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.
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
Small Antique Bronze Cauldron, Pot or Incense Burner, Unknown
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A small sized bronze cauldron, water pot or incense burner. Chinese in style. Presumably continental. Age and precise origin unknown. Would make a grea...
Bronze
$23,281Sale Price|20% Off
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 ...
Alabaster
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Pair of XXth century French castle wrought iron candle sconces
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Pair of hand forged wrought iron candle sconces made during the XXth century in France. They are designed after sconces that were used in castles and manors, not only can they sit ...
Wrought Iron
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...
Sandstone
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...
Brass
$60,531Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Marble
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 ...
Softwood
$46,254Sale Price|25% Off
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 19th century French Gothic-style 5-light candelabra
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Pair of 19th-century French Gothic-style 5-light Candelabra - Private Collection Domenico Rugiano
Bronze
Antique French Wrought Iron Candelabra with Gothic Floral Motifs
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exceptional antique French wrought iron candelabra is a dramatic and highly decorative statement piece, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of traditional European ironwor...
Wrought Iron
Gothic head of a Holy Woman - Burgundy, c. 15th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Head of a Holy Woman Burgundy, c. 15th century Stone (limestone) H 21 x L 16,5 x P 14 This fragmentary head is a poignant testament to Burgundian sculpture of the fifteenth centur...
Limestone
20th Century French in Enameled Sterling Silver Armor on Wood Decorated Base
By Brumal
Located in VALENZA, IT
Figure realized in sterling silver using the lost wax process. The details are gilded and enameled. The figure is 19.5 cm high and depicts a 15th century French soldier with Jousting Lance and shield The wood square base is 7 cm high where there is an engraved label "Armatura Francese XV° Secolo" - "French Armour...
Sterling Silver
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
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
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...
Oak
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.
Sterling Silver
Rare Nursing Virgin from the 14th century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
RARE NURSING VIRGIN FROM THE 14TH CENTURY ORIGIN : ITALY PERIOD : 14TH CENTURY Height : 60 cm Width : 20,5 cm Depth : 11 cm Wood Seated and in a very maternal position, Mary is wearing a red dress with a long, flowing cloak covering her narrow shoulders and falling down her body, with one side hugging her bust. Her hair, half hidden under a veil, frames an oval face featuring a high forehead, a long and thin nose, a small mouth with thin lips and half-closed eyes. Mary is carrying her son, the infant Jesus, who is wrapped in a cloak, in her lap. Jesus is being nursed by his mother, held by her left hand. This remarkable depiction, imbued with such gentleness, is directly inspired by the iconographic theme of the Virgin and Child in Majesty. It breaks with the hieratic, impassive style of the models from the 12th and 13th centuries, adding a touch of realism. From Virgin Queen, Mary became Virgin Mother. Linked to the development of the Marian cult, this type of representation, sometimes known as Virgo lactans, Virgin of Milk or Nurturing Virgin, remains extremely rare. This image of the Virgin Mary and the Infant Jesus is an extremely delicate representation of the intimate bond formed...
Wood
English Arts & Crafts Mahogany Inkwell with Brass Trim, Gothic Style
Located in Queens, NY
English Arts & Crafts (Gothic Revival-style) mahogany and brass trimmed double inkwell with glass jewels and drawer.
Brass
20th Century Italian in Enameled Sterling Silver Armor on Wood Decorated Base
13th Century Virgin and Child from Catalonia
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Seating on a bench-like throne the Virgin carries her child on her left knee. She bears an important crown high on her head .The Virgin has an ovoid face with bulging eyes, straight long nose and thin lips. The hair parts in the middle and are carved as thick horizontals parallel hair strands...
Oak
$856Sale 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
1980s Antique Bust of an Angel with Curly Hair in Gothic-style Resin
Located in Marbella, ES
Stone sculpture depicting the bust of an angel with a serene expression and intricately carved curly hair. The face features soft features and an introspective gaze, while the bust d...
