Medieval Lighting
MEDIEVAL STYLE
The Middle Ages in Europe followed the end of the Roman Empire, and in this time of change, which preceded the Renaissance, furniture was simple and utilitarian, with most homes having only the necessities like chests and benches. Much of medieval furniture, which was often made in oak or walnut, was built for the elite, particularly the emerging merchant class who owned multiple homes.
Life for many in the medieval era was unstable, and furniture was designed to be functional and portable. Peasants worked the fields for affluent landowners and didn’t have access to literature in the way that nobles and people of the church did (women less so than men). The furniture in their modest dwellings was typically limited to cookware and a handful of stools. Foldable chairs, while uncommon in homes of the early Middle Ages and emblematic of wealth, like all other furnishings of the time, allowed for easy transportation of a household. Trestle tables with detachable legs and collapsible beds were designed to be simply moved from place to place.
Medieval blanket chests were among the most important furniture objects and could further serve as tables or even beds. Some ancient traditions were carried forward to build this sturdy furniture, such as turnery. Although the furniture was minimally designed, embellishments like carvings added elegance to the heavy wood pieces. These details sometimes reflected trends in religious art like rose windows.
By the later Middle Ages, storage pieces like chests of drawers were often adorned with high relief carvings, such as geometric and floral motifs. By the 14th and 15th centuries, design had developed to include more involved pieces like cupboards and desks, while benches frequently doubled as chests with hinged seats. Beds also changed in this era from basic boards to four-post designs with large drapes to keep the sleeper warm. These beds and other medieval bedroom furniture were significant status symbols, passed down through families and used as places to conduct business and receive visitors.
Surviving examples of medieval furniture are very rare, yet its distinctive aesthetics influenced later styles like William and Mary and Arts and Crafts.
Find a collection of medieval seating, garden elements, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Medieval
Extra-Large Wrought Iron Chandelier, Spain, circa 1950s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very impressive medieval-style sixteen-light wrought iron chandelier, of very large proportions, ending in stylized fleur-de-lys. Each light has a large amber-colored glass shade.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Medieval Lighting
Interesting Gilt Bronze and Crystal "Grotesque" Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
An interesting early 20th century gilt bronze and crystal twenty-six-light "Grotesque" chandelier.
A unique Gothic style, drop crystal, basket chandelier with different "Grotesque" faces and designs. Twenty-four-tiered perimeter lights (including six lanterns) and two-tiered interior lights.
Artists began to give the tiny faces of the figures in grotesque decorations strange caricatured expressions, in a direct continuation of the medieval traditions of the drolleries in the border decorations or initials in illuminated manuscripts. From this the term began to be applied to larger caricatures, such as those of Leonardo da Vinci, and the modern sense began to develop. It is first recorded in English in 1646 from Sir Thomas Browne: "In nature there are no grotesques". By extension backwards in time, the term became also used for the medieval originals, and in modern terminology medieval drolleries, half-human thumbnail vignettes drawn in the margins, and carved figures on buildings (that are not also waterspouts, and so gargoyles) are also called "grotesques".
A Boom in the production of works of art in the grotesque genre, characterized the period 1920–1933 of German art. In contemporary illustration art, the "grotesque" figures, in the ordinary conversational sense, commonly appear in the genre grotesque art...
Category
Early 20th Century French Medieval Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Late 19th Century Gilt Wrought Iron Medieval Style Four-Light Chandelier
Located in Barntrup, DE
Late 19th century gilt wrought iron medieval style four-light chandelier
An impressive and heavy medieval-style castle design gilt wrought iron four-light chandelier from the late 1...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Metal, Wrought Iron
Antique French Wrought Iron Viking Long Boat Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Wrought Iron Viking Long Boat Chandelier will make an eye-catching Old World statement in any room! The solid wrought iron fixture resembles a Viking Long Boat, which...
Category
Early 20th Century French Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
19th Century French Gothic Black Forged Wrought Iron Floor Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a study of office with this elegant wrought iron floor fixture. Crafted in southern France, circa 1860, the candelabra lamp stands on a four-leg base ending with small feet....
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
19th Century French Gothic Wrought Iron Two-Light Lanterns Sconces, Set of 4
Located in Dallas, TX
For a unique lighting feature, look no further than these four elegant antique sconces. Crafted in France circa 1880, the outdoor wall lights feature a dome shaped top and dressed wi...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Iron
French Gothic Style Eight-Light Iron Chandelier with Hand-Painted Crests, Wired
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Gothic style eight-light iron chandelier from the 20th century with hand-painted crests. This French Gothic style chandelier from the 20th century is an exquisite example of...
Category
20th Century French Medieval Lighting
Materials
Iron, Brass
Ceiling Lamp from 1930's, forged and welded steel.
