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.
8
509
to
31
298
203
509
509
509
11,730
5,151
4,113
3,273
3,130
3,024
2,885
1,647
1,525
1,522
1,135
816
424
318
238
138
114
6
509
364
115
231
97
19
30
4
15
21
5
11
5
3
2
469
104
92
50
50
479
161
146
68
58
21
6
6
4
1
Style: Black Forest
Period: 19th Century
Baccarat Crystal Epergne, with Black Forest Carved Base Centrepiece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th century Baccarat crystal epergne, Black Forest centrepiece
A superb and very unusual combination, a Black Forest pedestal carved with oak leaves, mounted with an etched crystal dish, which in turn has another Black Forest carved mount...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Crystal
19th Century Black Forrest round Covered Box
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A whimsical had carved Black Forest box. The walnut box with a hen house motif, complete with three chickens.
Category
1870s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Dutch Hand-Carved Flack Forest Walnut Vitrine by Horrix
By Horrix
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Dutch Vitrine by Horrix is a study in the Dutch interpretation of the Regency style, hand-crafted from old-growth walnut with century old patina. Carved embellishment ap...
Category
1860s Dutch Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Black Forest Carved Humidor
Located in High Point, NC
19th century hand-carved black forest humidor with a figure of a dog and cat. The cat is atop a barrel, which has a lid which lifts to reveal a compartment for tobacco. The barrel is sitting on a base with hand-carved sticks and logs and an upside down hunting hat...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Black Forest Canterbury
Located in New York, NY
Intricately carved Black Forest Canterbury or magazine rack. Designed in a swirled leaf pattern with horned grotesque figures on each corner.
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Black Forest Carved Walnut Hunting Presentation Cup
Located in Essex, MA
A beautifully crafted Black Forest hand carved walnut hunting presentation cup, the basket weave bowl supported by the figure of a gentleman hunter l...
Category
1870s German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Large Antique 19th Century Hand-Carved Black Forest Firescreen with Birds Nest
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautifully crafted screen with the original beveled mirror.
For the collectors of top quality Black Forest home accessories we also have this stunning and one of a kind fire-place screen. The incredibly detailed frame consisting of very realistic branches and leafs is an absolute joy to own and look at. The deeper meaning of this work of Black Forest craftsmanship, we think, can be found in the birds nest in the centre of the top. There the little bird is creating a warm home too for the three offspring she is expecting (hence the three eggs...
Category
Mid-19th Century European Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Walnut
Magnificent Carved Black Forest Monkey Gong, circa 1890
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous and scarce find, this wonderful large Black Forest Monkey was hand carved circa 1890 with superb quality detail and retaining two glass ...
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Hand Carved Bracket Shelf
Located in High Point, NC
19th century hand carved bracket shelf from Holland, made from fruitwood. The shelf is shaped and has a molded edge sitting atop a hand carved man holding a horn. Very detailed carving.
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Rustic Black Forest Style Walnut Gnome Hatrack
Located in New York, NY
Rustic Black Forest-style (19th Century) carved walnut hatrack/umbrella stand with gnome figure holding tree form with birds in upper branches.
Category
19th Century European Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Large Antique Victorian Era Black Forest Wall Clock Frame w. Fruits of the Hunt
Located in Lisse, NL
Incredible size and great quality black forest hunting plaque for wall mounting.
This rare size and all hand-carved, solid nutwood game p...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Nutwood
Rustic Black Forest Floral Easel
Located in New York, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Cent) walnut floral carved easel stand.
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique Swiss Black Forest Bear Sculpture Cabin Umbrella & Cane Stand, sign Ruef
By Ruef Brothers
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare hand-crafted entree stand. . .signed ‘RUEF’. (Ruef Brothers)
This beautifully carved Black Forest bear will always be there to greet you when you come home. It does not matter...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Humidor
Located in High Point, NC
19th century hand-carved humidor in the form of a dog's head. The dog is very whimsical with a hat, which lifts to reveal a compartment for storage and finished with a cigar and a bo...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Rare & Hand-Carved Ratan Basket Design Black Forest Jewelry Box with Lock & Key
Located in Lisse, NL
Antique hand-carved box with roses on top.
This rare Black Forest box from circa 1870-1880 has the most beautiful design and details and it can be used for all kinds of purposes. The oval shaped ratan...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Felt
Antique Hand-Carved Black Forest Trunk on Goat Hoofs Amazing Shape & Condition
Located in Lisse, NL
Larger than average and beautiful trunk.
It is not often that you find antiques of this age and beauty in such remarkable condition. You would think that in the course of a 125+ yea...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Pine
Rare Black Forest Alpine Ibex Wood Box, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Rare and unusual Black Forest box in the shape of wood log with a large wood carved Alpine ibex or bouquetin, circa 1890.
