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.
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
$460Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Cast Brass Medieval Armored Knight on Horse Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool and well detailed solid cast brass medieval armored knight on horse sculpture, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and...
Brass
Danish Cast Iron and Bronze Jewelry Box or Dresser Box, Circa 1940s
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful casket form cast iron and bronze dresser box, jewelry box, cigar box, or decorative box with interior cedar lining. The front depicts a scene from the 1219 Battle of Lynd...
Bronze, 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
Renaissance Revival Wrought Iron Floor Candelabra, a Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of Renaissance Revival wrought iron five candle floor candelabra. Scrolled arms support ribbon shaped drip pans with tall prickets. Central columns with decorative threading a...
Wrought Iron
Mid-19th Century French Polished Bronze Mortar with Original Pestle
Located in Dallas, TX
This handsome antique mortar and pestle combines substantial weight, sculptural form, and the practical character of traditional French culinary and apothecary wares. Crafted in Fran...
Bronze
Post-Medieval English Encaustic Tile by Godwin
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century post-medieval encaustic tile by English makers Godwin of Lugwardine; one of 6 similar we have available. Dating to circa 1870, this antique tile features a heraldic, ...
Clay
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...
Oak
$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
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...
Stone, Limestone
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
$636Sale Price|20% Off
French Gothic Ormolu Cut Glass & Marble/Quartz Double Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Gothic Ormolu Cut Glass and Marble/Quartz Double Inkwell France, circa 1870s A magnificent French Gothic Ormolu Cut Glass and Marble/Quartz Double Inkwell, dating back to the...
Quartz, Marble, Ormolu
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
$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
19th Century French Gothic Cast Iron Strongbox Safe with Key
Located in Dallas, TX
Add a touch of history and character to an office, study, or library with this unusual antique cast iron strongbox. Crafted in Northern France circa 1880, the substantial rectangular safe weighs 52 pounds and features a striking two-tone black and silver finish with a rich, aged patina. Built for security and durability, the heavy...
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...
Oak
19th Century Set of 30 Gothic Medieval Style Tracery Tiles
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century set of 30 gothic Medieval Style tracery tiles. This charming set of tiles resemble cathedral or chapel windows. The vividly glazed colours are naturally worn and craz...
Clay
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...
Alabaster, Ormolu
15th Century Gothic Oak Virgin of the Annunciation, Franco-Flemish c. 1480
Located in Basildon, GB
A rare and finely carved Franco-Flemish oak figure of the Virgin of the Annunciation, circa 1480, from the celebrated collection of Joseph Brummer — the legendary dealer who helped f...
Oak
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 ...
Limestone
Large gothic corbel - France, 15th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Gothic Corbel France, 15th century limestone 36 x 44 x 45 cm This imposing culot, carved in stone and dating from the fifteenth century, exemplifies the expressive vitality and imag...
Limestone
Set of 9 Encaustic Tiles Attr. Malkin, Edge & Co
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of nine encaustic tiles attributed to Malkin, Edge & Co. Dating from the late 19th / early 20th century, this reclaimed set of encaustic tiles are of a neo-medieval style....
Clay
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...
Wrought Iron
VIrgin and Child “Sedes Sapientiae" Seat of Holy Wisdom
Located in PARIS, FR
Virgin and Child "Sedes Sapientiae" (Throne of Wisdom in Latin), carved in soft wood on the back. The Virgin Mary is depicted seated, holding the Infant Jesus on her lap: she thus s...
Wood
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 ...
Bronze
Large Carved Oak Grotesque Corbel
Located in Bradenton, FL
Large heavy 18th century or earlier carved oak corbel. The corbel depicts a large male open-eyed smiling face with broad features. Finly carved details with wonderful old patina.
Oak
Pair Of Neo-gothic Bronze Candlesticks – Late 19th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
A pair of bronze candlesticks with spikes dating from the late 19th century, inspired by early Gothic designs. They rest on a molded tripod base and feature a faceted shaft, accented...
Bronze
The Good and the Bad Thief-gothic sculpture- Brabantine workshop, c. 1480–1490
Located in Bruxelles, BE
The Good and the Bad Thief Brabantine workshop, c. 1480–1490 Carved walnut with traces of polychromy 56 x 42 x 11 cm 58 x 43 x 11 xm Provenance: Formerly in the collection of Ca...
Walnut
French Gothic Oak Coffer Chest with Iron Straps, Late 19th Century
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
Iron
French Gothic Revival Iron Roll Blotter
Located in Queens, NY
French Gothic Revival-style (19th Century) wrought iron roll blotter with X design and nailheads (Related items: 035057A, 035057B, 048571D)
Iron
17th Century Carved Figure of a Saint
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Mid 17th century Northern European carved figure of a saint. This striking statue depicts a saint who is dressed in robes, whilst holding his hand over his heart. This figure is freestanding and is stood within a leaning position which makes him stand out. It has been beautifully carved from oak and has remnants of its original paintwork. Likely to have stood within a church for many years and would have been removed due to renovation reasons. This historical figure...
Oak, Paint
17th Century German Carved Oak Religious Sculpture
Located in Bradenton, FL
17th Century German hand-carved oak religious sculpture. Possibly a saint or a bishop. The bearded man is cloaked in draped fabric with only left ...
