swedish Stripe Woven Cotton Rug
A striped, woven cotton rug adds just the right amount of humility to a formally-designed Gustavian space.
Next: So Your Style Is: Swedish
Next: So Your Style Is: Swedish