History of Gustavian furniture

In recent years, the classic clean lines and true elegance of Swedish Gustavian antique furniture have become very popular. They have a life and refinement that excite the eye, and the patina that has built up as part of the finish over years of use gives them a sense of authenticity amid the slime of today’s reproductions. The Gustavian period (1772-1792) followed the flowerier excesses of the early Swedish Rococo styles under the patronage of King Charles Gustav III, who had returned from a prolonged sojourn at the court of Louis XVI at Versailles. He traveled there as a young man and was greatly 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 and created a much more understated and elegant look that we see so much today.

The classic grays and whites of the Gustavian color palette enhance the striking use of gold gold in the most elegant way. While most people are familiar with gray Gustavian minimalism, Gustavia’s public entertainment rooms were awash with amazing gilded wood sofas, chairs, mirrors, chairs, and cabinets in a Swedish interpretation of the more ostentatious French Louis XVI style. You may also recognize the classic ribbed front pattern that appears on many gray / white Gustavian cabinets as an intricate part of the design. In addition, the classic Gustavian sofa is largely inspired by the French style of Louis XVI. Very often in gold gilt or white and gold, the sofas would be highly detailed in appointments and wonderfully hand-carved.

As they were on display in the entertainment rooms for the public, they would be upholstered with sumptuous fabrics and stuffed with horse hair that made them go crazy exceptionally comfortable They can be found in sizes from 2 to 8 seats if you look at the Gustaviano chest of drawers in the meantime they are thick in build and generally painted. They have fairly simple handles and shields and are often made of pine. Unlike modern pine, this wood is heavy and has good drawer storage space.

The traditional 3-drawer version measures approximately 110 cm wide x 92 cm high, finally, the kurbits folk art style developed in the Dalarna region of central Sweden from around 1700 to the mid-19th century. Its decorative style and floral motif adorned a variety of rustic pine storage, beds, blackberry clocks and cabinets. Often given as wedding gifts, they would take pride of place in the small village ‘stugas’ and provide a riot of color and detail in the otherwise harsh carved pine of village life. The ‘Kurbits’ style is a freehand pattern to which each artist contributed their own individual feeling. Now it is very difficult to find someone who can master the intricate twists and turns created by these 18th century artisans and women. Generally painted in a variety of browns, ochres, reds, yellows, and oranges, you can also occasionally find it in aquamarines and shades of blue and turquoise.