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Medieval Building and Garden 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.

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Style: Medieval
Antique English PAIR LARGE GOTHIC CHURCH Stained Glass Windows Leaded Framed
Located in Tyler, TX
GORGEOUS Antique English LARGE Pair of GOTHIC Wood-Framed Leaded, Stained Glass Windows Beautiful LARGE matching PAIR of antique English leaded stained-glass windows ~~red, green, ...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Glass, Oak

Gothic Style 'Religious Theme' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
20th century Gothic Style German fireback with a religious theme. The fireback has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewter color with stove polish at no ...
Category

20th Century German Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

18th Century Italian Antique Wall Fontana Verona
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Italian wall mounted fountain basin in a late Gothic style with central sun in low relief or "bas relief" on a detailed pedestal in Rosso Verona marble with patina. Minor ...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Walnut

15th C Gothic Tabernacle 4 ft.+ Rare Architectural Religious Art, Museum Quality
Located in Vero Beach, FL
15th century period Gothic Tabernacle, extremely rare (Medieval) architectural religious art, museum quality ecclesiastical altar piece. This is an ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier German Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood, Paint

Brutalist Raw French Garden Fountain Element Or Trough Or Waterbassin
Located in Beervelde, BE
Exceptional fountain trough. Extra raw and in hard red French stone. 15th century or earlier. Reclaimed in Provence. The real deal, rare to find with unique artempo details and wear....
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

Gothic Style 'Religious Theme' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
Gothic Style German fireback depicting a religious theme. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black / pewter color. The fireback is in a good condition and does not have cracks.
Category

20th Century German Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

18th Century French Gothic Style Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Soest, NL
18th Century French Gothic Period andirons made of wrought iron. The andirons have a natural brown patina. The condition is good.
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique Reclaimed Neo-Gothic Carved Tan Marble Mantel
Located in New York, NY
This Neo-Gothic marble mantel is a stunning and historically significant piece of architectural salvage. Hailing from a NYC townhouse in the Upper West S...
Category

Early 20th Century Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

17th Century French Gothic Period Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Soest, NL
Large 17th century French Gothic Period andirons. The andirons are made of wrought iron. They have spit hooks to grill food. The condition is good.
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron Fence Door Pediment / Wall Decoration
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique spanish door fence pediment / crest in iron, hand forged, Spain, Early 20th century. This eye-catching wall fence was entirely made by hand in forged iron. A master work of t...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Spanish Gothic Revival Fireplace Tools Stand in Wrought Iron with Dragon Motif
Located in Barcelona, ES
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 sculptural tool...
Category

20th Century Spanish Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Bronze Door Knocker with Gargoyle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
European solid Bronze Gargoyle Door knocker - the piece is very large at 11" tall and weighs 5 pounds. Gargoyles are symbolic of protection - this grotesque but wonderful sculptura...
Category

20th Century French Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

20th Century French Gothic Style Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Soest, NL
20th century French Gothic Style andirons made of wrought iron. The condition is good.
Category

20th Century French Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

English Renaissance Carved Oak Paneled Room
Located in Queens, NY
English Renaissance (Tudor-16th Century) oak carved linen fold design paneled room with a mantle, overmantle carving and a Pair of spindle design open doo...
Category

16th Century British Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Oak

French Gothic Arms Fireback
Located in Soest, NL
French Gothic fireback reproduction. With decorations in the style of the early days of casting firebacks. 20th century. The fireback has a black / pewter color. The fireback is in ...
Category

20th Century French Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Oak Church Railing - From Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris
Located in LA FERTÉ-SOUS-JOUARRE, FR
This magnificent oak church railing is a rare piece directly sourced from the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Designed in the late 19th century u...
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Oak

Pair of Polychrome Terra Cotta Architecturals or Wall Consoles, France, C. 1850
Located in Dallas, TX
Recently discovered in a secluded private chapel nestled within the enchanting Loire Valley in central France, this remarkable pair of mid-19th century polychrome terra cotta archite...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Terracotta

Antique Wood Carved Wall Brackets Set of 2
Located in Pomona, CA
Late 19th-century English oak brackets featuring nicely carved figureheads. The figureheads of bearded men are draped in a headscarf made up of Oak Leaves and Acorns. The heads fall ...
Category

