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.
Antique Post Medieval Carved Stone Saint Statue
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique post medieval carved grit stone statue depicting a figure of a saint. Dating the 16th/17th century, this English sculpture is of a small scale with a characterful time wo...
Stone
Large Relief of Saint Hubert - Northern France, c. 1400–1420 - late gothic
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Fragments from a Large Relief of Saint Hubert and the Stag Northern France, c. 1400–1420 Limestone 56 × 42 x 16 cm and 56 x 37 × 16 cm These finely carved fragments—showing a ric...
Limestone
Neo Gothic Style Bronze Box, circa 1900
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Neo gothic style bronze box circa 1900.
Bronze
A. W. N. Pugin 'Bull of St Luke' 6-Inch Encaustic Tile by Minton
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A superb mid-19th century 6-inch glazed encaustic tile depicting the Bull of Saint Luke, designed by A. W. N. Pugin and manufactured by Minton & Co. (stamped). Similar tile depicting the Lion of Saint Mark also available under Stock No. 37042. Dating to circa 1850, this antique tile is an excellent example of 19th century Minton works, depicting a winged bull bearing the name ‘St. Luke’ in buff tones before a terracotta background. The reverse is equally as impressive, clearly bearing the Minton name and marked '21'. Steeped in history, this antique English tile...
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
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
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
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
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
A Set of Sixteen Reclaimed Encaustic W.Godwin Floral Tiles
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of sixteen reclaimed encaustic W.Godwin floral tiles. Dating from the mid 19th century, these reclaimed encaustic tiles were prodcued in Lugwardine, Herefordshire. They are of...
Clay
Antique French Gilt Bronze Statue Medieval King Louis VII Knight Templar 1880
Located in Portland, OR
A fine Antique 19th century cast gilt bronze statue of the medieval French King Louis VII of France, circa 1880. King Louis VII (1120–1180) was the King of France from 1137 until his death and was famous for his role in the crusades. The statue is very finely cast and depicts Kind Louis VII wearing his crown and medieval armor decorated with Fleur de Lis and his coat of arms with a coronet, his swork hanging by his side. The figure is resting on a ruin of a gothic arch niche with a Knight templar standing with his sword, to the right on the ground is the kings shield featuring a cross and resting on his battleaxe. The statue is raised on a black marble plinth, condition is excellent, the quality of the casting & gilding is of the finest quality and done by the lost wax method (or Cire Perdue in French) This very fine antique gilt bronze is ready to grace your space. Louis VII is best known for his involvement in the Second Crusade (1147–1149), an ill-fated military campaign to the Holy Land aimed at recapturing territory from Muslim forces. Louis VII was also married to Eleanor of Aquitaine...
Marble, Bronze
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...
Bronze, Enamel
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
16th Century Carved Red Sandstone Roundel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An English medieval style carved red sandstone roundel possibly dating from as early as the 16th century. Likely once used as decoration for an exterior capital, this 400 – 500 year ...
Sandstone
$7,364Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of "Holy Family" CandleHolders attr. to P.Poussielgue-Rusand, France, c1880
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
A Collection of 4 Superbly Carved Oak Door Panels
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Collection of 4 Superbly Carved Oak Door Panels These carved panels have come from a piece of 19th Century Oak Furniture Cupboard, probably of French origin. The carved panels m...
Oak
Monumental French Gothic Revival Cast Bronze Candlestick with Wax Candle
Located in SEDLEC-PRČICE, CZ
This monumental French Gothic Revival altar candlestick in cast bronze features exceptional sculptural detail with a figure of Christ and an antique carved candle. Handcrafted in Fra...
Bronze
Large rare antique statue of Saint Eligius, France ca. 1550
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Religious statue of Saint Eligius from the 16th century in full wood found in France. This very rare find has a beautiful patina due to its old age. The hand and staff are missing. A...
Wood
Unique Monumental Late Gothic Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Mortar with Fish Handles
Located in Doha, QA
An exceptionally rare and monumental Late Gothic hand-forged wrought iron mortar, originating from a medieval French castle and representing the highest level of European blacksmith ...
Wrought Iron
Antique Hand Carved Stone Sarcophagus
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An Antique Hand Carved Stone Sarcophagus. This unusual yet charming architectural model has been carved from York Stone with exceptional attention to detail. Standing on block feet...
Stone
19th Century English Encaustic Post-Medieval Tile by Godwin
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century post-medieval style encaustic tile by English makers Godwin of Lugwardine; one of 5 similar we have available. Dating to circa 1870, this 5-inch antique tile features...
Clay
Pair of Antique English Encaustic Medieval Tiles c.1400
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of antique English encaustic medieval tiles, sourced from a private collection, Oxfordshire, dating to the 14-15th century. The set com...
Clay
French hand-forged Iron Spike Stand or torchere, 15th century
Located in Meulebeke, BE
An exceptional example of medieval French craftsmanship, this hand‑forged iron spike stand dates to the 15th century and embodies the austere beauty of Gothic domestic metalwork. The...
