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Black Forest Benches

6 Results
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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Style: Black Forest
Antique Black Forest Bear Bench w. Five Bear Sculptures & Carved Oak Leaf Seat
Antique Black Forest Bear Bench w. Five Bear Sculptures & Carved Oak Leaf Seat

Antique Black Forest Bear Bench w. Five Bear Sculptures & Carved Oak Leaf Seat

$17,755

Antique Black Forest Bear Bench w. Five Bear Sculptures & Carved Oak Leaf Seat

Located in Lisse, NL

Large and impressive, hand carved and demountable bench with five bear sculptures. This superbly hand carved bench is entirely made of solid wood and therefor too this stunning and highly decorative antique is as strong and stable as the day it was it was made. We cannot single out one detail that is more special than others, because the standing bear sculptures...

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Benches

Materials

Glass, Wood

Swiss Black Forest Carved Bear Bench, Brienz, Circa 1890
Swiss Black Forest Carved Bear Bench, Brienz, Circa 1890

Swiss Black Forest Carved Bear Bench, Brienz, Circa 1890

$48,603

Swiss Black Forest Carved Bear Bench, Brienz, Circa 1890

Located in London, GB

This exceptional 'Black Forest' bear bench, intricately carved from Lindenwood in the Brienz area circa 1890, is a magnificent example of Swiss craftsmanship. The seat is cleverly su...

Category

1890s Swiss Antique Black Forest Benches

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Black Forest Carved Oak Hall Bench
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Oak Hall Bench

19th Century French Black Forest Carved Oak Hall Bench

$5,980

19th Century French Black Forest Carved Oak Hall Bench

Located in Dallas, TX

An extraordinary 19th century French Black Forest hall bench, entirely hand carved from oak and conceived as a sculptural celebration of nature. Its dramatic back is formed from interlacing branches, flowering vines, abundant grape clusters, leaves, and rustic latticework, all deeply carved in open relief. The naturalistic branch form continues through the arms, supports, and slender legs, creating the appearance of a bench fashioned from the forest itself. Across the apron, carved flowers and scrolling vines repeat the botanical composition and give the piece remarkable visual continuity. The rich, dark patina settles beautifully into the recesses of the carving, emphasizing every leaf, blossom, grape, and textured branch. Black Forest inspired carving held great appeal in 19th century France, where naturalistic furniture...

Category

1870s French Antique Black Forest Benches

Materials

Oak

Early 20th Century French Alpine Rustic Hand-Carved Oak Bench
Early 20th Century French Alpine Rustic Hand-Carved Oak Bench

Early 20th Century French Alpine Rustic Hand-Carved Oak Bench

$1,875

Early 20th Century French Alpine Rustic Hand-Carved Oak Bench

Located in Dallas, TX

Full of rustic character and primitive charm, this antique wooden bench reflects the traditional craftsmanship of the French Alps. Crafted in France circa 1920, the unusual bench fea...

Category

Early 20th Century French Black Forest Benches

Materials

Oak

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Early 20th Century French Oak Farm Bench, Banquette

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This French artisan made oak farm table bench from the turn of the twentieth century is constructed using hand pegged mortise and tenon joinery and features a seat with rounded ends ...

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19th Century Little Chest or Coffer Teak, English
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19th Century Little Chest or Coffer Teak, English

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19th Century Little Chest or Coffer Teak, English

Located in Labrit, Landes

English coffer or chest made in the 19th century probably in India. The many brass parts give this item a unique style. The numerous compartments in the upper part, as well as the ...

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19th Century English Antique Black Forest Benches

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Antique French Church Pew Bench Double Seat Oak
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Early 1900s French Antique Black Forest Benches

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Antique Jas Shoolbred Hall Bench with Brass Mounts & Walnut Frame circa 1890
Antique Jas Shoolbred Hall Bench with Brass Mounts & Walnut Frame circa 1890

Antique Jas Shoolbred Hall Bench with Brass Mounts & Walnut Frame circa 1890

$3,874

H 24.81 in W 22.25 in D 13 in

Antique Jas Shoolbred Hall Bench with Brass Mounts & Walnut Frame circa 1890

By Jas Schoolbred

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely original circa 1890 Jas Shoolbred of Tottenham Court Road circa 1890 walnut & brass hall bench A very good looking, highly collectab...

