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Medieval Furniture

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
15th Century French Gothic Oak Cupboard / Dressoir
Located in Hoddesdon, GB
Gothic Oak Dressoir: 1460 - 1500 , France - Flandres This exquisite Gothic oak dressoir dates back to the 15th century. This remarkable piece is a rare survivor from the Haute épo...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Sterling Silver 19th Century Knight in Shinning Armor
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This antique sterling silver knight figurine from the 19th century is a captivating masterpiece. Dressed in full medieval armor with a staff and fl...
Category

19th Century American Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Silver

Unique 16th Century Antique Fireback, Biblical Wine Feast
Located in Haarlem, Noord-Holland
Beautifully decorated antique fireback or "ofenplatte". This used to be one of the sides of an antique stove made from several decorated firebacks. B...
Category

16th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Important Gothic Pugin Style Victorian Walnut Dwarf Open Bookcase
By Pugin
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very well made Gothic Pugin style very large dwarf open bookcase A very good looking and well made piece, the sh...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Walnut

17th Century Antique Fireback / Backsplash Dated 1617
Located in Haarlem, Noord-Holland
Amazing French cast Iron fireback or backsplash. Showing IHS (Jezus the Savior of Humanity) or In Hoc Signo (In this sign will you win)) inside a beautiful wreath suspended by two angels, this all between two tall rounded pillars. This fireback is dated 1617. The fireback has a crack on the left side, see picture. Sold by Schermerhorn Antique Fireplaces Our vast collection of antique fireplaces and mantels...
Category

Early 17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Semi Antique Persian Bakhtiari with Golden Panel Design Sheared Low Handmade Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Pair of 15th Century Iron Door Straps from France
Located in Dallas, TX
Known in French as a "penture", this pair of irons date to approximately the late 15th century. They come from a lot of door and shutter hardware that...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Antique Fully Restored Gothic Pugin Style Brown Leather Studded Console Table
By Pugin
Located in GB
We are delighted to this absolutely stunning one of a kind Gothic Pugin style hand studded brown leather console table with single drawer This...
Category

1840s English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Leather, Oak

Byzantine Style Marble Baptismal Font on Later Stand
Located in Essex, MA
Byzantine style carved marble Baptismal font on later cast stone stand. Four lion leads Circumnavigate the font. Foliate and Byzantine Carving Th...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Marble

Chili Red Antique Persian Baluch Prayer Design Pure Wool Hand Knotted Clean Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1930s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

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 Furniture

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 Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Antique French Oak Monastery Refectory Dining Table
Located in Forney, TX
A substantial antique French oak monastery / refectory table. circa 1900 Hand carved in France in the early 20th century, likely near the Alps region of Southern France close to the...
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Yellow, Worn Wool Hand Knotted, Vintage Persian Karajeh Distressed Look Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Catholic Church Religious Stained Glass Double Window - Pre Hung
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Catholic Church Religious Stained Glass Pre Hung Double Window.
Category

19th Century American Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel, Lead

16th century large chest strongbox iron and walnut
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A quite large 16th century Italian so called 'coffre fort' . Coffers or chest like these were specifically made for cities or large villages to safegueard the gold and valuables. The...
Category

16th Century Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Large Church Antique Torcheres Floor Candlestick for 19 Candles
Located in Antwerp, BE
Brass and enamel multi-light standing candelabra in the Gothic style. The foot is bulbous scroll pattern with enamelled cartouches sitting on three mythical beasts. The candle holder...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Brass

Silk Heddle Velvet Pillow Luigi Bevilacqua Red and Ivory Leoni Bizantini Pattern
Located in Venezia, IT
This amazing decorative lumbar pillow with gold tassel at the four corners is handmade using the iconic Leoni Bizantini - XII-XIV century design - silk heddle velvet in red and ivory...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Velvet, Trimming

19th Century Italian Alabaster Carved Head Of A Bishop Saint
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Italian carved alabaster head of a saint wearing a bishop's mitre in the Gothic style. Though a fragment, the intense gaze of this small carving gives it a lot of presence. Rendered by a master carver, this piece has a lot of personality. Likely an architectural fragment, the weathered surface and distressed condition only add to the appeal of this unique sculpture. Mounted on an ebonized walnut base. 10 inches high 3.5 square 5 7/8 inches high by 4 wide by 3.75 deep (head only)
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Alabaster

