Skip to main content

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.

to
44
241
2
2
88
80
73
4
25
24
13
4
1
2
1
4
3
3
2
5
26,147
14,147
9,032
5,627
3,920
3,072
2,311
1,702
1,346
1,301
1,140
1,092
979
939
922
665
638
590
132
76
43
42
37
156
87
201
65
31
29
24
Height
to
Width
to
245
244
245
2
2
2
2
1
Style: Medieval
18th Spanish Century Glazed Alhambra Majolica Amphora Vase
Located in Miami, FL
Spanish Mid 19th Century Glazed Alhambra Majolica Amphora Vase Valencian medieval jug reflexes with heraldic shield.
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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 ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Spelter

Rare English Romanesque Limestone Capital on Stand
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This weathered English Romanesque limestone capital is centuries old, dating from the Norman era of the 11th and 12th centuries. Originating from Oxf...
Category

15th Century and Earlier English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone

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

19th Century Gothic Brass Jardiniere with Shields
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Gothic Brass Jardiniere with Shields This is a very old piece it is decorated with Lions and Shields and it has a Latin Motto inscribed on both sides which means ‘Virt...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique Gothic Carved Limestone Model of a Madonna or Venus
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique limestone carving. Modeled as a Madonna. With her head slightly tilted, holding an orb in one hand, and with her other hand resting on her breast. By repute ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Unknown Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Limestone

Late Regency Pair Gothic Openwork Bronze Spill Vases, circa 1820
By Pugin
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and unusual pair quality late Regency period open work spill vases of Gothic style cast in bronze dating from circa 1820. The spill vases are supported on a weighted quatrefoil base with open trellis work spill holders...
Category

Early 19th Century British Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Early 1900s Impressive and Finely Handcrafted Antique Gothic Art Porcelain Vase
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and impressive work of Gothic art pottery. This most skillfully created and highly decorative work of Gothic art is very rare and of a great size. The impressive floral decor o...
Category

Early 20th Century European Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Murano "Albarelli" Italian Pair of Bottles with Lid Blue Blown Glass
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Delicious and harmonious pair of blue blown glass bottles with lid...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

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

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

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...
Category

Mid-19th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Century French Gothic Polished Black and Silver Cast Iron Strongbox Safe
Located in Dallas, TX
Keep your jewelry or important documents locked up in this small antique safe from Northern France. Crafted, circa 1880, the 52 pound cast safe has a chic two-tone black and silver paint finish. The heavy...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

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

Antique 15th c. Gothic Italian Corpus Christi in Polychrome Wood, Hand-Carved
Located in Doha, QA
Exceptional 15th Century Polychromed Wood Crucifix Sculpture from Northern Italy This rare and exquisite 15th-century hand-carved Corpus Christi ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Marble

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

Spanish Wrought Gilt Iron Gothic Style Floor Candlestick
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 tr...
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf, Iron

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

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
$23,715 Sale Price
20% Off
French Gothic Oak Coffer Chest
Located in Queens, NY
French Gothic-style (19/20th Century) oak coffer chest on stand with tracery carved panels and a domed lid with iron strap work
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

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...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

French Gothic Style Jewelry Box or Chest with Bronze Inlay & Leather
Located in Plainview, NY
An exquisite French Gothic style jewelry box or small chest, a testament to the timeless allure of craftsmanship. Adorned with intricate brass inlay ...
Category

20th Century Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Bronze

Saint Florian
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
SAINT FLORIAN   ORIGIN: SOUTH GERMANY, SWABIA PERIOD: END OF THE 15th CENTURY   Height : 100,5 cm Width : 34 cm Depth : 17 cm 
Polychromed lime wood Good state of conservation   
Sin...
Category

15th Century and Earlier German Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

American Bronze and Enameled Box/Humidor by E.F. Caldwell, New York, 1900s
Located in New York, NY
An American Gothic Revival bronze and enamelled box/humidor. By Edward F. Caldwell & Co. Inc., New York, first quarter of 1900s. The rectangul...
Category