Located in Turku, FI
Quite special and unique ceiling lamp from 1930's. Designer and manufacturer is unknown but it has a bit same style like Taidetakomo Hakkarainen lamps and other works.
Rough hardly...
Category
Early 20th Century Finnish Medieval Lighting
Materials
Metal
French Gothic Style Cage Shaped Wrought Iron Six-Light Chandelier, USA Wired
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Gothic style cage shaped wrought iron chandelier from circa 1950 with six scrolling arms. This French Gothic style chandelier from circa 1950 is masterfully crafted from wro...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Vintage Etruscan Bronze Statuette Table Lamps
Located in East Hampton, NY
These outstanding solid bronze hand forged Etruscan statuettes of a male and female are mounted on metal and brass bases. These lamps are simple and heavy - custom designed base and...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Medieval Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French Gothic Painted Wrought Iron Three-Light Wall Sconces
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate an entry or man's study with this elegant pair of wall sconces. Forged in France circa 1860, each fixture with twisted arm features three lights newly wired and dressed with decorative candle sleeve covers. Both lights are decorated with eagle motifs and embellished with a hand painted crest in the middle. The tall Gothic style sconces...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
19th Century French Forged Iron Two-Light Wall Torchere Sconces, Set of 3
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a hallway or entryway with this set of antique wall torcheres. Crafted in France, circa 1890, the fixtures are built of forged and hammered iron with scroll decor and further embellished with a Fleur-de-Lis motif at the top and bottom. Each light with two arms has new wiring and dressed with decorative candle cover sleeve over the round bobeches. The Gothic style sconces...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Iron
1920s Gothic Amber Glass Sconces
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a beautiful collection of Gothic amber hammered glass sconces. The glass has a brass stained glass style frame with the original patina. ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Medieval Lighting
Materials
Glass
Pair of Gothic Wrought Iron & Bronze 2 Arm Wall Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Antique Gothic wall sconces with two arms each in a wrought iron and bronze construction. Each sconce requires two candelabra light bulbs. Good rewired condition. Priced as a pair. C...
Category
Early 20th Century American Medieval Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Antique French Wrought Iron Gothic Style Chandelier, Circa 1880
Located in Dallas, TX
Dating to the latter half of the 19th century, circa 1880, this French wrought and pinned iron chandelier is in the Gothic style, as evidenced by the highly detailed ring that compri...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
19th Century French Gothic Black Forged Wrought Iron Floor Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a study of office with this elegant floor fixture. Crafted in southern France, circa 1860, the candelabra lamp stands on a tripod base ending with three small feet. The twis...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Italian Table Lamp Converted from the Carriage antique Spot Light
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique Italian table lamp used in the 1900 s like the carriage spot light working on the petroleum .Lamp have the Murano glass behind the bulb to produce enormous spot light for th...
Category
Early 1900s Italian Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Rectangular wrought iron chandelier
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Rectangular wrought iron chandelier with golden twist trim details and original canopy.
Category
1940s French Vintage Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
19th Century Spanish Gothic Style Wrought Iron Portico Lantern.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th Century Spanish Gothic Style Wrought Iron Portico Lantern.
Antique hand forged iron Gothic style hanging lantern from Spain circa 1890. It i...
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
19th Century French Gothic Forged Iron Five-Light Floor Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a study of office with this elegant floor fixture. Crafted in southern France, circa 1860, the candelabra lamp stands on a tripod base ending with three feet. The twisted st...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Iron
Monumental 14-Light Henry III Style Hand Wrought Iron Chandelier
Located in San Francisco, CA
A heavy, iron chandelier in medieval revival and Henry III styles; hand wrought decoration, with honeycomb wax candle sleeves and heavy chain, 14 light. Amer...
Category
1910s American Vintage Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
Early Newyork Subway Train Station 32” Bronze Lantern Light
Located in Bensalem, PA
This is a truly amazing piece of New York City subway history solid bronze lantern with 2 sets of 4 original acrylic subway inserts black and white this does not have any wiring or s...
Category
1890s American Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1960s Hand Wrought Iron Oval Fleur De Lys Chandelier from Brittany, France
Located in Dallas, TX
Recently found in a home in Brittany, France, this high quality wrought iron chandelier was hand-formed with fleur de lys motifs. The main body is a thick, open oval, formed by three...
Category
1960s French Vintage Medieval Lighting
Materials
Metal, Wrought Iron, Iron
Pair of Armorial Fruitwood and Gilt Metal Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of vintage carved and giltwood and metal sconces in the Gothic style featuring intricately carved backplates in the form of a column pierced with fleur-de-lis and Doric capital,...
Category
20th Century French Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wood
1960s Hand Wrought Iron Oval Fleur De Lys Chandelier from Brittany, France
Located in Dallas, TX
Recently found in a home in Brittany, France, this high quality wrought iron chandelier was hand-formed with fleur de lys motifs. The main body is a thick, open oval, formed by three...
