Skip to main content

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.

1
230
to
11
158
61
230
230
230
11,512
6,130
2,483
1,586
1,398
1,025
999
992
986
953
537
530
457
429
379
357
308
206
6
512
361
115
96
18
30
4
15
21
5
11
5
3
2
203
44
35
33
31
218
86
83
22
11
12
1
1
1
Style: Black Forest
Period: Early 20th Century
Antique Carved Wooden Black Forest Standing Bear Sculpture Table / Desk Lamp
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful quality and perfect condition bear desk lamp. If you are a collector of rare, very good quality and highly decorative Black Forest bear sculptures then this fine specimen...
Category

Early 20th Century European Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Glass, Hide, Wood, Paint

Black Forest Hand Carved Large & Extremely Rare Beaver and Bear Pair Table Lamps
Located in Lisse, NL
For the collectors of extremely rare Black Forest animal carvings. With a combined 35+ years of experience in selling Black Forest antiques we have never seen a pair of table lamps ...
Category

Early 20th Century European Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Masterly Carved Black Forest Wall Barometer with Fern Plants and Eagle Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Hand carved, solid walnut antique barometer with maker's mark. This rare Black Forest barometer depicting an incredibly detailed and finest quality also has the most beautiful patin...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Brass, Zinc

Antique Deer Horn Carving Set, Sheffield ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Deer Horn Carving Set, Sheffield ca. 1900s A rustic carving set consisting of fork and knife. The handles are made of genuine deer horn and feature a silver knob on their en...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Abnorm White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Abnorm White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s A large abnorme white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) trophy on a wooden plaque with black finish. The trophy w...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s A large antique white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) trophy on a wooden plaque with black finish. The trophy was shot...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

ANTiQUE GERMAN BLACK FOREST CARVED RAMS HEAD ANTLER SUPPER TABLE PART OF A SUITE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare original German late 19th century black forest antler supper cafe side table which is part of...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

PAIR OF ANTIQUE GERMAN BLACK FOREST CARVED ANTLER ARMCHAiRS PART OF A SUITE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare pair of original German late 19th century black forest antler armchairs which are part of a s...
Category

Early 1900s European Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique Black Forest Brienz Hand-Carved Figural Dog Inkwell
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique inkwell is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Austria and date to approximately 1920 and done in the period Black Forest style. The inkwell is composed of a ...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Art Glass, Softwood

Antique Swiss Black Forest Carved Dog Head Bronze Hook Hanger Coat Rack, c. 1900
Located in Pearland, TX
A fine antique black forest Swiss hand carved dog head sculpture plaque coat rack with a gilt bronze hook, circa 1900. It's perfect for your rustic lodge decor in an entryway for han...
Category

Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Brass Framed Monumental Sized Magnifying Glass with Natural Horn Handle
Located in Savannah, GA
This monumental sized horn handled magnifying glass with brass framework and stem, is of heavy weight and fine quality. The horn is quite substantial and supports this very large gla...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Brass

Black Forest Siberian Deer Trophy on Carved Wooden Plaque 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Siberian Deer Trophy on Carved Wooden Plaque 1900s Antique trophy of a siberian deer (Capreolus pygargus) from the Black Forest, hunted around 1900. The large 6 pointer...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

A Pair Antique Black Forest Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Pair Antique Black Forest Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques 1900s A pair antique Black Forest roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophies mounted on carved oak plaques...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Wooden Plaque 1908
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Wooden Plaque 1908 Antique trophy of a red deer (Cervus elaphus) from the Black Forest, hunted in 1908. The large antlers are mounted on a woo...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Antique Black Forest 6 Pointer Sika Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest 6 Pointer Sika Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s A great antique sika deer (Cervus nippon) trophy from the Black Forest shot in Germany around 1900. The la...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Antler

Cute Vichtauer Hand Carved Wood Bird, Black Forest Folk Art, Austria, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful cute little Austrian 20th century, carved wood bird, mounted on a wooden stand for hanging. The tradition of these in Austria called "Viechtauer" birds goes back to the e...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique & Large Black Forest Inkstand w. Capercaillie / Wood Grouse Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Largest and rare antique Black Forest inkstand. If you are a collector of decorative and rare Black Forest antiques then this entirely handcarved inkstand could be gracing your home...
Category

Early 20th Century European Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Leather Strap with Eight Brass Bells, Switzerland ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Leather Strap with Eight Brass Bells, Switzerland ca. 1900s An antique leather strap with eight brass bells from the Swiss Alps manufactured ca. 1900. These bells are used t...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Black Forest Carved Fox Whip Holder or Wall Hook ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Carved Fox Whip Holder or Wall Hook ca. 1900s A handcarved cabin decor style coat hook or whip holder showing a fox with a gun. The hooks are made from genuine chamois ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

