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
15th Century Carved Wood Depicting Saint James
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
The Saint depicted here is Saint James the Great.
James is the brother of St. John the Evangelist. Nothing is known of his activities after the Ascension...
Category
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Early 20th Century 27-Light Gothic Cast Brass Floor Lamp Candelabra Torchere
Located in Germantown, MD
An exceptional Early 20th Century two tier 27 Light Gothic Cast Brass Floor Lamp Candelabra Torchere.
Measures 10" in width, 10" in depth and stands 66" tall to the top of the finia...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
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
Pair of 15th Century Encaustic Medieval Tiles
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of English encaustic medieval tiles dating to circa 1400, sourced from a private collection, Oxfordshire.
The set comprises of two tiles in varying size, displaying histo...
Category
15th Century and Earlier English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
16th Century French Oak Polychrome Statue of Saint Maudez
Located in San Francisco, CA
16th century French oak polychrome statue of Saint Maudez. A Breton saint from the 5th-6th century who founded a monastery off the coast of Brittany. Saint Maudez was said to have ba...
Category
16th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Gesso, Oak
Large Pair Gothic Revival Arts & Crafts Brass Table or Altar Candlesticks
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and heavy pair of altar candle sticks.
These handcrafted and heavy candleholders are made around 1930 by H. v/d Heijden. With beautiful scro...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Mid-18th Century French Carved Polychrome Statue of Moses in Oak Niche
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1760 and resting in a carved oak niche, the figure depicts the prophet Moses, the most important prophet in Judaism and Christianity. Moses is best known from the story in the biblical Book of Exodus and Quran as the lawgiver who met God face-to-face on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments after leading his people, the Hebrews, out of bondage in Egypt and to the "promised land" of Canaan. He is represented with horns on top of his head. The horns came about because of an ambiguity of the Latin version of Exodus 34, 30. After being addressed by God on top of Mount Sinai and given the Tablets of the Law containing the Ten Commandments, Moses descended to his people in the desert. His face was seen to shine with a divine light. (The first Moses with horns was commissioned in 1505 by Pope Julius II for his tomb; it was based on a description in chapter 34 of Exodus in the Vulgate, the Latin translation of the Bible used at that time). The religious and biblical item...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Quartz, Marble, Ormolu
Antique bronze Inkwell tittle ALL DAVIL, signed
Located in Milano, IT
Introducing the exquisite Antique Bronze Inkwell - a mesmerizing piece that blends artistry and functionality flawlessly. Crafted with utmost precision, this inkwell showcases intricately carved devils...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French Gothic Wrought Iron Candle Holders
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a mantel or a buffet with this elegant pair of antique candlesticks. Hand forged in southern France circa 1880, each candelabra stands on a heart shaped base over 3 small fe...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Wrought Iron
Antique 17th-18th Century Wood Italian Seated Saint Figure Fragment with Beard
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Antique 17th-18th century Italian carved wood seated saint figure fragment with beard. Possibly earlier. Remains of paint or pigments in multiple layers.
Arms and one leg missing, old damage to nose and other areas. Mounted on vintage base...
Category
17th Century Italian 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
Rare and Remarkable Corpus Christi on a Decorated Wooden Cross with a Skull
Located in Antwerp, BE
19th century crucifix or corpus Christi made from wood. Wooden cross with a nice patina and an exquisite shape.
This item depicts the Christ in his last agony on the cross, after be...
Category
Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Medieval Architectural Fragment Cornice, Corbel
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A fragment of a sandstone corbel with flat upper face, moulded transverse ledge and two protruding lobes with reserved trefoil detailing. The lower edge has fine dentiled carving and...
Category
15th Century and Earlier British Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Sandstone
Saint Woman in polychrome carved wood
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
SAINT WOMAN IN POLYCHROME CARVED WOOD
ORIGIN : ITALY
PERIOD : late 13th century
Height : 103 cm
Length : 28 cm
Width : 16 cm
Remains of polychromy
...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Softwood
Element of an Outdoor Carved Woodwork Showing a Salamander from a Normand House
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This carved oak woodwork was probably placed on the facade of the house, close to the roofing framework of a Norman house. The sculptor had depicted the salamender frontview in a sty...
Category
16th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
A Collection of 4 Superbly Carved Oak Door Panels
Located in Chillerton, 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...
Category
19th Century Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Carved Amber Figure of Christ
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This fine amber sculpture depicting Jesus Christ is a very rare object. Exemples of this sort can only be found in Germanic countries.