Category
1960s French Vintage Medieval Lighting
Materials
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century French Gothic Wrought Iron Six-Light Fleur-de-Lys Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Add a touch of Gothic style to your house with this elegant light fixture. Forged in Normandy, France circa 1920, and oblong in shape, the antique chandelier features a large hand fo...
Category
Early 20th Century French Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
19th Century French Gothic Black Painted Wrought Iron Six-Light Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring a true "Old World" flair to your dining room, entryway or den with this large and imposing light fixture. Crafted in France circa 1870 and round in shape, this antique chandeli...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Iron
Pair of 19th Century Neo-Gothic Italian Wrought Iron Dragon Wall Lights
Located in Hastings, GB
An incredible pair of late 19th century wrought iron wall lights/ torchiere's. This stunning pair of hand crafted Dragons are attributed to the Italian Master Ironworker Alessandro M...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
Circa 1900 French Gothic Style Wrought Iron Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful example of the Gothic style, from circa 1900 France, this wrought iron chandelier has six luminaires, each surrounded by an amber reflector. All luminaires are set within...
Category
Early 20th Century French Medieval Lighting
Materials
Metal, Wrought Iron, Iron
A Superb Medieval Look Iron Ceiling Light A very handsome piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Superb Medieval Look Iron Ceiling Light
A very handsome piece, the chandelier is Heavy and very Gothic in design, it is made in iron and cold painted much of this is worn away
The lamp has 5 branches and knight’s shields...
Category
1920s Vintage Medieval Lighting
Materials
Iron
Early 20th Century Wrought Iron Lantern with Curved Textured Glass
Located in Canton, MA
Large black wrought iron lantern with simple decorative elements at crown. Glass is a curved at glass with "glue chip" texture to refract th...
Category
Early 20th Century American Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
19th Century Gothic Wrought Iron Chandelier
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Intricate wrought iron, Gothic style chandelier with foliate and floral motif.
Category
19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century Carved Wooden Lüsterweibchen Four-Light Chandelier
Located in Barntrup, DE
Unique and adorable late 19th or very early 20th-century smaller-size chandelier - Lüsterweibchen. Finely hand-carved from linden wood, a unique piece, made by a master wood carver ...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Brass, Metal
Wrought Iron Chandelier in the Gothic Style. Circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This chandelier is made of wrought iron. This is a chandelier with 8 arms in the Gothic style. This Chandelier is part of a pair of chandeliers but can be sold individually. This is ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
Spanish Medieval Table Lamp in Gilt Wrought Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Medieval Style Iron Table Lamp, Spain, 1940s
Gorgeous Spanish Colonial table lamp hand forged in iron with gilt patinated finsih.
Tripod standing p...
Category
20th Century Spanish Medieval Lighting
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron, Metal
Chandelier Pendant Wrought Iron Wood Gothic Style French Design 1940s
Located in Palermo, IT
Particular Gothic style chandelier made of wrought iron and wood. Made in France in the 1940s.
Note: We try to offer our customers an excellent service even in shipments all over t...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
HUGE Pair of 13-Light Handforged Wrought Iron Castle Chandeliers w. Gothic Crown
Located in Lisse, NL
Largest ever pair of Medieval Style chandeliers, over 5 feet tall.
With 20th century lighting as one of our specialities we have seen and sold all kinds of light fixtures, but never...
Category
20th Century European Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron, Metal
Single Wrought Iron Medieval Style Wall Sconce
Located in Dallas, TX
Resembling a Medieval-style castle torch, this single wrought iron wall sconce blends functionality with a unique aesthetic appeal. An expansive saucer bobeche encompassed within a b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Medieval Lighting
Materials
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
19th Century Gothic Aged Brass English Pair of Wall Sconces
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Character rich large pair of antique Gothic brass wall sconces that look like they came from a castle! Two arms in each with open cages around the sockets and handsome masculine des...
Category
19th Century English Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Brass
Set of Six Wrought Iron Wall Lights in the Gothic Style. Circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This set of six wall lights is all made of wrought iron. This is a French heavy work. Circa 1950
Category
1950s French Vintage Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
Rare Set of Three Wrought Iron Chandelier in the Gothic Style. Circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This is a rare set of three chandeliers. These chandeliers are made of wrought iron with 8 arms. They are in the Gothic style. Chandeliers can be sold individually. This is a French ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
Antique Gothic Silvered Bronze 12-Light Chandelier, Circa 1860.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Gothic Silvered Bronze 12-Light Chandelier, Circa 1860.
