Black Forest Furniture
BLACK FOREST STYLE
Although its name evokes a mountainous region in Germany, antique Black Forest–style furniture originated in Switzerland. In Brienz, during the early 19th century, wood-carver Christian Fischer recognized the market for tourist souvenirs and helped make the village into a wood-carving destination. The Brienz Woodcarving School was founded in 1884 and had its own small zoo for studying the anatomy of animals, depictions of which are a defining aspect of the style, also known as Brienzerware.
Whimsical sculptures, often depicting bears and other Alpine animals like stags, owls, deer and boars, characterize the work produced in the area. Along with folk art and decorative objects, Black Forest furniture included benches held aloft by bears, umbrella stands carved with acorns and clock cases adorned with scrolling oak leaves. While most wood-carvers adhered to a similar realism in their designs and woods like linden, maple and walnut, their aesthetics varied.
The F. Peter Trauffer family was known for their hand-carved bear sculptures that saw the furry mammals playing instruments, smoking pipes and engaging in all sorts of human activities. They were sometimes detailed with glass eyes and integrated into functional pieces of furniture, including chair backs and bench legs, which generations of cabinetmakers created from the 1880s to the 1950s. Walter Mader and his son Heinrich frequently carved Saint Bernard sculptures that they incorporated into furniture.
As the Black Forest furniture style spread around the world through exhibitions at world’s fairs in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the rusticity of these pieces resonated at a time of increasing urbanization, inspiring other artisans.
Find a collection of antique Black Forest cabinets, bedroom furniture, seating and other items on 1stDibs.
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Item Ships From: Dallas
Style: Black Forest
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Bleached Oak Buffet with Floral Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a den, a game room or an entry with this richly carved antique buffet! Created in France, circa 1860, and built of oak, the cabinet sits on front bun feet over a carved base...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Bleached Oak Hunt Buffet Desserte
Located in Dallas, TX
This heavily carved "Saint Hubert" cabinet server was crafted in France circa 1870. Hand carved of solid oak wood and built in two sections with top crown, the highly detailed antiqu...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
19th Century French Black Forest Cave A Liqueur with Etched Glass Hunting Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
It is rare to find a 19th-century tantalus box with a complete set of glassware, but this immaculate Black Forest-themed French cave a liqueur has all of the original receptacles, de...
Category
19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
19th C. French Black Forest Carved Oak Mirror with Bronze Trim and Bird Motif
Located in Dallas, TX
A striking example of French Black Forest craftsmanship, this intricately carved mirror was created circa 1870 and is made of stripped oak with a light, natural patina. The circular ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Wall Mirror with Foliage Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Carved in France circa 1870, this richly detailed wall mirror is a fine example of Black Forest-style craftsmanship, distinguished by its deeply sculptural forms and organic naturali...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Walnut
Pair of 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Carved Walnut Hunt Trophy Sculptures
Located in Dallas, TX
This remarkable pair of wall trophies was hand carved in Switzerland’s Black Forest region circa 1870. Executed in richly grained walnut, and almost 3 feet tall, each plaque is a tou...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century French Carved Oak Hunt Cabinet with Bird and Fish Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
For the ultimate fisherman or bird hunter, look no further than this exquisite Black Forest buffet! Crafted in France, circa 1860, the antique cabinet sits on bun feet over a recesse...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Bleached Oak Buffet with Love Birds
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a den or game room with this richly carved antique buffet! Created in France, circa 1860, and built of oak wood, the cabinet sits on small feet over a carved base plinth, an...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
Important 19th Century Black Forest Hall Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
Magnificent rare Swiss Black Forest carved deer form hall stand with mirror. Having impeccably detailed deer and eagle carvings above rock form base and ...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
$19,600 Sale Price
38% Off
Antique French Black Forest Carved Inkwell with Oak Leaves and Birds, Circa 1890
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon…
Hand-carved in France, circa 1890, this Black Forest inkwell is incredibly detailed with motifs of oak leaves and a pair of birds. The two birds (a fl...
Category
1890s French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Vintage Sarah Gayle Carter Black Forest Hooked Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
79239 Vintage Sarah Gayle Carter Black Forest Hooked Rug, 13'00 x 15'00. This vintage Sarah Gayle Carter “Black Forest” rug is a rare harmony of cottagecore charm and Art Nouveau ele...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wool
Mid-Century French Deer Antler Stool with Natural Hide Upholstered Seat
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring rustic elegance to your interior with this distinctive mid-century French stool. Crafted circa 1950, the piece features a sculptural base composed of naturally shed deer antle...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Animal Skin
19th Century French Oval Black Forest Game Plaque with Bark Trompe L’Oeil
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-carved in France during the 1800s, this oval game plaque has amazing detail that includes a textured bark trompe l’oeil ground. Trompe l’oeil is a technique (loosely meaning “de...
