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.
Nexus - double tier chandelier
Located in Firenze, FI
A vertical architectural chandelier that combines symmetry and lightness. Two circular brass frames in amber-bronzed waxed tones are linked by slender rods and adorned with curved ar...
Brass
Wonderful Handcrafted Stained Glass Gothic Revival Pendant with Geometric Design
Located in Lisse, NL
This rare and beautiful ceiling lamp is a true gem for anyone looking to create the perfect ambiance. Crafted in the 1920s, this unique Gothic Revival pendant showcases a geometric ...
Metal
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Gothic Style Bronze & Iron Bat Motif Lantern
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gothic Style Bronze and Iron Bat Motif Lantern Gothic style bronze and iron bat motif lantern, with a total of 45" drop, chain can be removed or added. For sale are two exceptional Gothic-style bronze and iron bat motif lanterns, sold individually, offering a rare and unique addition to any space. Each lantern has a finely cast bronze bat...
Metal, Bronze, Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century Carved Wooden Lüsterweibchen Four-Light Chandelier
Located in Barntrup, DE
Rare late 19th-century carved wooden Lüsterweibchen chandelier with four lights and original polychrome finish. A unique and charming late 19th-century carved wooden chandelier — a ...
Metal, Brass
Five-Arm Wrought Iron Chandelier by Taidetakomo Hakkarainen, Finland, 1930s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A decorative wrought iron chandelier with five arms, built around an expressive, hand-forged structure. The form is composed of scrolling arms and layered leaf elements, all finished...
Wrought Iron
Gothic Cathedral Style Hanging Lamp
Located in Palm Springs, CA
In true Gothic fashion, these lamps illustrate the style of light common to many cathedrals of the time yet devoid of any religious symbols. Lights are of grand scale consisting of s...
Steel
$9,416Sale Price|38% Off
Antique French Crystal Chandelier Ceiling Lamp Lustre Art Nouveau Lamp
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our cherished old chandelier, lovingly and professionally restored in Berlin! Its electrical wiring works seamlessly in the US, as it has been expertly re-wired and is re...
Crystal, Brass
Spanish 1940s Wrought Iron Lantern, Scroll and Twisting Details
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand Forged Scrollwork Wrought Iron Pendant / Lantern, Spain, 1940s. Eye-catching hand forged lantern or hanging light with scroll and twisting details thorough. The lantern hangs from an iron chain accented by rhombus shaped links and it is topped by a wrought iron flower shaped canopy. Entirely made by hand. Outstanding design in the style of gothic with spanish colonial and baroque accents. Heavily detailed hand forged work. This piece will be a great choice for any main entry, hallway or foyer. It can be a nice addition to any contemporary, classical, Spanish colonial or Spanish revival home decor. It can be placed outdoor hanging on the porch or indoor in a entry hall / hallway. Newly wired with 1 E27 bulb holder Overall measures: 72 cm H x 30 cm diameter The lantern itself without the chain is: 30 cm diameter x 33,5 cm H We are specialists in lighting: A curated selection of iron ceiling light fixtures, chandeliers, pendants and wall lights is avaliable at our 1stdibs marketplace. We invite you to join our profile and check "more from this seller". Spanish Iron Lantern...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Eraly 1900 Handcrafted Gothic Art Four Arm Winged Dragon Pendant Light
Located in Lisse, NL
Good size and hand-carved Gothic Revival chandelier. This handcrafted medieval chandelier comes with four arms and on the end of each arm there is a mean looking and well carved dr...
Glass, Wood
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
Ceiling Lamp from 1930's, forged and welded steel.
Located in Turku, Finland
Quite special and unique ceiling lamp from 1930's. Designer and manufacturer is unknown but it has a bit same style like Taidetakomo Hakkarainen lamps and other works. Rough hardly...
Metal
$1,930Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Mid-20th Century French Iron and Brass Ring Chandelier with 6 Torches
Located in Casteren, NL
This elegant chandelier was made in France in the 1960s. It features a black patinated steel ring supporting 6 brass torches. The torches end with beautiful yellow twisted glass cove...
Brass, Steel
HUGE Pair of 13-Light Handforged Wrought Iron Castle Chandeliers w. Gothic Crown
Located in Lisse, NL
Largest ever pair of Medieval Style chandeliers, over 5 feet tall. With 20th century lighting as one of our specialities we have seen and sold all kinds of light fixtures, but never...
