Skip to main content

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.

to
31
292
64
356
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
3,048
2,156
1,613
1,372
976
856
821
805
522
491
472
311
308
249
152
145
128
125
163
107
86
2
31
13
8
2
3
1
2
1
1
250
213
114
69
39
302
158
91
84
19
358
357
357
3
2
Style: Medieval
Rare 14th Century Limestone Pinnacle from Beverley Minster
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A rare weathered late 13th / early 14th century limestone pinnacle reclaimed from the East End of the south retro choir roof of Beverley Minster, Yorkshire, one of two we have for sa...
Category

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

Materials

Stone, Limestone

Circa 1900 Pair Of Lion Motif Andirons
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Nice pair of circa 1900's cast iron Lion motif andirons in very good original condition. They have recently been repainted.
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

NYC Architectural Element circa Turn of the Century Plaster Face
Located in Newfoundland, PA
NYC Architectural Element Circa Turn of the Century. A stunning example of the beauty of NYC Architectural design. Depicted is a Plaster Face of a person ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Plaster

Rare 15th Century English Studded Door
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A rare and striking 15th century English studded door. At over 420 years old, this unique and impressive door offers a glimpse into historic England. Thick and sturdy, it features...
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Oak

Pair of Antique Stained Glass Panels of Medieval Soldiers
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair antique stained glass panels of medieval soldiers. Dating to circa 1780, these stained glass panels have stood the test of time; each one showcases precision, detail and good ...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Lead

Sandstone Sculpture of Cloaked Figure
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A reclaimed English carved red sandstone sculpture of a cloaked male figure. In medieval style, this statue has a characterful well weathered finish paired with its intriguing subje...
Category

Early 20th Century English Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone, Sandstone

Heavy Bronze Bell, Tower Bell This Is a Very Heavy Piece It Is on an Oak Yoke
Located in Godshill, 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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Antique Gothic Solid Oak Wine Seller Door with Original Wrought Iron Hardware
Located in Doha, QA
An exceptionally rare and authentic 14th-century or earlier Gothic French oak door, originating from a medieval French castle in the Côtes du Rhône -wine region of south of France. C...
Category

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

Materials

Iron, Wrought 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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Limestone

1890 Arched Wooden Gothic Church Window Frame
Located in Surrey, BC
Wooden arched church window retaining old white paint with great balanced details. Salvaged from an old church in Montreal.
Category

Late 19th Century Canadian Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Softwood

English Medieval Style Leaded Glass Window
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique English medieval style leaded glass window circa 1850 in Tudor revival style depicting an armoured knight holding a banner beside a priest ...
Category

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

Materials

Lead

Gothic Style Free Standing Fire Basket with Decorative Back and Ash Pan
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Style Free Standing Fire Basket with Decorative Back and Ash Pan This is a useful and decorative piece, it has an arched fire back decorated with a fighting scene, the body o...
Category

1920s Vintage Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Large Unglazed Gothic Antique Arched Door
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Standing at almost 3m tall, this huge unglazed antique gothic door dates from the early 19th century. Purportedly, it was taken from Rugby School i...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Pine

Beverley Minster Rare 14th Century Limestone Pinnacle
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A rare late 13th / early 14th century limestone pinnacle reclaimed from the East End of the south retro choir roof of Beverley Minster, Yorkshire, one of two we have for sale. Dating...
Category

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

Materials

Stone, Limestone

Large Set of Black Stone Tiles
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This set is composed of around 2500 of Soignies black stone square tiles. Each side be 35 cm. Total surface about 280m².
Category

19th Century Belgian Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood, Oak

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

Early 19th Century Set of Double Castle Door Hinges A rare find
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Early 19th Century Set of Double Castle Door Hinges A rare find, this set of hinges are blacksmith made in solid iron, they are very heavy and beautifully decorative, there is also ...
Category

Early 1800s Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Iron & Enamel Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century French Iron & Enamel Planter having gargoyle figures as legs with a total of 20 enameled tiles depicting flowers, Dimensions Height: 13.5" Width: 30" Depth: 14 3/4"
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Large 19th Century Inglenook Fire Grate on Andirons
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large 19th Century Inglenook Fire Grate on Andirons This is heavy hand Forged Iron Log Grate is supported on a Pair of Iron Andirons The Grate is in very good but used condition and it is very heavy and would look superb in an open or Inglenook fire place The Andirons and Grate...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

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

Small Antique Stained Glass Window of a Nobleman
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A small and well-captured antique stained glass window panel depicting a nobleman with blonde hair and bushy beard, dressed in red and wearing a cap. Though this piece dates from the...
Category

Early 20th Century English Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Lead