Hand Knotted, Ivory, Vintage Persian Kerman, Distressed Look, Worn Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand-knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Pair of 15th/16th Century Carved Oak Saints
Located in Maidstone, GB
A Pair of Late 15th or Early 16th Century Oak Saints carved in high relief and raised on polygonal bases. The female depicted standing in contrapose with low...
Category

15th Century and Earlier European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

15th Century Gothic Carved Oak Statue – Virgin of the Annunciation
Located in Maidstone, GB
15th Century Oak Wood Sculpture of the Virgin of the Annunciation beside a lectern supporting an opened book, the Virgin with both hands upraised ( one repaired) turning slightly to the left, her demeanour redolent of strength, compassion and benignity. Franco Flemish origin, circa 1480, 56 inches in height x 26 inches wide. Provenance : Lot 347, The Notable Art Collection, New York, April 1949, Joseph Brummer Collection Part 1
Category

15th Century and Earlier Belgian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Orange Antique Persian Tabriz Open Some Wear Clean Hand Knotted Pure Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand-knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to make exact rug size in feet and inches : 8'8" x 12'0" main rug color : orange rug border color : navy blue other colors of the rug : ivory, light blue, pink, beige rug pile...
Category

1920s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Imperial Red Vintage Persian Hamadan Pure Wool Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

1950's Italian Gothic Dragon Andirons
Located in New York, NY
Unique pair of large 1960's Italian Gothic Dragons andirons, in vintage original condition with minor wear and patina due to age and use, amazing craft...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

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 Furniture

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

Green Overdyed Patchwork Vintage Persian Pure Wool Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand-knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

STUNNiNG CARVED LIMED OAK GOTHIC REVIVAL FOUR POSTER SUPER KING SIZE BED FRAME
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely Gothic Revival Limed Oak Super King size bed frame Ple...
Category

20th Century English Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Bisque Brown Vintage Persian Shiraz Worn Down Pure Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

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 Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

EXQUISITE PAIR OF MID CENTURY MCGUIRE RATTAN GOTHIC CATHEDRAL BACK ARMCHAIRs
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of Mid Century McGuire Rattan Gothic Cathedral back armchairs Please note the delivery ...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Medieval Furniture

Materials

Rattan

Marble capital carved with acanthus leaves - Apulia, 13th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Marble capital carved with acanthus leaves Southern Italy, Apulia 13th century 28,5 x 53,5 x 12,5 cm This wedge-shape capital decorated with acanthus leaves and roses is character...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Marble

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 Furniture

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Antique French Gothic Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket, 17th - 18th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
Late 17th or early 18th century French Gothic period fire grate. Hand forged of wrought iron. The condition of the basket is good.
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique French Gothic Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket, 17th - 18th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
Late 17th or early 18th century French Gothic period fire grate. Hand forged of wrought iron. The condition of the basket is good.
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Ballard Designs Aris Glass Door Cabinet Modern Dome Oak Bookcase Curio Vitrine
Located in Dayton, OH
The Aris Glass Door Cabinet was inspired by a graceful European Gothic window. The cabinet features a white washed finish with custom-welded, bronze metal frame doors and matching sp...
Category

Late 20th Century Medieval Furniture

Materials

Glass, Oak

Antique Medieval Style Carved Nutwood Box w. Heraldic Coat of Arms Knight Armour
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning, highly decorative and good size Heraldic box from circa 1860. If you are a collector of truly beautiful and rare antique boxes then you will love this mid 19th century, mu...
Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass, Metal

20th Century French Gothic Decorative Storage Box with Foliage Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautifully executed square box crafted circa 1990 is embellished with a handle made into a twisted branch form with a leaf accented on either side, a latch on the front firmly ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

1960s Italian Brutalist Mediavel Iron and Ceramic Floor Standing Candleholder
Located in London, GB
A stunning handcrafted floor standing Brutalist Italian candleholder manufactured circa 1960s. A very heavy and well made piece with six candleholders in total. Five around the out...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Overdyed Persian Bakhtiari Garden Design Wool Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1970s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Brass Scuttle Box
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Antique brass lined "treasure" box with medieval style motif. Embossed animals, nail trimming, and lion head handles. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category

