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.
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Style: Medieval
Period: 19th Century
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Fireplaces and Mantels
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 Fireplaces and Mantels
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 Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Limestone
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 Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Stone
Monumental Gothic Style Carved Walnut Fireplace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A monumental superb quality 19th century British Gothic style carved walnut and polychrome decorated fireplace. The masterfully hand carved fireplace is of solid walnut.
This Goth...
Category
19th Century British Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Walnut
19th Century English Gothic Stone Fireplace Mantel
Located in London, GB
An antique English limestone fireplace from the 19th century in the Gothic manner. The columns supporting large carved brackets, in turn supportin...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Stone
Mid-19th Century Neo-Gothic Cast Iron Fire Grate
Located in London, GB
A 19th century English polished cast iron fire grate in the Gothic style. The shaped feet surmounted by fleur-de-lys finials, the large burning area with cast iron back behind dated ...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Iron
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 Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Limestone
1880s Hand Carved Gothic Carrara Marble Fireplace Mantel with Griffins and Urns
Located in New York, NY
This late 1800s Gothic style fireplace mantel is made of carved gray Carrara marble that has been painted tan. There are floral details with griffins and a face at the center, egg an...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Medieval Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Carrara Marble
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.
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