The carved bouquetin is 5" height and the box is 8".
Category
1890s French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Display Box with Etched Glass and A Carved Fox
Located in New York, NY
Rustic Black Forest (4th Quarter 19th Century) walnut carved table top display cabinet box with etched glass inset panels and floral carving ...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Glass
Bavarian Antler Settee
Located in New York, NY
Rare late 19th century Bavarian deer antler settee. A three-section settee with large fallow deer antler-shaped backs and natural red deer antler arms. Expertly crafted with interloc...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
19th Century, Black Forest Ceremonial Armchair in Walnut and Carved Wood
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
19th century, Black Forest ceremonial armchair in walnut and carved wood.
Category
1850s European Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Black Forest Carved Humidor
Located in High Point, NC
19th century black forest humidor hand-carved in the shape of a dog's head. His hat lifts to reveal storage for tobacco or cigars. The carving on this piece is wonderfully detailed a...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Rare Antique Black Forest Carved Tree Shaped Coat Rack, Umbrella Hall Stand Tree
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning black forest entrance furniture.
Imagine coming home to this work of art after a tough day at the office. This 19th century work of art will make you feel right back home. In order to understand and enjoy this kind of beauty, you have to see it. You have to see the design that was beforehand, see the craftsman that gave his all, see the natural and beautiful materials he used, see the detail of his work and see what inspired him to make this artistic piece. Once you see it in that way, you will truly love this antique and you will appreciate it for it's unmistakeble quality, beauty and for what it radiates. Pictures may say more than a thousand words, but standing next to and using this antique is what really makes the difference
Although it is not marked, we are certain that this eyecatcher is made by Horrix of the Hague. They were the true and internationally respected Dutch makers of top quality Black Forest style masterpieces. This coat rack is no exception.
The beautifully carved walnut branches covered with leafs seem to have naturally grown over the oval mirror in the middle. The mirror, by the way, is purposely covered in soap so there are no reflections that could distract. The base section comes with the original iron, barley twisted ring looking like rope. This ring obviously serves as the umbrella holder above the removable zinc drip pan. This stand is also perfect for holding walking sticks or even rifles. The rim around the zinc pan is again beautifully carved in the shape of a woven basket. Finally, the top section around the central mirror comes with a total of 8 practical and perfectly carved hangers...
Category
Mid-19th Century Dutch Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Metal
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Trunk
Located in New York, NY
Rustic Black Forest walnut floor trunk with a folding rounded top and supported on "X" form side legs with faux wood, straps, and floral carved design.
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Set of 10 Rustic Black Forest Walnut Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 10 Rustic Black Forest (19th Cent) walnut side chairs with shaped seat and back with filigree carving and animals.
Category
19th Century European Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Rustic German Oak & Horn Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
Rustic German (19th Century) oak cabinet with horn trim & carved medallions with flip seat bench base and upper section with 2 large stained glass doors and...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak, Horn, Stained Glass
Pair of Rustic Black Forest Walnut Floral Console Tables
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Rustic Black Forest (19th Century) walnut console tables with floral carving and stretcher with tapestry covered tops. (PRICED AS Pair)
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Tapestry
Colorful Antique Turkish Rug from Ghiordes Village
Located in New York, NY
A wild and crazy antique Turkish Ghiordes rug with all types of fun and dazzling elements.
Since the beginning of their production in the 18th century, rugs from the Anatolian tow...
Category
19th Century Turkish Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wool
Black Forest Carved Walnut Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Century) carved walnut cabinet on stand with birds and floral filigree apron.
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Center Table
Located in New York, NY
Rustic Black Forest style (German 19th Century) light walnut rectangular center table with carved leaf & vine design on apron with open cluster legs and tooled brown leather top.
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Leather
Rustic Black Forest Bear Walnut Table Desk
Located in New York, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Century) bear carved walnut table desk with leaf and floral carving and single drawer.
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Marble Console Table
Located in New York, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Century) walnut console table with faux twig carved base and slat design apron with marble top and drawer.
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Marble
Antique Carved Wooden Tripod Wine Table or Plant Stand with Marquetry Inlaid Top
Located in Lisse, NL
Mid-19th century table with an inlaid top.
This hand-carved and handcrafted table can be used for all kinds of purposes. The tripod base is beautifully carved in the shape of Black Forest tree branches and the inlaid marquetry top has star motives...
Category
Mid-19th Century Dutch Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Rustic Black Forest Carved Walnut Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Rustic Black Forest (19th Cent) carved walnut open Armchairs with leaf and grape design filigree back and bear heads on arms with etched seat
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Swiss Antique 19th Century Black Forest Dog inkwell desk accessory hand carved
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous most rare Swiss Black Forest 19th century Inkwell / desk accessory fully hand carved displaying a dog wearing a hat and monocle
Detailed carving by a master carver. Comes w...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Cut Glass, Wood
Beautiful Hand-Carved 19th Century Esthetic Black Forest Walnut Rare Humidor Box
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Beautifully Hand-Carved 19th Century Esthetic / Black Forest Walnut Rare Humidor Box.