1910s American Vintage Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

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

Three Piece Alabaster Clock Garniture in the Form of a Neo-Gothic Cathedral
Located in London, GB
This exquisite three-piece alabaster clock garniture consists of a central clock with two flanking vases. The central clock is designed to resemble the shape of a neo-Gothic cathedra...
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Alabaster, Ormolu

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 ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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

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

STUNNING ANTIQUE SUPER DECORATIVE HAND HAMMERED BOWL IDEAL FOR FRUiT OR BBQ
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique bowl with hand hammered finish ideally suited for fruit A super decorative and highly c...
Category

20th Century European Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

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

19th Century French Marble Base Bronze Sculpture "Escholier" Signed E. Picault
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful antique bronze figure, was created in France, circa 1880. The realistic sculpture, titled on the front: "Escholier, 14eme Siecle", (meaning middle French, 14th century...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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

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

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 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...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron

Chamberlain & Co Fleur de Lys Encaustic Tile
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique French medieval style encaustic tile by Chamberlain and Co of Worcester. This 6-inch glazed tile is a striking decorative interior piece or a welcome addition to an encau...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

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

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...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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

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

A Late 19th Century Hand-Carved Wood Sicilian Head of a Saracen Marionette
Located in Catania, Sicilia
A Sicilian Marionette head depicting a Saracene, it's a part of " Opera dei Pupi " inspired by The French poem " La Chanson de Roland ". This one it's in original condition with consistent signs of use and age, original fabric and natural hair. A Late 19th Century Hand-Carved Wood Sicilian Head...
Category

Late 19th Century Sicilian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

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

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

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

Spanish Church Alms Box / Wall Decoration with Carved Nun Detail, 18th Century
Located in Barcelona, ES
Carved wood hand painted donation / offering ALM BOX, Spain, 18th century. Polychromed carved wood church collection offering donation money box as wall decoration. This alms box is made of pine wood painted in terracotta hues. A nun carved ornamentation decorates the top. Wall hanging collection / donation money box. Originally used to collect donations at Christian churches/chapels. Interesting to be used as key box or key cabinet or as wall decoration Rare find. Provenance: Private collection. No key avaliable. Overall Measures: 45 cm H x 26 cm W x 21 cm D Poor box...
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Pine

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

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

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

Circle of Pierpaolo and Jacobello Dalle Masegne (Venice, late 14th century)
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Circle of Pierpaolo and Jacobello Dalle Masegne (Venice, late 14th century) San Bartolomeo high relief 'en applique' white marble 52 x 30 x 14 cm Provenance : Collection South of...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

English Arts & Crafts Mahogany and Brass Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
English Arts & Crafts (Gothic Revival-style) mahogany and brass trimmed double inkwell with glass jewels and drawer.   
Category

20th Century Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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

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

Wrought Iron Table Lamp with Dragon, Italy, circa 1900
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Elegant table / desk lamp in wrought iron, figuring a winged dragon holding a torch / torchiere. Beautiful metal work: subject well done, beautiful verdigris patina. Neo-Gothi...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Wrought Iron

Solid Brass French Architectural Element or Planter Jardinières
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Acquired in Paris France, an architectural element that is solid brass. The piece is very detailed and architectural. A wonderful paperweight or decorative object standing alone... also could hold office supplies...
Category

20th Century French Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

18th Century European Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of 19th Century Gothic Style Bronze and Gilt Urns, Grand Tour, Circa 1860
Located in London, GB
This striking pair of 19th-century bronze urns exemplifies the craftsmanship of Grand Tour objects, created in bronze and gilt bronze. Reflecting a medieval Gothic style, these urns ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Stone Head Sculpture, United Kingdom, XVIIth Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Sculpted stone head on a modern base, of a mustachioed man According to the 1983 sales certificate, it would be a 17th century sculpture, even before, of United Kingdom or Ireland o...
Category

17th Century British Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

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 ...
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Hand Carved Stone Vide poche Basin Jardinière Bowl Planter Vessel Sink Antiques
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hand Carved Stone Vide poche Basin Jardinière bowl planter vessel sink Antiques . 17th C. Possibly earlier Gothic Container . A Water Trough Benitier in a ...
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Limestone

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.

Recently Viewed

View All