Swedish Style Eras

Simplicity and functionality ruled during the Renaissance period and focus was on the individual.
Furniture was seen as a symbol of social status and leaned on the Classical architectural design of the time.
Influences came mainly from Italy with geometric forms contributing a certain harmony and balance to interior spaces and design. A restrained look with simple designs and carved ornaments, often inspired by historical themes, is the epitome of the Renaissance era
Immigrants from Germany and Holland brought quality craftmanship and a Nordic touch was added.

Louis XIV in Versailles set the stage for this period, which reflected a rich and extravagant lifestyle
Furnishings were exaggerated with strong colors, flamboyant style, and grandiose Acanthus leaves, visible during the Renaissance, became even more popular and C and S shapes were prominent
The furniture style became lighter and less decorated as it moved into Late Baroque
This was a time when the finer things in life came into focus and Sweden’s style was influenced by both France and Britain resulting in extravagant splendor

The Rococo period brought a break from the dark and heavy style which was prevalent during the Baroque
Soft and asymmetric forms inspired by nature.
It was sophisticated and light
Reflected a playful, idyllic country life and S shapes were dominant
Furniture also became more comfortable as padding and upholstery were introduced.

Furniture and interior decoration of the wealthy and King Gustav III set the trends
Inspirations were historical classical structures like the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum
Another strong influence was the court of Versailles and craftsmen were sent to Paris for in-depth study
The style is elegant and airy, reserved and exquisitely decorated with a strong Swedish character
Whitewashed ceilings were in vogue and moldings and stucco commonly decorated the walls
Pedestals and columns were defining elements

“Second Bronze Age”, due to the period being characterized by fire-gilded bronze
It was a majestic era with colorful interiors and decoration inspired by classical ideals.
Style was not as lavish as the French model and was more English inspired, where it was referred to as the “Regency style”
A more unpretentious, simple form and a bourgeois character
Influenced by the French revolution, warlike symbols were commonly used
Symbols and ornaments inspired by the ancient Greek and Roman empires
Popular style of grouping furniture underneath a chandelier was introduced as well as wallpaper and colorful textiles.

Revivalism is a term for a variety of European styles
People preferred new made possible by the industrialization of furniture making
Strong passion for elaborate textile products and extravagant types of wood
Furniture provided greater comfort and generally displayed a stronger, more exaggerated form.

“Allmoge” comes from Old Norse, meaning “all the people, country people”
The style was taken from the wealthy, but it was simplified to suit the rural setting
The choice of wood was mainly pine and birch and most often created by craftsmen who had carpentry and cabinetry as a hobby
Clearly displays the geographical differences by the colours and motifs – both in the furniture and textiles
A style that stands out is “kurbits”, which originates from Dalarna and is characterized by the richly painted floral patterns.