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Medieval Decorative Objects

MEDIEVAL STYLE

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.

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Style: Medieval
French Gothic Style Inlaid Marble Mantel Clock Dial Signed H. Azur à Paris
Located in New York, NY
French 19 century Gothic style inlaid marble mantel clock. Dial signed H. Azur à Paris. Height 21 inches, width 14 1/4 inches.
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Pair of Neo-Gothic Bronze Candlesticks, Done in the Manner of A. W. N. 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 ...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

A granite sculpture of a young woman's head - France - 1960
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A refined granite sculpture portraying the head of a young woman, believed to likely represent Saint Joan of Arc, crafted in France during the 1950s. It features a magnificent patina...
Category

1960s European Vintage Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Granite

Bronze Skeleton Praying Hands Sculpture - Titled Eternal Hope - Signed Park '92
By Amanda & Björn Sjöling, Blackman Cruz
Located in St. Louis, MO
Cast bronze life size gothic skeleton / bone praying hands sculpture, titled on base Eternal Hope and signed Park '92. In the style of Blackman Cruz Workshop.
Category

1990s American Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Gothic Ceramic Bowl or Jardiniere by Michael Andersen & Son, 1960s
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This bowl or jardiniere, crafted by Michael Andersen & Son, is a remarkable reproduction of a baptismal font discovered in a church in Åkirkeby on Bornholm. The original font, adorne...
Category

1960s Vintage Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

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...
Category

1890s Dutch Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

19th Century European Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf, 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...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Brass

Early 17th Century Medieval Handcrafted Black Iron Coffer or Box
Located in Brescia, IT
The iron coffer, fully original in every part of it, was forged and handcrafted in German in the 1610. Complete with key. Full working iron mechanisms. It ...
Category

Early 17th Century German Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Gothic Virgin and Child from Flanders
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Exhibition Museum Cantini, 1952, The art of the Middle Ages in the Marseille collections, n°101 Provenance Former collection Louis Bresset (before 1952) Former collection Profe...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Dutch Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Polished Bauche Fireproof Strongbox with Royal Coat of Arms
Located in Dallas, TX
This French fireproof strongbox, crafted circa 1880 by Bauche in the Marne region, showcases the period’s finest industrial security design. Constructed in heavy cast iron and weighi...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

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.
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

A Huge Christ of Pity, Normandy circa 1480
Located in PARIS, FR
A rare and large Christ of pity, or Christ in bonds. Jesus is sitting on a rock, stripped of his clothes, awaiting his execution. Monoxyle Ash wood carved in the round. Traces of po...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Ash

reclining lion in finely chased bronze - Italy, 15th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Small reclining lion in finely chased bronze Italy, 15th century Traces of gilding H 4,8 x L 6 x P 2 cm Delicately worked bronze depicting a lion in repose, characteristic of early ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Rare Large 15th Century Renaissance English Oak Roof Angels Corbel.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Rare Large 15th Century Renaissance English Oak Roof Angels Corbel. Truly astonishing rare roof angels, circa 1450. The large Medieval carvi...
Category

15th Century and Earlier English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak

Wood Sculpture Depicting John the Baptist
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This wood scultpure showing fine traces of polychromy depicts John the Baptist, one the Old Testament’s last prophets and the first martyr of the New Testament. He is easily recognizable with the lamb he is carrying in his left hand. The way the artist has carved the face exudes a spiritual strenght inherited from previous centuries. Description Saint John the Baptist is depicted bare feet, seated in a hieratic manner. His elongated face is marked by a beard and a moustache. The straight nose and wide eyes indicate a Spanish origin. This asumption is reaffirmed by the Saint’s resigned expression. His parted hair frames his face while uncovering his ears. He wears a round collar red-orange tunic, draped onto the body and belted at the waist. A flap of his green coat covers his knees and falls down in stylized pleats. Following iconographic rules Saint John the Baptist is pointing with his right hand the lamb seated...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Spanish Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Gilt Spelter Small Bust Jesus Christ
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A small antique bust of Jesus Christ. Made of gilded spelter (zinc alloy). On a black marble plinth. No signature. Minor wear to the gilt patina. Dimensions: 14 (h) x 6 x 6 cm Free...
Category

1920s French Vintage Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Spelter

Late 19th Century French Gothic style Walnut Cigar cabinet
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Elegant 19th-century French cigar cabinet in the Gothic style. This beautifully crafted piece features a tambour roll-top door that opens to reveal compartments for cigars and two sm...
Category