1880s English Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Oak

French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs, Gothic Period, 17th Century
Located in Soest, NL
17th century French andirons made of wrought iron. The andirons have spit hooks to grill food. They are in good condition.
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Rare Gothic Castle Limestone Chimney Mantle Chateau Fireplace Hand Carved Stone
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare Gothic Castle Limestone Chimney Mantle Chateau Fireplace Hand Carved Stone . A real museum / Chateau mantel fireplace piece. Perfect for a Rustic ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone, Limestone

Large Antique Gothic Arched Oak Door
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large antique unusual Gothic arched oak exterior door, reclaimed from St Edith's church, Eaton Under Heywood. At over 170 years old, this exceptional door has kept its good qualit...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron

Vintage Gothic Style Rustic Wood Window or Wall Décor w/Amber Dimpled Glass
Located in Topeka, KS
Phenomenal Early to Mid-20th Century Gothic style rustic wood window or wall décor with amber dimpled glass. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so ...
Category

20th Century American Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint

Vintage Solid Brass Italian Gothic Devil Door Knocker
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage solid cast brass Italian door knocker with scary evil devil man face. The large mascaron crest has been crafted in grotesque style and is so...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Tall Antique Gothic Arched Oak Door
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A tall antique gothic arched oak door dating to circa 1900, sourced from a grade II listed building in Bristol’s old city. Once used in an established gentlemen’s club, the text 'Ge...
Category

Early 20th Century English Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood, Oak

Byzantine Style Marble Baptismal Font on Later Stand
Located in Essex, MA
Byzantine style carved marble Baptismal font on later cast stone stand. Four lion leads Circumnavigate the font. Foliate and Byzantine Carving Th...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

Monumental 16th Century French Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Nashville, TN
17th century monumental sized French Gothic firedogs made of wrought iron.
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

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 s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Plaster

Pair 19th Century Palatial Spelter Medieval Statues Roland & Robert I on Stands
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is an amazing pair of detailed spelter medieval military figures on wonderful bases with dragon heads and paw feet. The figures are titled Roland and Robert 1 and are completely...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Spelter

French Pair of 18th Century Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An elegant pair of French hand-wrought iron fireplace andirons, made in the 18th century if not earlier. They are Gothic in style with a reddish brown patina from oxidation of the ir...
Category

18th Century French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

16th - 17th Century German Gothic 'Joab and Abner' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
16th - 17th century Gothic style German fireback depicting Joab and Abner. After King Saul’s death, his army commander Abner supported Saul’s son Ish-bosheth as king over Israel, w...
Category

Early 17th Century German Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Limestone, Iron

Rare Monumental Italian Carved Carrara Marble Model of a Cathedral
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Monumental Italian Carved Carrara Marble Model of a Cathedral, Rome, 19th century, circa 1840. Possibly a representation of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence Italy. The Italian Renaissance is renowned for its magnificent works of art and architecture, which are admired to this day for their grandeur and intricate details. Among the most impressive examples of this era are the rare and monumental carved Carrara marble models of cathedrals...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Carrara Marble

18th Century Medieval Style Carved Oak Door or Panel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique 18th century medieval style carved oak door or panel; one of two similar for sale at UK Heritage. Previously used as a decorative panel and transformed into a door, this ...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood, Fruitwood, Oak, Pine

Arched Gothic Oak Cathedral Door
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Sourced from a cathedral in the south west of England, this arched gothic front door dates from the mid 1800s. On the front, it features vertical oak...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Large Swan-Neck Wrought Fireplace Andirons Fire Dogs
Located in London, GB
A large pair of wrought-iron swan-neck andirons / fire dogs. The swan-necks are set on arch-supports with iron-rivet. A sturdy blacksmith-made pair of fire dogs suitable for burning...
Category

1890s English Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Pair Of Monumental Antique Polychrome Corbels With Foliate Designs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of monumental architectural antique polychrome corbels with fruit and foliate designs. The back with boards covering the previous mounting. Dimensions: 14" W x 16" D x 56" H Con...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

17th-18th Century Italian Medieval St. Rosso Verona Carved Marble Fountain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extraordinary 17/18th century Italian large scale Medieval st. square Rosso Verona marble hand carved fountain. The fountain with its grand scale one piece basin has a mottled bas...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

