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.
Vintage Stoneware Skull Mugs from The Horror Bar Le Cercueil in Brussels, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Imagine serving tomato soup or cherry tea in these fuckers... Le Cercueil in Brussels is Europes oldest horror bar and was established in 1974 or 76 in the Belgian capital. This set ...
Stoneware
Medieval/15th Century-Style Continental Silver '.800' Roemer/ Rummer Goblet
Located in New York, NY
Medieval (15th Century) - style, Continental Silver (.800) Rummer/Roemer style goblet, Germany, Ca. 1920. This form of goblet was popular from the 15th-17th centuries, although the R...
Sterling Silver
Victorian Period Continental Silver (.800) Wager/Marriage Cup
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Period, Continental Silver (.800), wager/marriage cup in the form of a Medieval marriage cup, hallmarked for Hamburg, Germany, Ca. 1892. Maker is probably Richard Koberlin....
Sterling Silver
Latama Italy Medieval Halberd styled Bar Cocktail Tool
Located in Ferndale, MI
Made in Italy by Latama . Stainless steel bar tool styled after a Medieval Halberd . Long staff with hook and ax used by Knights to de mount an opponent . Multi tool item Ice cracki...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Antique European Wrought Iron Wine Cabinet
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An antique European wrought Iron wine cabinet, possibly French or German, presenting a gothic aesthetic, and showcasing an arched form embellished with scrolling accents throughout. ...
Wrought Iron
German Vintage Wrought Iron Bottle Cradle Pourer, 1970s
Located in Barntrup, DE
This beautiful bottle holder/bottle pourer in Medieval style was made in Germany circa the 1970s by the company Asbach. The wrought iron stand holds a bo...
Wrought Iron
Art Deco Style Square Wine Cooler Solid Silver
By Puiforcat
Located in Paris, FR
This champagne bucket is in the typical spirit of the Art Deco movement, with a square shape, and two geometric handles. Each bucket is made of solid silver and it will last forever....
Silver
Mercury Glass Thermos Bottle
Located in Sheffield, MA
Unusual vintage mercury thermos with wicker outer layer. OFFERING FREE SHIPPING TO CONTINENTAL US. PLEASE JUST ASK FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE.
Mercury Glass, Wicker
Arts & Crafts Style Sterling Silver Goblet
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver goblet made by C F Hancock & Co in the Arts & Crafts style; an addition to our wine and drinks related si...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Mid-Century Woven Wicker Wrought Iron Wine Bottle Holder Pourer
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Show you pay attention to every detail with this fine, mid-century bottle holder.
Metal
Thomas Wallis II Antique 1800s Pair of Sterling Silver Goblets
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive pair of antique Georgian English sterling silver goblets; an addition to our range of wine and drink related silverware. These exceptional antique George III English sterling silver goblets have a plain circular bell shaped form to a waisted pedestal onto a circular foot and square foot. The upper rim of each body is embellished with a bright cut engraved band of floral and foliate ornamentation. The circular feet are ornamented with bands of tooled decoration. Each square foot is accented with a simplified pin struck border. Condition These antique goblets...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$467
H 8.67 in W 7.88 in D 3.94 in
Auböck White Wine Bottle Holder, Midcentury, Brass and Leather, 1950s, Austria
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Minimalistic Auböck white or rosé wine bottle holder in solid brass with leather handle, made by Werkstätten Carl Auböck in 1950s. This pourer was designe...
Brass
Hermes Equestrian Wine Bottle Topper, 1960s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful vintage Hermès equestrian bottle topper. Large horse head atop a rounded pedestal. Hermès Paris stamped on outer rim. Stunning accent piec...
Metal
$375 / set
H 2.25 in W 11.25 in D 7.75 in
Vintage, Boxed Barmates by Glo-Hill Bar Tools, with Amber Bakelite Handles
By Glo Hill
Located in Nantucket, MA
Four piece boxed bar tool set by Glo-Hill for their Barmates line, in chrome with amber Bakelite handles.
Chrome
Rigidex French Wine Crate or Locker
Located in Sheffield, MA
French strapped metal wine cage or safe. Pair of hinged doors with locking hasp, opens to store up to 200 bottles with individual fitted slots, original enamel. Lock hasp with metal ...
Iron
Midcentury "Hill" Wine Rack by Dean Santner
By Dean Santner
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this beautifully sculpted wine rack by Master Craftsman Dean Santner. Santner designs are part of the American Modern Craft movement along side Wendell Cast...
Wood
$175
H 13.25 in W 8.25 in D 3.75 in
Vintage Art Deco Style Silver Plated Martini Bar Cocktail Shaker Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Art Deco Style Silver Plated Martini Bar Cocktail Shaker Pitcher with Black Bakelite Handle. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 13.25" H x 8.25" W x 3.75" D.
Silver Plate
Stunning Champagne Wine Bucket Cooler, Polished Brass, France
Located in Paris, FR
One of a kind gorgeous designer's Champagne and wine bucket cooler, in About the artist: Polished brass. About the artist: E.H. Graduate in ceramic design and metal sculpture (2...
Brass
Ruby Red Cut to Clear Cristal D' Arques Crystal Wine Glasses, Set of 8 France
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A fine set of eight, cut to clear ruby red cordial or wine glasses. Marked at the bottom "France". Each glass features a clear round base and a circular ruby red body decorated with ...
Crystal
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Tankard
By Mario Vallè
Located in VALENZA, IT
Tankard in 925 solid silver embossed and chiseled in "ovules", typical late Italian medieval design. The shiny ovules are interspersed with knurling and subsequently burnished. The c...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 23.25 in W 14.5 in D 6 in
19th Century French Wrought Iron Four Bottle Wine Rack with Lock and Keys
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wine cellar or wet bar with this elegant antique bottle cabinet, created in France circa 1890, the wrought iron wine storage features an arched top with scrolled accents, hinged door with chain support and lock mechanism to one side, and dual loop handles, it has a capacity for four bottles. The Gothic wine cabinet is in excellent condition with a rich verdigris patinated finish...
Wrought Iron
Ornate 19th Century Medieval Style Bejeweled Goblet/Chalice
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Beautiful ornate 19th century jeweled chalice embedded in brass wire on colored glass. A very unique drinking vessel.
Brass
Sold
H 16 in W 10 in D 10 in
Pair of 19th Century French Painted Barbotine Wine Pitchers with Grapes & Vines
Located in Dallas, TX
Enhance your wine cellar with this interesting pair of antique medieval terracotta wine pitchers from Bordeaux, France, circa 1860; the jugs made in clay, feature a large handle with...
Terracotta, Paint
Antique Bohemian Cut Glass Goblet, Richly Gilded
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
From our selection of one a kind special antique goblets. Perfect for your bar and cabinet display. This lovely piece is from one of the glass makers in the Czech Republic and featur...
Gold