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.
$475Sale Price|50% Off
A Seljuk Bronze Oil Lamp, 12th/13th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Seljuk Bronze Oil Lamp, 12th/13th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Description: A 12/13th-century Seljuk bronze oil lamp is an antique from the Seljuk Empire, k...
Bronze
Antique Dutch Brass Mid-Drip Heemskerk Candlestick circa 1525
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A rare and historically significant Dutch brass candlestick of the Heemskerk type, dating to around 1525. This early 16th-century example features a pronounced mid-drip pan with slig...
Brass, Bronze
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
A Seljuk Bronze Oil Lamp with Base, 12th/13th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Seljuk Bronze Oil Lamp with Base, 12th/13th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Description: A 12/13th-century Seljuk bronze oil lamp is an antique from the Seljuk...
Bronze
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 Church Antique Torcheres Floor Candlestick for 19 Candles
Located in Antwerp, BE
Brass and enamel multi-light standing candelabra in the Gothic style. The foot is bulbous scroll pattern with enamelled cartouches sitting on three mythical beasts. The candle holder...
Bronze, Brass
French 19th Century Church Altar Candlesticks
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A towering pair of 19th century French brass altar candlesticks from a cathedral or church. The center of each bobeche is fitted with a spike, surrounded by a pierced brass crown of ...
Brass
Beautiful Gothic Brass Candelabra/Candlestick, circa 1500
Located in Vienna, AT
The item on sale is an original Gothic candelabra that dates back to the 1500s. It was expertly handcrafted from brass and consists of two parts that...
Brass
$2,246Sale Price / set|25% Off
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
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
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.
Gothic Revival Gilded Brass Wall Candle holders 1890s Holland
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very beathiful set of Gothic revival Wall candle sconces . Hand forced ,Gilded Brass .very nice ornate . super rare to find a set of 4 . Comes with the hand made brackets . All in...
Brass
Antique Grotesque Monk Wall Candle Head in Plaster, Italy 1900s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A small sculptural candleholder for wall mount. A medieval style inspired painted plaster head depicting a monks head. Grotesque caricature with strong evil/dark features. It was mad...
Plaster
Medieval Knopped Bronze Candlestick Bell Base, Netherlands, 15th Century
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
An 15th Century Gothic socket candlestick in in bronze with a pronounced bell foot, integral drip tray, and a slender, knopped stem rising to a tall socket with an early clean-out ap...
Brass
Antique Pair Gothic Revival of Handcrafted Gilt Bronze Candlesticks Holders
Located in Lisse, NL
Great pair of 19th century candleholders. If you are looking for a stylish and small pair of church candle holders to create a special atmospher...
Brass, Bronze
$925Sale Price|50% Off
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
19th Century French Pair of Antique Large Wrought Iron Wall Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of large antique French wall sconces, hand-forged in wrought iron and dating to the late 19th Century, in good condition. Crafted in the Medieval style, each sconce features b...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
$207Sale Price|58% Off
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
Late 19th Century Brass Gothic Style Candlesticks
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful pair of antique brass candlesticks. Gothic style. The candlesticks are in good condition. Beautiful color and shine. Sturdy and solid. Estimated age and origin: France, ...
Brass
Bronze Candlestick or Candle Holder, 16th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Bronze candlestick. Century XVI. Polished bronze candlestick with a wide circular base from which arises a truncated cone axis opening into a smooth plat...
Bronze
Carved Oak Floor-Standing Pricket Candle Holder, Early 20th Century
Located in London, London
Carved Oak Floor-Standing Pricket Candle Holder, Early 20th Century An imposing oak floor-standing pricket candle holder, likely Continental, early 20th century. Hand-carved with a...
Oak
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
$7,343Sale 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
$2,000 / set
Pair of Bronze Candlesticks, 17th Century
Located in NICE, FR
A pair of 17th-century bronze candlesticks featuring architectural details. Each piece is crafted from heavy cast bronze and displays intricate floral and geometric motifs, including...
Bronze
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 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
$440Sale Price|20% Off
1800s Baroque / Gothic Style Brass Church Candlestick
Located in Skien, NO
This stunning brass/bronze candlestick features a rustic patina and showcases the craftsmanship of the European Gothic Revival and Baroque styles from the 1800s. Its timeless desig...
Brass, Bronze
$450Sale Price / item|40% Off
1960s Iridescent Glass and Twisted Iron Candle Sconce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A 1960s candle sconce. Consists of a panel of iridescent glass framed by twisted iron. Seven fluted brass heads elevate to hold taper candles. Lovely patina throughout. Pair availabl...
Brass, 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 Monumental 19th Century Medieval Style Brass Candelabra
Located in Troy, NY
Pair of massive Gothic style brass candelabra of impressive size. Can be electrified or used to hold large pillar candles.
Brass
18th Century French Gothic Forged Wrought Iron Candle Holder
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1780 and forged of solid iron, the candle holder stands on four scrolled legs over a turned central shaft decorated with a few ornamental discs. The tall wrou...
Wrought 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
Very Fine Pair of Antique Continental Silver Mounted Rock Crystal Candlesticks
Located in London, GB
The candlestick bodies of fine, translucent rock crystal accented with silver gilt mounts; the candlestick base mounts decorated with neo-Gothic style patterns and masked faces. T...
