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.
Gothic Style Solid Brass Tiered Floor Standing Candelabra Tripod Bases a Pair
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage Gothic style solid cast brass tiered floor standing candelabra with tripod bases, a pair. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so ...
Brass
A Pair 19th Century Candelabras - Bronze Patinated Spelter - Gothic Style
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful set of 2 antique candelabras in Gothic style. The candelabras each have room for three candles. Estimated origin and age: France, circa 1900. The candelabras are made of ...
Spelter
Vintage Gothic Black Wrought Iron Wall Hanging Candelabra Made in Mexico
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome vintage Gothic or Spanish Revival handmade solid wrought iron black painted candelabra wall hanging made in Mexico. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage ...
Wrought Iron
Large Pair of Medieval Style Wrought Iron Candelabras - Italy, 19th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Ornate pair of wrought-iron candle holders. Lovely scrolling and patterned iron work.
Pair of English Gothic Revival Gilt Bronze Candelabras
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of English Gothic Revival-style (19th Century) gilt bronze 9 arm candelabras (PRICED AS PAIR) Triangular base 8.5\" each side
Bronze
Pair of 19th century French Gothic-style 5-light candelabra
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Pair of 19th-century French Gothic-style 5-light Candelabra - Private Collection Domenico Rugiano
Bronze
Pair of eight-light antique vintage Italian candelabrum in wrought gilded iron
Located in Leesburg, VA
Pair of eight-light antique vintage Italian candelabrum in wrought gilded iron Anonymous Probably early 20th century; Italy Iron A distinctive pa...
Iron
A Seljuk Bronze Oil Lamp Base, 12th/13th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Seljuk Bronze Oil Lamp Base, 12th/13th Century a tripod stand with stylized hoofed feet. Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimensions: Height: 62.5cm. Diameter: 22cm.
Bronze
Large pair of french Late 19 th Century candelabra
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare pair of large late 19 th century French candelabra, the patina is so much nicer in person, I believe they came from a church
Brass
$7,444Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of "Holy Family" CandleHolders attr. to P.Poussielgue-Rusand, France, c1880
By Poussielgue-Rusand
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare pair of gilded and silvered bronze candle holders with engraved shafts decorated with rings embellished with colored cabochons in imitation of semi-precious stones. The religious character of these candles is recalled by the presence of angels in medallions in the center of the shaft, and by the presence of members of the Holy Family in a mandorla on each side of the tripod foot. A rich bestiary of fantastic animals inspired by the Middle Ages adorns the whole. The abundance of details transforms these candle holders from simple utilitarian objects during a religious celebration into a decorative artwork. Biography : Placide Poussielgue-Rusand (1824-1889) is a Parisian goldsmith and bronze maker known above all for his liturgical objects (chalices, ciboriums, patens, monstrances, etc.) and church bronzes...
Bronze, Enamel
Antique brass clock set with religious decoration
Located in London, GB
This three-piece brass clock set is wonderfully designed to look like a collection of Christian church bells. The mantel clock features a bell-shaped b...
Brass, Enamel
Tall Pair of Wrought Iron Candleholders, Early 19th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Elegant and rare pair of heavy wrought iron candleholders with a crown of flowers, raised on a tripod base. Probably from Italy.
Spanish Medieval Iron Candle Holder in Hand Forged Gilt Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Terrific hand forged iron primitive three-light candelabras in Medieval style with parcel-gilt accents. Spain, 18th-19th century It is supported by four legs with claw ending feet. I...
Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf, Iron
Mid Century Wrought Iron Medievalist Candelabra
Located in Fort Collins, CO
Extraordinary sculptural bent iron Italian candelabra, sourced from Italy. This candelabra has a distinct visual weight, and the size and marked medieval silhouette commands attentio...
Iron
Antique European Forged Wrought Iron Floor Standing Candle Holder Candelabra
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent large antique European forged iron seventeen light candelabrum. Dating from the 18th to early 19th century, Continental Europe, most likely Spanish, most impressive monumental size, made long before the advent of electricity, this finely crafted hand forged black wrought iron floor lamp...
