the Gustavian style

This late 18th century style is named after King Gustav III of Sweden. It is the Nordic equivalent of France's Louis XVI style. You can still visit the Gustavian bedrooms at Sturehof manor or Ekolsund castle near Stockholm.

Swedish furniture from this period is characterized by its sobriety and bluish grey hues, which bring light and softness into dark rooms. This fresh, typically Nordic style complements hardwood floors, natural linen and antique woodwork.

Recipe for a Gustavian-style patina: clean and lightly sand the piece you want to restore. Apply one coat of grey-tinted wax to the drawer edges and sides, the doors and the surfaces of your piece. To tint the wax, add a hint of grey dye to a small amount of furniture wax. You can also add a little gold wax. The resulting golden-grey wax will enhance the vintage look of the patina finish. Remove the excess wax with a cloth, and let dry.

Choose a bluish-grey paint and apply one coat. The paint will not adhere as well to the parts that have been waxed - this is deliberate. Let dry. For the second coat, soften the color with a little white paint. Apply this second coat without overloading your paintbrush. Let the paint dry very briefly, then wipe with a cloth to "drag" the color. This will create a satiny patina effect.

Let the paint dry for a day or two (according to manufacturer's instructions), very lightly sand the edges then wax the entire piece. Polish with a soft cloth.

gustavian style 2

(c) Halsingland farmhouses

Swedish farmhouses from this period are also an excellent source of ideas. With their fine workmanship and color combining skills, these farmers from the past continue to inspire us today.

To have an idea about gustavian gray furniture restorations and finishes,
Visit this interesting website: www.country-gallery.com.

February 2007 [inspirations]
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