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.
19th Century Viennese Miniature Covered Silver and Enamel Cornucopia
Located in New York, NY
A very fine antique jeweled, silver Viennese enamel covered Cornucopia. Each panel is beautifully enameled with cupids, Angeles and Maidens with neoclassical mythological subjects, f...
Enamel
Medieval Antique Cast Bronze Mission Bell Sculpture Bookend, a Pair
Located in Plainview, NY
Medieval Antique Cast Bronze Mission Bell Sculpture Bookend, a Pair Bring a touch of old-world history and structural elegance to your library with t...
Bronze
19th Century Bronze Sculpture "The Letter"
Located in Rochester, NY
Antique bronze sculpture of man reading a letter or proclamation. Marble base, 19th century. Unsigned.
Bronze
$3,250 / set
H 4.63 in W 5.75 in D 3 in
Pair of Antique Bronze Sculpture Paperweights Wounded Stag and Wild Boar
Located in Shippensburg, PA
Pair of figural bronze paperweights over cararra marble bases. circa early 19th century; models of "Il Porcellino" and "Wounded Stag" Item # C104009 A superb pair of 19th century p...
Carrara Marble, Bronze
Enamel Miniatures Living Room and Piano Set
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Enamel miniatures living room and piano set Origin Vienna, Austria Circa 1900 Enamel and bronze materials The piano is a music box (it works) The general condition is very good. ...
Enamel
$5,000
H 2.76 in W 9.85 in D 5.12 in
Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze inkwell. France, late 19th century.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze inkwell. France, late 19th century.
Bronze, Enamel
Bronze Male God Sculpture Statue
Located in New York, NY
A small figural male nude verte green bronze Greek God 'Bacchus' sculpture statue, circa mid-20th century. Bacchus was known as the 'wine' God. Piece is made of sold bronze or brass ...
Brass, Bronze
$4,800
H 7.49 in W 4.73 in D 3.75 in
Pair of Bookends in Patinated Bronze by Tinos, Made in Denmark, 1930s
By Tinos
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of bookends in bonze, made in Denmark. Great original condition.
Bronze
Art Deco Cast Metal Greyhound Dog Sculpture, Bronze Finish, USA, 1999
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Beautiful cast metal bronze greyhound dog sculpture. An elegant, detailed cast sculpture depicting a greyhound dog.. Sculptures depicting a greyhound dog. Made with the fusion sys...
Metal
$956Sale Price|20% Off
H 2.25 in W 6.25 in D 4.5 in
19th Century Rare Miniature Wooden Bible Box in Original Paint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century most rare and unusual original painted miniature bible box with original painted surface and gilding. This early gem has original iron hi...
Iron
French Champlevé Enamel Inkwell, Napoleon III, 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
A French Champlevé enamel inkwell from the 19th century, created in the opulent Napoleon III style. Crafted from gilded bronze with finely detailed polychrome enamel in shades of t...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel
19th Century French Enameled Champlevé Inkwell
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning and rare French mid-19th century encier in Louis Revival taste with Moorish Arabesque influence. Handcrafted in Champlevé enameled gilt bronze with ornate and colorful blue, pink, red, green and white enameling over the heavily shaped and scalloped base, that borders the stunning Severes style (I have not removed it to check for a makers mark) enameled porcelain tray scene of frolicking putti. The stunning enameling continues on the raised inkwell body and hinged lid with finial. Opposite, two raised balls act as a pen rest, the inkstand raising on four ball feet. Similar to French cloisonne, each champlevé design is a one-of-a-kind work of art. A beautiful warm verdigris patina adds to its character and charm. This wonderful antique objet...
Bronze, Enamel
French Champlevé Enamel & Ormolu Letter Rack, Late 19th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Champlevé Enamel & Ormolu Letter Rack, Late 19th Century A richly ornamented French champlevé enamel and gilt bronze letter rack, dating to the late 19th century. This jewel-...
Ormolu
$877 / set
H 10 in W 16 in D 4.5 in
Large & Impressive Hand-Carved Wooden Pair of Fighting Ram Sculpture Bookends
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and good quality carved ram bookends. Anyone who has ever witnessed two rams taking each other on in a battle for dominance, knows the amount of force that goes into these f...
Wood
Vintage French Medieval Knight's Helmet in Brass
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage French Medieval Knight's Helmet in Brass is a marvelous recreation of a period artifact. Hand-crafted by an obviously skilled artisan who clear...
Brass, Nickel
“In Out” Office Notice Board
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
“In Out” Office Notice Board This is a rare piece nowadays, it used to be used in offices or perhaps Doctors surgeries to indicate who was available b...
Fruitwood
Mid-Century English Silver Plate Toast Rack
Located in Pearland, TX
A superb vintage English silverplated six slice toast rack. This Fine quality silver toast rack is well made and heavy with a lovely Gothic...
Silver Plate
Bronze Seal, Possibly 12th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Stamp. Bronze. Possibly 12th century. Oval seal with intaglio carving on one side and, on the other, a rectangular shape and a small protruding piece to...
Bronze
Victorian Gothic Reading Stand Antique Brass 1860 Lecturn
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Collectable Victorian reading stand in the Gothic style Crafted from brass and we date this to circa 1860 Herts showroom, just 25 minutes nor...
Brass
Antique Decorative Cast Bronze Mission Bell Sculpture, a Pair
Located in Plainview, NY
A decorative set of two antique cast bronze Mission bells sculptures. Each bell features fine details and engraving. Perfect to decorate your desk, st...
Bronze
Antique English Wrought Iron Dragon Motif Pocket Watch Holder
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique English wrought iron dragon motif pocket watch holder.
Wrought Iron