1880s French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

1890 Sterling Silver King Arthur Knight by B. Neresheimer & Söhne Hanau
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This antique sterling silver knight sculpture from the 19th century is based on the statue found at the Tomb of Maximilian I: King Arthur completed in 1513. Dressed in full medieval ...
Category

19th Century German Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Head of a crowned Virgin - Lorraine, first half of 14th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Head of a crowned Virgin Lorraine, first half of 14th century. H26 x 14 x 14 cm Provenance : - Private Collection, Paris France (1960) Private Collection Tuscany, Italy (1980) Ex...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Limestone

Rare Large 16th Century Grape or Cauldron in Solid Bronze
Located in Meer, VAN
Rare Large Grape or Cauldron in Solid Bronze, Europe, 16th Century. This is a rare and large museum quality 16th century grape or cauldron or cooking pot in solid bronze. A practi...
Category

16th Century European Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Georgian Mahogany Gothic Style Tall Case Clock with Moon Phase Dial
Located in Milford, NH
A fine English Georgian Gothic style tall case clock, its bonnet with a swan’s neck broken arch pediment with Battersea enamel oval polychrome urn accents surmounting scrolled fabric...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass

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....
Category

1930s Vintage Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Gothic Brass Jardiniere with Lions Mask Handles and Liner
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Brass Jardiniere with Lions Mask Handles and Liner This is a very old piece and it has its original lead liner The pot is oval and ...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

French Gothic Style Wrought Iron Giant Key Locksmith Trade Sign
Located in Stamford, CT
French wrought iron black painted locksmith trade sign in the form of a large and elaborate key. The trefoil top filled with interlocking Gothic style quatrefoils (like four leaf clovers), with a ladder in the center joining them and a cut metal crest...
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Large Gilt Bronze and Brown Patina Cassolette Vases, Charles X Period
Located in NICE, FR
Pair of Large “Cathedral” Model Cassolettes in Gilt and Patinated Bronze, Charles X Period, Early 19th Century An elegant pair of cassolettes in mercu...
Category

1810s French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Unusual 16th Century-Style Capstan Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Unusual pair of sterling silver, Capstan candlesticks, in the 16th century style, Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode Island, Ca. 1895. Each candlestick measures 4 inches...
Category

1920s English Vintage Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rare Pair of Antique Carved Stone Lions from Italy, Circa 1600
Located in Dallas, TX
These utterly captivating, hand-carved stone lions hail from Italy and date to circa 1600, possibly even earlier. Their regal couchant (lying down) posture adds an air of majestic charm to any setting. One lion gracefully rests its forepaws on a stone ball, while the other clutches a coat of arms shield. They are carved in the same stylistic manner as many of the medieval lions...
Category

Early 17th Century Italian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

14th Century Sculpture of the Head of an Angel from East of France or Rhineland
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This face with prominent eyes, open mouth and beautiful hairs with symetrical undulations may be the face of the Archangel Gabriel.  
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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).  
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Early Heavily Embossed Brass Box This is a large and heavy chest
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Early Heavily Embossed Brass Box This is a large and heavy chest is made in Brass with a wooden lining, the beaten brass is embossed with decorativ...
Category

Early 1800s Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Indian Carved Sandstone Frieze of Lakshmi, Central India, 10th-11th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A large and impressive Indian carved sandstone architectural frieze featuring a central image of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi flanked by two atten...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Indian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Sandstone

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...
Category

Late 17th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

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.
Category

16th Century German Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Wrought Iron

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...
Category

1960s Vintage Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Iron

Set of 4 Medieval Style Terracotta Rampant Lion Tiles
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A stunning set of 4 identical medieval style terracotta tiles decorated with raised rampant lions and foliage within scalloped borders, dating to circa 1920. These antique tiles are ...
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

16th Century Late Medieval Encaustic Tile with Rampant Lion
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 445-year-old late medieval 16th century encaustic tile of Flemish origin (unmarked), detailed with a rampant lion. Made from terracotta and glazed, this 6-inch antique tile is an e...
Category

16th Century Dutch Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Gothic Canopy, France, 15th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Gothic canopy France, 15th century Alabaster, some traces of polychromy 33 x 23 x 20 cm Provenance: - Private collection Genève, Switzerland ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Alabaster