Oak
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
19th Century Medieval Style Terracotta Plaque on Stand
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A fascinating mid-19th century medieval style buff terracotta plaque handcarved in relief with Saint George and the Dragon. In this artistic retelling of this legendary story of fol...
Steel
Sterling Silver with Parcel Gilt Medieval Knights, Set of Three
Located in Bradenton, FL
Early 20th Century Sterling Silver with Gold Wash Historical Knight Figurines, likely German ,Set of Three. Each depicts an iconic medieval warrior . Modeled in full armor with parce...
Sterling Silver
Gothic Armorial Shield with Rampant Lion - Tuscany, 14th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Gothic Armorial Shield with Rampant Lion White veined marble · Tuscany, probably Pisa · first half of the 14th century 26 x 24 x 12 cm This panel of white veined marble is carved in...
Marble
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...
Limestone
$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
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
Antique Cotswold Limestone Corbel of a Medieval English King
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique Cotswold limestone corbel of a medieval English King, salvaged from the base of an archway in a period building in Oxfordshire. This fragment of stone is an impressive ha...
Stone, Limestone
Gothic Ceramic Bowl or Jardiniere by Michael Andersen & Son, 1960s
Located in Grythyttan, SE
A remarkable 1960s ceramic bowl or jardinière by Michael Andersen & Son of Bornholm, Denmark, inspired by a celebrated 13th-century baptismal font from a church in Åkirkeby, Born...
Stoneware
A Set of Sixteen Reclaimed Encaustic W.Godwin Tiles
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of sixteen reclaimed encaustic W.Godwin tiles. Dating from the mid 19th century, these reclaimed encaustic tiles were produced in Lugwardine, Herefordshire. They are of a neo-...
Clay
Clock hands from a bell tower, Germany end of 18th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Two antique clock hands from a German clock or bell tower. Gilded tin mounted on iron arms, all original and in great condition. Germany end of 18t...
Iron
Italian Carved Sculpture Granite Stone Gargoyle Fountain Head (TWO Available)
Located in North Miami, FL
This is a very large and heavy solid granite stone carved sculpture fountain. This gargoyle with opening at mouth for a water fountain. It is a fantastic and whimsical item. We ha...
Granite
19th Century English Armorial Encaustic Tile by W. Godwin
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century armorial encaustic tile by English makers Godwin of Lugwardine; one of 6 similar we have available. Dating to circa 1870, this antique 5-inch tile features a heraldic...
Clay
Large Size French Wall Crucifix / Jesus Christ on the Cross with Crown of Thorns
Located in Lisse, NL
Antique large size sculpture and an impressive, religious work of art. Looking at Christ suffering like this, the crucifix (in our view) is a symbol of what 'telling people the trut...
Wood
16th C. Polychromed Carved St. Florian, Former N. Rothschild Collection
Located in Doha, QA
From the esteemed former collection of Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild, this exquisite early 16th-century polychromed carved wood figure of St. Florian stands as a rare example of late...
Wood, Giltwood
Set of 9 Encaustic Tiles With Quatrefoil Design
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of nine encaustic tiles with quatrefoil design. Dating from the 19th century, this reclaimed set of encaustic tiles are of a gothic style. Made in buff, brown and red colours,...
Clay
19th Century Victorian Terracotta Model Of A Gothic Font
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century Victorian terracotta model of a gothic font. An English architectural model of a font in the ecclesiastical style dated to circa 1850. The octagonal design has a repeating trefoil design on all sides. A pleasing object modelled after an unknown church font...
Terracotta
Indian carved wood spice box, late 17th century, circa 1790
Located in Central England, GB
This superb Indian spice box is of a larger scale than normally seen. It is highly decorative and original. It is made from a solid block of dense woo...
Wrought 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 ...
Silver
A Rare Sculpture of Saint Denis
Located in London, GB
A Rare Sculpture of Saint Denis Carved in high relief, the decapitated bishop holding his head to his chest, raised upon a canted pedestal Dark colour with a rich patina Oak Franc...
Oak
Mid-20th Century Three-Dimensional Stained Glass Cross Sculpture
Located in Lancaster, PA
This is a vintage stained glass cross sculpture, dating to the earlier part of the 20th century. It was salvaged from a church in the Southern United States, and we've never seen any...
Lead
Gothic inscription - France, 15th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Fragment of an Inscribed Stone France, 15th century Limestone 14 × 24.5 × 5 cm This evocative limestone fragment preserves the refined vestiges of a Gothic inscription carved in ...
Limestone
Brass and Copper Textured Lidded Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Textured copper box with brass detailing. The exterior of the box features pebbled like texture, perfectly patinated with brass hinges, ball feet and detailing. The hinged box is per...
Brass, Copper
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...
Sandstone
Bronze Skeleton Praying Hands Sculpture - Titled Eternal Hope - Signed Park '92
By Blackman Cruz, Amanda & Björn Sjöling
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.
Bronze
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...
Brass
Neo Gothic Style Bronze Box, circa 1900
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Neo gothic style bronze box circa 1900.
Bronze
$845Sale 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