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.
A. W. N. Pugin Encaustic Tile Panel by Minton & Co
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of nine 6-inch by 6-inch neo-medieval style encaustic tiles by Minton & Co (stamped); an exact match to an identical set in the British Museum attributed to architect and desig...
Steel
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
Antique Gilt Bronze and Porcelain Mantel Clock with Chivalric Scenes
Located in London, GB
This beautiful porcelain mantel clock is designed in the shape of a shield which is propped up on a gilt bronze (ormolu) easel support, composed of two shields and a staff topped by ...
Ormolu, Bronze
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...
Metal
$21,626Sale 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
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...
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...
Clay
STUNNING ANTIQUE SUPER DECORATIVE HAND HAMMERED BOWL IDEAL FOR FRUiT OR BBQ
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 A super decorative and highly c...
Iron
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
2-Piece Victorian Gothic Iron Double Inkwell Desk Set
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian Gothic-style wrought iron double inkwell with (later) crystal wells and filigree back-rail. (with calendar stand) (PRICED AS SET).
Crystal, Iron, Wrought Iron
$6,111Sale 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
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 5-inch Medieval Style Encaustic Tile by Godwin
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century 5-inch medieval style encaustic tile by English makers Godwin of Lugwardine; one of 5 similar we have available. Dating to circa 1870, this antique tile features a he...
Clay
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...
Plaster
W. Godwin Antique Armorial Design Encaustic Tile
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century armorial 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 a me...
Clay
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
Antique English Post-Medieval Encaustic Tile by W. Godwin
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique 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 a h...
Clay
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...
Steel