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.
Rustic Black Forest Bear Walnut Table Desk
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Century) bear carved walnut table desk with leaf and floral carving and single drawer.
Walnut
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Console Table in Walnut & Marble
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Century) walnut console table with faux twig carved base and slat design apron with marble top and drawer.
Marble
Pair of Antique Swiss Black Forest Chairs w. Matching Tilt-Top Table, Late 1800s
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning hand carved Black Forest hall set with marquetry inlay. These very well crafted pieces of Black Forest furniture are an incredible sight to see. The workmanship and the lar...
Wood
Antique Rustic Black Forest Carved Wood Console Table
Located in Forney, TX
An extraordinarily carved Black Forest console table. 19th century, Continental Europe, most likely German, Swiss or possibly French, exhibition quality exceptionally executed mast...
Wood, Oak
Antique Black Forest Carved Bear Smoking / Side Table, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Carved Bear Smoking / Side Table, ca. 1900 A finely carved Black Forest table with a central support in the for...
Wood
Black Forest Bistro Table
Located in Charmes, FR
Charming pedestal table with a circular white marble top resting on a central carved wooden base with a naturalistic decoration imitating intertwined branches. The central shaft has ...
Wood
$4,094 / set
Wonderful Pair Black Forest Inlaid Lamp Tables
Located in Swadlincote, GB
Rare pair of Black Forest walnut occasional lamp tables, inlaid with satinwood,ebony and burr walnut, carved and pierced edging,, flip tops, excellent colour and condition throughout...
Satinwood, Walnut, Burl
Black Forest Oak Tray with Foliate Carving and Branch Handles, circa 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
A richly carved Black Forest serving tray in oak, dating to the late 19th century, circa 1880. This hand-carved piece showcases the traditional craftsmanship associated with the Blac...
Oak
Antique Swiss Black Forest Carved Walnut Table
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce late 19th century Swiss Black Forest hand carved walnut table with nicely aged warm patina. Hand-crafted in Switzerland, circa 1880, the square tabletop features a relief ...
Walnut
Black Forest Carved Walnut Cabinet
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19th Century) carved walnut cabinet on stand with birds and floral filigree apron.
Walnut
An Unusual Swiss Carved Black Forest Smoking Table, Circa 1900
Located in London, GB
Circa 1900 beautifully executed depicting a bear smoking a pipe supporting a naturalistically carved table Dimensions: 51 x 25 x 26 cm For comparison see page 122-125 The Art of th...
Wood
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...
Walnut
Late 19th-Early 20th Century Carved and Inlaid Black Forest Table with Stags
Located in Richmond, VA
Great sized late 19th-early 20th century black forest carved and inlaid table with scenes of stags.
Wood
German Black Forest Oak Side Table with Turned Bobbin Legs, Late 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This German Black Forest side table / desk from the late 19th century features a rectangular top with molding. The top sits on a richly carved apron, adorned with foliage motifs. The...
Wood, Oak
Black Forest Bear Side Table, Late 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An amusing late 19th century Black Forest carved wood bear side table, originally intended as a smoking compendium. Having two small bears lying on ...
Softwood
Black Forest Carved Swiss Entry Table with Bears
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss Black Forest carved entry or hall table with two smiling standing bears holding a log over their shoulders as front legs. Tabletop surrounded by car...
Pine
$12,000 / set
Black Forest Horn Table and Stools
By Black Forest
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...
Antler, Wood
Black Forest Wood Carved with Leaved & Grapes Side Lamp End Wine Table Glass Top
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this nice vintage black forest wood carved side lamp table with tapered glass top A good looking and well-made piece, the legs are carved from w...
Glass, Wood
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...
Wood
$3,072Sale Price|20% Off
Black Forest Center Table by Matthijs Horrix for Horrix Den Haag, 1890s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Black Forest center table. Design by Matthijs Horrix for the famous Dutch cabinet makers Horrix Den Haag. Striking Dutch design from the 1880s. Solid hand-carved walnut base with original hand-carved and inlaid top. This wonderful Black Forest center table by Matthijs Horrix for Horrix Den Haag is in very good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The Horrix company was established in Den Haag or The Hague and gained fame during the so-called eclectic period during the 19th Century. Their work was inspired by older styles of furniture but with fashionable features that was then...
Walnut
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Center Table
Located in Queens, 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.
