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.
$840Sale Price|25% Off
5'2"x6'5" Red Afghan Khamyab with Bokara Design Hand Knotted Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Scarlet Red, Afghan Khamyab with Khoja Roshni Bokara Small Repetitive Design, Hand Knotted, Soft and Velvety Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 I...
Wool
$1,314Sale Price|25% Off
2'7"x9'10" Blue Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Bayern Blue, Bijar Garus Design, Hand Knotted, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile...
Wool
$1,531Sale Price|25% Off
6'5"x9'5" Red Khamyab Turkaman with Khoja Roshni Design Hand Knotted Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Scarlet Red, Afghan Khamyab Turkaman with Khoja Roshni Design, Hand Knotted, Soft and Velvety Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tr...
Wool
G.C.Klop Handmade Oak Spinet holland
Located in Den Haag, NL
Widely applicable Klop spinets are characterized by a clear, vocal sound. The instruments are excellently suited for the home musician, but also as a continuo instrument in smaller e...
Oak
Pretty Vintage French aubusson médiéval style jacquard Tapestry "Vendanges"
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French jacquard tapestry featuring the exquisite design of the renowned medieval museum tapestry, "Les Vendanges" (grape harvest) from the C...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
Antique Medieval Style Shield Coat of Arms, Madrid Spain
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive early 20th Century antique Medieval style decorative shield Made in Spain. This shield features a version of the Coat Of Arms from Madrid, Spain. Specificaaly one used dur...
Metal
Nexus - double tier chandelier
Located in Firenze, FI
A vertical architectural chandelier that combines symmetry and lightness. Two circular brass frames in amber-bronzed waxed tones are linked by slender rods and adorned with curved ar...
Brass
$827Sale Price|25% Off
2'8"x6' Blue Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Imperial Blue, Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Hand Knotted, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Woo...
Wool
Monumental Gothic Revival Oak Cabinet, Early 20th Century
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Impressive monumental oak cabinet standing approximately 2 meters high, richly carved in the Gothic Revival taste. The cabinet features elaborate architectural carving throughout, i...
Hardwood, Oak
$2,556Sale Price|20% Off
18th C Style Dennis & Leen Gothic Wrought Iron Chandelier
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
18th C Style Dennis & Leen Gothic Wrought Iron Chandelier
Wrought Iron
Impressive 1950s Large Cast Iron Gothic Devil Door Knocker from India
Located in Den Haag, NL
Large Cast Iron Gothic Devil Door knocker. Very impressive Black devils face .scary Great expression on its face . .
Iron
1900 Little Rustic Chest or Coffer Gothic Carved Oak & Wrought Iron, French
Located in Labrit, Landes
French coffer or chest made circa 1900. Decorated with carved flowers style. The design of this chest is deliberately rustic. The interior is lined with fabric. Very decorative and ...
Wrought Iron
Wrought Iron & Opaline Glass Pendant, Finland, 1930s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A finely crafted pendant light that pairs hand-forged wrought iron with a softly glowing opaline glass shade. The structure is elegant and slightly ornamental, with subtle botanical ...
Wrought Iron
Beautiful antique fine 18th century french needlepoint tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Elegant 18th-century French petit point tapestry, beautifully hand-stitched with fine detail and rich colors. This charming piece depicts a lively pastoral scene with figures in peri...
Wool, Cotton, Silk
$10,940Sale Price|20% Off
Antique early 17th century rare German or Austrian Stollentruhe or trunk
Located in Casteren, NL
This is an antique Stollentruhe (stile-and-panel chest) made of solid oak, originating from Southern Germany, most likely Bavaria, Upper Austria, or Tyrol, and dating to the early 17th century (circa 1600–1630). It is an early and exceptional example of the traditional stollen construction, recognizable by its tall, continuous corner stiles, heavy front panel, and strongly regional carved ornamentation. The chest is fitted with an outstanding and completely original chest lock...