Antique Gothic 16th C. Wrought Iron Safe Door with Three-Key Locking System
Located in Doha, QA
An exceptional and rare 16th century Gothic wrought iron safe door, featuring an advanced three-key multipoint locking system, a testament to the high craftsmanship and security inno...
Category

16th Century Austrian Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of 19th Century French Wrought Iron “Landiers” Andirons with Fleur de Lys
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a fireplace with this elegant pair of antique wrought iron andirons with matching cross bar. Forged in France, circa 1820, and standing on three feet, the andirons called “L...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

French Gothic Wrought Iron Manor House Fire Tool Companion Set
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French Gothic wrought iron manor house fire tool companion set The stand is very large and heavy, it dates from the early 19th century and comes from a Brittany Manor House Thi...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

A Pair of 17th Century Oak Wall Brackets These are good pieces of carved oak
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Pair of 17th Century Oak Wall Brackets These are good pieces of carved oak, original they were a pair however one of them has been trimmed down but you cans see they they are the ...
Category

17th Century Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Oak

Vintage French Gothic Wrought Iron Five-Piece Fireplace Tool Set on Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant antique fireplace tool set next to your mantel. Crafted circa 2000, the Gothic style "Serviteur" sits on four curved leg...
Category

Early 2000s American Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

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

Early 18th Century Gothic Style Firedogs or Andirons
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Early 18th Century French Gothic style andirons. Made of wrought iron. The andirons are in a good condition and are fully functional. With spit hooks to grill food and a cup to keep ...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

20th Century German 'John the Baptist' Fireback in Gothic Style
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Large 20th century German Gothic Style fireback with a religious theme. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewter at no ext...
Category

20th Century German Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

Set of 9 Reclaimed Gothic Style 6-Inch Geometric Tiles
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of nine 6-inch reclaimed tiles in the gothic style, decorated with interlinking circles, foliate roundels and stylised fish. Possibly in the style of Christopher Dresser, circa...
Category

1870s English Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Clay

Antique French Gothic Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket, 17th - 18th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Late 17th or early 18th century French Gothic period fire grate. Hand forged of wrought iron. The condition of the basket is good.
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs, 17th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Hand forged 17th century French andirons made of wrought iron. The style of the andirons is Gothic. The tops of the andirons have the shape of a bulls head. The andirons have spit ho...
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

20th Century 'Religious Theme' Fireback / Backsplash, Gothic Style
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
20th century Gothic style fireback depicting 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 fire...
Category

20th Century French Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Limestone

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

Very Large Pair of Polished Steel Andirons in the Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
A very large pair of polished steel firedogs in the Gothic manner. The arched feet with scrollwork below, the shafts with dragon's heads and figure, surmounted by mulling top of crow...
Category

Late 20th Century English Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel

17th Century German 'Lot and Daughters' Stove Plate / Backsplash, Gothic Period
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Gothic Period German stove plate depicting Lot and his daughters. The stove plate is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request, it ...
Category

17th Century German Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

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 Building and Garden Elements

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel

Antique Gothic Style Hob Grate
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A Victorian era Gothic style hob grate dating from circa 1830 and unusually decorated with castellations and quatrefoils. Finished in black graphite polish, this antique cast iron hob grate...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal, 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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel

Antique French Andirons or Firedogs, 18th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
18th century, French Gothic style fire dogs made of wrought iron. The andirons have spit hooks. They are in a good condition.  
Category

18th Century French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

17th-18th Century French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
17th-18th century French Gothic fire dogs made of wrought iron. The andirons have spit hooks. The condition is good.
Category

18th Century French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

17th Century French Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Brass and Steel English Register Grate
Located in London, GB
An English steel register grate. The pierced fret of Gothic style, panelled frame with steel bars surmounted by finials. N.B. May be subject to an extended lead time, please enquir...
Category

Late 20th Century English Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel, Brass

Antique Gothic Style Fire Grate
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An unusual late 19th century antique gothic style fire grate, reclaimed from a property in Sussex. Pairing function with form, this fire grate is a striking piece for any setting, de...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair of Antique Carved Oak Column Pedestals
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of turned and carved oak column pedestals, salvaged from a church in Portsmouth. Styled foliage and floral designs to the centre, these large scale, rich colour and appealin...
Category

20th Century Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Oak

16th-17th Century German Gothic 'Religious Theme' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

An Unusual English Antique Coal Box.
Located in London, GB
An unusual English antique coal box. This antique coal box/scuttle is made in steel and dates from around 1900. The coal box is very well made and is ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

German Gothic Style Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

French Gothic Style Firedogs or Andirons
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
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

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.

Recently Viewed

View All