Category
19th Century Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Late 19th Century Black Forest Bear Piano Stool
By Black Forest
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A Black Forest bear piano stool. Carved linden wood with adjustable rotating carved seat set over a seated, playful bear.
Dimensions: H 43cm W 31cm D 24cm
Origin: Swiss
Date: Ci...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Beautiful Folk Art Wood Carved Deer Head with Real Antlers, Germany 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art deer head wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of ...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Furniture Beautiful Small Dining Table, Game Table Matching Chairs
Located in Chicago, IL
Another selection from our vast collection of Black Forest Furniture, is a beautiful small Dining Table or game table with a set of matching Bla...
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black Forest Hand Carved Switzerland Pair of End Tables Marble Tops, circa 1800s
Located in Chicago, IL
Matched Pair of Black Forest Hand-Carved end tables or side tables with Marble Tops that were Swiss made during the 1800s. Black Forest furniture is d...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Marble
19th Century French Carved Oak Hunt Buffet Server with Grape and Vine Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
This heavily carved antique "Saint Hubert" desserte server was crafted in France circa 1870. Hand carved of solid oak wood and built in three sections, the highly detailed cabinet stands on bracket feet over a straight plinth, and features exquisite carvings in high relief throughout. The top section is dressed with an important hand carved fruit motif cornice at the pediment, flanked with scrolled decor of acanthus leaves on both sides. The center part has two display shelves with scalloped edges, and decorated with leaf motifs at each end; it is further embellished with grape and vine motifs on both back panels. The lower section with lion head figures and foliage, has two carved drawers across the front dressed with iron pulls; the two doors are decorated with carved bird trophy...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Oak
Original Black Forest Set '6' Hand-Carved Dining Chairs Available Matching Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Black forest carvings became a symbol of wealth in the 1800’s and were found in the homes of serious collectors. Their history of Black Forest carvings dates back to the 1800’s in the town of Brienz, Switzerland. Black Forest carving began as a cottage industry and found a niche market and was popular with the tourist trade. When one thinks of Black Forest carvings, they immediately think of carved bears and that’s probably because there are thousands of reproductions. Old Plank has discovered a real treasure trove...
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Black Forest Hand-Carved Candle Lite Wooden Chandelier from 1800's
Located in Chicago, IL
In Europe Black Forest carvings became a symbol of wealth beginning in the 1800’s and were found in the homes of elite collectors. The history of Black Forest carvings dates to the early 1800’s from the town of Brienz in Switzerland. Black Forest carving began as a cottage industry and found a niche market from the local tourist trade. When one thinks of Black Forest carvings, they immediately think of the stereotypical carved bears and that is probably because there are thousands of reproductions out there. Old Plank has discovered a treasure trove of Black Forest carved furniture...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Black Forest Game Table, Center Hall Table Dining Table circa late 1800s
Located in Chicago, IL
Another selection from our vast collection of Black Forest furniture, is a beautiful small dining table or game table. Black Forest furniture is both, a bit rustic blended with a dose of whimsy. Our Black Forest table has as an option, (6) matching chairs that we will be listed separately, so please check for current availability. Black Forest items date from the late 1800s, although most people believe Black Forest originated in Germany or Austria, it was the Swiss who are the ones that invented the style from the City of Brienz. Originally, they carved small animal sculptures driven by the Tourist trade but ultimately started building furniture which has been highly collectible for decades. Somehow, we discovered a Collection of (42) pieces of original Black Forest furniture from a French Chateau, and every Black Forest item was placed in one huge room. The huge collection includes; chandeliers...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Wood
Monumental Black Forest Carved Mantel or Shelf Clock with Hunter and Dog
Located in Milford, NH
A monumental carved walnut black forest mantel or shelf clock sporting / hunting motif. Featuring a hunter with a long rifle or musket slung over his should...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Brass
Black Forest Stag Mount on Carved Wood Plaque
Located in Buchanan, MI
Monumental Black Forest stag mount on carved wood plaque.
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture
Materials
Antler, Wood
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Vintage Flower Button
Black Lacquered China Cabinet
Antique Wooden Lock
Black Lacquer China Cabinet
Brass Display Shelf
Brass Shelf Display
Campaign Style Cabinet
Black Glass Display Case
Burled Walnut Cabinets
Vintage Receipt
Wooden Display Case
Zenith Used
Charms Golden
Vintage 90S Patterns
Vintage Glass Panel Door
Black Gold Rug
Wooden Cabinet Pulls
Vintage Glass Panel Doors