Category
19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut and Glass Complete Liquor Box
Located in Dallas, TX
Create an elegant bar area with this complete antique "Cave à Liqueur"! Created in France, circa 1870 and shaped as a wood log cabinet, the rectangular Black Forest Tantalus is decor...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Walnut
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Bleached Oak Wall Mirror with Fruit
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a powder room, a study or hallway with this heavily carved antique mirror. Created in France circa 1880 and carved of oak, the Black Forest frame features a top pineapple fi...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Oak
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Eagle Sculpture Wall Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
This unusual antique mirror was crafted in the Alps region of France, circa 1880. The whimsical mirror features a large eagle sculpture with win...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mercury Glass, Oak
19th Century Black Forest Carved & Inlaid Salon Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Black Forest carved & inlaid salon chair is a masterpiece of the furniture maker's art! Sumptuous walnut was artfully carved to resemble naturalistic wood as it would appear in the forest, yet constrained into the form of a shield-back chair with boldly scrolled legs. The seat back is particularly intricate, with a combination of straight timbers combined with vine motif. Centered is an oval plaque with inlaid saw-tooth border around an Alpine Horn...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Satinwood, Walnut
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Wall Sculpture with Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wall with this beautiful antique carved mirror. Crafted in France circa 1880 and built of solid walnut wood, this elegant wall sculpture features an intricately carved ped...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Walnut
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Light Oak Mirror with Foliage Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a powder room, a study or hallway with this heavily carved antique mirror. Created in France circa 1880 and carved of oak, the Black Forest frame features a tree branch knot...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Oak
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut and Glass Complete Liquor Box
Located in Dallas, TX
Create an elegant bar area with this antique "Cave à Liqueur"! Created in France, circa 1870 and shaped as a house log cabin, the rectangular Black Forest Tantalus is decorated on the top with a carved floral medallion in high relief. The side and front glass panels are all decorated with an arched glass window form. Lifting the top, it features an inside removable caddy with a complete set of 16 cut glass cordials decorated with gilt motifs, and four matching carafes with glass...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Walnut
19th Century Black Forest Carved Walnut and Leather Wall Vitrine Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant and heavily carved antique vitrine was crafted in France, circa 1880. The hanging cabinet features hand carved leaf and branch motifs throughout the front. The cabinet d...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Leather
19th Century French Carved Oak Nine-Gun Cabinet with Bird and hunt Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Display your rifle or shotgun collection in this grand and intricately carved antique gun cabinet. Created in France circa 1860, this important two-piece display piece is crafted fro...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Glass, Oak
Early 20th Century German Hand Painted Ceramic Hunt Scene Wall Platter
Located in Dallas, TX
This large, richly colored ceramic platter was crafted in Germany circa 1920 and captures the rustic charm of a traditional Black Forest hunt scene. Round in shape, the hand-painted ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century Black Forest Walnut Wood Cave A Liqueur from France
Located in Dallas, TX
This large Black Forest walnut cave a liqueur is from 19th century France. The box has a working lock and key and the interior contents are visible through the beveled glass sides. I...
Category
19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Hand Mirror with Beveled Glass
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1870, the antique Louis XV style hand mirror with elegant serpentine handle, features hand carved floral and leaf motifs throughout the frame; the vanity mirr...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mercury Glass, Walnut
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Hunt Trophies Sculptures, Set of 4
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a ranch or hunting lodge with this suite of elegant antique Black Forest wall plaques. Carved in France circa 1870, and built of walnut wood, each plaque is octagonal in sha...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Jardinière with Zinc Liner
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful, walnut, Black Forest jardinière carved as a wooden log was crafted in France, circa 1870. The rectangular fruitwood planter features hand carved floral, tree branches with leaf decor. The antique planter is in excellent condition, and has its original removable zinc liner...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut and Porcelain Jardinière
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique planter was crafted in France, circa 1870. Rectangular in shape with scrolled decor and scalloped edge, the detailed planter stands on small curved feet, and is ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Porcelain, Walnut
19th Century Black Forest Walnut & Leather Smoking Chair with Cigar Storage
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring charm and conversation to your space with this unique "Chaise de Fumeur" or smoking chair. Crafted in France circa 1880, the antique chair is made of richly patinated walnut an...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Pair of 19th C. French Black Forest Carved Walnut Game and Harvest Wall Plaques
Located in Dallas, TX
This distinctive pair of antique Black Forest wall plaques was hand-carved from solid walnut in France circa 1870. Each is mounted on an oval back plate with a stippled and chiseled ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th C. Black Forest Carved Walnut Hunt Mirror with Dog, Game, and Grapes
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a study or hallway with this heavily carved antique mirror. Created in France circa 1880 and measuring just over two feet tall, the Black Forest frame features a boldly scul...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Oak
Antique Framed Oil Painting on Canvas signed A. Heins
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Framed Oil Painting on Canvas signed A. Heins is a wonderful depiction of a charming cottage in the woods, rendered with a deft brush on a soft, earth toned palette. The col...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Vintage Persian Bakhtiari Rug with Garden Design and Black Forest Style
Located in Dallas, TX
73299, distressed vintage Persian Bakhtiari rug with garden design and Black Forest style. A beautiful, unique garden design is on display in this distressed vintage Bakhtiari Persian rug. Each individual square compartment is "planted" with a different flower species...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wool