Early 20th Century Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Brass Decorative Box - Gothic Style
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A nice antique brass box, with beautiful Gothic style scenes. The box is in good condition. Beautiful color and old patina. Estimated age and origin: Belgium, circa 1910. Dimensions:...
Category

Early 1900s Belgian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

5 Antique French Henry II Style Embossed Leather & Oak Gothic Dining Side Chairs
Located in Dayton, OH
An antique set of 5 French Henry II style dining side chairs, circa 1880s. Features an oak frame with embossed leather seat and back with pierced lower arcade accented by ornate spi...
Category

1880s Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Leather, Oak

Pair of 17th Century French Cast Iron Andirons
Located in Houston, TX
These 17th-century French cast iron gothic-style andirons are a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. Intricately designed with ornate details reminiscent of Gothic architecture...
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel, Iron

Pair of Emperor Throne Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of throne chairs is fully embellished with carved wood, and tufted faux leather. As seen in the Hunger Game's movie, as President Snow's throne, now you can preside over yo...
Category

20th Century Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

French Gothic Style 'Pillars and Pediment' Fireback / Backspash
Located in Amerongen, NL
20th century French Gothic style fireback with two pillars of Hercules and a pediment. The pillar refers to the club of Hercules, his favorite weapon. It symbolizes power. Since ant...
Category

20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Set of 6 19th Century Country dining Chairs This is a charming set of
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Set of 6 19th Century Country dining Chairs This is a charming set of Oak dining chairs there are 4 single and 2 Carver chairs The chairs are in good sturdy condition and have a wo...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

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 Furniture

Materials

Iron

Early 20th Century Brass Book Stand
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful antique brass book stand. Adjustable angle. Estimated date and origin: France, circa 1910. Dimensions: 24 x 21 cm and 19 cm tall. The book stand is in good condition....
Category

1910s French Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Large Medieval carved frieze - France, 14th-15th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Gothic Limestone frieze decorated with curly foliage North of France, 14th-15th century 59,8 x 15,6x 22 cm This French Gothic limestone frieze, adorned with curling foliage, stands ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Limestone

Late 19th Century Brass Gothic Style Candlesticks
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful pair of antique brass candlesticks. Gothic style. The candlesticks are in good condition. Beautiful color and shine. Sturdy and solid. Estimated age and origin: France, ...
Category

1880s French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Brass Box - Gothic Style
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful decorative brass box. Beautiful ornaments in gothic style. Estimated date and origin: France, circa 1910. Dimensions: 15 x 10 cm and 7 cm tall. The box is in good cond...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Red Vintage Persian Viss Full Pile Excellent Cond Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Brass Box - Gothic Style
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful decorative brass box. Beautiful ornaments in gothic style. Estimated date and origin: France, circa 1910. Dimensions: 10,5 x 6,5 cm and 6 cm tall. The box is in good c...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Gothic Petite Trunk ~ Blanket Chest
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Gothic Petite Trunk ~ Blanket Chest was purpose-built for a cozy niche, and its size makes it very versatile to use in any capacity! Crafted entirely by hand, in...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

A large French 19th century simulated stone plaster bust of a medieval man C1860
Located in Central England, GB
This most impressive life sized characterful plaster bust dates to circa 1860. It is finely modelled and depicts a medieval gentleman wearing a simple hat and tunic top. The features...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Antique French Neogothic Altar Torchère Candlestick Set w/ Jesus & Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Neogothic Altar Torchère Candlestick Set w/ Jesus & Cross This set of antique French candle holders are decorated with images of Jesus and crosses. Each candlestick r...
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage French Neogothic Altar Torchère Candlestick Set w/ Black Porcelain
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage French Neogothic Altar Torchère Candlestick Set w/ Black Porcelain These matching black porcelain candlesticks have bronze flourishes. The base of each candlestick has three...
Category

Late 20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Medieval furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval 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 rugs and carpets, building and garden elements, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wool and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Asia, and West Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Arval Argenti Valenza, Edward F. Caldwell & Co., and Aeterna Furniture. 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 $275,000 while the average work can sell for $1,886.

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