Wrought Iron, Metal
$9,229Sale Price|20% Off
Spanish Medieval Torch Chandelier in Gilt Wrought Iron and Wood, Six Lights
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of a Kind Gilt Iron and Oak Wood Six-Light Torch Chandelier, Hand-Forged, Spain 1940s Large size. This outstanding torch chandelier features a rectangular oak wood base holding t...
Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf, Iron
Gothic Style Tole Hollywood Regency Chandelier with Murano Shades Italy 1980s
By Koegl
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Add a touch of opulence to your home with this charming Chandelier. Perfect black and gilded colored parts to enhance any chic or eclectic home. We'd love to see it hanging in an ent...
Metal
Gothic Revival Gilt Bronze Chandelier, 19th Century, Filigree Design
Located in Queens, NY
English Gothic Revival-style (19th Century) bronze dore 6 sided filigree sanctuary fixture suspended by 3 chains connected to a canopy
Bronze
$3,956Sale Price|25% Off
Wrought Iron Chandelier with 12 Lights in the Gothic Style. Circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice chandelier with 12 lights is made of wrought iron. This is a French work in the Gothic style. Circa 1950
Wrought Iron
Spanish Handcrafted Forged Wrought Iron Oak Castle Chandelier, Mid-19th Century
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Unique handcrafted forged wrought iron and oak castle candle chandelier, Spain, mid-19th century. Wrought Iron beautifully forged in Medieval style, 8 candle holders on a rubust hand...
Wrought Iron
Large Medieval St. Wrought Iron Castle Chandelier for Dining Room or Restaurant
Located in Lisse, NL
Magnificent hand-forged castle-style eight-light chandelier, radiates quality and craftsmanship. This good quality and all hand-forged, eight-light chandelier comes with some really...
Wrought Iron
Rectangular wrought iron chandelier
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Rectangular wrought iron chandelier with golden twist trim details and original canopy.
Wrought Iron
19th Century Gothic Wrought Iron Chandelier
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Intricate wrought iron, Gothic style chandelier with foliate and floral motif.
Wrought Iron
Gothic Style Iron Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine Hand Hammered Iron Chandelier in the Gothic style. Extraordinary iron work. 16 lights. France, circa 1890. Dimensions: Height 51" Diameter 44" CW5203
Iron
Round Wrought Iron Chandelier with 8 Lights in the Gothic Style
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This 8 lights round chandelier is made of wrought iron. This is a French work in the Gothic style. Circa 1950
Wrought Iron
4 Lights Gothic Style Wrought Iron Chandelier
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice gothic style chandelier is made of wrought iron with 4 lights. This is a French work. Circa 1940
Iron
Wrought Iron Cage Chandelier With 7 lights in The Gothic Style
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice cage chandelier with 7 lights is all made of wrought iron. This is a French work in the Gothic style. Circa 1950
Wrought Iron
$2,704Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Handforged Medieval Iron Luster from a German Castle
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Handforged Medieval Iron Luster from a German Castle A very large medieval luster from a castle in South Germany. Made of handforged iron around...
Wrought Iron
Nautical Boat Ship Chandelier Wrought Iron Venetian Cocca Anseatica, circa 1900
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 2 lights. Will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the USA and appropriate sockets for all other countries and ready to hang. One of a kind ship. Wrought iron with in...
Wrought Iron
Farm House Tole Hollywood Regency Chandelier with Murano Shades Italy 1980s
By Koegl
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Add a touch of opulence to your home with this charming Chandelier. Perfect verdigris colored parts to enhance any chic or eclectic home. We'd love to see it hanging in an entryway o...
Metal
Chandelier Pendant Wrought Iron Wood Gothic Style French Design 1940s
Located in Palermo, IT
Particular Gothic style chandelier made of wrought iron and wood. Made in France in the 1940s.Please watch the video and photos carefully, thank you. Weight: 10 Kg Bulbs: 4 E14 ligh...
Wrought Iron
$3,720Sale Price / item|20% Off
Two Tiers Wrought Iron Chandelier with 8 Arms in the Gothic Style
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and unusual chandelier with 8 arms is made of wrought iron. This is a French work in the Gothic style. Circa 1920
Iron
19th Century French Gothic Forged Iron Six Candles Chandelier
Located in Paris, FR
Large decorative forged iron chandelier, late 19th century. Forged in France, circa 1890, the large chandelier can receive 6 candles (candles not provided). On wavy shapes, the chand...