Already used during Prehistoric times, amber have always fascinated people. Because of the virtues associated with this material amber was carved as amulets and prophylactic ornaments. As an expression of luxury and means amber was also used for adornments and small figures collected by the upper classes.
This fossilized resin was picked on the Baltic Sea shores and soon entered a intense trade system.
From the 14th century onwards knights of the Teutonic Order...
Category
19th Century German Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
Mortar and Pilar End 15th Century Gothic Period
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Iron mortar with its original pestle end 15th beginning 16th century Gothic period, France
Beautiful original object with a beautiful patina and in good condition
Category
16th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
1800s Baroque / Gothic Style Brass Church Candlestick
Located in Skien, NO
This stunning brass/bronze candlestick features a rustic patina and showcases the craftsmanship of the European Gothic Revival and Baroque styles from the 1800s.
Its timeless desig...
Category
19th Century European Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Bronze
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
19th Century Brass Wall hanging Shield A Decorative Gothic wall hanging Shield
Located in Chillerton, 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
Bronze Woman Sculpture Door Stop Bookend
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful sculptural figure of a lady, intricate in detail and wearing women's medieval attire and hat.
A good weight at 18 lbs - use as a heavy duty bookend, decor or door sto...
Category
Early 20th Century French Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Minton & Co Encaustic Neo-Medieval English Tile Depicting a Queen
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique English neo-medieval encaustic tile depicting a Queen, possibly Queen Eleanor, with a bird, attributed to Minton & Co.
This tile was commissioned in 1840-42 by L. N. Cott...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
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
1960s Italian Brutalist Mediavel Iron and Ceramic Floor Standing Candleholder
Located in London, GB
A stunning handcrafted floor standing Brutalist Italian candleholder manufactured circa 1960s. A very heavy and well made piece with six candleholders in total. Five around the out...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Wrought Iron
Antique French Neogothic Altar Torchère Candlestick Set w/ Architectural Element
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Neogothic Altar Torchère Candlestick Set w/ Architectural Elements & Patina
Decorate your mantlepiece, altar, church, or chapel with these large ornate candlesticks. ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
STUNNING ANTIQUE SUPER DECORATiVE HAND HAMMERED BOWL IDEAL FOR FRUIT OR PUNCH
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 or punch
A super decorative an...
Category
20th Century European Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Chamberlain & Co 6-inch Encaustic Bird Tile on Stand
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A mid 19th century glazed encaustic floor tile by Chamberlain & Co (stamped) depicting a pair of entwined addorsed birds, likely pheasants.
This 6-inch tile includes a bespoke steel...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
A large French 19th century simulated stone plaster bust of a medieval man C1860
Located in Central England, GB
This most impressive life sized characterful plaster bust dates to circa 1860. It is finely modelled and depicts a medieval gentleman wearing a simple hat and tunic top. The features...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
Set of Candel Holders Chateau de Loire
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of candel holders Chateau de Loire
Artisan-made Candel Holders in solid brass and provided with a vintage brass finish
Tall - h: 50 cm, l: 18.5 cm, d: 16.5 cm
Small - h: 35.5 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Craven Dunnill & Co 6-inch Encaustic Lion Tile on Stand
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A late 19th century encaustic floor tile by Craven Dunhill and Co (stamped) depicting four passant lions in deep red and buff tones. This 6-inch tile includes a bespoke steel stand a...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
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...
Category
15th Century and Earlier English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
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
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 ...
Category
16th Century Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Sandstone
Antique English Gothic Removable Candle Torch Set - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique English Gothic Removable Candle Torch Set - Pair
This set includes two identical candlestick holders mounted on sturdy carved wood. Each candlestick holder has space for thr...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
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 ...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Steel
Craven Dunnill & Co 6-inch Encaustic Crown Tile on Stand
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A late 19th century encaustic floor tile by Craven Dunhill and Co (stamped) depicting a neo-medieval crown in deep red and buff tones. This 6-inch tile in...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
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 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
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Copper
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...
Category
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Pair of 16th Century Carved Oak Saints
Located in Basildon, GB
A Pair of 16th Century Oak Saints: One being a male depicted wearing a long hooded cloak held together with a brooch over a flowing tunic tied at the ...
Category
16th Century European Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
16th Century Giltwood and Polychrome Group Carving – 'God and Mary'
Located in Basildon, GB
A 16th Century Giltwood and Polychromed Carved Group depicting God and Mary seated on a plinth.
Category
16th Century European Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Giltwood
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...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Wrought Iron
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Rock Crystal, Silver
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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