Wrought Iron
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
Very Large and Rare Christ on the Cross ( height 130. cms ) 14th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Very large Christ on the Cross ( height 1,30 m), Painted and carved in the round in poplar wood. Some old traces of polychromy. Restorations to the fingers. but not recently. South...
Poplar
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
19th Century Italian Patinated Plaster Bust
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century Italian Patinated Plaster Bust. Offered is a handsome well executed Italian patinated plaster bust of a Gothic nobleman. Our heavy weight plaster bust has a patination a...
Terracotta
Antique Encaustic Heraldic Tile Panel by Chamberlain & Co
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of four 6-inch antique encaustic heraldic tiles by Chamberlains of Worcester circa 1845. Dating from the mid 19th century, these four reclaimed tiles are mounted on a bespoke ...
Metal, Steel
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.
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
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...
Stone
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...
Brass
Rare Late Gothic Ecclesiastical Pricket Candlestick, France ca. 1475
Located in Doha, QA
A rare and exceptionally atmospheric Late Gothic ecclesiastical pricket candlestick, hand-crafted during the closing decades of the medieval period. Standing an impressive 65 cm in h...
Wrought Iron
$16,530 / set
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...
Ormolu
Large Hand-Carved Ash Wood Christ of Pity Sculpture, Normandy, 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...
Wood, Ash
Beautiful German Pieta known as "Vesperbild"
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
BEAUTIFUL GERMAN PIETA KNOWN AS “VESPERBILD” ORIGIN : GERMANY PERIOD : 15th CENTURUY Height : 74 cm Width : 43 cm Depth : 22,5 cm Good condition Oak wood This beautiful 15th-c...
Oak
$6,136Sale Price|20% Off
Large Hexagonale Base of Pilaster in Burgundy Stone, Burgundy, 15th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Large base of molded hexagonal pilaster in burgundy stone carved with vines, grapes and rosettes in high relief. Burgundy, 15th century 28 x 63 x 30 cm Provenance : collection De...
Stone
Antique Chamberlain Co Encaustic Heraldic Tile Panel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of four 6-inch antique encaustic heraldic tiles by Chamberlain Co of Worcester circa 1845. Dating from the mid 19th century, these four reclaimed tiles are mounted on a bespok...
Clay
Old Viking Drinking Horn on Sculptural Copper Stand
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A so called viking drinking horn inspired by Nordic Mythology. It can be utilized as a vase or an unusual sculptural element. It is a unique piece handmade in Scandinavia during the ...
Copper
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 Runestone Desk Ornament - Paperweight in Cast Iron, 1894
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A cast model of a Danish Runestone from the Viking era. The so-called Klemensker Stenen on the Island of Bornholm found in 1882. It is one of the tallest/largest Danish Runestones me...
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
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
Pair of Antique Gothic Style Pedestal Candelabra Torcheres
Located in Dallas, TX
A handsome pair of antique gothic style pedestal candelabra torcheres. Made of wrought iron. Contains 13 candle holders at three different levels. The upper level is supported by wave pattern iron bars. The base is made up of intricate designs that mimic an upside down floral...
Wrought Iron
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. Mad...
Clay
Antique 18th Century Gilt Gothic Art Carved Wood Angel Sculpture Candlestick
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful and sizeable Church altar candelabra in the form of a winged Angel. This hand-carved Church altar piece is carved out of wood and the gilt finishing gives this piece it's ...
Wood
$49,568
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...
Wood
Very Large 17th Century Bartmann Jug / Bellarmine Jug Salt Glazed Stoneware
Located in Meer, VAN
Very Large 17th Century Bartmann Jug / Bellarmine Jug German Salt Glazed Stoneware Very Large 17th Century Bartmann Jug / Bellarmine Jug German Salt Glazed Stoneware Substantial - ...
Stoneware
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
Spanish Alms Box / Wall Decoration in Blue & Yellow Patina, 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. 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: 46 cm H x 31,5 cm W x 14 cm D Poor box...
Wood, Pine
16th Century Mary Magdalene in Polychromed Carved Walnut
Located in Meer, VAN
Mary Magdalene in Polychromed Carved Walnut 16th Century Devotional figure in carved wood, depicting Mary Magdalene. Walnut, most probably Flemish and from the 16th century. It de...
Walnut
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 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
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
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
7ft3” Tall Medieval Candelabra We have 4 of these available
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
7ft3” Tall Medieval Candelabra. Castle Torchere We have 4 of these available, they are very large and very heavy, blacksmith made in wrought iron real castle pieces The 3 circular ...
Iron
Set of 4 Godwin Encaustic Tiles with Fleur-de-lis Design
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of four 5-inch 19th century encaustic tiles by W. Godwin with a matching fleur-de-lis design. Supplied loose, these identical encaustic tiles see a buff terracotta fleur-de-li...
Clay
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
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
$1,085Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Granite