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.
Gothic sculpted panel in oak from the 16th century, Belgium
Located in Meulebeke, BE
This finely carved wooden panel from Belgium, dating to the 16th century, exemplifies the restrained geometry and rustic elegance of Gothic domestic ornamentation. Hewn from solid oa...
Oak
$415Sale Price|30% Off
Weighted Resin Chess Set Game in Jointed Wood Box 9.5cm Kings, Ca 1930s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good and complete English resin moulded "weighted" chess set game of 32 pieces, in a jointed pine box, all dating to the early/ mid 20th century, Circa 1930's. The chess p...
Resin, Pine
Early Medieval Gold Brooch Inlaid with Red Garnet, Blue and Green Glass
Located in London, GB
This dazzling gold brooch, inlaid with red garnet, and blue and green glass, is a fine example of one of the most striking emblems of the early medieval elite. Its rich colours, expe...
Gold
21th Century Italian Table, Chess Board, Chess Game Gold /Silver plated brass
Located in VALENZA, IT
Chess table and chess game in bronze and brass made with the ancient casting technique. After the casting, the finishing was chiseled and subsequently silvered and finished with 24-k...
Brass, Bronze
$619Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Medieval Helmet, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
Its replica from 1930s In original condition fully functional
Steel
16th century sculpted oak Gothic panel, Belgium
Located in Meulebeke, BE
This finely carved wooden panel from Belgium, dating to the 16th century, exemplifies the restrained geometry and rustic elegance of Gothic domestic ornamentation. Hewn from solid oa...
Oak
Vintage Skull Oil Painting in Ornate Frame
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This compelling 20th-century oil painting captures the haunting beauty of a classic memento mori subject. Rendered on canvas with confident, academic brushwork, the skull emerges fro...
Paint
Antique Veil of Veronica Engraving, in Polychrome, Large Gilded Frame
Located in Lisse, NL
A striking and deeply expressive antique devotional work, centered around a finely detailed engraving of the “Vera Icon”, the sacred veil bearing the face of Christ. The print itse...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Antique Medieval European Castle Gothic Forged Iron Processional on Stand
Located in Forney, TX
A spectacular early European castle altar processional / torchiere stand. circa 1730 or earlier. Born in Continental Europe in the early 18th century or earlier, some later elements, most likely Germanic, Medieval Gothic style, hand forged iron sculptural cross form mounted with primitive push-button panel opening to reveal heraldic coat of arms embossed brass plaque, with The Nelsons family banner, royal crown crest with cross, standing mythical goat and stag heraldic supporters, shield escutcheon castle, fleur-de-lis, three diamonds and eagle shield...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Antique Gothic Carved Limestone Model of a Madonna or Venus
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique limestone carving. Modeled as a Madonna. With her head slightly tilted, holding an orb in one hand, and with her other hand resting on her breast. By repute ...
Limestone
Set of Three Vintage Paintings with People in Rococo Costumes
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Three Vintage Paintings with People in Rococo Costumes A set of three paintings depicting two noble ladies and a noble man in Rococo costumes. Handpainted with enamel paint o...
Wood
17thC atypical stone mortar
Located in Haaltert, BE
Atypical 17th century stone mortar. These mortars were used to crush herbs for apothecary or herbalist use. Nicely worn surface, two of the four handles are still visible. This morta...
Stone
English Medieval Stone Head Mounted onto Steel Stand
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A medieval stone carving of a female head dating form the 16th century. Reclaimed from Northern England and mounted on a modern steel stand. Additional...
Stone, Steel
Handmade French wooden bucket from the 15th century
Located in Meulebeke, BE
This remarkable vessel embodies the utilitarian elegance of the Middle Ages. Crafted in France during the 15th century, the bucket is composed of richly patinated wood bound by hand-...
Iron
19th Century Carved Oak Caryatid Pedestal This is a superbly carved piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Carved Oak Caryatid Pedestal This is a superbly carved piece of 19th Century carving, it probably originated from a piece of furniture from where it was removed in the ...
Oak
Pair of English Medieval Style Carved Caryatids
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of 19th century English medieval style limewood female caryatids carved as Queens or valkyries. These carvings are matching in design, each dep...
Wood
Early 20th Century Carved Oak Rabbit Sculpture, English Folk Art
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Early 20th Century Characterfully stout, anatomically enigmatic Rabbit. Oak. European, Circa 1920.
Oak
$2,167
H 0.79 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Chess Game in Two Colored Travertine, Angelo Mangiarotti, Italy, 1970
Located in Brussels, BE
Chess Game in Two Colored Travertine, Angelo Mangiarotti, Italy, 1970
Travertine
19th C Original Painted Game Board
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C original painted game board. Nice original Salmon and black paint.
Wood
$1,850
H 0.75 in W 14.25 in D 14.25 in
Vintage Marble Chess Set with Hand Carved Turquoise and White Onyx Pieces
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Marble Large Chess Set with hand carved Turquoise and White Onyx Pieces. 1950s. Vintage mid 20th century Mexican stone marble chess set comple...
Onyx, Marble
Vintage Italian Lapiz Lazuli Chess Board 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Embark on a journey of opulence with our Vintage Italian Lapis Lazuli Chess Board, a striking piece from the 1980s. This exquisite chess board, meti...
Lapis Lazuli
Amazing Early 20Thc Blue Painted Bucket
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20Thc Original blue painted planting bucket or container bucket.Found in New England.The condition is good with age spotting and wear consistent with age and use.
