Antique 18th c. Swedish Gustavian Hutch

Antique Swedish Hutch

• antique circa 1790
• found in Sweden
• Gustavian period (spanning from the late 18th century to early 19th century) - Sweden's interpretation of French Neoclassicism
• 84" high x 47.5" wide x 21.5" deep

A Swedish painted hutch from the Gustavian period, made in two parts with original working locks and later hardware. This cabinet is beautifully proportioned with subtle curves in its curved pediment and cabriole legs. The interior upper section contains three fixed shelves, with an additional top shelf shaped and slotted for spoons. The bottom cabinet features four drawers.

In the 18th century, Swedish homes were often compact and therefore their furniture became multifunctional. A hutch like this would have been used to store linens and smaller tools in the drawers, bowls and plates on the shelves and the top shelf was specifically made to store spoons. A "skedhylla" (literally spoon shelf) is in most traditional Swedish hutches where wooden spoons were stored to keep them upright, seperated and easy to grab. It also allowed them to dry properly after washing (important before modern kitchens).

Style this piece in a dining room, kitchen or bedroom.