Medieval Architectural Elements
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.
51
1
to
7
52
20
52
51
51
186
147
129
97
90
89
69
66
57
55
40
37
26
16
9
9
6
2
25
20
6
1
3
1
2
Height
to
Width
to
38
10
8
4
3
47
22
20
17
2
Item Ships From: Europe
Style: Medieval
Set of 2 medieval style architectural sculpted columns, Netherlands 1950s
Located in ECHT, NL
Set of two sculpted architectural columns. They are made from some kind of cast stone or plaster. They were probably meant as fireplace columns seeing the height of 104cm. They have ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Plaster
French Medieval Gothic Hand Forged Iron Village Cross
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique hand forged iron cross that once stood in the centre of a Provençal village.
France, circa 1450-1550. Weathered.
Measurement is with the wooden base.
Category
16th Century French Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
A pierced Flamboyant canopy - North of France, 15th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
A pierced Flamboyant canopy
North of France, 15th century
Limestone
30 x 32 x 35 cm
This richly decorated canopy of circular plan, consist of three carved faces, each dominated by ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Limestone
Pair of Victorian Buff Terracotta Finials or Pier Caps
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An impressive set of 2 large-scale 19th century Victorian buff terracotta finials, perfect for use as large pier caps either side of grand set of driveway gates! Reminiscent of Tudor...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Terracotta
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 Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
16th C set of Four Evangelist Vault Keys
Located in MADRID, ES
Vault keys such as these were used where the vault ribs came together, as a finishing touch. These particular ones depict the four Evangelists. The Angel for St Matthew, the Lion for...
Category
16th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Carved Oak Gothic Wall Bracket Shelf
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Carved Oak Gothic Wall Bracket Shelf
This is a Magnificent and quite Large piece of 19th Century carved oak, it is a wall bracket or shelf
The bracket is a heavy piece and comes w...
Category
19th Century Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Oak
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 Architectural Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron, Metal
Gothic Capital with Foliate Decoration, 13th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Gothic capital with foliate decoration
France, limestone
13th century
16.5 x 17 x 12.5 cm
The leaves are organically arranged around the core of...
Category
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Limestone
pair of stone support brackets, Gothic style
Located in Felino, IT
pair of brackets support, stone. gothic style. they were used to support ledges, windowsills, balconies, fireplaces, fountains. in gothic and renaissance buildings. condition is good...
Category
15th Century and Earlier European Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Rare Romanesque Capital Representing Daniel in the Lion’s Den, 12th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Engaged Romanesque capital representing Daniel in the Lion’s den
France, 12th century
Limestone
38 x 29 x 18 cm
Provenance : Private coll...
Category
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Limestone
19th Century Carved Stone Alms Box
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Unusual 19th century carved stone alms or offertory box. Primitive carved stone head above the coin slot. As expected some minor wear to the edges, the secured metal reverse is most ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Heavy Bronze Bell, Tower Bell This Is a Very Heavy Piece It Is on an Oak Yoke
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Heavy Bronze Bell, Tower Bell
This is a very heavy piece it is on an Oak Yoke with iron fixings including a the bracket which holds the rope
For the purpose of the pictures and ...
Category
1840s Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Bronze
Double Romanesque Capital, France, 13th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Double romanesque capital decorated with two fantastic animals
France, 13th century
Measures: 26,5 x 38,5 x 14,5 cm.
This rare double cap...
Category
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Gothic Stone Fragment Representing Vine Leaves, France, 15th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Gothic architectural fragment representing vine leaves
France, 15th century
Sandstone
H 21 x 21 x 17 cm
mounted on a modern metal pe...
Category
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Limestone
Blacksmith Made Iron Game Hanger, Kitchen Utensil or Pot Hanger
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Blacksmith made iron game hanger, kitchen utensil or pot hanger.
A great piece with lots of Character, it is a large rectangular piece it is set wi...
Category
1920s Vintage Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
Pezzi Speciali Fabbro, Antichi
Located in Felino, IT
24 pezzi speciali fabbro, antichi. utilizzo sostegno cancellate e borchiatura portoni. inclusi 2 pomoli antichi. le foto fanno fede x il numero e la condizione degli oggetti.
Category
1920s European Vintage Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Steel
Pair of Double Cloister Capitals on Two Columns, Toulouse, 14th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Pair of double cloister capitals on two columns.
Toulouse, Saint Augustin cloister ? , 14th century.
Saint Béat marble
Measures: 195 x 53 x 32 cm
Double marble Saint...
Category
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble
Rare Romanesque Capital Depicting Four Africans, Apulia, 13th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Large stone capital carved on each side in strong relief. The basket is covered with two crowns of vertical acanthus leaves which sprout from the astragal and fill the space between ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Large Hexagonale Base of Pilaster in Burgundy Stone, Burgundy, 15th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Large base of molded hexagonal pilaster in burgundy stone carved with vines, grapes and rosettes in high relief.