Wood
$2,444 / item
H 3.94 in W 6.7 in D 20.08 in
21st Mahjong Game Set in Walnut Wood and Leather Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Our brand new Mahjong, a complete restyling for one of the most popular and played games worldwide. Entirely covered in genuine calf leather, our Mahjong comes in a luxurious woo...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
$2,999 / item
H 2.56 in W 16.15 in D 16.15 in
21st Century Italian Leather Chess Board with Brass Pieces Handcrafted in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Two in one. A bicolour game board with an interior storage tray that houses the set’s pearled checkers and black and brass-finished chess pieces. The class of a noble material such as walnut wood perfectly matches with the timeless beauty of genuine leather. A full chess and checkers set...
Brass
$1,398 / item
H 3.75 in W 7.49 in D 15.16 in
21st Century Petanque Game Set with Leather Box Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A complete game set of 6 metal balls with one jack and a leather measuring rope. Our portable Pétanque game set comes with its own sleek storage box, completely covered with genuine grained leather. Ideal for outdoor entertaining...
Metal
$2,069 / item
H 13.78 in Dm 8.67 in
21st Century Bowling Game Set in Walnut Wood and Leather Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
More than a game. Masterfully handcrafted with precious canaletto walnut wood Pinetti portable Bowling set is enriched with leather details and satin brass finish. A sophisticated...
Brass
Antique Asian Christian Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Hardwood Cross
Located in London, GB
Antique Asian Christian Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Hardwood Cross China or Vietnam, 19th Century A finely crafted antique Christian cross in toned hardwood, intricately inlaid with lumi...
Wood
Antique Leather Photo Album With Music Box, Early 20th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Unique antique photo album with a music box, which starts to play when opening the closure.
Leather, Paper
Sold
H 18.51 in W 10.63 in D 0.4 in
Sculpted oak Gothic panel hand crafted in Belgium in the 16th century
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 16th century / wooden sculpted panel / oak / Gothic / Rustic / Antique A panel in oak wood enriched with Gothic graphic carvings. Hand carved in Belgium in the 16th centur...
Oak
Sold
H 23 in W 23 in D 3 in
Antique Hand Carved and Painted Wood Coat of Arms Plaque Wadham College, Oxford
Located in Morristown, NJ
Late 19th/Early 20th c., England, carved wood, gesso and paint, made of two panels held together with butterfly joints, later hanging hardware added. This Wadham College, Oxford Coat...
Wood, Paint
Sold
H 7.88 in Dm 2.56 in
Grand jeu d'échecs Peter Ganine en céramique style gothique 32pièces Vintage
By Ganine
Located in London, England
Grand jeu d'échecs Peter Ganine 1947 en céramique émaillée, style gothique il se compose de 32 pièces . Vendu sans boîte de rangement.
Ceramic
Gothic Wood Panel, France, 1600s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
This charming iconic gothic panel has a beautifully carved geometric pattern decoration with a carved frame. The combination of the geometric architectural decoration with its beauti...
Wood
French 19th Century Tapestry-Style Painting on Canvas
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A large 19th century French oil-on-canvas hunting scene painting in the manner of a 'verdure' tapestry.
Canvas
Sold
H 3.75 in W 14.18 in D 2.76 in
Antique Tobacciana Pipe Rack Wall Art Sculpture Seven Deadly Sins, C1920, France
Located in Trensacq, FR
Antique pipe rack wall art sculpture 'Seven Deadly Sins' From Early 20th Century France. A grotesquerie of hooded monks representing the seven dead...
Wire
Small French 19th Century Hand Forged Iron Key-Makers Shop-Sign
Located in Buisson, FR
Very nice small key makers shop-sign in neo-Gothic style. Beautiful and very detailed work, France, circa 1850-1900. Weathered. Measurement is with the base.
Iron
Sold
H 1 in W 20.75 in D 22 in
French Medieval Relief Carved Oakwood Panel Depicting the Crucified Christ
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This medieval French relief carved oakwood panel depicts the crucified Christ flanked by two cornucopias and incorporated in a shaped border surmounte...
Wood, Oak, Giltwood
Ancient Serpentine Celtic Cross
Located in London, GB
Ancient serpentine celtic cross We are proud to offer a rare museum quality Cornish carved Celtic cross. Hand carved from Serpentine and granite...
Serpentine
IKaros Hand Painted Carnations and Tulips Decorative Plate Rhodes, Greece
By Iznik Pottery
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A decorative I Karos Pottery, I Caro collector polychrome hand painted and handcrafted in Rhodes, Greece ceramic wall decorative plate with a boat in the sea and Fish Design in polychrome design. The plate is decorated with a white, blue, aqua, green, and sienna red design gilded with 24-karat gold. These are intricately, hand painted plates made in Rhodes, Greece by the famous I Caro pottery. Rhodes is famous for its kiln products, such as tiles and pottery, which are glazed and multicolored. It has a beautifully hand painted in burgundy, light and dark blue and turquoise foliage and gold. An Islamic ceramic plate in the Iznik style, painted in vivid colors. The back of the plate is signed and numbered, it has a string to the back for hanging. It is marked “Handmade in Rhodes Greece by Ikaros...
Ceramic
Sold
H 12.75 in W 0.5 in D 9.5 in
Antique Hand Painted Christian Icon on Board Saint Patrick Wood Panel
Located in Dayton, OH
19th century European hand painted icon featuring Saint Patrick on wooded board. Measure: 13".
Hardwood, Paint
Medieval Aquatic Wildman or Merman Pagan Wood Carving
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This appears to be what can be best described as an Aquatic Wildman. This rarely illustrated figure holds a bat in his hand like a Wildman, but has an aquatic tail like a Merman or M...
Oak