Create Your Own Library with Bookshelves Furniture

Gustav III is the person for whom Gustavian furniture is named. He was eleva ted to the throne in 1771, following his father's death. Interestingly, while the style was inspired by French styles that Gustav had viewed in France, the pieces evolved into a style that could be classified as distinctly swedish furniture. Here are some of the most common characteristics of Gustavian furniture:

Color

Interestingly, the colors of off-white and gray in today's Gustavian furniture wouldn't be common in the late 18th century. One of the most popular colors is gray, which was created by blending pigment and linseed oil. Today, it is quite challenging to find Gustavian furniture whose original paint hasn't begun to peel. The majority of antique Gustavian furniture on the market has undergone a process known as "dry scraping." 

Dry-Scraping

The majority of original Gustavian period pieces have been treated via a process called "dry-scraping." This process helps to remove the top layers of paint, in order to reveal the original coat. Needless to say, this is quite a painstaking process that takes several person-hours. 

Function

Historically, the Swedes used Gustavian furniture in primary entertainment rooms, such as ballrooms and salons. The wealthy used it to display their wealth, while the Middle Class used it to house their most precious possessions. 

Here are some tips for buying furniture pieces from Sweden: 

1. Determine if you want original or traditional furniture pieces

You can buy traditional swedish furniture pieces from sources such as antique dealers and auctions. The most common types of pieces include desks, tables, chests, sofas, cabinets, and chairs. 

2. Set a budget

You'll need to do this whether you're interested in buying original or replica swedish furniture. While the original pieces will have the highest price tags, they can vary. That's due to whether they contain the original paint, or have been repainted. Those that have the original paint have likely undergone the meticulous process of dry-scraping.

3. Surf the Net

You can also find traditional furniture from Sweden, such as those pieces inspired by the Gustavian period, on the Internet. Both originals and reproductions are available, though both have steep price tags. 

4. Do your homework.

This will help you to distinguish original Gustavian period pieces, from reproductions. While it's certainly OK to purchase reproductions, it's important to know that they are as such. Otherwise, you could spend a fortune purchasing an "original"  that isn't actually one. 

When shopping for swedish furniture you should certainly consider original or reproduction pieces from the Gustavian period. Essentially, this furniture epitomizes traditional Swedish furniture, and it's all the Swedish you'll need to know.