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.
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
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
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
Seljuk Bronze Oil Lamp Base with Tripod Stand, Medieval Style
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
Pair of Antique Gothic Revival Brass Five-Light Candelabras by Rostand
By Rostand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Dimensions: 18”-23"H x 18.50”W x 6”D This pair of antique Gothic Revival brass five-light candelabras by Rostand Mfg. Co., c.1920s, offers a st...
Brass
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.
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.
$7,433Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of "Holy Family" CandleHolders attr. to P.Poussielgue-Rusand, France, c1880
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
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
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
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
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
7ft3” Tall Medieval Candelabra We have 4 of these available
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
7ft3” Tall Medieval Candelabra. Castle Torchere We have 4 of these available, they are very large and very heavy, blacksmith made in wrought iron real castle pieces The 3 circular ...
Iron
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 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
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
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
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
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 19th Century Copper Candleholders
Located in Casteren, NL
Pair of firm 19th century copper candleholders. Originates Nothern France, dating circa 1850.
Copper
$8,000
H 10.75 in W 3.25 in D 3.25 in
Pair of Candleholders with Karyatids, Bronze & Marble, Berlin Early 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Empire candlesticks with bronze karyatids and white marble pedestals, crafted by Werner & Mieth in Berlin during the early 19th century.
Marble, Bronze
$542Sale Price|42% Off
H 14.38 in W 13.78 in D 7.49 in
18th-19th Century Hand Forged Iron Candleholder
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful 18th-19th century hand forged iron candleholder. A wonderful example of primitive folk art. A perfect balance between utility and aesthetics. Southern France, Spain, 18th...
Iron
Pair of Arts and Crafts Brass Candelabras, Gothic Design, 1910
Located in Montreal, QC
This unusual pair combine an Arts & Crafts sensibility with a Gothic twist. Each tapering central spire supports a pair of pierced hexagonal open candleholders. The round base is tur...
Brass
$76,373 / 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
Italian Late 19th Century Pair of Antique Brass Candleholders
Located in Antwerp, BE
Italian late 19th century pair of antique brass candleholders. This pair of antique brass candleholders was handcrafted by Italian artisan....
Metal, Brass
$1,906
H 31.7 in W 8.67 in D 7.88 in
Spanish Medieval Hand Forged Iron Candle Stand / Floor Candle Holder
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gorgeous handwrought torchère candle holder, Spain, 1940s This medieval style floor candleholder stands up on three legs tripod base. It has a terrific aged patina. It has a clean de...
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
$163Sale Price|66% Off
H 30.71 in W 14.97 in D 9.06 in
Gothic Style Five candle candelabra wrought iron with ceramic base from Germany
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Gothic Style Five candle candelabra wrought iron with ceramic base from Germany. This elegant candelabra features a beautifully designed ceramic base that adds a touch of sophisticat...
Wrought Iron
$2,975 / set
H 10 in W 4.5 in D 4.5 in
Art Deco Solid Bronze Plinth Base Corinthian Style Candleholders signed Gorham
By Gorham
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite pair of Art Deco solid bronze Corinthian-style candleholders, crafted by the esteemed Gorham Manufacturing Company circa 1925, showcases the perfect fusion of classica...
Bronze
Single Antique Gothic Revival Brass 6 Light Candelabra
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Single 1920s Gothic Revival brass candelabra featuring a six-light branch configuration and an ornate tri-form footed base.
Brass
$2,049
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
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