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.
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
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
Late Regency Pair Gothic Openwork Bronze Spill Vases, circa 1820
By Pugin
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and unusual pair quality late Regency period open work spill vases of Gothic style cast in bronze dating from circa 1820. The spill vases are supported on a weighted quatrefoil base with open trellis work spill holders...
Bronze
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
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
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
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
1900s Belgian Porcelain Sauceboat
Located in High Point, NC
A vintage porcelain sauce boat made in Belgium, circa 1900. White china is finished with a luscious glossy glaze, elevating the superior form and subtle vintage patina of this finely...
Porcelain
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
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
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
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
$24,822
H 18.12 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in
A Pair of Charles X Gilt-Bronze Reversible Cassolettes / Candlesticks
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Pair of Charles X Gilt-Bronze Reversible Cassolettes / Candlesticks Each with pierced dome lid surmounted by a butterfly finial. The lids reversible, the undersides fitted with c...
Bronze
New Modern Vase in Marble Creator Arthur Arbesser
Located in Milan, IT
Vase in Black Marquinia, White Michelangelo, Arabescato Vagli Filo Rosso, Green Guatemala and Blu Sodalite marbles. Size: 20 x 12 x 32 cm, 7.9 x 4.7 x 12.6 in, smooth finishing. Comm...
Marble
$1,496Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 10.63 in Dm 5.12 in
Pair of 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Marble Cassolettes or Urns
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite pair of antique French cassolettes is a true testament to the artistry of the late 19th century. Meticulously crafted, these decorative urns are composed of stunning v...
Marble, Bronze
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
18th Century Italian Faience (Majolica) Apothecary Medicine Jar
Located in San Francisco, CA
An antique 18th-Century Italian faience albarello or apothecary pharmacy jar. This wonderful old jar is hand painted and in remarkable condition considering its age, having some expe...
Faience
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
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
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
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
German Cup with Handle, Early 17th Century Pot, Delft/German/Low Countries
Located in Brooklyn, NY
16th century German (Tudor) cup with handle (grey) Early 17th century pot (sangue de boeuf), delft/German territories/low countries Earthenware Measures: Height 3.5, diameter ...
Earthenware
17th Century German Low Countries Grey Ceramic Pitcher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
17th century rare primitive German low countries pitcher.
Ceramic
Antique French Brass Jug
Located in Pasadena, CA
Newly polished antique French cookware brass milk jug made in Normandy during the 1850s.
Brass