Resin
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
Wooden Carving of a Gothic Lady with Elegant Headwear, Dutch, 17th century
Located in Hamburg, DE
Wooden Carving of a Gothic Lady with Elegant Headwear and Necklace, Dutch, 17th Century This exquisite wooden carving, depicting a Gothic lady adorned with an elegant headpiece and ...
Wood
Gothic Hand-Sculpted Candle Stick Holder Carved from Solid Teak, USA, c. 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
This hand-carved and turned solid teak sculpture shows exceptional artisan craftsmanship as well as exquisite old-growth woodgrains unique to the Burmese teak species. At over 16 inc...
Teak
18th Century Spanish Fruitwood and Brass “Brasero” Table with Barley Twist Legs
Located in Dallas, TX
Add warmth and character to any interior with this unique and richly decorated antique “Brasero” table. Crafted in Spain circa 1780, the round fruitwood table...
Brass, Copper
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
Saint John The Evangelist And The Virgin From A Crucifixion Group, Spain, Circa
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Saint John the Evangelist and the Virgin from a Crucifixion Group, Spain, circa 1500, in walnut. Superb pair of gilded and polychrome wood sculptures from the late 15th century, circ...
Walnut
20th Century German Enamelled Sterling Silver Armour on Wood Decorated Base
By Brumal
Located in VALENZA, IT
Figure realized in Sterling Silver using the lost wax process. The details are gilded and enameled. The figure is 17.5 cm high and depicts a 15th century German soldier with sword ...
Sterling Silver
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
20th Century English Enamelled Sterling Silver Armour on Wood Decorated Base
By Brumal
Located in VALENZA, IT
Figure realized in Sterling Silver using the lost wax process. The details are gilded and enameled. The figure is 18 cm high and depicts a 15th century Italian soldier with sword and dagger The wood square base is 7 cm high where there is an engraved label "Armatura Inglese XV° Secolo" - "English...
Sterling Silver
$1,978 / set
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...
Bronze
W. Godwin English Encaustic Coat of Arms Tile
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century encaustic coat of arms tile by English makers Godwin of Lugwardine; one of 6 similar we have available. Dating to circa 1870, this 5-inch antique tile features a medi...
Clay
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...
Clay
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. ...
Brass
Large pair of french Late 19 th Century candelabra
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare pair of large late 19 th century French candelabra, the patina is so much nicer in person, I believe they came from a church
Brass
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...
Brass
Antique 5-inch Heraldic Encaustic Tile by Godwin
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique 19th century heraldic style encaustic 5-inch tile by English makers Godwin of Lugwardine; one of 6 similar we have available. Dating to circa 1870, this antique tile feat...
Clay
$21,418Sale Price|20% Off
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 ...
Stone
French Plaster Head Sculpture, Medieval Style, Circa 1940, Decorative
Located in Stamford, CT
Fanciful French plaster head with pocket.
Plaster
Pair of Late 19th Century French Bronze Candelabras on Black Marble Bases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A dramatic and finely cast pair of late 19th century French bronze candelabras, executed in rich dark patinated bronze and mounted on black marble bases. Each candelabrum rises from ...
Bronze
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...
Marble
19th Century Carved Oak Correspondence, Post or Letter Box
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Carved Oak Correspondence, Post or Letter Box This very attractive Carved Box is made in Oak, it is carved on the top with 2 letter slots, one for UNANSWERED and the ot...
Oak
Gothic Brass Jardiniere with Lions Mask Handles This is a lovely old piece, the
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Brass Jardiniere with Lions Mask Handles This is a lovely old piece, the pot is round and is made in brass with a hand beaten decoration and lions mask ring handles at each s...
Brass
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
Iron
W. Godwin Post-Medieval English Encaustic Tile c.1870
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
Pair of Large Wrought Iron and Brass Church Candelabras
Located in High Point, NC
This impressive pair of antique church candelabras features intricate wrought iron scrollwork combined with brass candlestick holders. Design...
Brass, Wrought Iron
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...
Oak
Antique 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 enc...
Clay
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...
Stone
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...
Brass