Steel
$422Sale Price|30% Off
Weighted Resin Chess Set Game in Jointed Wood Box 9.5cm Kings, Ca 1930s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good and complete English resin moulded "weighted" chess set game of 32 pieces, in a jointed pine box, all dating to the early/ mid 20th century, Circa 1930's. The chess p...
Resin, Pine
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Anthony of Padua. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Anthony of Padua Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Foxing to the margin Free shipping The me...
Paper
Wonderful Handcrafted Stained Glass Gothic Revival Pendant with Geometric Design
Located in Lisse, NL
This rare and beautiful ceiling lamp is a true gem for anyone looking to create the perfect ambiance. Crafted in the 1920s, this unique Gothic Revival pendant showcases a geometric ...
Metal
$1,834Sale Price|38% Off
Italian 16th Century Gothic Hand-Carved Stone Saint Statue
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful weathered hand carved stone medieval statue depicting a Saint . Italy 16th century. Weathered, small losses and old repair. H:51cm W:18cm D:13cm
Stone
Spanish Gothic Style Dragon Motif Fireplace Tools Set Stand, Black Wrought Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish hand forged iron five-piece fireplace tools set stand with scrolls ornamentation and dragon motifs, wrought iron. Spain, 1920s-1930s. This sculptural tools set hangs on a tri...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Portuguese 18th Century Carved Stone Column
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A fabulous 18th century, or earlier, carved stone column from Portugal, best described as Gothic or Romanesque in style, using the familiar acanthus motif around the capital. By the ...
Stone
Spanish Medieval Hand Forged Iron Candle Stand / Floor Candle Holder
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gorgeous handwrought torchère candle holder, Spain, 1940s This medieval style floor candleholder stands up on three legs tripod base. It has a terrific aged patina. It has a clean de...
Iron, Wrought Iron
$1,071
Nexus - wall light
Located in Firenze, FI
A decorative LED wall fixture with twin curved brass arms emerging symmetrically from a central circular mount. The lights are enclosed in vertical satin-finish glass tubes, radiating a soft, even glow. A blue enamel insert at the center echoes the collection's signature palette, blending Art Deco refinement with the elegance of a reimagined medieval torch.
Brass
$10,744Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 16th Century German Dark Brown oak carved Stollentruhe Trunk or Chest
Located in Casteren, NL
This impressive large Stollentruhe, also known as a Stollentroewe, is a large German storage chest crafted around 1580. Its distinctive construction, with massive upright corner post...
Steel
Zabihi Collection Animal Motif Meshed Early 20th Century Rug
Located in New York, NY
A stunning 1900s Meshed Conversational Animal Motif Statement Rug Details rug no. j5036 size 10' 1" x 13' 5" (307 x 409 cm) rug type Meshed,Pictorial
Wool
Very Rare Antique Armada Box or Strongbox in Iron Early 17th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Very Rare Antique Armada Box or Strongbox in Iron Early 17th Century A truly wonderful 400 year old museum worthy ‘strongbox’ or ‘armada box’. Most probably German, around 1600-1620...
Iron
French 16th Century Antique Aubusson Tapestry
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This 16th century Aubusson (French) tapestry is remarkably still vibrant and in wonderful antique condition. Its original border is completely intact and designed with florals, folia...
Tapestry
$10,276Sale Price|41% Off
Rare 15th Century Solid Oak Medieval Dutch Gothic Chest or Trunk
Located in Casteren, NL
A very rare chest that was completely made of solid oak from the Netherlands middle ages. It is a joined chest with hand carved geometric gothic front panels. The ornaments used are typical Gothic ornaments such as trefoil, mouchette, and trace. This diminutive chest was probably made in the 15th century Netherlands. It has the typical construction of very early European furniture as is also seen on the German Stollentruhe. The chest has only a small lid with forged hinges...
Wrought Iron
$781Sale Price|25% Off
2'8"x5'8" Marlin Blue Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Soft Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Marlin Blue, Bijar Garus Design, Hand Knotted, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Short Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: N...