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Bronze
neoclassical table lamp in golden wrought iron circa 1950
Located in Mouscron, WHT
neoclassical table lamp in golden wrought iron circa 1950
Category
1950s European Vintage Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
Set Of Eight Mediaeval Bronze Sconces, Great For A Wine Cellar. Priced per sconc
Located in Buchanan, MI
Set Of Eight Mediaeval Bronze Sconces, Great For A Wine Cellar. Priced per sconce. Original wirring.
Category
20th Century Medieval Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Gothic Style Iron Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine Hand Hammered Iron Chandelier in the Gothic style. Extraordinary iron work. 16 lights. France, circa 1890.
Dimensions: Height 51" Diameter 44"
CW5203
Category
1890s French Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Iron
Late 19th century Caldwell Gothic St. Michael Motif Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of late 19th century gothic style Caldwell bronze sconces with St Michael motif
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair Of Vintage Cast Brass Candleholders, Wall Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair Of Vintage Cast Brass Double Swing Arm Candleholders, Wall Sconces, Gothic Fleurs De Lis, Circa 19th Century
Category
1950s French Vintage Medieval Lighting
Materials
Brass
Very Rare Set of Twenty Large, 1940s Church Indoor or Outdoor Sconces (
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very rare set of twenty of large 1940 church sconces, the glass can be easily change, to a different color of glass, the price is for the pair
they c...
Category
1940s American Vintage Medieval Lighting
Materials
Metal
5 Lights Wrought Iron Candlestick
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice 5 lights candlestick. is made of wrought iron. This is a French work. Circa 1950
Category
1950s French Vintage Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
1920's Oscar Bach Gothic style Brown Patinated Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900 Oscar Bach bronze double light sconces, brown patinated finish
Category
1910s American Vintage Medieval Lighting
Materials
Bronze
A Superb French Gothic Iron Wall Light
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Superb French Gothic Iron Wall Light
A very handsome Large Heavy French wall light, the light is set at a slight incline and would enhance the entrance ...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Iron
Mid-Century French Gothic Wrought Iron Six Light Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
This intricate antique iron light fixture was forged in France circa 1960. Round in shape, the Gothic chandelier features scrolled decor un...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
French Gothic Wrought Iron Chandelier, c. 1930
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent frosted glass chandelier combines the soft finish of molded Art Deco glass with the striking forms of a Gothic wrought iron frame. The cent...
Category
Early 20th Century French Medieval Lighting
Materials
Iron
Mid-Century French Gothic Rust and Gilt Six-Light Round Iron Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this large antique light fixture over a dining or breakfast table. Crafted in France circa 1960, and made of solid iron, the round chandelier features a thick circular gallery ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Medieval Lighting
Materials
Iron
Antique French Gilt Metal Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique French Gilt Metal Chandelier
Country: France
Materials: Gilt Metal
Condition: Shows Patina From Age
Style: French Gothic
Year: 1950’s
$1,895
Dimensions:
30”H x 24”W x 24”D
Category
1950s French Vintage Medieval Lighting
Materials
Metal
Large wall lamp with sword, 1950's
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A large wall lamp with a metal sword in wrought iron is a unique and original choice for a home. This lamp has a beautiful design that creates a medieval atmosphere. The sword is ma...
Category
1950s French Vintage Medieval Lighting
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Early 20th Century Forged Polished Iron Wall Torchere Sconces
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of early 20th century forged polished iron wall Torc decorate a powder room or an entry way with this pair of antiques wall torcheres lights. Craft...
Category
Early 20th Century French Medieval Lighting
Materials
Iron
Italian Wooden Church Candlesticks in the Shape of a Torch Holder
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our objects.
Peculiar, rare, and antique pair of Italian altar candlesticks in the shape of a torch; they were made completely by the technique of manual turning, a special way of working that allows the objects to have a rounded shape: the piece of wood rotates with the aid of the lathe, while the craftsman uses special tools called "gouges" to shape and decorate its surface; they were then painted with a pasty gray-white varnish, which over time has taken on the craquelure effect; on the wooden structure we did not, therefore, consider doing any restoration because its veiled patina and imperfections make it truly alluring and fascinating and attest to its antiquity and authenticity; at the top of each one is a metal "bobeche" of shaped leaves made to hold large candles; when, in more recent times, they were electrified, a candle-shaped lamp holder was applied; the base is made of three lion's paws in cast bronze. They were produced in a craft workshop in the province of Lucca (Tuscany, Italy) between 1830 and 1835; the area was famous for producing liturgical furnishings of all kinds. The master craftsman was inspired by ancient medieval torch...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Medieval lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Medieval lighting 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 lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval lighting made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original lighting, popular names associated with this style include Edward F. Caldwell & Co., Maison Baguès, Oscar Bruno Bach, and Schonbek. 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 lighting differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $200 and tops out at $37,500 while the average work can sell for $2,900.
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