Skip to main content

Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

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.

79
1
1
to
7
75
6
81
80
80
528
479
438
332
320
290
128
80
79
76
64
57
45
37
10
2
1
1
27
34
18
2
5
2
6
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
47
39
30
8
6
73
41
38
13
12
Style: Medieval
Antique Carved English Oak Fireplace
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Though this antique carved English oak fireplace dates from the late 19th century, it draws inspiration from eras across the ages. It is elaborately carved throughout and handcrafted...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Oak

Pair of Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of gothic andirons is made of cast iron and wrought iron. This is a French work. Circa 1970.
Category

1970s French Vintage Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

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 Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

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 ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Walnut

A Heavy Black Wrought Iron Blacksmith made Fireplace Club Fender Brutalist Form
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A heavy form wrought iron club fender with tan leather padded seats. An incredible individual handmade piece, probably a commission piece or an estate made piece. The piece is made ...
Category

Early 20th Century European Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique Victorian Oak Fireplace
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A beautifully crafted antique Victorian oak fireplace. This impressive fire surround dates from circa 1900. Its simple yet elegant design has stood the test of time, with its surface...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Wood, Oak

An English Firescreen in The Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
An unusual wrought iron fireguard in the Gothic style. The arched feet surmounted by heavy chainmail mesh and finials above. English, 19th century. Could be polished if required. Ad...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Wrought Iron

A Carved English Stone Fireplace
Located in London, GB
A carved stone English fireplace in the Gothic manner. The jambs with panels carved with scrolled foliage throughout surmounted by end blocking with carved cartouche and shell. The f...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Stone

16th Century German Gothic Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
16th century German Gothic fireback with a religious theme. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black / pewter patina. The condition is good, n...
Category

16th Century German Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

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 Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

Large 19th Century Victorian Gothic Cast Iron and Tiled Fireplace Insert
Located in Manchester, GB
Large and rare Victorian Gothic fireplace insert produced by the Coalbrookdale foundry. A simple frame borders larger than average runs of 8 inch square tiles of bamboo canes with Squash plants growing around them, the plant bearing fruit. Tiles produced by Minton Hollins...
Category

1870s Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

Old Antique Reclaimed Large Stone Fireplace Mantel with Trumeau Overmantle
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Reclaimed from a castle in Caithness, England, this majestic 115" high mid-18th century hand-carved limestone fireplace is a truly rare and captivating royal masterpiece. It represents an artistic mix of elegance, history and sophistication that has been extremely well kept throughout the years. The perfection within the details of this two-tiered fireplace is quite fascinating. It is a true representation for the skilled craftsmanship and sculptural artistry of the period's master carvers. Engraved right into the trumeau center of this monumental antique mantel...
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Limestone, Iron

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 Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

Rare Reclaimed Italian Limestone Fireplace Mantel
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
This limestone mantel is one of twelve fireplace mantels that we've recently acquired from a chateau-like mansion in Italy. All twelve rare mantels were intricately hand carved by ...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Limestone

20th Century Marble Castle Chimneypiece Fireplace
Located in London, GB
20th Century Marble Castle Chimneypiece Fireplace. Hand Carved In Brown Tiger Like Marble. With Hand Carved Centre Hound Motif Emblem. And Prominent Turrets To The Top Of Each Firepl...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Marble

French Gothic 'Arms' Fireback / Backsplash, 16th - 17th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
16th - 17th Century fireback with a Gothic decoration. This fireback is of the earliest forms of firebacks with Primitive forms of religious mot...
Category

Early 17th Century French Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

French Gothic Style Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
19th - 20th century French Gothic Style fireback. The fireback is made of wrought iron and has a brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pew...
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

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 Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Limestone

17th Century German 'Rural Scene' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th Century German Gothic fireback with a rural scene. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black / pewter patina. The condition is good, no cracks.
Category

17th Century German Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

Antique French Cast Iron Fire Back the Fire Back is Extremely Heavy
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Antique French cast iron fire back The Fire back is extremely heavy, it is decorated with the “Armes de France” with the Crest of the House of Bourbon...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

