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
Antique Medieval Tuscan Mortar in Nembro Marble, Italy
Located in Roma, IT
Incredilbe apothecary Mortar in Nembro Marble, made from a single block of marble and dated back to the early 600 from Tuscany. It was used in the in apothecaries to grind herbs and spices into powder for food or medicine. Very unique and rare piece in great conditions considering the the period to which it dates. This highly sculptural and unique piece would be suitable today as a magnificent decoration on a table or mantle, or to grace the counter of an open kitchen...
Marble
Early 1900s Impressive and Finely Handcrafted Antique Gothic Art Porcelain Vase
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and impressive work of Gothic art pottery. This most skillfully created and highly decorative work of Gothic art is very rare and of a great size. The impressive floral decor o...
Porcelain
18th Spanish Century Glazed Alhambra Majolica Amphora Vase
Located in Miami, FL
Spanish Mid 19th Century Glazed Alhambra Majolica Amphora Vase Valencian medieval jug reflexes with heraldic shield.
Ceramic
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
Byzantine Style Marble Baptismal Font on Later Stand
Located in Essex, MA
Byzantine style carved marble Baptismal font on later cast stone stand. Four lion leads Circumnavigate the font. Foliate and Byzantine Carving Th...
Marble
$2,960Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
Three Piece Alabaster Clock Garniture in the Form of a Neo-Gothic Cathedral
Located in London, GB
This exquisite three-piece alabaster clock garniture consists of a central clock with two flanking vases. The central clock is designed to resemble the shape of a neo-Gothic cathedra...
Alabaster, Ormolu
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
Very Large 17th Century Bartmann Jug / Bellarmine Jug Salt Glazed Stoneware
Located in Meer, VAN
Very Large 17th Century Bartmann Jug / Bellarmine Jug German Salt Glazed Stoneware Very Large 17th Century Bartmann Jug / Bellarmine Jug German Salt Glazed Stoneware Substantial - ...
Stoneware
European Gothic Granite Primitive Hand-Carved Sculptural Mortar
Located in Round Top, TX
Nothing compares to centuries of patina like this Gothic hand carved mortar originating from Portugal. Used primarily for grinding herbs by apothecaries , but may have also been util...
Granite
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
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
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
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
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
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
$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
Late 18th Century Khmer Brown Glazed Terracotta Vase
Located in Brescia, IT
This Khmer brown glazed terracotta vase is a very stunning piece with its organic shape and all the signs of the time. The enameled surface well shows its period and for this reasons...
Terracotta
Art Deco Japanese Porcelain Vases Meiji Period, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful pair of polychromed Kutani porcelain Japanese vases, circa early 20th century, Meiji period, Japan. Vases are hand painted and designed with two different sides; one...
Porcelain
Pair of Chinese 18th Century Flambe Glazed Trunk Form Vases
Located in Austin, TX
A pair of vases molded as naturalistic plum tree trunks, with applied decorations of flowering plum branches. All are covered by a rich flambe glaze of predominantly fuchsia, with st...
Stoneware
$944
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
Giant Mortar and Pestle Set Black Marble Polished Italy
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Italian deep black polished marble giant mortar bowl and pestle. Mortar and pestle set has been used for thousand of years as the way to crush, grind and p...
Marble
Italy Richard Ginori Early 18th Century Porcelain Vase
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant vase was produced by Richard Ginori porcelain manufacturer in Doccia, Italy, in the 1730 Not easy to find this model so fine and elegant with its country flowers in pin...
Porcelain
Black Marble Low Pedestal Cylinder
By Casa Mineral
Located in Mexico City, MX
Monterrey black marble carved cylinder. Handmade in Mexico by local craftsmen. Production time: 6-8 weeks for items without marble / 13-14 weeks for marble pieces. Shipping +10 addi...
Marble
Antique Chinese Chiseled Marble Kitchen Mortar, Early 20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-carved from a single block of marble, this small stone vessel is an antique Chinese mortar once used to grind herbs and spices in a kitchen or apothecary. The chiseled exterior ...
Marble
Black Marble Tall Pedestal Cylinder
Located in Mexico City, MX
Monterrey black marble tall carved cylinder. Handmade in Mexico by local craftsmen. Production time: 6-8 weeks for items without marble / 13-14 weeks for marble pieces. Shipping +10 ...