$1,760 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Carved Walnut Mantel Clock with Cherubs and Bird
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate your buffet or mantel with this monumental antique fruitwood clock. Crafted in Switzerland, circa 1860, the masterpiece time keeper features two hand carved seated cherubs holding a grape basket with a duck, frog and reed decor underneath. The center face has blue enamel roman numbers, and the clock mechanism has been cleaned and checked by our clock expert, and is in very good working order. This important clock...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Enamel
19th Century Black Forest Carved Walnut and Crystal Center Piece with Goat Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
Dress a table or a console with this elegant antique black forest center piece composition. Crafted in Switzerland (or France) circa 1870, the glass vase rests on a leafy branch shap...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Cut Glass, Walnut
Pair of Late 19th C. French Carved Oak Monks with Goblets, Black Forest Style
Located in Dallas, TX
Carved in France circa 1890, this expressive pair of antique oak monk figures blends Gallic charm with the rustic spirit of the Black Forest tradition. Each cheerful friar is shown m...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
Pair of 18th C. French Carved Oak Hunting Plaques with Wrought Iron Handles
Located in Dallas, TX
Add historical charm and sculptural interest to your interior with this impressive pair of hand-carved French wall plaques, crafted in oak circa 1780. Each plaque takes the form of a...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Vintage Bakhtiari Persian Rug with Garden Design with Black Forest Style
Located in Dallas, TX
72028 Vintage Bakhtiari Persian Rug with Garden Design with Black Forest Style. A beautiful, unique garden design is on display in this vintage Bakhtiari Persian rug. Each individual square compartment is "planted" with a different flower species...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wool
Distressed Vintage Turkish Oushak with Black Forest Style, Warm Earth Tones
Located in Dallas, TX
73661, distressed vintage Turkish Oushak with Black Forest style. This hand knotted wool distressed vintage Oushak rug features large scale f...
Category
Mid-20th Century Turkish Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wool
$2,200 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Carved Walnut Tilt-Top Table with Village Scene
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in Switzerland circa 1860, this exquisite Black Forest occasional table features a round, tilt-top surface set over a carved twist stem and a sculptural tripod base ending in...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Highly Carved French Oak Sculpture of a Man Harvesting Wine Grapes
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful sculpture has been carved from solid French oak during the latter half of the 19th century. The style is that of Black Forest, with realistic depictions of branches, leaves, grapes, and more. Originally a French clock, most of the timing mechanisms have long been removed. The elaborate carving depicts a man harvesting wine grapes on rocky terrain dotted with vegetation. Our gatherer, who is clad in an overcoat and large brimmed hat, is carrying a hod (hotte in French) full of freshly picked grapes. A large wooden bucket...
Category
19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century French Black Forest Hand Carved Hunt Scene Wall Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a ranch, hunting lodge or simply a man's office with this elegant antique wall decor. Crafted in France circa 1870, the hand carved artwork...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Early 20th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Bear Sculpture Composition
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a ranch or hunt cabin with this beautifully executed, antique bear sculpture composition. Hand carved in France circa 1920 from one piece of frui...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century French Dog and Rabbit Gilt Bronze Sculpture Signed P. Lecourtier
By Prosper Lecourtier
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a shelf or man's office with this wonderful antique gilt sculpture composition. Created in France, circa 1890, the detailed artwork features a realistic pointer standing on ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Forest Carved Oak Barometer and Thermometer with Dog Motif
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique wall hanging barometer and thermometer was crafted in France, circa 1890. The carved oak weather and temperature reader features impressive, high-relief carvings of acorn and leaf motifs throughout; it is further embellished with a dog head sculpture at the pediment. The thermometer with Celsius and Fahrenheit reading, and the weather forecast seem to be in working order. The Black Forest weather...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
Early 20th Century French Carved Walnut Wine Bottle Holder Clog with Vine Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
Impress your guests with this interesting antique wine bottle holder shaped as a clog shoe, crafted in France, circa 1920, the unique, hand ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of 19th Century French Carved Walnut Cabaret Figures Lamp Bases
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wine cellar or a bar with this pair of antique cabaret lamp bases. Crafted in France circa 1880, each sculpture stands on a round base and fea...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Early 20th Century French Carved Walnut Wine Bottle Holder Clog with Vine Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
Impress your guests with this interesting antique wine bottle holder shaped as a clog shoe; crafted in France, circa 1920, the unique, hand ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Black Forest Hand-Carved French Liqueur Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century black forest hand carved liqueur stand with original glass was meant to adorn the library or office, even perhaps the living or drawing room, and provide a top-notch tou...
Category
1880s French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Cow Sculpture Composition
Located in Dallas, TX
This stately antique Black Forest sculpture composition was carved in France, circa 1860. The sculptural fruitwood work of art features a farm s...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of 19th Century French Carved Walnut "Cabaret Figures" Lamp Bases
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wine cellar or a bar with this pair of antique "cabaret" lamps. Crafted in France circa 1880, each black forest sculpture stands on a round base and features a carved male...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Black Forest furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Black Forest furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Switzerland pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel, Black Forest, Sofina Porzellan, and Horrix. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $30 and tops out at $150,000 while the average work can sell for $1,550.