The combination of Swedish flavor with fashions imported by King Gustav III during his reign from the late 18th century account for the vast majority of the decorative influences of that period in Sweden. The look that gathered influences from several European courts (mainly France, Italy and England), became famous as the “Gustavian” style. Gustavian furniture often possesses design elements, with straight legs and refined lines. While noble families used expensive woods such as mahogany, the painted finishes were cheaper and in turn became what we know to function as the Gustavian style. These milder finishes — often painted in gray, white, yellow or blue — also include a feeling of light to Swedish houses through the long winters.
The Gustavian style is quite popular nowadays, as the controlled design details match contemporary lifestyle and the gathered impacts also reflect the contemporary flavor toward eclectic interior design. With a couple of key pieces of furniture and attention to the design elements, Gustavian decor is quite achievable. — Lauren from Fourth Floor Walk Up
Williams-Sonoma
Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain Dinnerware – $115
In the flavor of 18th century Swedish manor homes, early blue and white porcelain was often imported directly from China. White and blue ceramic dinnerware is representative of this aesthetic, staying nowadays.
1stdibs
Swedish Antique Gustavian Painted Bench
Benches were quite popular in Gustavian interiors. This settee is made that the epitome of style that is Swedish by the lines combined with upholstery at a fabric.
Pottery Barn
Mia Faceted-Crystal Pendant, Small (13.5″ Diameter) – $299
Gustavian interiors are known for their luxurious crystal chandeliers, and also this classically-designed reproduction piece includes a marvelous cost.
Pottery Barn
Sumner Extending Dining Table, Rustic Pine – $1,499
Swedish country houses are incomplete without farmhouse tables for all to gather around.
Jayson Home
Harrison Table – $895
Among the numerous straight handed lines, a round table with curved legs is the best complement.
Ethan Allen
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 prestige represented high style and taste.
Ballard Designs
Of Two Sorrento Side Chairs – $799
These straight-back dining seats, upholstered in raw linen, are quite elegant with their clean lines and refined details.
Ballard Designs
Strasbourg Chair – $849
Bergere seats were the sofa seat of the day, with comfy cushions. For today’s standards, this Louis-style chair by Ballard Designs owns the comfort and looks.
Gustavian
Carl Gustaf Half Moon Table – GBP 880
Demilune tables, also a longtime favorite of mine, match beautifully in hallways and entries.
Actual Gustavian
Mariefred Light Blue And White Checked Cotton Fabric – $45
Casual elements, such as stripes and checks, were introduced to Gustavian fabrics to offset the grand and austere layouts.
Ballard Designs
Beaded Bulls Eye Mirror – $49
Gustavian interiors featured many mirrors and reflective surfaces as tools to include more lighting. This specific convex mirror has a painted finish and beaded details which play on the Swedish look.
Circa Lighting
Little Sussex Framed Sconce – $357
Formal light fixtures are common in Swedish interiors. People who have reflective finishes were particularly preferred.
Ballard Designs
Sofia Sofa – $1,699
Gustavian furniture is often leggy in design, keeping up a royal personality. This couch, with its bleached wooden frame and tight back, is an exceptional example of a Gustavian-style chair.
Etched Arcadia Mural – $298
This grisaille-style wallpaper is representative of neoclassical scenic murals. Although traditional in design, the colors of grey have a contemporary feel for now.
Wisteria
Stunning Venetian Mirror – $229
An elegant Venetian mirror is the best chance to incorporate the Italian influence.
Layla Grayce
Swedish Bed – $2,189
There is something to be said for a classically-designed Swedish mattress. The design is quite booked, but still romantic as it has both a masculine and feminine appeal.
Cupboards & Roses
Gustavian Style Sideboard – $7,800
This incredible sideboard has stunning neoclassical detailing.
Terrain
Distressed Wood Cabinet – $3,100
Swedish-style kitchens were usually less formal than the rest of the house since they were purely practical. Antique cabinets were built to carry linens and dinnerware. The look of distressed wood finishes is currently considered a significant aesthetic element.
Terrain
Infinite Petals Canister – $18
Little squares of white and cream-colored decorative objects add personality to the Swedish-style home. These canisters, from Terrain, are both functional as storage and pleasing to the eye.
Dash & Albert Rug Company
Swedish Stripe Woven Cotton Rug – $30
A striped, woven cotton rug adds just the ideal amount of humility to a formally-designed Gustavian space.
Next: So Your Style Is: Swedish