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1890s English Antique Black Forest Benches

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Vintage-Style Pearl Leather Trunk Bench
Vintage-Style Pearl Leather Trunk Bench

Vintage-Style Pearl Leather Trunk Bench

$2,334 / item

H 20 in W 48 in D 16 in

Vintage-Style Pearl Leather Trunk Bench

Located in Westwood, NJ

Vintage-style pearl leather trunk bench. A fully functional trunk that hinges open to reveal storage. The padded leather exterior makes it a great bench ...

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21st Century and Contemporary Asian Black Forest Benches

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Leather, Wood

Early 20th Century French Chestnut Trestle Bench
Early 20th Century French Chestnut Trestle Bench

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$1,600

H 16.75 in W 78.5 in D 11.5 in

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Located in Round Top, TX

Early 20th century French bench with a simple trestle base and clean, understated lines. The chestnut wood has developed a beautiful warm patina from generations of use. Noticeable a...

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Antique English Chaise Lounge Bench Victorian Hall Seat Carved Walnut c1880
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$3,495

H 36 in W 56 in D 24 in

Antique English Chaise Lounge Bench Victorian Hall Seat Carved Walnut c1880

Located in Choudrant, LA

Antique English Chaise Lounge Bench Victorian Hall Seat Carved Walnut c1880. Direct from England, a distinctive antique Victorian chaise lounge bench with elegant proportions and ex...

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1880s British Antique Black Forest Benches

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19th century French rush seated hall bench
19th century French rush seated hall bench

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$3,228

H 38.19 in W 63.78 in D 24.41 in

19th century French rush seated hall bench

Located in Malton, GB

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19th Century Antique Black Forest Benches

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Cherry

19th Century English Oak Carved Bench
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$3,450

H 40.5 in W 48 in D 25 in

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Located in High Point, NC

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19th Century English Antique Black Forest Benches

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19th Century French Oak Open Arm Bench
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$2,700

H 31 in W 117 in D 16 in

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Located in Wichita, KS

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Storage Bench Decorated with Elephants
Storage Bench Decorated with Elephants

Storage Bench Decorated with Elephants

$1,942

H 23.23 in W 81.89 in D 26.78 in

Storage Bench Decorated with Elephants

Located in Kastrup, DK

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Previously Available Items
Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Antler Bench with Leather Seat
Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Antler Bench with Leather Seat

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H 17.5 in W 43.75 in D 18.5 in

Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Antler Bench with Leather Seat

Located in Dallas, TX

This striking antique Alpine bench was crafted in the Black Forest tradition, likely in Austria’s Tyrolean region, circa 1930–1950. Sculptural and highly expressive, the bench is con...

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Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Antler Bench with Leather Seat
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H 18 in W 44.5 in D 16.5 in

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Located in Dallas, TX

This antique Alpine bench was crafted in the Black Forest tradition, likely in Austria’s Tyrolean region, circa 1930. The sculptural base is constructed entirely from naturally shed ...

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Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Benches

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Cabin Chic: Antler Bench with Leather Seat
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H 17.5 in W 50 in D 13.5 in

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Located in New York, NY

Antler Bench with Leather Seat Northern Europe, contemporary This striking antler bench is a contemporary work crafted in Northern Europe, drawing inspiration from traditional alpin...

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21st Century and Contemporary German Black Forest Benches

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Leather, Antler

Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Antler Lodge Bench with Leather Seat
Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Antler Lodge Bench with Leather Seat

Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Antler Lodge Bench with Leather Seat

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H 18 in W 45.5 in D 13 in

Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Antler Lodge Bench with Leather Seat

Located in Dallas, TX

This striking antique Alpine bench was crafted in the Black Forest tradition, likely in Austria’s Tyrolean region, circa 1930–1950. Sculptural in form, the bench is constructed from ...