Burgundy, 15th century
28 x 63 x 30 cm
Provenance : collection De...
Category
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Carved Limestone Balustrade, North of France, First Half of the 15th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Carved Limestone balustrade.
In a modern metal frame.
North of France, Ile de France or Normandy.
End of the 14th century - first half of the 15th century.
Measures: 90 x 62 x 8...
Category
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Limestone
An English Stone Firepace in the Gothic Style
Located in London, GB
An English stone fireplace in the Gothic style. The moulded jambs surmounted by frieze with spandrels. Early 20th century.
Shelf Width: 1408 mm 55 ⅜"
Overall Height:...
Category
19th Century English Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Pair of Very Large Painted Wall Brackets
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A pair of very large painted wall brackets.
The brackets are in 5” wide solid wood with old silver blue/grey paint, they are over 1ft high and has are deeply moulded. They do have...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Pine
Gothic Style Limestone Fireplace
Located in London, GB
A carved limestone fireplace in the English Gothic style. The diamond shaped frieze with shields and Tudor roses with moulded jambs. Moulded shelf above. A copy of an earlier piece.
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Limestone
English Bath Stone Fireplace Mantel in the Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
A large English Bath stone fireplace in the Gothic style, with arched opening and moulded shelf. Modern.
Measures: Shelf Width: 1850 mm 72 ?"
Overall ...
Category
20th Century English Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Antique Relief Tile Panel in the Style of J. Parentani, 1890
Located in Rijssen, NL
Stunning Art Nouveau/ Arts & Crafts tile panel from the superb firm, Craven Dunnill, & Co., Ltd, Jackfield Salop, England, circa 1905, in a bright celadon. This quantity original jug...
Category
1890s French Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Earthenware, Pottery
An Early Victorian Carved Stone Fireplace In The Gothic Style
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian carved stone fireplace in the Gothic style. The arched frieze with carved spandrels featuring fruit and foliage. Heavily moul...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Medieval Architectural Fragment Cornice, Corbel
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A fragment of a sandstone corbel with flat upper face, moulded transverse ledge and two protruding lobes with reserved trefoil detailing. The lower edge has fine dentiled carving and...
Category
15th Century and Earlier British Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Sandstone
Large & Imposing English Antique Polished Steel Firegrate
Located in London, GB
A large and imposing 19th century English polished steel firegrate with a Gothic influence. The turned cylindrical feet surmounted by elegant ball finials with teardrop tops, large b...
Category
19th Century English Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Steel
Polished Steel Firegrate in the Neo-Gothic Style
Located in London, GB
A polished steel firegrate in the neo-Gothic style. The horseshoe feet surmounted by straight shafts and acorn finials. Decorative cast iron back behind. English, circa 1900.
Measu...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Steel
Large English Stone Fireplace in the Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
A large English stone fireplace in the Gothic manner. The arched frieze with carved spandrels, the jambs with moulding to inside edge. Finished with a light grey, rustic paint effect...
Category
19th Century English Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Gothic Mantelpiece
Located in Vosselaar, BE
This mantelpiece is a authentic Flemish Gothic fireplace surround from the early 16th century. It is made from a typical sandstone called 'Ba...
Category
16th Century Belgian Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Sandstone
Gothic Baptistery in Stone-Spain
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Baptiphere Gothic period -Spain-Galicia (probably granite)
The baptisphere was at the time attached to a wall
Delivery in Belgium, France and abroad.
Category
15th Century and Earlier Spanish Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Granite
15th Century French Fireplace Mantel
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A monumental 15th century sandstone Gothic fireplace mantel. Finely sculpted with a moulded beam and column supports.
Category
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Sandstone
An English Stone Fireplace in the Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
An English stone fireplace in the Gothic manner. The moulded legs surmounted by arched frieze with carved spandrels. Moulded shelf above, English, circa 1900.
Shelf Width: 1680 mm ...
Category
19th Century English Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
English Fireplace in the Gothic Style
Located in London, GB
An English stone fireplace in the Gothic manner. The moulded jambs surmounted by arched frieze, circa 1900.
Measure:
Shelf Width: 1395 mm 54 7/8 in
Overall Height: 1125 mm ...
Category
19th Century English Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Rustic English Fireplace in the Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
A large stone fireplace in the Gothic style. The moulded jambs with plain frieze above and heavy moulded shelf. Rustic travertine stone. English,...
Category
19th Century English Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Architectural Stone Fireplace
Located in London, GB
An architectural French stone fireplace. The panelled frieze with shaped, panelled jambs below. A rustic stone with nice, aged patina. French, late 18th-early 19th century.
Shelf W...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Large Gothic Hamstone Antique Fireplace
Located in London, GB
A large, antique English Gothic hamstone fireplace. The arched, moulded jambs with crests to centre and carved key stone. The frieze with stop-fluted arches and central blocking with...
