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.
Edward Bingham Castle Hedingham Arts & Crafts Medieval Style Pottery Hunting Jug
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual Arts & Crafts castle Hedingham Pottery hunting jug in the medieval style designed by Edward Bingham (British, 1829-1914) and dating bet...
Pottery
Old English Brass Pitcher w. Medieval Embossed Micro-cosmos
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A decorative large pitcher in light brass embossed with a medieval pub scene - micro-cosmos around its perimeter. Manufactured in England circa 1940-60. Well-kept and with patina. ...
Brass
Vintage Gothic Style Religious Silver Plated Tall Church Pitcher with Cross
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Gothic Style Religious Silver Plated Tall Church Pitcher with Cross Finial. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 14" H x 7.5" W x 3.5" D.
Silver Plate
$1,850
H 10 in W 7.5 in D 6.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Mexican Silver Plate Pitcher with Hammered Texture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Striking vintage silver plated water pitcher designed and manufactured in Mexico circa the 1950s or earlier. The piece is crafted in solid brass and finished with a heavy silver plat...
Silver Plate, Brass
Kalo Sterling Silver Hand Wrought/ Hammered Pitcher Jug in Arts & Crafts Style
Located in New York, NY
The Kalo Shop, sterling silver beautifully hand wrought pitcher in Arts & Crafts style in an elegant, curvilinear design made in the early 20th century. It measures 7'' in height by 8'' from handle to spout, weighs 18.9 troy ounces, contains 3 1/2 pints, and bears hallmarks as shown. The Kalo Shop was the "leading maker" of Arts and Crafts movement silver in Chicago. The shop and affiliated Kalo Arts and Crafts Community House, a practicing school and workshop noted for silver and jewelry in nearby Park Ridge...
Silver, Sterling Silver
English Ceramic Original Christmas Tree Pitcher
By Cuthbertson
Located in Bradenton, FL
An English ceramic pitcher decorated with the ‘Original Christmas Tree’ pattern made by Cuthbertson. In front is featured the beloved Christmas Tree topped with a radiant star and ad...
Ceramic
Vintage Silver Plate Pitcher with Parrot Handle
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout mid century pitcher handcrafted in hammered copper with a silver plate finish in classic form featuring a stone clad parrot as a handle.
Silver Plate, Copper
Vintage Silver Plate Pitcher with Parrot Handle
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout mid century pitcher hand crafted in silver plate on hammered copper in classic modern form with a bit of whimsy featuring a stone clad parrot as a handle.
Silver Plate, Copper
English Majolica Pitcher with Flowers, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
English Majolica pitcher with flowers, circa 1890 Measures: H 6", L 5.5" et 3.5".
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Victorian Silver Plate Water Pitcher with Ballon Engraving
By E. G. Webster Brothers of New York
Located in Asheville, NC
This elegant and superbly made pitcher was manufactured by C. Webster and Brothers. This pitcher was made around the time that Paul Haenlein flew the first internal combustion motor ...
English Victorian Majolica Fish Pitcher Circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
English Victorian Majolica fish pitcher circa 1880. H / 9.8 inches.
Ceramic
Vintage Silver Plate Pitcher with Parrot Handle by Alfredo Villasana
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout mid century pitcher handcrafted in silver plate on hammered copper in classic form featuring a stone clad parrot as a handle. Stamped Villasana Mexico on the bottom.
Stone, Silver Plate, Copper
$695 / set
H 9.75 in W 4.5 in D 6.88 in
Antique English Staffordshire Pottery Toby Jug with Tricorn Hat Lid
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Staffordshire pottery Toby Jug. In the form of a seated, smiling man holding a jug. The man's tricorn hat serves as a lid, and an inte...
Pottery
$300Sale Price|20% Off
H 20 in W 13 in D 9 in
19th Century Victorian Pairpoint Silver Plate Tilting Pitcher with Goblet
Located in Cincinnati, OH
19th Century Victorian Pairpoint quadruple silver plate beverage pitcher with stand and goblet. Features lavishly embossed floral and leaf motif. Stand with pierced supports; stamp...
Silver Plate, Metal
2 Arts & Crafts McCoy School Pottery Periwinkle Swags & Bows Floor Vases
By Nelson McCoy Pottery Company
Located in Big Flats, NY
Pair of Arts & Crafts McCoy School art pottery floor vases feature collar with embossed swags and bows and periwinkle blue glazing, 20th century. Measures: 27" height x 11"dia...
Pottery
17th Century German Low Countries Grey Ceramic Pitcher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
17th century rare primitive German low countries pitcher.
Ceramic
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