Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Daybed, Circa 1700’s, Sweden

DESCRIPTION: Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Daybed. 

This Gustavian Daybed features a hand-scraped original painted wood finish and pink-and-white checkered upholstery, resting on six legs and features under seat storage.

Neoclassical Swedish Gustavian design with an arched backrest and carved details.

Weathered, hand-scraped wood finish revealing the original painted surface.

Upholstered with pink and white check cushion paired with matching cylindrical bolster pillows

CONDITION: Good condition. Wear consistent with age and use.

DIMENSIONS: Height: 104cm (41in) Width: 177cm (70in) Depth: 65cm (26in) Seat Height: 55cm (21.5in).

ABOUT THE STYLE: The Swedish Gustavian style  emerged during the reign of King Gustav III (1771–1792), born from his admiration for French Louis XVI Neoclassicism after visiting the court of Versailles, yet adapted with a distinct Scandinavian restraint, practicality, and light-reflecting minimalism.  Dominated by soft, chalky, muted finishes such as pale gray, soft blue, dusty white, and cream, often with a distressed or aged patina. Built primarily using native Scandinavian woods like solid pine, birch, and beech. Features clean symmetry, slender fluted or tapered legs, and restrained neoclassical carvings (such as rosettes, urns, and laurel wreaths). The early Gustavian period (1770s–1780s) closely mirrored French symmetry and Greco-Roman motifs, while the later period (1790s–early 1800s) grew more restrained, incorporating rustic Swedish folk elements and simpler square legs.