Wool
$1,014Sale Price|25% Off
4'10"x7'1" Gray Bijar Garus Design Turkish Knot Hand Knotted Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Spanish Gray, Bijar Garus Design, Turkish Knot, Hand Knotted, Zero Pile, Sheared Low, 100% Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tradi...
Wool
$1,135Sale Price|45% Off
Italian Medieval Romanesque Carved Marble Capital Fragment
Located in Buisson, FR
Rare and beautiful small medieval treasure. Hand carved Romanesque marble capital, Italy, circa 1250-1400. Weathered, small losses. More photo's available on request. H:15,5cm W:16c...
Marble
$2,370Sale Price|25% Off
11'8"x14'9" Dutch White Turkish Knot Design 100% Wool Hand Knotted Oversized Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Dutch White, Turkish Knot Paisley Design, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oversized, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Primary colo...
Wool
French Vintage Tapestry The Royal Hunt by Marc Waymel, 1984
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Tapestry The Royal Hunt by Marc Waymel, created exclusively for Le Médaillier Franklin, France, ca. 1984. A colorful and beautiful vintage tapestry,...
Fabric, Cotton
French handmade wrought iron wall coat rack, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Hand forged wall coat rack in very good condition.
Wrought Iron
Set of Eight European Handmade Solid Oak Chairs, 1970s
Located in Beerse, VAN
This set of eight handmade solid oak chairs embodies the honest craftsmanship of the 1970s. Designed and built by their original owner, a graphic designer with a background in art e...
Rush, Oak
French 18th Century Gothic Armoire
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This 18th century, mixed wood French armoire is absolutely stunning. It is Gothic-style and features two tall, paneled doors on barrel hinges. One key operates the locking right door...
Wood
$414Sale Price|25% Off
2'5"x6' Red Afghan Andkhoy with Tribal Motif Soft Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Crimson Red, Afghan Andkhoy with Geometric Motif, Soft and Velvety Wool, Hand Knotted, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditi...
Wool
Original Antique Illuminated Print of The Virgin Mary. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of The Virgin Mary Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Free shipping The measurement is the paper size
Paper
Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry “fountain concert”
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French screen-printed by hand tapestry featuring the exquisite design of a medieval museum tapestry titled “fountain concert “ This tapestr...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
Early Medieval Gold Brooch Inlaid with Red Garnet, Blue and Green Glass
Located in London, GB
This dazzling gold brooch, inlaid with red garnet, and blue and green glass, is a fine example of one of the most striking emblems of the early medieval elite. Its rich colours, expe...
Gold
Rare & Beautifully Hand-Carved Antique Dutch Arts & Crafts Beveled Wall Mirror
Located in Lisse, NL
Striking wall mirror with handcarved geometrical 'flowers' and trefoil symbols. Via one of our foreign contacts we recently purchased this perfectly fine and deeply handcarved, sc...
Mirror, Wood
Antique Early French Gothic Carved Oak Tabouret Stool End Table Plant Stand
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and remarkable authentic nearly 300 year old early French Gothic hand carved oak tabouret (today use as a stool, end table or plant stand) Crafted in France in the 17th/18th ...
Iron
Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Hand Carved Walnut Cabinet or Credenza
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late nineteenth century French Gothic style cabinet is constructed of solid walnut and features hand carved detailing of Gothic motifs on all of its forward facing panels, doors...
Walnut
$1,380Sale Price|25% Off
2'8"x9'9" Misty Gray Bijar Garus Design Wool Hand Knotted Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Misty Gray, Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Hand Knotted, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile ...
Wool
Antique French Gothic Server Sideboard Console Table 2-Tier Walnut Marble Top
Located in Tyler, TX
HIGHLY CARVED Antique French RENAISSANCE REVIVAL Marble Top Highly Carved Walnut Console, Sofa Table, Sideboard or Server~~c. 1890s Original "rouge" marble top, two drawers with key...
Walnut
Antique Lifesize Crowned Mother Mary and Child Jesus Gothic Revival Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Hand carved wood antique statue of Mother Mary wearing a Gothic crown. This original and all hand carved sculpture of the mother of all mothers is anothe...