3 carved Black Forest miniature Bears 1910s Germany
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice set of Three carved Black Forest Bears . In different poses . one sitting with a Aluminum pot .one lying down . and one standing on all Four ....
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Horn Table and Stools
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Black Forest horn table with 4 matching stools. Table size. Stools are 13" square x 19"H. The tops are carved antler and brass shell casings. Would f...
Category

Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

A Swiss Black Forest hand carved wood study of a St Bernard Mountain rescue dog
Located in Central England, GB
A Swiss Black Forest hand carved limewood study of a St Bernard Mountain rescue dog. This very pleasing and beautifully hand carved small black forest lime wood study is of a seated...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Black Forest Coat Rack / Hall Tree 20th Century Wood Umbrella Stand Hat
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Make sure you always come home with a warm welcome with this marvelous Black Forest Coat rack in your hallway. Carved out of solid wood by a master carver this Black Forest bear Hall tree...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany 1925
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany 1925 An antique chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden carved plaque which features a handwritten inscription...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Antler

Antique Black Forest 6 Pointer Sika Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest 6 Pointer Sika Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s A great 6 pointer sika deer (Cervus nippon) trophy from the Black Forest shot in Germany around 1900. The ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large Wooden Black Forest Bear Flower Stand, Handcarved in Brienz 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Wooden Black Forest Bear Flower Stand, Handcarved in Brienz 1900s A antique statue of a standing bear flower stand. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarved with naturalistic det...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Set of Two Vintage Black Forest Deer Antler Trophy on Wood Carved Plaque, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful set of two Black Forest roe deer antler trophy on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaque. A nice addition to your hunters loge, Cabin or just to display it in your house...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Fine Carved Statue of a Staghound, circa 1920
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Fine Carved Statue of a Staghound, circa 1920 A wooden carved statue of a staghound. It is carved as half relief out of one piece of nutwood. Made in Brienz, Switzerland circa 1920....
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large White Tailed Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s A capital antique white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) trophy on a wooden plaque...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Antler

Set of Three Vintage Black Forest Deer Antler Trophy on Wood Carved Plaque 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful set of three Black Forest roe deer antler trophy on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaque. A nice addition to your hunters loge, Cabin or just to display it in your hou...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Antique Swiss Black Forest Carved Chamois Wall Bracket Shelf, circa 1920
Located in Pearland, TX
A fine black forest hand carved chamois or antelope wall bracket shelf hand carved in Switzerland, circa 1920. This fine bracket features a handsome chamois surrounded by intricately...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Wooden Carved Cupboard with Several Carvings
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Wooden Carved Cupboard with Several Carvings A detailed handcarved wooden buffet or cupboard with several elaborately carved wooden decorations depicting lion, putties, ange...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Black Forest Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s A great 6 pointer deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the Black Forest shot in Germany around 1900. The antlers are mounted...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Antler

A Wooden Carved Black Forest Weather Station with Bird
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Wooden Carved Black Forest Weather Station with Bird A Black Forest meteorological station with barometer and thermometer. Handcarved in German...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Bell Belt with Eight Brass Bells, Tyrol ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Bell Belt with Eight Brass Bells, Tyrol ca. 1900s An antique bell belt with eight brass bells from the Tyrolian Alps ca. 1900s. Bell belts are used to locate goats or sheep ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique Figural Black Forest Nutcracker c.1900
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous late Victorian Black Forest Nutcracker beautifully carved with a fabulous rich dark colour and good bright patina. The Monkey still...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Antique Black Forest Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s A great 6 pointer deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the Black Forest shot in Germany around 1900. The large antlers are m...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Antler

Antique German Westerwald Cobalt Blue Salt Glaze Stoneware Pitcher Jug Ewer 17"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique German Westerwald stoneware pottery decanter jug, ewer or pitcher. Made of cobalt blue salt glaze stoneware featuring a mythical gr...
Category

Early 20th Century Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Antique Leather Strap with Six Casted Cattle Bells, Switzerland ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Leather Strap with Six Casted Cattle Bells, Switzerland ca. 1900s An antique leather strap with six casted bronze cattle bells from the swiss Alps manufactured ca. 1900. Cat...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique Leather Strap with Thirteen Bronze Bells, Switzerland ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Leather Strap with Thirteen Bronze Bells, Switzerland ca. 1900s An antique leather strap with thirteen bronze bells from the swiss Alps...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique German Black Forest Style Carved Owl Sculpture with Glass Eyes, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
An antique Black Forest style hand-carved Lindenwood owl sculpture, Germany, circa 1920. This impressive naturalistically carved dark brown wooden owl with glass eyes, sitting on a w...
Category