Wrought Iron
Antique French Renaissance Gothic Bronze 7 Arm Adjustable Candelabras - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Renaissance Gothic Bronze 7 Arm Adjustable Candelabras - a Pair. Arms and height are adjustable. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 20.5" H x 21" W x 6.5" D.
Bronze
Antique French Wrought Iron Candelabra with Gothic Floral Motifs
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exceptional antique French wrought iron candelabra is a dramatic and highly decorative statement piece, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of traditional European ironwor...
Wrought Iron
Pair of English Gothic Revival Gilt Bronze Candelabras
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of English Gothic Revival-style (19th Century) gilt bronze 9 arm candelabras (PRICED AS PAIR).
Bronze
Pair of Late 19th Century French Bronze Candelabras on Black Marble Bases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A dramatic and finely cast pair of late 19th century French bronze candelabras, executed in rich dark patinated bronze and mounted on black marble bases. Each candelabrum rises from ...
Bronze
Pair of Large Wrought Iron and Brass Church Candelabras
Located in High Point, NC
This impressive pair of antique church candelabras features intricate wrought iron scrollwork combined with brass candlestick holders. Design...
Brass, Wrought Iron
Pair of Antique Gothic Style Pedestal Candelabra Torcheres
Located in Dallas, TX
A handsome pair of antique gothic style pedestal candelabra torcheres. Made of wrought iron. Contains 13 candle holders at three different levels. The upper level is supported by wave pattern iron bars. The base is made up of intricate designs that mimic an upside down floral...
Wrought Iron
1960s Italian Brutalist Mediavel Iron and Ceramic Floor Standing Candleholder
Located in London, England
A stunning handcrafted floor standing Brutalist Italian candleholder manufactured circa 1960s. A very heavy and well made piece with six candleholders in total. Five around the out...
Wrought Iron
$6,000 / set
H 13.5 in W 9.25 in D 5.75 in
Superior Pair of 19th Century Patinated & Parcel Gilt Bronze Figural Candelabra
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
An exceptionally fine pair of 19th century patinated & parcel gilt bronze figural candelabra, executed in the Rococo manner closely associated with works by Claude Michel (Clodio...
Marble, Bronze
$2,051
H 27.56 in W 11.82 in D 15.75 in
Brutalist Candelabra, Sculpture in Wrought Iron, 1970s, France
Located in Antwerp, BE
Handcrafted brutalist candelabra, sculpture with five bronze holders made in France, one piece unique five-arm candelabra a work of craftsmanship by an unknown artist. It's an except...
Bronze, Wrought Iron
$75,314 / set
H 128.94 in Dm 45.28 in
Pair of Very Large French Brass Candelabra in the Gothic Revival Style
Located in London, GB
Pair of very large French brass candelabra in the Gothic Revival style French, early 20th Century Height 327.5cm, diameter 115cm The truly...
Brass
$3,500 / set
H 32.5 in W 14.5 in D 11.5 in
Pair Exotic French 19th Century Figural Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candelabras
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large and finest quality exotic orientalist motif French 19th century figural gilt and patinated bronze Candelabras on original marble bases.
Bronze
Wrought iron Atelier Marolles style candelabra
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Wrought iron Atelier Marolles style candelabra
Wrought Iron
Large Pair 19th Century Classical Candelabra
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A large and impressive pair of 19th Century classical gilded ormolu and white marble candelabra. Each with scrolling foliate seven branch sconces, supported by maidens dressed in flowing gowns...
Marble, Bronze
$1,133 / set
H 15.36 in Dm 5.91 in
Gothic Revival style. Wrought iron candelabras by Ferro Art, Spain, 1950s
By Ferro Art, Ferrocolor, Maison Jansen, Maison Charles
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Gothic revival and Brutalist style wrought iron candelabras by Ferro Art, Spain, 1950s. Pair of sculptural candle holders made by hand in wrought iron and using techniques such as ha...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Medieval Style Iron Wall Candelabra
Located in Redding, CT
Medieval style iron wall torchiere. The perfect romantic touch for your home. Fill with candles above a bath tub or use on a porch or outside barn wall....