Large French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs, 18th Century
Located in Soest, NL
Large 18th century French andirons made of wrought iron. The style of the andirons is Gothic. These French andirons are called 'landiers' in France. This dates from the times the and...
Category

18th Century French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Gothic Church Windows 23" x 23"
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Gothic style church windows with dedications. Gorgeous stained glass coloring and designs with dedication marker on each. The windows are housed in an iron frame with clear g...
Category

Early 20th Century Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stained Glass

Late 19th Century Wooden Door with Gothic Style Arch Detail
Located in Atlanta, GA
Late 19th Century Wooden Door with Gothic Style Arch Detail
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron, Metal

European Religious Bronze Sculpture Fragment on 19th Century Marble Pedestal
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Religious Bronze Fragment Sculpture on a 19th Century Column Marble Pedestal. These two object have been "married" later, meaning they were two separate items put together at a later...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble, Bronze

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

French Gothic Style Firedogs or Andirons
Located in Soest, NL
Gothic Style fire dogs made of cast iron. With spit hooks to grill food and a cup to keep drinks or soup warm. This type of andirons are also called cupdogs. 20th century. The condi...
Category

20th Century French Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

French Gothic Style Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket, 20th Century
Located in Soest, NL
French Gothic Style Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket. Made of cast iron as well as wrought iron.
Category

20th Century French Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

French Gothic Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket, 17th Century
Located in Soest, NL
17th century French Gothic fire grate with period andirons and a recently forged grate. Made of wrought iron. The condition is good.
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought 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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

Pair, Large 20th Century Iron Doors, Hungary
Located in Round Top, TX
This large pair of iron doors make an impressive architectural statement standing over 8' tall. Notice the unique pattern of central cross and spear head design. The aged patina show...
Category

Early 20th Century Hungarian Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

A Victorian Gothic Style Exterior Door
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An Arched Gothic style door, salvaged from a Church in Shrewsbury. Total Height 252 cm (99.21 in) Height to shoulder: 153 cm (60.23 in)
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood, Pine

Dutch Gothic Oak and Giltwood Steeple
Located in Queens, NY
Dutch Gothic style (19th Century) oak and gilt filigree carved 4 section steeple (Provenance: a Dutch church 108 Utrechtsestraat St., Amsterdam).
Category

19th Century Dutch Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Oak

A Rare English Gothic Style Highly Carved Walnut & Polychromed Fire-Place C.1860
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Rare English Gothic Style Highly Carved Walnut & Polychromed Fire-Place Carved with precision by the most gifted carpenters in the 19th century. This fire place was made for the ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Walnut

double capital - french, end of 13th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Double capital with hook decorations
 Grey stone
 France, 13th century
 Reduced—cut in the back in modern times H 22 x L 41 x P 20 cm 'Hook' is the name given today to these ornamen...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

Antique Victorian English Medieval Styled Solid Bronze Architectural Sundial
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Presumably having English origins, this antique solid bronze sundial is ornately cast with a series of Medieval figures across the top portion and standing in the facade of an arched...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Antique Wrought Iron Gate Pediment
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique decorative mounted wrought iron pediment. The ironwork is taken from the choir screen removed from Salisbury Cathedral in 1959, displaying intricately worked and decorated wrought iron decorated with parcel gilt. The cathedral is known for its gothic architecture, with this piece designed in 1869 by Sir George Gilbert Scott...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid-Century French Gothic Wrought Iron Fireplace Tool Set with Fleur-de-Lys
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this unique antique fireplace tool set next to your mantel. Hand forged in southwest France circa 1950 in Gothic style, the "Serviteur" sits on four folded legs ending with small feet over a twisted stem. The set includes four tools including a shovel, tongs, brush and poker. The free standing...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Medieval building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval building and garden elements 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 building and garden 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 metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval building and garden elements made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original building and garden elements, popular names associated with this style include Arthur Umanoff, Maitland Smith, P.&F. Corbin Company, and Yale & Towne Manufacturing Co.. 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 building and garden elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $180 and tops out at $275,000 while the average work can sell for $1,522.

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