Iron
Antique Gothic American Iron Hall Lantern, Circa 1900-1910
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Gothic American iron hall lantern, Circa 1900-1910.
Iron
19th Century French Gothic Black Painted Wrought Iron Six-Light Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring dramatic Old World character to an entryway, dining room, or library with this imposing antique Gothic chandelier. Crafted in France circa 1870, the substantial wrought-iron fi...
Iron
Pair of 1950s Gothic Pendant Lights W/ Hexagon Shape and White Textured Glass
Located in New York, NY
1950's Gothic style pendant lights with textured white glass. This pair of hexagon shaped steel lights with brass plating have the original patina although there some wear with the b...
Steel, Brass
Antique Neo-Medieval Wrought Iron Chandeliers, Early 20th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Élégante paire de lustres en fer forgé datant du début du XXᵉ siècle, réalisée dans la grande tradition des ateliers d’art métalliers. Chaque luminaire présente une structure circul...
Iron
19th Century French Gothic Forged Iron Eight-Light Island Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique light fixture was forged in France, circa 1890. Rectangular in shape and almost 4 feet long, the chandelier with a flat bottom, features an intricate pierced gallery with scrolled work around the perimeter, and embellished with gilt floral rosette medallions in each recessed corner; the light has the original double chains on each side connected to a crossed bar, under the top double chain. The large chandelier has eight inside arms newly wired and each iron torch light...
Iron
French Iron Chandelier, Medieval Style, Twelve Lights, Circa 1860-1869
Located in Stockbridge, GA
19th century French iron chandelier with 12 lights.
Iron
Large Vintage Gothic or Art Deco Black Wrought Iron & White Milk Glass Lights
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful large vintage gothic or Art Deco black painted wrought iron & white milk glass light fixtures. 3 total selling separately. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these a...
Wrought Iron
19th Century French Gothic Verdigris Flat Bottom Iron Eight-Light Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a kitchen island or breakfast room with this elegant antique flat bottom light fixture. Forged in France, circa 1920 and rectangular in shape, the large chandelier has eight...
Iron
Large 19th Century Solid Bronze Gothic Lantern, Six Lights, Circular
Located in Stamford, CT
A 19th/Early 20th Century Solid Bronze Gothic Lantern, Six Lights. Circular Having fine bronze escutcheons This large and impressive lantern is ...
Bronze
Large chaledeliers signed Nics Frères 1925
By Nics Freres
Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR
Nics Frères Important 8-light wrought iron Gothic-style chandelier Marked on the flat of the upper crown Circa. 1925 H. 123 cm D : 98 cm Signed. Biographical Information Active at t...
Iron
Restored Gothic Black Wrought Iron Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Gothic style chandelier made of hand forged wrought iron. It features an openwork crown finial, a heavy central ring band decorated with cutout tracery panels, and stylized foliate a...
Wrought Iron
Antique Gothic Silvered Bronze 12-Light Chandelier, Circa 1860.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Gothic Silvered Bronze 12-Light Chandelier, Circa 1860.
Bronze
$3,750 / item
Antique Chandelier, Gothic Style
Located in Atlanta, GA
Unusual iron French Gothic style two-light chandelier with shades, great for over kitchen island or billiard table. Four available. The fixture is 58 inches long x 48 inches wide wit...
Iron
Large, Magnificent and Rare Gothic Revival Silver Plated Incense Burner
Located in London, GB
A magnificent and rare Gothic Revival, Byzantine influenced antique silver plated incense burner. The highly decorative bowl, set with many coloured glass cabochon and bearing the initials I H S a symbolic monogram of Christ, is suspended from a high domed crown on six sturdy chains. Beneath the bowl is a reversed crown terminating in a reversed ring...
Silver
Extra-Large Wrought Iron Chandelier, Spain, circa 1950s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very impressive medieval-style sixteen-light wrought iron chandelier, of very large proportions, ending in stylized fleur-de-lys. Each light has a large amber-colored glass shade. ...
