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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$1,066
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
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
Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry Vendanges museum Design
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French hand-printed tapestry featuring the exquisite design of the renowned medieval museum tapestry, "Les Vendanges" (grape harvest) from t...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
$10,864Sale 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
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
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
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
Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Hand Carved Oak Armchair, Throne
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late nineteenth century French Gothic style oak coffer armchair features eight hand carved panels in the lower apron and seat back, each with different Gothic motifs. The two lo...
Oak
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
Superb set Norway Silver gilt dragon enamel viking boat salt glass cellars
By Magnus Aase
Located in Wien, AT
A stunning salt cellar set, made of silver (hallmarked) from Norway in the 1940s. The salt cellars still include the original silver spoon, gilt and decoratively enamelled. The mas...
Sterling Silver, Enamel, Silver
$414Sale 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
Pretty medieval Aubusson design handWoven Polish Tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful vintage Polish handwoven tapestry by wool on cotton foundation dating from the mid 20th century, This Polish tapestry clearly draws inspiration from the late medieval Fren...
Wool, Cotton
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
Five-Arm Wrought Iron Chandelier by Taidetakomo Hakkarainen, Finland, 1930s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A decorative wrought iron chandelier with five arms, built around an expressive, hand-forged structure. The form is composed of scrolling arms and layered leaf elements, all finished...
Wrought Iron
Antique French Medieval Gothic Carved Oak Chest Coffer 17th Century Panels 1679
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique 17th century French Gothic carved oak lidded chest or coffer, dated 1679. The chest was assembled in the mid 19th century with original carved panels from the 1600s. ...
Oak
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
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
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
$10,669Sale 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
$10,205Sale 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
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
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
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
Monumental Rare Antique Renaissance Revival Gothic Walnut Fireplace Mantel 11 FT
Located in Dayton, OH
Very large and exceedingly rare English Renaissance Revival fireplace mantel, circa 1860s. Made of hand carved walnut featuring a gothic cathedral design. The fireplace portion is ...
Walnut
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
Early 20th Century Decorative Box - Brass - Gothic Tristan and Isolde Theme
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful decorative box, made of brass. The box is richly decorated with elegant motifs and representations of the classic story Tristan and Isolde. The box was probably made in B...
Brass
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
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
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
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
$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
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
16th Century Gothic Carved Oak Chest, France
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 16th century / Chest / oak / Gothic A remarkable French Gothic oak chest dating from the 16th century, showcasing intricate hand-carved detailing throughout its façade. The...
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
Small Antique Bleached Side Cabinet With Gothic Arch Door Panels. C.1820
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Fabulous small Georgian side cabinet Elegant gothic arch door panels with amazing figure in the grain Made from a tropical hardwood Recently bleached I particularly like the simp...
Wood
$1,130Sale 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
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
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
$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
$862Sale Price|39% Off
Early 20th Century Italian Gothic style Decorative Boxe or Small Trunk
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this beautiful and rare small trunk made in the early 20th century. Made entirely of iron with brass decorations, this trunk has a Gothic-inspired design. A unique decora...
Iron
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
Spanish Revival Gilt Iron and Amber Glass Wall Lantern / Wall Sconce, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Revival Hand Forged Wall Hanging Lantern / Wall Sconce in Gilt Iron Sculptural gilt iron wall sconce / lantern with amber blown glass cylinder lampshade, Spain, 1940s This spanish hanging...
Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron, Iron
Spanish Gothic Revival Fireplace Tools Stand in Wrought Iron with Dragon Motif
Located in Barcelona, ES
Stunning Spanish hand forged iron four-piece fireplace tools set stand with scrolls ornamentation, dragon motif and original gold leaf gilt finishing. Spain, 1920s-1930s. This sculpt...
Iron, 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
$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
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
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
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
$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
$1,826Sale 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
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
5'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
Large Medieval St. Wrought Iron Castle Chandelier for Dining Room or Restaurant
Located in Lisse, NL
Magnificent hand-forged castle-style eight-light chandelier, radiates quality and craftsmanship. This good quality and all hand-forged, eight-light chandelier comes with some really...
Wrought Iron