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.
Very Rare Casket Minnekästchen or Box, Germany or Italy, 15th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Wooden coffret, call minnekästchen, engraved with a dog, a hare and foliage with polychromy remains. During the Middle Age, the hare is a symbol of fertility, joy and represents the Christ...
Iron
Chest, Leather, Wrought Iron, Textile, Wood, Spain, circa 1500
Located in Madrid, ES
Rectangular body casket with semicircular lid made of carved wood and covered with a worked leather that has been reinforced with a series of forged iron fittings, material in which ...
Wrought Iron, Other
18th Century Mexican Chest from New Spain
Located in Marbella, ES
Mexican chest. New Spain, 18th century. In polychrome wood. Slight paint losses on the lid. Measurements: 7 x 16 x 6.5 cm. Wooden chest from the vicerega...
Wood
$1,084
H 13.39 in W 17.72 in D 10.24 in
Early 20th Century Italian Gothic style Decorative Boxe or Small Trunk
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this beautiful and rare small trunk made in the early 20th century. Made entirely of iron with brass decorations, this trunk has a Gothic-inspired design. A unique decora...
Iron
Iron Strong Box Treasure Chest
Located in Ferndale, MI
Iron strong box treasure chest, nicely crafted case and mechanism. Original key included . Possibly stage coach item .
Steel, Wrought Iron, Iron
Antique Figured Coromandel Brass Box / Casket 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a magnificent antique brass bound coromandel Victorian Gothic Revival casket by Parkins and Gotto, 24 & 25 Oxford Street, London, circa 1860...
Brass
$3,995
H 17 in W 19.5 in D 17 in
18th Century Baroque Period Italian German Guild Chest Cabinet Jewelry Casket
By Ferdinando Pogliani
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and most impressive 18th century European parcel ebonized rosewood hardstone bronze pewter bone ivory marquetry tabletop cabinet casket. Of exceptionally fine quality, lavish...
Lapis Lazuli, Metal, Brass, Bronze, Ormolu, Pewter
$395
H 3.5 in W 7.5 in D 4.38 in
Circa 1907-1909 English Huntley & Palmer's "Iron Chest" Biscuit Tin Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1907-1909 Huntley & Palmers "Iron Chest" Biscuit Tin Box, English. Very collectible. 17th century Armada Chest form with hinged top with two "seals" - one of the Royal Coat of ...
Metal, Tin
French Gothic Oak Coffer Chest
Located in Queens, NY
French Gothic-style (19/20th Century) oak coffer chest on stand with tracery carved panels and a domed lid with iron strap work
Iron
Peruvian Nazca Textile Exotic Wood Box
Located in New York, NY
Peruvian exotic wood box with nickel framed ancient Nazca textile top.
Nickel
Petite Ming Shipwreck Box, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
The soft, matte texture and eroded wear of this petite porcelain box suggest it spent many years submerged in saltwater, likely excavated from a sunken trade ship carrying Chinese ce...
Porcelain
$7,500
H 17 in W 35.5 in D 18.25 in
English Military Camphor Wood Leather Brass Banded Chest. Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
English military leather chest with original brass mounts, braided tacks, and brass side handles. All original. Early 19th Century
Brass
Italian Wood Carved Casket Box
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century Italian wooden carved casket box in the baroque style. Features gothic faces and lions paw feet. Can be used as a jewelry or trinket box or ...
Wood
Vintage Boho Wrought Iron Terrarium
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Step into a realm of sophisticated display with this Vintage Hollywood Regency Brass and Glass Terrarium, an exceptional piece that exudes timeless elegance. Crafted with a delicate ...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 23.25 in W 16.25 in D 14 in
19th Century French Polished Cast Iron Safe with Key and Two-Letter Combination
Located in Dallas, TX
Keep your jewelry and important documents locked up in this elegant, antique safe from the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. Crafted circa 1880, and built in cast iron, this heavy ...
Brass, Iron
Sold
H 6 in W 9 in D 5 in
19th Century French Gothic Brass & Copper Jewelry Box with Repousse Leaf Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique patinated gilt casket was created in France, circa 1890. Built with brass and copper, the miniature trunk-shaped box with bombe top, stands on...
Brass, Copper
French Gothic Style Jewelry Box or Chest with Bronze Inlay & Leather
Located in Plainview, NY
An exquisite French Gothic style jewelry box or small chest, a testament to the timeless allure of craftsmanship. Adorned with intricate brass inlay ...
Stone, Bronze
Sold
H 5.5 in W 9.25 in D 5 in
19th Century French Gothic Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Repousse Cherub Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique gilt bronze casket was created in France, circa 1870. The miniature trunk-shaped box with bombe top, stands on gargoyle figure feet, and is embellished with intricate repousse cherub and scrolled decor on all four sides. The jewelry box is upholstered with the original inside luxurious red velvet. The small safe...
Bronze
Northern Italy Box Set with 16th Century Floral Motifs
Located in Madrid, ES
Northern Italy box set with 16th century Floral Motifs 18.5x30x16cm Casket in carved and gilded wood with floral motifs. Sealing wax stamp inside. Vintag...
Wood
Rare and Beautiful 16th Century Siena Box
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare and Beautiful 16th century Siena box 13cm x 15.5cm x 27cm Paper mache box gilt and lacquered in blue and red. Good condition for the age.
Wood
19th Century French Bronze Doré and Pewter Jewelry Box with Putti Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique two-tone casket was created in France, circa 1880. Rectangular in shape, the gilt bronze and pewter box is embellished with cherub and scroll motifs. The detail work is ...
Bronze, Pewter
19th Century French Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Pastoral Scene
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique gilt bronze casket was created in France, circa 1880. Oval in shape, the jewelry box stands on four small round feet, and is embellished...
Bronze
Sold
H 20 in W 15 in D 13 in
19th Century French Polished Cast Iron Safe with Key and Two-Letter Combination
Located in Dallas, TX
Keep your jewelry and important documents locked up in this elegant, antique safe from the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. Crafted circa 1880 in cast iron with gun barrel finish ...
Brass, Iron
Medieval Style Continental Silver Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
Medieval style, continental silver jewelry box, Germany, circa 1900. Decorated with Medieval figures and designs. Measures: 9 1/4 inches wide x almost 2 1/2 inches high x 5 1/4 inche...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 4.75 in W 6 in D 3.75 in
Medieval-Style Sterling Silver '.950' Footed Jewelry Box with Hinged Lid, Paris
Located in New York, NY
Medieval-style, sterling silver (.950) casket - form jewelry box with hinged lid, having bun feet, Paris, circa 1900. Suede lined. Designed with mythical...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 4.25 in W 7.5 in D 4.25 in
19th Century French Gothic Bombe Bronze Doré Jewelry Box with Floral Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique gilt bronze casket was created in France, circa 1870. The miniature trunk-shaped box has a bombe top with handle, and is embellished with ...
Bronze