Iron
An Interesting Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze and Crystal “Grotesque” Chandelier
Located in Long Island City, NY
An Interesting Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze and Crystal Twenty Six Light “Grotesque” Chandelier A unique Gothic Style, drop crystal, basket chandelier with different “Grotesque” faces and designs. Twenty four tiered perimeter lights (including 6 lanterns) and two tiered interior lights. Artists began to give the tiny faces of the figures in grotesque decorations strange caricatured expressions, in a direct continuation of the medieval traditions of the drolleries in the border decorations or initials in illuminated manuscripts. From this the term began to be applied to larger caricatures, such as those of Leonardo da Vinci, and the modern sense began to develop. It is first recorded in English in 1646 from Sir Thomas Browne: “In nature there are no grotesques”. By extension backwards in time, the term became also used for the medieval originals, and in modern terminology medieval drolleries, half-human thumbnail vignettes drawn in the margins, and carved figures on buildings (that are not also waterspouts, and so gargoyles) are also called “grotesques”. A boom in the production of works of art in the grotesque genre, characterized the period 1920–1933 of German art. In contemporary illustration art, the “grotesque” figures, in the ordinary conversational sense, commonly appear in the genre grotesque art...
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
Painted Napoleon III Cast Iron Chandelier
Located in Washington, DC
Painted Napoleon III Cast Iron Chandelier from Northern France probably around Lille.
Iron
$10,359
Nexus - one tier chandelier
Located in Firenze, FI
Single-tier chandelier from the Nexus collection, crafted in burnished brass and faceted satin glass. It blends austere lines with jewel-like details, balancing tradition and modern ...
Brass
Circa 1900s Silverplate Chandelier with 5 Arms
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A vintage silverplate chandelier with a broad belly, five arms with beautiful details, original canopy. The piece came from Remains Lighting. Measurements: 32 inches high x 18...
Silver Plate
Antique French Wrought Iron Viking Long Boat Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Wrought Iron Viking Long Boat Chandelier will make an eye-catching Old World statement in any room! The solid wrought iron fixture resembles a Viking Long Boat, which...
Wrought Iron
20th Century Gothic Revival Metal Lantern with Stained Glass Crest
Located in High Point, NC
This chandelier makes its impression through dark aged bronze/iron, foliate leaf motif candelabra. It was made in Belgium during 20th Century, a lineage that shows clearly in its det...
Metal
Gothic Gilded Brass 5 Branch Chandelier This is a rare piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Gilded Brass 5 Branch Chandelier This is a rare piece, it has been converted to electricity from a Gas Ceiling Light it is an excellent qual...
Brass
$19,850Sale Price|42% Off
American Gothic-Revival Gilt-Bronze "Dragon" Chandelier in the Manner of Tiffany
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and rare American Gothic-Revival gilt bronze "Dragon" six-light figural chandelier. The elongated body in the form of a winged dragon biting on a perch with his tail wrap...
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Gothic Twelve-Light Iron Chandelier with Gilt Accents
Located in Dallas, TX
Illuminate a dining room or entryway with this impressive round chandelier. Crafted in France circa 1920, the hand-forged wrought iron fixture features twelve lights arranged around ...
Wrought Iron
Gothic Iron and Wood Chandelier, Antique 1910 Design, 5-Branch
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Superb Gothic Iron and Wood Chandelier A very handsome piece, Large Heavy and very Gothic in design, the light has 5 wide branches and would enhance the...
Iron
Pair of Nine-Light Crystal and Bronze Domed Chandelier Depicting Gargoyle
Located in North Bergen, NJ
Pair of Gothic nine-light crystal and bronze domed chandelier depicting gargoyle motif. Having one large centre glass bowl surrounded by six smaller glass bowls...
20th Century French Iron Chandelier
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
French six-armed iron chandelier, circa 1950.The arms and central shaft feature scrolling acanthus leaves in alternating directions. This chandelier has a great composition with an i...
Iron
Spanish Renaissance Style Gilt Metal Chandelier
Located in Sheffield, MA
The vintage four-branch gilt metal Gothic Revival style chandler is all curls and is newly re-wired for regular US use and has sockets that take regular bulbs. Measures: Chain: 63"...
Metal
Pendant "Cibulak", Czechoslovakia, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in the Czech Republic. Made of brass and glass. Brass shows some signs of use, such as scratch marks.
Brass