Wood
$2,701Sale Price|25% Off
10'2"x14' Beige Ancient Persian Garden Design Tone on Tone Hand Knotted Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Beige, Ancient Persian Garden Design, Tone on Tone, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Primary colo...
Wool
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Gothic Style Bronze & Iron Bat Motif Lantern
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gothic Style Bronze and Iron Bat Motif Lantern Gothic style bronze and iron bat motif lantern, with a total of 45" drop, chain can be removed or added. For sale are two exceptional Gothic-style bronze and iron bat motif lanterns, sold individually, offering a rare and unique addition to any space. Each lantern has a finely cast bronze bat...
Metal, Bronze, Wrought Iron
$3,959Sale Price|25% Off
12'2"x15'2" Orange Pure Wool Hand Knotted Vintage Tabriz Oversized 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...
Wool
Monumental Framed Medieval Facsimile Map Of The World Fra Mauro Wood Wall Panel
Located in Forney, TX
A remarkable palatial nearly 7.5ft x 7.5ft facsimile of the important Map of the World (circa 1450) by Fra MauroFra Mauro (Italian; circa 1400–1464), featuring a solid wood framed hi...
Linen, Wood, Paper
Rare 12th Century Knight’s Templar Sandstone Effigy on Stand
Located in Ottawa, CA
An incredibly rare example of an English Knight’s Templar stone effigy, depicting a bearded crusader or knight with a rendering of his sword next to him, ...
Sandstone
French 17th Century Solid Oak Extending Dining Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A robust, solid oak extending dining table hand-crafted in 17th century France circa 1680. Gnarled knots, beautiful grain, and an incredible range of textures give the thick tabletop...
Wood, Oak
$5,547Sale Price|51% Off
Gothic Carved Oak Madonna, Flemish, Circa 1450-1550, Antique Art
Located in Buisson, FR
Amazing period piece. A Gothic / medieval Carved oak Madonna Southern Netherlands/ Flemish Circa 1450-1550 Weathered, small losses and old repairs H:101cm W:35cm D:15cm Measurement...
Oak
French Gothic Style Fire Grate, Fireplace Grate
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
20th century French Gothic Style fireplace basket - fire basket made of wrought iron and cast iron. The basket is in good condition and is fully functional. The total width of the fr...
Iron, Wrought Iron
$772Sale Price|25% Off
4'9"x6'5" Red Afghan Khamyab with Bokara Design Hand Knotted Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Scarlet Red, Afghan Khamyab with Khoja Roshni Bokara Small Repetitive Design, Hand Knotted, Soft and Velvety Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 I...
Wool
$654Sale Price|25% Off
2'7"x6' Green Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Pickle Green, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Vegetable Dyes, Hand Knotted, Soft Wool, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches...
Wool
Rare Large Gothic 16th century carved solid oak chest, France
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 16th century / bridal or blanket chest / oak / Gothic This impressive chest was hand-carved in solid oak in the 16th century in France. The construction is typical of very...
Oak
Late 19th Century Carved Wooden Lüsterweibchen Four-Light Chandelier
Located in Barntrup, DE
Rare late 19th-century carved wooden Lüsterweibchen chandelier with four lights and original polychrome finish. A unique and charming late 19th-century carved wooden chandelier — a ...
Brass, Metal
French Tapestry, Genuine Jacquard in Medieval Style - H 131 x W 190 cm - N 1439
By Royal Manufacture of Aubusson, Aubusson Manufacture
Located in Paris, FR
Located a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, we are a French family business specializing in the purchase, sale, expertise, cleaning, restoration and conservation of tapes...
Wool
Pair of 19th Century gothic English lights
Located in London, GB
Pair of 19th Century gothic English lights Dimensions: H 10.5” x W 5.5” x D 5.5” Chain drop 20” Weight: 5kg pair Date: Late 19th Century Origin: English Material: Metal and glass ...
Metal