Marble
Korean White Glazed Porcelain Bottle Vase, Joseon Dynasty, 18th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A quiet and elegant Korean white glazed bottle vase, Joseon Dynasty, late 18th century, Korea. The graceful vase beautifully proportioned, resting on a short recessed foot, with a...
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Amphora Enameled Pottery Vase
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This striking enameled pottery vase was made by Amphora and is decorated with stylized floral decoration set against a textured ground made up of variegated blue enamel paint on a me...
Pottery
Mid 19th Century Gothic Brass Jardiniere with Shields This is a very old piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Gothic Brass Jardiniere with Shields This is a very old piece it is decorated with Lions and Shields and it has a Latin Motto inscribed on both sides which means ‘Virt...
Brass
20th Century French Gothic Decorative Storage Box with Foliage Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautifully executed square box crafted circa 1990 is embellished with a handle made into a twisted branch form with a leaf accented on either side, a latch on the front firmly ...
Iron
Pair of Finely Cast French Gothic Vases on Matching Pedestals
Located in Dallas, TX
These cast French vases with matching pedestals have some exquisite Gothic motifs. Both octagonal vases have several layers of molding along the 17 ...
Stone, Cast Stone, Cement
Antique 15th Century Gothic Mortar in Bronze Patina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous antique mortar in bronze with excellent patina Spain, 15th Century.
Bronze
Pair of 18th Century Coade Stone Gothic Stoops
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of finely cast 18th Century Coade Stone gothic stoops. In super condition, stamped 'Coade London', these are glazed internally, for holding water which is an unusual design for...
Terracotta
Sold
H 9.75 in W 9 in D 9 in
Antique English Embossed Repousse Brass Planter Cache Pot Windmill Celtic Cross
Located in Choudrant, LA
-Direct from England -One of several amazing pieces of antique brass in our most recent container! -Each side has a lovely different vignette.. one features a windmill, birds in th...
Brass
Italian Porcelain 5 Pharmacy Containers with Pure Gold Decorations
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Five elegant and particular pharmacy containers in fine white porcelain; they have a slender cylindrical shape and a lid with a knob on which there are linear decorations in gold; on the front, the Latin name of the product contained is inserted in a shield outlined in pure gold, under the shield are painted two branches intertwined with leaves and a flower; on the top of the shield is represented, always in pure gold, in a stylized way the "caduceus" symbol in Italy of the pharmacist. They were made between 1910 and 1914 in the area of Bassano del Grappa and Nove (Vicenza-Italy), where the production of porcelain and earthenware dates back to the 18th century and has developed over time to levels of excellence; Vicenza porcelain is characterized by a wide variety of processes, colors, and models where the artistic component is very present up to the realization of unique works. The term "albarello" indicates a container used in ancient pharmacies to contain spices, herbal products, or medicinal preparations such as ointments and powders. It spread in Italy during the medieval and renaissance period, at the time of Petrarch, Boccaccio, and the Dolce Stil Novo...
Porcelain
French Sarreguemines Style Glazed Ceramic Urn with Griffin Handles
Located in Houston, TX
French Sarreguemines style glazed ceramic urn with griffin handles. Handsome French sarreguemines style glazed ceramic urn, vase vessel with grif...
Ceramic
Murano "Albarelli" Italian Pair of Bottles with Lid Blue Blown Glass
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Delicious and harmonious pair of blue blown glass bottles with lid...
Glass
Vase " Sauve Qui Peut", Louis Carrier-Belleuse
By Louis Robert Carrier-Belleuse
Located in Brussels, BE
Vase "Sauve Qui Peut", Louis Carrier-Belleuse.
Ceramic
Sold
H 11.82 in W 6.3 in D 3.15 in
Vases Tulip Pair Delft Blue & White 19th Century Dutch Medieval Style Crusaders
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Tapered. The shaped tops and feet with borders of acanthus leaves. One vase depicting men and a dog walking in hilly medieval landscape, the other with crusaders fighting. The bottom...
Pottery
Sold
H 6.5 in W 36.5 in D 36.5 in
Early 19th Century Spanish Carved Walnut "Brasero" with Repousse Brass Tray Top
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant and unusual fruit wood "Brasero" on a buffet or dining room table for there ultimate Spanish look! Crafted in Spain, circa 1820, the ornate, octagonal table sits o...
Brass