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.
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
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
Set of 4 Godwin & Co 19th Century Encaustic Tiles
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of four mid 19th century encaustic tiles in the post-medieval style by W. Godwin (stamped). Supplied loose, this group contains four identical Godwin tiles with a fleur-de-lis...
Clay
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
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
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
Set of 9 Encaustic Tiles by W. Maw & Co
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of nine encaustic tiles by W. Maw & Co Benthall Works, Broseley. Dating from the mid 19th century, this reclaimed set of encaustic tiles are of a neo-medieval style. Made ...
Clay
Set of 9 Encaustic Tiles by W. Maw & Co
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of nine encaustic tiles by W. Maw & Co Benthall Works, Broseley. Dating from the mid 19th century, this reclaimed set of encaustic tiles are of a neo-medieval style. Made in b...
Clay
A Set Of Four Reclaimed Encaustic Floral Quatrefoil Tiles
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of four reclaimed encaustic floral quatrefoil tiles. These vibrant neo-medieval style tiles come together to create a quatrefoil design housing a vivid black and blue fleur-de...
Clay
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
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
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
W. Godwin Tudor Revival 5-inch Encaustic Tile
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A Tudor revival glazed encaustic 5-inch tile by Godwin of Lugwardine; one of 8 similar we have available. Dating to circa 1865, this antique tile is inspired by earlier Gothic and T...
Clay
W. Godwin Antique English Heraldic Encaustic Tile c.1870
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique heraldic 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 post-m...
Clay
Set of 4 Godwin & Co Post-Medieval Encaustic Tiles
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of four late 19th century post-medieval encaustic tiles by W. Godwin (stamped). Supplied loose, this group contains four Godwin tiles of different design in complementary red ...
Clay
Saint Ambrosius Italian Sculpture 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Saint Ambrosius Italian sculpture 17th century in painted and gilded wood. The figure is represented standing up blessing with the hand. Faults and defects. Dimensions. Heigh...
Wood
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...
Steel
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
$61,194Sale 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
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
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
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
$21,653Sale 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
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
Victorian gilt inkstand desk set in the Gothic style
Located in London, GB
Victorian gilt inkstand desk set in the Gothic style English, 19th Century Height 19cm, width 27cm, depth 12.5cm This wonderful inkstand is a fine piece of Victorian period design. ...
Brass
Antique brass clock set with religious decoration
Located in London, GB
This three-piece brass clock set is wonderfully designed to look like a collection of Christian church bells. The mantel clock features a bell-shaped b...
Brass, Enamel
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
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
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
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
Bone and Stone Lidded Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Metal decorative box with bone and stone inlay. The exterior of the box showcases a mosaic bone inlay adorned with turquoise and red stones set in pewter. The inside of the box is li...
Multi-gemstone, Metal, Pewter
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
Bronze mortar - Italy, 16th century
Located in London, GB
Mortars are an ancient culinary tool, described as indispensable to the preparation of food and medicines in texts like the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus, dating from 1550 BC, and the writi...
Bronze
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
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
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
19th Century Gothic Brass Planter, Hand Beaten, 1880
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Arts and Crafts brass planter This is a good quality brass piece, it is hand beaten, the brass has a very dark patina, it almost ...
Brass
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
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