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.
antique tankard The ''Triumph of Silenus'' by Gérard van Opstal Flemish
Located in Den Haag, NL
Unique 19th Century plaster remake from a A tankard with a bulbous body decorated with nine figures; the handle is shaped like a panther's head. The base mount is made of chased, gil...
Plaster
Unique Monumental Late Gothic Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Mortar with Fish Handles
Located in Doha, QA
An exceptionally rare and monumental Late Gothic hand-forged wrought iron mortar, originating from a medieval French castle and representing the highest level of European blacksmith ...
Wrought Iron
Heavy Bronze Gothic Pestle and Mortar An unusual pair
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Heavy Bronze Gothic Pestle and Mortar An unusual pair and very heavy probably made for the preparation of herbal treatments rather than for culinary use The mortar is clean inside ...
Bronze
19th Century Victorian Terracotta Model Of A Gothic Font
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century Victorian terracotta model of a gothic font. An English architectural model of a font in the ecclesiastical style dated to circa 1850. The octagonal design has a repeating trefoil design on all sides. A pleasing object modelled after an unknown church font...
Terracotta
Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Signed, Christopher Eberhardt, Circa 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
Italian bronze mortar and pestle. Christopher Eberhardt, Anno J667 Grabavw, Early 19th Century. Measures: 7.25" diameter at top, 5.75" diamete...
Bronze
$1,200
H 6.25 in W 13.5 in D 18.5 in
Rustic Country French Copper & Iron Handled Turbotiere Fish Poacher, c. 1850
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A hand made, French Copper Turbotiere, a Turbo fish Poacher with iron handles, France c. 1830-1850. Weighing a heavy SEVEN pounds! This copper and iron, diamond shaped fish poache...
Copper, Iron
$916
H 18.08 in W 3.35 in D 9.06 in
Earthenware Ceramic Vase "Kltu" from the Series Core Vessels by Willem Van Hooff
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ceramic vase model “Kltu” From the series "Core Vessels" Manufactured by Willem van Hooff Holland, 2022 Earthenware, glazed Inspired by African vessels, Willem immediately notice...
Earthenware
$2,960Sale Price|20% Off
H 10 in W 15 in D 15 in
Hand Carved Stone Vide poche Basin Jardinière Bowl Planter Vessel Sink Antiques
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hand Carved Stone Vide poche Basin Jardinière bowl planter vessel sink Antiques . 17th C. Possibly earlier Gothic Container . A Water Trough Benitier in a ...
Stone, Limestone
$400
H 4.34 in W 4.73 in D 4.73 in
Antique Art Deco Brass Mortar and Pestle, Czechoslovakia, Vintage Apothecary
Located in Praha, CZ
Elegant antique brass mortar and pestle in an Art Deco-inspired geometric design, originating from Czechoslovakia. The cylindrical mortar features rectangular side handles, a flared...
Brass
Antique Arts & Crafts Pottery Vase by Van Briggle Pottery Company
By Van Briggle
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique "arts & crafts" pottery vase by Van Briggle Pottery Company., circa 1940s. Wonderful aqua color and a great vintage patina make this hard to find vase! It is in very good vin...
Pottery
19th Century Bronze Mortar with Pestle Apothecary Set
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An antique bronze mortar with original pestle which has two side handles and incised detail. This set, found in Denmark, would be a great addition to an existing collection of these ...
Metal, Bronze
1940s Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Candelabra with Three Candle Cups
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1940s Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Candelabra with Three Candle Cups Rust, patina, and slight flaking (as shown in pictures) Tripod base and scroll work add a nice detail for a variety o...
Wrought Iron
Antique Solid Bronze Mortar with Handles Arts & Crafts
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique solid patinated bronze mortar cup with handles circa 1880's .
Bronze
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Fruit Triumph Centrepiece Vase
Located in VALENZA, IT
This centerpiece was made in Milan - Italy, by the prestigious silverware "Argenterie di Milano di Fiorentini" towards the end of the 70s. The fruit, all made and modeled by hand obt...
Sterling Silver
Vintage MCM Mortar and Pestle or Objet d'Art Hand Turned Wood
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Mid-Century Modern mortar and pestle hand turned from one piece of dense wood. It is in wonderful vintage condition. Please see photos, circa 1950-1960. Whether you need or...
Wood
Set of 18th Century Sicilian Apothecary’s Jars
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Set of 18th century Sicilian Apothecary’s jars Incredibly rare and important find, these large Jars date from around the late 1700s, all have lids and they would have originated ...