In a chalet, everything is already made of wood: walls, ceiling, floor. The task is therefore not to add warmth, but contrast and order. Adding even more wood will result in a room without depth.
Contrast instead of more wood
Materials that stand out from softwood work best: leather in dark, warm tones, heavy wool rugs, brushed metal, and stone. A high-pile rug also breaks the echo that hard wood surfaces create. Textiles can be bold, as the wall color is already set.
The fireplace organizes the room
In almost every chalet, the fireplace is the focal point. The seating area is arranged around it, at a distance of about two to three meters, so that it does not get too warm on the side facing it. Candle holders and lanterns extend this ambiance to the table. A television and fireplace on the same wall almost always lead to a compromise that does justice to neither.
Dry winter air
This is an underestimated issue in the Alpine region. With frost outside and heating inside, the relative humidity in chalets regularly drops below 25 percent. Solid wood furniture then shrinks significantly, veneer edges can detach, and natural wicker becomes brittle. A humidifier here is not a comfort, but furniture protection, see Oak.
Delivery in winter and import
Access roads to chalets are narrow, often steep, and cleared in winter but narrow. Large trucks rarely reach the house; goods are transshipped. Appointments between December and March are fundamentally less certain than in summer. Additionally, there is the import into Switzerland with customs clearance and import tax, as described in Geneva.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you furnish a chalet without it feeling overwhelming?
With contrast to the existing wood: leather, wool, stone, and brushed metal. A high-pile rug also breaks the echo of the hard surfaces.
Why is dry air a problem in a chalet?
With frost and heating, the relative humidity often drops below 25 percent. Solid wood shrinks, veneer edges detach, and wicker becomes brittle. A humidifier protects the furniture.
What distance should the seating group maintain from the fireplace?
About two to three meters. Closer, it becomes unpleasantly warm on the side facing it.
Consultation by an authorized dealer
Casa Luxury is the interior world of an established, authorized Eichholtz specialist dealer. We are listed in the brand's official dealer directory, deliver throughout Europe, and provide advice on selection, dimensions, and delivery time. Inquiries at info@casa-luxury.de.
Luxury Furniture for Gstaad: Chalet, Wood and Winter Air: Models from the Collection
A selection from the categories discussed on this page. Each image leads to the product page.
Further in the guide: Luxury Furniture Overview · St. Moritz · Geneva · Leather