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.
Original Gothic Style 1860 Candlesticks 19th Century Emperor of House Habsburg
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Gothic style of Laxenburg so called after the "Laxenburg Castle", the favoured summer-residence of the Austrian Emperor of the house of Habsburg. Material used is carved wood, gilded.
Wood
Collection of Silver Plated Liqueur Cups in Decorated in Wild Boar Deer Head
Located in Washington, DC
A collection of silver plated liqueur cups decorated in wild boar, and deer head forms-by "Valentin" Spanish designer. Sold individually.
Silver Plate
English Sterling Silver Mounted Coconut Cup
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique English sterling silver mounted coconut cup; an addition to our diverse silverware collection. This impressive antique sterling silver mounted coconut cup has a circular rounded form onto a circular pedestal foot. The upper portion of this antique coconut cup...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$295
H 14.5 in W 10 in D 5 in
Pair of Rock Crystal, Lead Crystal, and Brass Candelabra, Late 19th Century
Located in valatie, NY
Pair of rock crystal, lead crystal, and brass candelabra, late 19th century. This pair of candelabras have a series of large rock crystal beads supporting their stems topped by a pin...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Brass
19th Century Gothic Revival Bronze Altar Candlestick Pair
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning pair of antique Neo-Gothic bronze church altar stick candle prickets with beautifully aged patina. European, late 19th century, each with a single candle socket, mural crown, pierced quatrefoils, wafer stem, rising on paw feet. Dimensions: (approx) 27.25" Tall, 8.25" Diameter; 28lbs total Condition: Great original unrestored antique condition with nicely aged dark warm patinated finish. Distinctive gilt brass and copper like tones. Wear consistent with age and indicative of use. Overall outstanding examples World Wide Shipping Available Local Pickup/Delivery available around Dallas, Texas We here at Lynx Hollow Antiques absolutely love collecting and decorating with religious objects. From a church altar table...
Bronze
$1,150 / set
H 16.93 in W 7.49 in D 7.49 in
A Pair 19th Century Candelabras - Bronze Patinated Spelter - Gothic Style
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful set of 2 antique candelabras in Gothic style. The candelabras each have room for three candles. Estimated origin and age: France, circa 1900. The candelabras are made of ...
Spelter
20th Century Italian Silver Plated Fox Stirrup Cups, C.1970
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Mid-20th century Italian silver plated set of four stirrup cups, the head realistically cast as a fox heads with ears pricked, stirrup cups modelled as foxes are extremely rare and s...
Silver Plate
French 19th Century Church Altar Candlesticks
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A towering pair of 19th century French brass altar candlesticks from a cathedral or church. The center of each bobeche is fitted with a spike, surrounded by a pierced brass crown of ...
Brass
Wild Boar’s Head Silver Plate Ice Bucket by Valenti, c. 1960
By Valenti
Located in London, GB
A delightful and rare wild boar-themed silver plate ice bucket made by Valenti in Spain in c. 1960. The lid of the ice bucket is surmounted by a wonderful cast bronze wild boar’s h...
Silver Plate, Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Candlesticks
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A pair of French 19th century ebonized oak candlesticks. Skillfully turned in a faux bamboe.
Oak
$5,812
H 11.03 in W 19.69 in D 12.21 in
Franco Lapini Wild Boar Head Silver Plated Wine Cooler, Italy, 1970
Located in Munich, DE
Franco Lapinis exquisite vintage wild boar head sculpture wine cooler is made entirely of metal plated in silver and its surface is lightly textured to ...
Silver Plate, Brass
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Baby / Christening Cup
By Georg Jensen
Located in Huntington, NY
Georg Jensen sterling silver baby / Christening cup With leaf motif capped handle 20th century, Denmark 110 g Engraved ROBERT.
Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Brass Pair of Wall Mount Candlesticks, 1930s
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau brass pair of Wall Mount candlesticks 1930s Originel Patina Excellent condition. looks simply stunning.
Brass
Baccarat Ormolu Cave à Liqueur
By Baccarat
Located in New Orleans, LA
This charming and rare 19th-century cave à liqueur by the renowned cristallerie Baccarat gets a unique twist thanks to its oriental design. Taking the f...
Bronze
Sold
H 6.5 in W 3 in D 3 in
Collection of Silver Plated Liqueur Cups in Decorated in Wild Boar Deer Head
Located in Washington, DC
A collection of silver plated liqueur cups decorated in wild boar, and deer head forms-by "Valentin" Spanish designer.
Silver Plate
Bohemian Glass and Enamel Beaker after Anton Kothgasser
By Anton Kothgasser
Located in London, GB
This fantastic antique cup is the work of the Bohemian glassmakers of the 19th century, Bohemia being a region of Central Europe particularly renowned for the quality of its glass wa...
Cut Glass, Glass