Important stone mantel from the 17th century
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This monumental mantel was made of stone in the 17th century. Its moulded entablature, adorned with a crest in a Gothic inspired decor, comes in proj...
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Stone

German Gothic Style 'Religious Theme' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
19th - 20th Century Gothic style German fireback depicting a religious theme. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black / pewter patina. The fireback is in a good condition a...
Category

Early 20th Century German Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

German Gothic Style Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
19th/20th Century Gothic style German fireback. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black / pewter patina. The fireback is in a good condition and does not have cracks.
Category

Early 20th Century German Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

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 Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Stone

16th Century German Gothic Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
16th century German Gothic fireback from the early days of casting firebacks. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upo...
Category

16th Century German Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

16th-17th Century German Gothic 'Religious Theme' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
16th-17th century German Gothic fireback with a religious theme. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewter. The con...
Category

Early 17th Century German Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

English 19th Century Stone Fireplace Mantel
Located in London, GB
An early to mid 19th century Gothic style English limestone fireplace. Unusual in design, very well proportioned and a substantial piece. The castellated shelf which steps down to sit on a plain frieze with carved ends to meet the roundels carved at the top of the jambs, which are inverted with interior panels with outer mouldings. Areas of this surround with natural fossil and patterning adding to its charm. A superior quality Gothic surround...
Category

1830s English Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Stone

Antique Fire Grate / Basket, 17th Century Dutch
Located in Haarlem, Noord-Holland
A large, rare and well used Dutch iron fire grate. These amazingly crafted grate are a pleasure to have in you hearth and ae perfect for a real large log fire. We have replaced th...
Category

Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Copper, Wrought Iron

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 Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Stone

Antique Gothic Fire Screen w. Handpainted Earth Angle, Saints and Carved Knights
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning firescreen with a famous earth angle, two famous saint paintings and more. With meaningful 'religious art' from centuries-past being one of our specialities we were amazed, not only to find this rare and marvelous fire screen, but also because of its excellent condition. But then again, we think we see that more often, because true beauty, quality and meaningful antiques radiate something that was already there when it was created. This 'something' commands respect and this is why most people take very good care of very special pieces. Since much of what we know now about Christianity and about monastic life in its various 'forms' was given shape since the life of Christ, but possibly mostly so in Gothic / Medieval times, much of this is expressed in European Gothic Art of the past circa 8 centuries. This rare and beautiful fire screen from the early 1800s, which can also be used as a small room divider or a unique work of (decorative) art, is one of those unique Gothic antiques. The hand-carved knight sculptures are 'fun' and meaningful at the same time, because one of them looks a little desperate and the other looks more at piece and in prayer. The hand-carved winged angel in the middle/ on top seems to be overlooking this 'Gesamtkunstwerk'. What makes this antique really stand out and what also makes it complete are the three hand-painted panels inside this screen. Each of the figures portrayed here have dedicated their lifes to doing good, giving love and hope and thus healing people. In the centre is a glorious painting (in medieval style) of Earth Angel St. Raphael and the boy Tobias. The lady Saint on the right, we feel, is Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231) and the Saint on the left, we feel, is either Francis de Sales...
Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Oak, Paint

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 Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Stone

Large Antique Cast Iron Fire Grate
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large late 19th century cast iron fire grate, salvaged from a farmhouse in Suffolk. This antique fire grate is ideal for a large fireplace in the main ro...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron, Metal

16th Century Large Gothic Andirons, Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, NL
Impressive gothic fire dogs with spit hooks with faces. These French andirons are called 'landiers' in France. This dates from the times the andirons were the main cooking equipment ...
Category

16th Century French Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

16th Century German Gothic Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
16th century German gothic fireback with a religious theme. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black patina. This product weighs more tha...
Category

16th Century German Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

Large 16th Century German Gothic Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
Large 16th century German gothic fireback with a religious theme. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black patina. This product weighs mo...
Category

