From Dawn Hill Antiques
You’ve always loved the look. Clean, soft white, blues, washed out greens. The detailing is carved, distinct, and lineal. Basically, you know it’s Swedish, but did you know the origins of the style are founded in France and Italy?
In a mini-history nutshell, Gustav III returned to Sweden from Versailles in the late 1700's and was so taken with the architecture and furnishings he found in Versailles that he declared Sweden would become the cultural center of the North. To this end, his thirst for cultural enrichments for Sweden took him further to Italy where he embraced the Italian decorative styles. The blend of Rococo and Baroque into more austere lines is what we now identify as the Gustavian Swedish style.
Photography by Andreas Von Einsiedel – via The Swedish Furniture.com
When you look at the simpler form of Swedish Country style, take a close look at the carvings, the lines of the chairs and benches and you’ll be able to see how this style was so influenced by the southern European neighbors all because Gustave III was a connoisseur of beauty and patron of the arts. For more on Gustav III of Sweden, click here. He was a true Renaissance man and one of the most powerful sovereigns of the 18th century.
There are so many fabulous sources from which to find good Swedish furniture, old and new, but the few noted here have great websites from which you’ll be able to learn and potentially visit if you are in their neighborhoods.
Get educated
If you know what your buying, you’ll be sure to make the right purchasing decisions as well as appreciating what you have. Read up, visit antique stores and ask questions. Most of all, enjoy the hunt!
If you’d like a personal buying tour to purchase Swedish furniture, we’d like to recommend Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva, who will be able to take you straight to the source for your antique decorating needs.
Where to Buy
click on any picture for more information
Swedish Lighting at Dawn Hill Antiques
Hand made Painted Gustavian Armoire made by Swedish Interior Design.co.uk. They carry a large assortment of Swedish Antiques as well
A set of 14 Swedish Gustavian Chairs from TalismanLondon.com via First Dibs
A. Tyner Antiques from Georgia has a vast collection of antique Swedish furniture
Late Gustavian Sofa Bench circa 1820 from Cupboards & Roses in Sheffield, Ma
If you are going to the Brimfield Antiques Market this summer, look for Lone Ranger Antiques. They have reproductions and antiques alike.