Gothic Canopy, France, 15th Century
Gothic Canopy, France, 15th Century
$23,644 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique French Romanesque 11th Century Pair of St.Peter and St.Paul Limestone
Located in Doha, QA
An extremely rare pair of original 11th century French Romanesque limestone hand carved sculptures of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Each figure is represented on a marble block, withou...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Limestone

Rare Romanesque Capital Depicting Four Africans, Apulia, 13th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Large stone capital carved on each side in strong relief. The basket is covered with two crowns of vertical acanthus leaves which sprout from the astragal and fill the space between ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

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...
Category

1850s Austrian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

20th Century Sterling Made in Italy Silver Horse and Knight Armour
Located in VALENZA, IT
Horse in black lacquered resin with a sterling silver armor with Italian XIV Century Knight in sterling silver armor with golden and enamelled details.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

16th Antique Carved Marble Mortar
Located in Marbella, ES
A unique piece of great historical and aesthetic value, this antique Gothic mortar has been hand-carved from a single block of light marble. Its robust shape and sculpted side fins e...
Category

16th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Neo Gothic Style Bronze Box, circa 1900
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Neo gothic style bronze box circa 1900.
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Victorian gilt inkstand desk set in the Gothic style
Located in London, GB
Victorian gilt inkstand desk set in the Gothic style English, 19th Century Height 19cm, width 27cm, depth 12.5cm This wonderful inkstand is a fine piece of Victorian period design. ...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Central Asian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Gothic Figurative Brass Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add a touch of medieval mystique to your décor with this Vintage Gothic Figurative Brass Box. Crafted from solid brass, this striking box features intricate Gothic-inspired detailing...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

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...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Central Asian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Neo-Gothic antique three piece ormolu clock set
Located in London, GB
The central clock with dial to the center, displaying hours in individual plaques in Roman numerals and five minute intervals engraved into the ormolu case in Arabic numerals, the ca...
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu

Antique French Wrought Iron Candelabra with Gothic Floral Motifs
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This striking antique wrought iron candelabra beautifully captures the elegance and meticulous craftsmanship of early 20th-century Fren...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique French Neogothic Altar Torchère Candlestick Set w/ Jesus & Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Neogothic Altar Torchère Candlestick Set w/ Jesus & Cross This set of antique French candle holders are decorated with im...
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique French Romanesque 12th century Enthroned Madonna and Child
Located in Doha, QA
This extraordinary museum piece Enthroned Virgin Mary/Madonna with child on her lap comes from the Rhone region in France. The saint symbol and protec...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Walnut

19th Century Brass Wall hanging Shield A Decorative Gothic wall hanging Shield
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Brass Wall hanging Shield A Decorative Gothic wall hanging Shield hand made in brass, the shield is decorated with mythical Warriors and beasts, there are 2 images of t...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Vintage French Neogothic Altar Torchère Candlestick Set w/ Black Porcelain
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage French Neogothic Altar Torchère Candlestick Set w/ Black Porcelain These matching black porcelain candlesticks have bronze flourishes. The base of each candlestick has three...
Category

Late 20th Century French Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

19th Century Carved Dummy Board Oil Painting of an Angel & Crown of Thorns
Located in London, GB
Antique Angel Painting, Religious Angel Painting, Antique Angel Sculpture, Antique Dummy Board, Antique Religious Painting, Antique Religious Sculpture, Gothic Antique. 19th Century Religious Dummy Board Oil Painting of Angel...
Category

19th Century German Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paint

Gothic crowned Head - Île de France, 14th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Head of a crowned Virgin Île-de-France, first half of 14th century. H26 x 14 x 14 cm Provenance : - Private Collection, Paris France (1960) - Private Collection Tuscany, Italy (19...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

18th Century Candlesticks Bronze with Birds
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Beautiful candlesticks made around the 18th century but could also be older. Made of bronze, they have marvelous patina.
Category

18th Century English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Large European Mediaeval Oak Carving of Christ in the Tomb
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large European Mediaeval Oak Carving of Christ in the Tomb The sculpture is partially polychrome and depicts “The Pamoison de la Vierge” also known as the “Swooning Virgin” this sc...
Category

16th Century Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak

Medieval decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Argenteria Etruria, AUGUST MAXIMILIEN DELAFONTAINE, and Bauche. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $95 and tops out at $134,141 while the average work can sell for $2,712.

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