Walnut, Leather
Antique German Wine Table or Stand with Hand-Carved Saying and Sculptural Legs
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare, meaningful, practical, handcrafted and highly decorative antique table. This one of a kind table will appeal to spiritual people and collectors of stylish, rare and meaningful...
Leather, Wood
Antique Black Forest 19th Century Side / End Table Hunt Carved Oak & Marble Top
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Exceptional & impressive! This 19th century Black Forest side / end table carved out of solid oak with "Rouge Belges" marble top. Amazing craftsmanship fully hand carved by a maste...
Marble
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Center Table with Bear Sculpture, 20th C.
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest style (20th Century) walnut center table with carved figure of bear sitting on floor holding round top.
Walnut
A 19th century balck forest antlers console with marble top.
Located in Wijnegem, BE
A rare 19th century black forest antlers console with marble top. Below head of a hunting dog in terracotta with glass eyes. On top a beautiful black marble.
Antler, Terracotta, Wood
ANTiQUE GERMAN BLACK FOREST CARVED RAMS HEAD ANTLER SUPPER TABLE PART OF A SUITE
By Black Forest
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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...
Wood
"Symmetric" Console / Desk, Black Walnut, Patina Steel
By Joseph Cauvel of CAUV Design
Located in North Branch, NY
The "Symmetric" console / desk is a perfectly balanced design of interlocking steel plate joinery and a solid black walnut surface. Customizable to any variation of dimensions, mater...
Metal
Antique French Rustic Carpenter's Workbench Console Table
Located in Round Top, TX
It is the years of constant use revealed in every ding, gouge, stain, and crack that enrich the character of this impressive carpenters' workbench from France. The thick top captures...
Metal
Antique English Papier-Mache Tilt-Top Table
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A beautiful Papier-Mache tilt top occasional table, hand-painted with flowers and inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Gilt decoration has faded gently with age. Please note - due to the mo...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
European Black Rustic Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Exquisitely designed to blend elegance with functionality. Crafted from high-quality mahogany wood and finished in our luxurious Batavia Black, this desk is a perfect addition to any...
Wood
$6,300 / item
H 20 in Dm 26 in
Circular Side/End Table Black Modern/Contemporary Hand Carved Blackened Steel
Located in Bronx, NY
TABLE NO. 2 - Round J.M. Szymanski d. 2018 This geometric, solid, steel structure is supported by a cast-sphere base. The refined simplicity of this design speaks volumes, and adds...
Steel, Iron, Wrought Iron
A 19th-century Spanish console table in walnut.
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A 19th-century Spanish side table in walnut, featuring a beautifully grained top and elegant turned legs, highlighted by a stunning wrought iron stretcher. Perfect for use as a table...
Iron
Late 19th Century Rustic Narrow Console Table
Located in Round Top, TX
This narrow rustic console is a great find not only due to its over 6' length, but with the single drawer that add function as well. The original brown paint is much distressed, espe...
Pine, Paint
Black Forest Horn Table and Stools
By Black Forest
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...
Antler, Wood
Cupola Rectangular Table Black Stain
Located in Oakland Park, FL
Black stained Conacaste wood hollow center for weight in base and solid wood top. Part of Labrica's Arco collection was inspired by Spanish Colonial Architecture found in Antigua Guatemala. We played with architectural elements such as arches and cupolas to create the different pieces. The different size tables allow us to have many different type of configurations and uses, such as coffee table in a small space or a cluster of tables...
Wood
European Rustic Desk
By Bramble
Located in Westwood, NJ
Exquisitely designed to blend elegance with functionality. Crafted from high-quality mahogany wood and finished in our straw wash, this desk is a perfect addition to any home or offi...
Wood
Italian Walnut Neoclassical Writing Desk / Console Table
Located in Viterbo, VT
Writing desk hand-crafted in Italy in the early 1800s using walnut. The desk features two inset drawers with beautiful hand-made dovetail joints. The apron is flat and finished on al...
Walnut
FIJN Desk in Solid Black Walnut
Located in Calgary, AB
Our FIJN desk is handcrafted in solid wood. Both desks pictured were built in figured Oregon black walnut. Solid wood drawers are lined in leather and inserts can be customized to su...