Iron
$9,304 / set
H 19.3 in Dm 11.03 in
19th Century French Pair of Louis XV Style Ormolu Four-Light Candelabra, C.1880
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique late-19th century French pair of Louis XV style ormolu bronze four-light candelabra, beautifully modelled in the Rococo style, each foliate-sheathed spirally fluted baluster ...
Bronze, Ormolu
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
H 17 in W 16.5 in D 4 in
Antique Ivanhoe Girandole, Gothic Revival Gilt Bronze Figural Candelabra c1850
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique "Ivanhoe" Girandole Gothic Revival Gilt Bronze & Crystal Three Arm Figural Candelabra with Knight Figure & Shield in Cove & Foliate Elements Throughout, Marble Base & Crystal...
Crystal, Bronze
True pair of candelabra in patinated bronze, French late 19th century
Located in London, GB
A very fine and unusual pair of French patinated bronze two branch figural candelabra. Quite superb modelling to the two individual figures. Standing upon tri-form base decorated wit...
Bronze
X Large Modernist Floor Standing Candelabra California Design
Located in San Diego, CA
1960s California artisan floor-standing candelabra crafted of steel with a free-form base, a great impressive piece.
Iron
Sold
H 57 in W 17.5 in D 23.5 in
Pair of Vintage Gothic Style Freestanding Adjustable Wrought Iron Candelabras
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of Wrought Iron Adjustable Church Altar Candelabras. The candelabra or central light section is hinged allowing for adjustments from the V or Y formation to a straight line or st...
Wrought Iron
Vintage Gothic Style Pair of Wrought Iron Floor Standing Candelabras
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Elevate your interior with this dramatic pair of vintage Gothic-style wrought iron candelabras. Expertly hand-forged, each piece stands tall with an ornate silhouette, featuring grac...
Wrought Iron
Pair of 19th Century French Gothic Wrought Iron Candle Holders
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a mantel or a buffet with this elegant pair of antique candlesticks. Hand forged in southern France circa 1880, each candelabra stands on a heart shaped base over 3 small fe...
Wrought Iron
Large Gothic wrought iron candlestick holder, France 1900
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1900 / candlestick holder / cast iron / Classical / Gothic / Medieval / Antique Very large antique candlestick holder with two ca...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 59.5 in W 39.75 in D 14 in
Pair, Antique Gothic Wrought Iron Adjustable Floor Standing Candelabra
Located in Atlanta, GA
Likely Spanish in origin, circa 1920. A pair of wrought iron floor standing candelabra. Each having 7 shaped candle holders that are adjustable in width from 14.5" to 39.75" extend...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Antique Italian Wrought Iron Dragon Candle Holder, XIX Century
Located in New York, NY
Antique Candle Holder in form of a Dragon Wrought Iron Italy, XIX Century ABOUT This unique and really whimsical wrought iron candle holder in the form of a stylized dragon immediat...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Gothic Metal Chain Link Torchiere Candle Stands
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Imagine how amazing these torchiere's will look as the red candles Cascade and dry over the chain links. No vampires home is complete without these statement pieces. Perfect for book-ending a thrown...
Metal
Large French 17th Century Hand Forged Iron Candleholder
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful hand forged Iron candleholder in Gothic style. Although the Gothic period was already over this style stayed popular for a long time in the French country side. Very beautiful detailed with French Fleur de lyse...
Iron
Pair of French Gothic Style Wrought Iron and Tole Candelabras, 1900s
Located in Dallas, TX
This impressive pair of French wrought iron and tole candelabras are from the early 1900’s. The heavy motifs coupled with the subtle flying buttresses ...
Wrought Iron
Antique Adjustable Brass Floor Candelabra
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Antique adjustable brass floor candelabra This floor candelabra with adjustable arms has 7 matching cups with drip pans. The patinated brass ...
Brass
Pair of 19th Century Bronze Gothic Candelabras
Located in Nashville, TN
Pair of 19th century bronze Gothic candelabras Measures: 17.5" height 9" wide 4" deep.
Bronze
Sold
H 48 in Dm 12 in
Antique Gothic Gilt Bronze and Glass Figural Monstrance Candelabra, 19th Century
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Roman Catholic Gothic monstrance offers gilt bronze construction with pierced globe having scroll and foliate elements and housing ruby gl...
Metal, Bronze