16th Century German Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

Antique Gothic Saint Peter Fireback / Backsplash, 16th - 17th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
Saint Peter with the key to the gate of heaven. German Gothic period fireback. Made of cast iron. It has a black / pewter patina. The condition is good, no...
Category

17th Century German Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

Neo-Gothic Style Firegrate
Located in London, GB
A delicate cast iron firegrate in the neo-Gothic taste. The shaped paw feet with four leaf clover motif above. The cast iron back plate with nicely cas...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

Small Gothic Style Wrought Iron Firegrate
Located in London, GB
A small Gothic style wrought iron firegrate. The turned feet surmounted by shaped front bars and finials. Shaped cast iron fireback behind with scrollwork behind. English, 20th centu...
Category

20th Century English Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

19th Century Cast Iron Hob Grate in the Gothic Style
Located in London, GB
A 19th century cast iron hob grate in the Gothic style. The burning area with rosette pattern and cast spandrels below. Decorative wreath motif to back. English, 19th century. Width...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

English Hob Grate with Greek Key to Fret
Located in London, GB
A good quality English hob grate in the Gothic taste. The shaped front area with Greek key fret below. Half polish finish. Width At Front: 770 mm 30 ⅜"...
Category

18th Century English Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

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 Fireplaces and Mantels

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 Fireplaces and Mantels

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 Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Stone

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 Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Steel

Mid 19th Century Gothic Style Antique Steel Firegrate
Located in London, GB
A mid 19th century (circa 1860) Gothic style steel firegrate. The horseshoe shaped dogs with scrolls and foliage surmounted by brass enrichment and knolled shaped finials. The cast f...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Steel

English Steel Firebasket in the Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
An English polished cast iron firegrate. The legs and front bars of architectural form sympathetic to the Gothic style throughout, the cast iron back plate...
Category

18th Century English Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Steel

Mid 19th Century Polished Cast Iron Gothic Style Firegrate
Located in London, GB
A substantial mid 19th century polished cast iron Gothic style firegrate, with twisted design to firedogs and centre bar. Width At Front: 895 mm 35 ¼" Width At Back: 510 mm ...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

French Gothic 'Pillars and Pediment' Fireback / Backsplash, 16th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
16th century French Gothic fireback with two pillars of Hercules and a pediment. The pillar refers to the club of Hercules, his favorite weapon. It symbolizes power. Since antiquity...
Category

16th Century French Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

Pair of Large, Gothic, Wrought Iron Fire Dogs, Medieval Revival Andirons
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of large, gothic, wrought iron firedogs, medieval revival andirons forged in the 20th century. Bold andirons ideal for a large fire basket...
Category

20th Century English Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

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 Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Sandstone

Petite Polished Cast Iron Fire Basket
Located in London, GB
A decorative cast iron fire grate. The legs with beading, foliage, and fruit throughout, surmounted by flamed finals. Plain iron back behind. Modern. Sizes: Width at front 555 mm...
Category

Late 20th Century Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

Antique 19th Century Cast Iron Gothic Manner Fire Basket Grate
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A petite French antique early 19th century cast iron fire basket in the Gothic manner, a shaped back with original steel heat plate, linked circles to the front instead of fire bars....
Category

1840s French Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

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 Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Stone

Pair of Forged Wrought Iron Andirons, Gothic Style, French, 18th Century
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of forged andirons were made in France in 18th century, in the gothic style. They have a very nice color of time. The decoration on the bottom with the star is very fine an...
Category

18th Century French Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Wrought Iron

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 Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Stone

17th Century Style Pair of Gothic Serpent Andirons
Located in London, GB
A large pair of iron 17th century style Gothic serpent andirons with rope twist, English made circa 1920-1930   Measure: Overall height 36" 91 cm ...
Category

17th Century English Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

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 Fireplaces and Mantels

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 Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Stone

Medieval fireplaces and mantels for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval fireplaces and mantels 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 fireplaces and mantels created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval fireplaces and mantels made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England 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 fireplaces and mantels differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $321 and tops out at $190,000 while the average work can sell for $4,125.

Recently Viewed

View All