Steel
Sold
H 19.5 in W 42 in D 45 in
Antique French Black Forest Hunt Coffee Table OVAL Carved Griffins Oak 19th C
Located in Tyler, TX
RARE FIND Antique Oak French Black Forest "Hunt" Style OVAL Coffee Table with Carved Griffin Pedestal Base~~c. 1890s Beautifully carved griffin pedestal with carved beveled edge to...
Oak
Sold
H 30 in W 24.5 in D 24.5 in
Early 20th C. French Black Forest Antler Octagonal Side Table with Leather Top
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1920, this distinctive Black Forest side table exemplifies the rustic elegance and naturalistic design associated with Alpine lodge furnishings. The octagonal...
Antler, Leather
Oak Hunt Console With Carved Game and Grapes, Denmark circa 1860
Located in Round Top, TX
Heavily carved large oak console, can be used as an impressive buffet as well. Note the extensive hand-carving throughout including grapes and wild game. Stamp on back indicative of ...
Oak
Sold
H 31.7 in Dm 31.11 in
ANTiQUE GERMAN BLACK FOREST CARVED RAMS HEAD ANTLER SUPPER TABLE PART OF A SUITE
By Black Forest
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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...
Oak
Sold
H 27.3 in W 13.2 in D 9.9 in
Hand Carved Black Forest Bear Sculpture Serving Table / Bottle Display Stand
Located in Lisse, NL
Hand carved Black Forest bear 'waiter' or bottle display stand. This original and all-hand carved Black Forest sculpture from the South of Germany is another one of our recent great finds. This not only is a very rare size Black Forest bear sculpture...
Metal
Sold
H 30 in W 61.5 in D 21 in
One of a Kind Custom Wood & Leather Desk with Black Forest Relief Sculptures
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Extraordinary custom desk made of aged honey oak having two large drawers on each side with 3 smaller drawers in the top. The narrower drawers have decorative carvings with oak leaves and branches. The dark matte brass hardware complements the masculinity of the desk. Weathered cream leather is inset in the top surface. But the piece de resistance is the other side of the desk which has 3 amazing 19th century Black Forest relief...
Leather, Mahogany, Oak
Sold
H 31 in W 36.5 in D 36.5 in
Black Forest Furniture Beautiful Small Dining Table, Game Table Matching Chairs
Located in Highwood, 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...
Wood
Sold
H 50.01 in W 47.25 in D 30.32 in
19th Century Massive Black Forest Tilt-Top Table, Switzerland, c.1880
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An exceptional Swiss Black Forest walnut marquetry tilt-top table The shield form table top, with a marquetry inlay presenting superb examples of original pen-work, and carved apron ...
Walnut
Sold
H 19.5 in W 14.75 in D 14.75 in
Black Forest Hand Carved Switzerland Pair of End Tables Marble Tops, circa 1800s
Located in Highwood, 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...
Marble
Sold
H 46 in W 51 in D 25.5 in
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Oak Writing Desk With Barley Twist Legs
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Henri II or Renaissance Revival ornate carved oak Black Forest writing desk France, Late 19th Century Beautiful ornate carved oak, with barley twist legs...
Oak
Sold
H 25.5 in W 44.25 in D 13.25 in
Black Forest Hand Carved Console Table Marble Top Switzerland circa Late 1800s
Located in Highwood, IL
Black Forest Hand Carved Console Table with a marble top that was made in Switzerland between 1860-1900. This is the only Black Forest Console Table that we have ever seen, which makes it quite rare. The history of Black Forest Furniture began in the 1800s in Brienz, Switzerland and originally the Swiss were carving small animal objects to sell to the tourists. The more popular the Black Forest Carvings began, the larger and more intricate the carvings became. Fortunately, Old Plank had recently discovered a treasure Trove of Black Forest Carved Furniture...
Marble
Sold
H 19.5 in W 14.75 in D 14.75 in
Black Forest Hand Carved Switzerland Pair of End Tables Marble Tops, circa 1800s
Located in Highwood, IL
Pair of black forest hand-carved end tables or side tables with marble tops that were made in Switzerland during the late 1800s. Finding one piece of black forest is difficult enough, but locating a pair is unusual to say the least. The history of black forest carvings dates to the early 1800s originating in the town of Brienz, Switzerland. Original black forest carvings began as a cottage industry and found a niche market with the local tourist trade in Switzerland. Old plank has recently discovered a treasure trove of black forest carved furniture...
Marble