Category
17th Century English Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
19th Century English Gothic Style Stone Fireplace
Located in London, GB
A mid-late 19th century English Gothic style stone fireplace. The moulded jambs surmounted by arched frieze with spandrel panels. Two-tier moulded shelf. Some markings to the stone c...
Category
19th Century English Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Leathermaché Putti, Architectural Decorations
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Leathermaché Putti, architectural decorations
These very rare pieces are made in Leathermaché, two of them are characters in the forms of Putti or ...
Category
16th Century Great Britain (UK) Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Leather
English Fireplace in York Stone
Located in London, GB
An English fireplace in York stone. The plain jambs surmounted by brackets, with moulded shelf above. English, circa 1900.
Measures:
Shelf width: 1445 mm...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Small Gothic Style Fireplace in Purbeck Stone
Located in London, GB
A small English Gothic style fireplace in grey Purbeck stone. The moulded legs surmounted by arched frieze, English, 20th century.
Shelf Width: 1220 mm 48 in
Overall Height: 1...
Category
15th Century and Earlier English Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
English Stone Fireplace in the Gothic Style
Located in London, GB
A 19th century English stone fireplace in the Gothic style. The jambs and frieze with recessed panels and end blocking featuring shield crest,...
Category
15th Century and Earlier English Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
English Stone Fireplace in the Gothic Style
Located in London, GB
A 19th century English stone fireplace in the Gothic style. The jambs and frieze with recessed panels and end blocking featuring shield crest,...
Category
19th Century English Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
19th Century English Carved Limestone Fireplace in the Gothic Taste
Located in London, GB
A 19th century English carved limestone fireplace, with the initials 'AB' and the date 1855 carved to the centre of the frieze, jambs carved with bellflowers and ears of wheat, surmo...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Limestone
English Stone Fireplace Mantel in the Gothic Style
Located in London, GB
An English stone fireplace in the Gothic style. The frieze with moulding detail to ends surmounted by imposing shelf, early 20th century, possibly earlier.
Measures:
Shelf Width: 1...
Category
Early 20th Century English Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
A Large English Fireplace Mantel in Grey York Stone
Located in London, GB
A large English fireplace in grey York stone. The frieze and jambs with moulded ingrounds surmounted by plain shelf, 19th century.
Measure:
Shelf Width: 1940 mm 76 3/8 in
Over...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Early 19th Century Limestone Mantel Chimneypiece in the Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
A 19th century English limestone fireplace in the Gothic manner. The jambs and end blocks with Quinto acuto arches, the frieze with accompanying arch motif throughout with shelf abov...
Category
Early 19th Century British Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Limestone
Element of Gothic Architecture, France or Flanders, 15th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Element of gothic architecture
France or Flanders, 15th century
Measures: 48 x 50 x 17 cm
This element of limestone architecture representing two angels above a Gothic pointed arch, was probably the crowning of a stone tabernacle.
Dressed in an alb tightened at the waist by a belt, the angels keep in their hands the instruments of passion: the crown of thorns, the ladder to descend from the cross...
Category
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Limestone
Monumental Stone Capital Decorated with Coat of Arms, France, 15th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Monumental stone capital carved in high relief with foliage and a central coat of arms.
France, 15th century
34 x 49 x 47 cm
Provenance : Georges Demotte collection, then André Macé, see the photo taken by Demotte in his workshop around 1930.
The foliage that surrounds the central ecu with the details of the stems, ribs and lobes shows a naturalistic attention characteristic of 15th century ornamental carving.
This large capital with vegetable decoration was made during the 15th century in France, probably for a castle as it suggests the presence of the central shield, originally painted and gilded.
The work reveals the exceptional virtuosity of Gothic sculptors who tried giving the illusion of the flexibility of stems and leaves. The kale, which here surrounds the central shield, is a plant characteristic of the exuberance of the flora of the Flamboyant Gothic.
This beautiful capital comes from the collection of Georges Joseph Demotte (1877-1923) famous art dealer of Belgian origin specialized in Medieval...
Category
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone, Limestone
Large Capital with Two Animals Holding a Phylactery, France, 15th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Stone capital carved in high relief representing two animals holding a phylactery, probably a lion and a bull.
France, 15th century
Measures: 50 x 75 x 33 cm
Provenance : Geo...
Category
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Medieval architectural elements for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Medieval architectural elements for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage architectural elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval architectural elements made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 architectural elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $183 and tops out at $275,000 while the average work can sell for $8,417.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Louis Sullivan Chicago
Iron Balcony Railing
Garden Windmill
Large Antique Wood Corbels
Shutter Hinge
Arched Trellis
Retro Architectural Salvage
Terracotta Roof Tiles
Arch Trellis
Art Nouveau Relief Tiles
Antique Iron Trellis
Iron Garden Trellis
Large Door Push And Pull Handles
Rock Crystal Knobs
Gothic Salvage
Facade Fragment
Gothic Tile
Iron Window Grills