1920s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Hand Carved Fruitwood Black Forest Frame Germany, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning Black Forest picture frame. Striking German design from the 1900s. Hand-carved and hand-painted fruitwood frame. This wonderful hand-carved and hand-painted Black Forest ...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Antique German Westerwald Cobalt Blue Salt Glaze Stoneware Pitcher Jug Ewer 17"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique German Westerwald stoneware pottery decanter jug, ewer or pitcher. Made of cobalt blue salt glaze stoneware featuring Dionysus / Ba...
Category

Early 20th Century Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Early 20th Century Hand Carved And Giltwood Black Forest Oak Wall Mirror
Located in Norwich, GB
Early 20th century beautifully detailed hand-carved oak Black Forest wall mirror, adorned with grapevines and leaves, and with a gilt wood inset. Circa 1910. The mirror plate appear...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Oak, Giltwood

Antique & Mint, Top Quality Carved Black Forest Lumberjack Bear w. Axe Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Incredible craftsmanship from early 1900s Switzerland. This type of detail and finesse in Black Forest carvings is a rare find. The quality of the natural poisture, the rare design ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Style Carved Walnut Barometer, Germany, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Black Forest style carved walnut barometer, Germany, ca. 1920. An impressive carved walnut barometer with masterfully carved flowers and leaves. A small mirror on the top of the roun...
Category

1920s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Walnut

Antique Swiss Black Forest Dark Brown Carved Wood Glove Box, ca. 1900
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique Black Forest dark brown carved wood glove box, ca. 1900 This elegant and beautiful Black Forest style finely hand-carved linden wood glove box from ca. 1900 features a rectangular shape, carved with a wood grain pattern and with flowers and leaves in high relief on the lid, and two straps at the ends of the lid. The glove box retains its original purple velvet interior. Label "F. Bruel, Rue des Allemands 10, Geneve" on the bottom of the box. In good condition, with some signs of aging and use. The key is not working...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Black Forest Carved Fox Whip Holder or Wall Hook
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Carved Fox Whip Holder or Wall Hook A handcarved cabin decor style coat hook or whip holder showing a fox with a gun. With genuine chamois ant...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Antler

Pair of Carved Walnut Oval Dark Brown Wall Picture Frames with Flowers, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Pair of finely carved walnut oval dark brown wall picture or photo frames with flowers and leaves, Austria, ca. 1920. The impressive pair of frames is masterfully carved throughout w...
Category

1920s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Glass, Walnut

A pair of fine Black Forest hand carved linden wood bears, Swiss circa 1900
Located in Central England, GB
This delightful pair of Swiss/ German black forest carved linden wood seated bears is rarely available as an original pair. They are beautifully hand carved and are left and right ha...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

German 4F Athletic Gymnastic Society Salt Glaze 2L Beer Stein & Pewter Dish
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage German beer stein and plaque. The beer stein features cobalt blue salt glaze with porcelain and pewter lid, heraldic shield / crest ...
Category

Early 20th Century Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Pewter

Antique Simon Peter Gerz Figural Stoneware Salt Glaze Pitcher Ewer Monk 6.5"
Located in Dayton, OH
A lovely antique SImon Peter Gerz Stein / pitcher. Blue and white salt glaze with a monk at the center wrapped within scrolling hops and barley. Text reads: Hopfen und Malz Gott er...
Category

Early 20th Century Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Pair of Black Forest Carved Walnut Bird Nest Wall-Mounted Consoles, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Pair of Black Forest style carved walnut wall-mounted consoles or shelves, birds nest, Germany, ca. 1920. An adorable pair of wall-mounted consoles with beautifully and masterfully c...
Category

1920s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Black Forest 12 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest 12 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s An antique 12 pointer deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the Black Forest. The trophy was shot around 1900. The large a...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Antler

Black Forest Sika Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque - Germany ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Sika Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque - Germany ca. 1900s An antique 6 pointer sika deer (Cervus nippon) trophy from the Black Forest. The trophy was shot around 1900. The ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Antler

Black Forest 8 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest 8 Pointer Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s A great antique 8 pointer deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the Black Forest shot in Germany around 1900. The large ant...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Antler

Antique Carved Wooden Deer's Head Wall Decoration, Germany, ca 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique Carved Wooden Deer's Head Wall Decoration, Germany, from ca. 1920 A beautiful antique wall decoration - entirely from linden wood carved dee...
Category

1920s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Wooden Statue of Wilhelm Tell, Brienz circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Wooden Statue of Wilhelm Tell, Brienz circa 1900 A nice handcarved wooden statue featuring Wilhelm Tell and his son. It is a classica...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

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 All