Rock Crystal, Silver
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 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
Spanish Gilt Iron Medieval Revival Style Two-Arm Candle Wall Sconce, ca. 1950s
Located in Barntrup, DE
A striking Spanish wall-mounted candle sconce in medieval revival style, dating to circa the 1950s. Crafted from gilt iron, this sculptural piece features two candle arms and express...
Iron
$4,800 / set
Very Large Hand Forged Iron Candle Sconces
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Pair of impressively large hand forged sconces of iron and tole having 3 arms each for candles. Could be electrified.
Iron
Set of 3 brutalist tripod candlesticks/candle holders in wrought iron
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Brutalist - Chalet - decoration Sold without candles Measures : L: Ø 37 H:128cm M: Ø 33 H: 102cm S: Ø 29 H: 77cm Style: Medieval (In the Style Of) Materials and Techniques: Iron,...
Iron
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
Spanish Gothic Style Floor Candlestick in Wrought Gilt Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand-hammered Gothic style floor candle stand with gold leaf accents, Spain, circa 1890. This elegant floor standing candleholder has a tri...
Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf, Iron
Pair of English Gothic Revival Style Bronze Altar Candlesticks
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of English Gothic Revival-style (19th Century) bronze altar sticks with round pad feet (PRICED AS PAIR)
Bronze
Pair of 16th or 17th Century Italian Forged Iron Tripod Pricket Candlesticks
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… Forged in Italy during the late 1500s or early 1600s, this pair of tripod prickets once served as candlesticks. Most modern collectors will utilize th...
Metal, Iron
Large Pair Gothic Revival Arts & Crafts Brass Table or Altar Candlesticks
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and heavy pair of altar candle sticks. These handcrafted and heavy candleholders are made around 1930 by H. v/d Heijden. With beautiful scro...
Brass
Original Gothic Style 1860 Candlesticks 19th Century Emperor of House Habsburg
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Gothic style of Laxenburg so called after the "Laxenburg Castle", the favoured summer-residence of the Austrian Emperor of the house of Habsburg. Material used is carved wood, gilded.
Wood
$700Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage French Scrolled Iron 12 Light Altar Floor Pedestal Candelabra Gothic
Located in Dayton, OH
20th Century French or Gothic inspired 12 light candelabra. Features a scrolled design with pedestal and molded flower at the center. Each candle holder features a drip pan. The cand...
Iron
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
Early 20th Century 27 Light Gothic Cast Brass Floor CandleStick Torchere
Located in Germantown, MD
An exceptional Early 20th Century two tier 27 Light Gothic Cast Brass Floor CandleStick Torchere. Measures 9.5" in width, 9.5" in depth and stands 40" tall . Lower tier had 17 light...
Brass
Spanish Handcrafted Forged Wrought Iron Oak Castle Chandelier, Mid-19th Century
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Unique handcrafted forged wrought iron and oak castle candle chandelier, Spain, mid-19th century. Wrought Iron beautifully forged in Medieval style, 8 candle holders on a rubust hand...
Wrought Iron
$2,450Sale Price|30% Off
Early 20th Century 27-Light Gothic Cast Brass Floor Lamp Candelabra Torchere
Located in Germantown, MD
An exceptional Early 20th Century two tier 27 Light Gothic Cast Brass Floor Lamp Candelabra Torchere. Measures 10" in width, 10" in depth and stands 66" tall to the top of the finia...
Brass
Pair of Neo-Gothic Bronze Candlesticks, Done in the Manner of A. W. N. Pugin
By Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A pair of neo-gothic bronze candlesticks in the manner of Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, finely cast in form of a gothic cluster column on ...
Bronze
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Gothic Style Wrought Iron Candle holder/Torchere
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a tall wrought iron candle holder/torchere that ends in a tripod base. Each leg of this base is adorned with large scrolls that...
Wrought Iron
Antique turned wooden candle holder Circa 1800's
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Antique turned wooden candle holder Circa 1800's. Elevate your home decor with this exquisite candle holder, featuring a sturdy wooden base complemented by a sleek turned wooden stan...
Mahogany
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
Vintage Boho Sarreid Bronze Heraldic Lion Candlesticks - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your decor with this regal pair of Vintage Bronze Heraldic Lion Candlesticks by Sarreid. Cast in solid bronze with a rich patina, each lion sits proudly upright, clutching a ...
Bronze
$866Sale Price|20% Off
Set of 2 wood and brass torcheres, Netherlands 1950s
Located in ECHT, NL
Set of 2 floor standing candle holders. Made from wood and brass. They came from a monastery in Oirschot Netherlands The bases are made ...
Brass
Antique French Neogothic Altar Torchère Candlestick Set w/ Architectural Element
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Neogothic Altar Torchère Candlestick Set w/ Architectural Elements & Patina Decorate your mantlepiece, altar, church, or chapel with these large ornate candlesticks. ...
Brass
Pair of 19th Century French Forged Iron Candlesticks
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of forged iron candlesticks candle holders with a handle in the form of a sea creature and a movable clamp to keep your candle in place ...
Iron