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Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Benches

Materials

Antler, Leather

Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Antler Lodge Bench with Leather Seat
Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Antler Lodge Bench with Leather Seat

Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Antler Lodge Bench with Leather Seat

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H 18 in W 45 in D 13 in

Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Antler Lodge Bench with Leather Seat

Located in Dallas, TX

This striking antique Alpine bench was crafted in the Black Forest tradition, likely in Austria’s Tyrolean region, circa 1930–1950. Sculptural in form, the bench is constructed from ...

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Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Benches

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Antler, Leather

Black Forest Bench with Two Bears Supporting Five Hand Carved Bear Musicians
Black Forest Bench with Two Bears Supporting Five Hand Carved Bear Musicians

Black Forest Bench with Two Bears Supporting Five Hand Carved Bear Musicians

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H 34 in W 77 in D 21 in

Black Forest Bench with Two Bears Supporting Five Hand Carved Bear Musicians

Located in Austin, TX

A rare Black Forest seating bench of carved linden wood from Switzerland - the back carved in relief with branches and leaves and five frolicking smaller bears playing musical instruments. The seat a carved wood plank...

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Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Benches

Materials

Wood, Glass

Black Forest Carved Bear Bench
Black Forest Carved Bear Bench

Black Forest Carved Bear Bench

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H 32.68 in W 59.06 in D 17.72 in

Black Forest Carved Bear Bench

Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB

Black forest bear bench Produced I southern Germany using wood from 'The Black Forest" in southern Germany on the Swiss and French Borders, having great attention to detail and incredible realism, this example is in excellent original condition with minor repairs and 'age related wear' Welcome your guests with a welcoming Black Forest bench in your Hall. Carved out of solid wood by an expert artisan, this Black Forest bear hallway bench was made in the early 1900s. Two charming bears have the carved bench in their paws. They are exceptionally carved and and have warm facial expressions with glass eyes. each bear has his own characteristics. The bench itself exhibits Black Forest design details involving leaves and branches, all beautifully carved with much attention to detail. The bench is in wonderful antique condition with the lovely patina Black Forest Carving was also known as carvin de forêt noir, which reflect designs featuring depictions of forests (primarily of bears), trees, branches, and leaves. Black forest furniture came to be a worldwide benchmark for modern wood carving...

Category

Early 1900s German Antique Black Forest Benches

Materials

Wood

Victorian Black Forest Bench
Victorian Black Forest Bench

Victorian Black Forest Bench

Sold

H 42 in W 59 in D 25.5 in

Victorian Black Forest Bench

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Victorian black forest carved bench seat. Back carved with branches, oak leaves and acorns. Patterned seat with scroll arms and entwined border. S sc...

Category

19th Century European Antique Black Forest Benches

Materials

Wood

18th Century Black Forest Carved Bench
18th Century Black Forest Carved Bench

18th Century Black Forest Carved Bench

Sold

H 54.63 in W 73.25 in D 23 in

18th Century Black Forest Carved Bench

Located in High Point, NC

Spectacular 18th century hand carved bench from Germany. This bench is the best Black Forest bench we have had the pleasure to offer. The carving is exquisite. The back has three han...

Category

18th Century German Antique Black Forest Benches

Materials

Oak

Lovely Vintage Black Forest Wood Bear Bench with Internal Storage Part of Suite
Lovely Vintage Black Forest Wood Bear Bench with Internal Storage Part of Suite

Lovely Vintage Black Forest Wood Bear Bench with Internal Storage Part of Suite

Sold

H 36.23 in W 42.13 in D 17.72 in

Lovely Vintage Black Forest Wood Bear Bench with Internal Storage Part of Suite

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely decorative vintage Black Forest wood musical bear bench with internal storage This bench is part of a suite The bench is a good l...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Benches

Materials

Wood

Black Forest benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Black Forest benches 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 benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fruitwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest benches made in a specific country, there are Europe, Switzerland, and Germany pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 benches differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,200 and tops out at $82,819 while the average work can sell for $12,200.

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