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.
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
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
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
$1,092Sale 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
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
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
Pair of 16th or 17th Century Italian Forged Iron Tripod Pricket Candlesticks
Located in Dallas, TX
During the Medieval period, most pricket-style candlesticks utilized tripod bases, as the wide stance provided more stability on uneven stone or dirt floors. That same tripod form ca...
Metal, Iron
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
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.
Brass
San Antonio Abad, Spanish School of the 15th Century '1440-1501'
Located in Madrid, ES
San Antonio Abad, Castilian school of the 15th century (1440-1501) Carving in polychrome wood, measures: 45 x 15 cm good vintage conditions.
Wood
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 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
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.
Brass
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
Gothic Trilobed Gable - France, 14th–15th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Trilobed Gable with Plain Copings France, 14th–15th century Limestone 26 x 38 x 14 cm Architectural fragment in limestone, comprising a triangular gable with plain copings, distin...
Limestone
$49,854
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
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.
Wood
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
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
$873Sale 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
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
$2,017 / 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
Mythical creature - stone fragment 17thC
Located in Haaltert, BE
Late 17th C stone fragment of a mythical creature fighting with a deer, horse or unicorn around the tree. The surface shows nice raw carvings, slightly weathered but all details stil...
Stone
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
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
$580Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
$582Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century Italian in Enameled Sterling Silver Armor on Wood Decorated Base
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
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
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
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
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
$582Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
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
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).
Bronze
Antique turned wooden candle holder Circa 1800's
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Antique turned wooden candle holder Circa 1800's. Elevate your home decor with this exquisite candle holder, featuring a sturdy wooden base complemented by a sleek turned wooden stan...
Mahogany
Set of 4 Medieval Style Terracotta Rampant Lion Tiles
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A stunning set of 4 identical medieval style terracotta tiles decorated with raised rampant lions and foliage within scalloped borders, dating to circa 1920. These antique tiles are ...
Terracotta
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...
Iron
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 ...
Bronze
Pair of Large Gilt Bronze and Brown Patina Cassolette Vases, Charles X Period
Located in NICE, FR
Pair of Large “Cathedral” Model Cassolettes in Gilt and Patinated Bronze, Charles X Period, Early 19th Century An elegant pair of cassolettes in mercu...
Bronze
$793Sale Price|65% Off
1960s Italian Brutalist Mediavel Iron and Ceramic Floor Standing Candleholder
Located in London, England
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...
Wrought Iron
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
$61,724Sale 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
French Plaster Head Sculpture, Medieval Style, Circa 1940, Decorative
Located in Stamford, CT
Fanciful French plaster head with pocket.
Plaster
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
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
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
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
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
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. ...
Clay
19th Century Bronze Statue of a Medieval Page
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century bronze statue of a medieval page holding a book, it is raised on a stepped rectangular marble plinth.
Marble, Bronze
$21,840Sale 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