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.
$2,046Sale Price|20% Off
Spanish Revival Gilt Iron and Amber Glass Wall Lantern / Wall Sconce, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Revival Hand Forged Wall Hanging Lantern / Wall Sconce in Gilt Iron Sculptural gilt iron wall sconce / lantern with amber blown glass cylinder lampshade, Spain, 1940s This spanish hanging...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
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
$1,600 / set
St. Marks Gothic Wall Lantern
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This wrought iron Gothic Lantern was made for a private chapel in France. We also made matching pendants that are availalble. The Bronze finish and Honey opal...
Wrought Iron
$4,328Sale Price|20% Off
Large French Decorated Gothic Hall Lantern Ceiling Light
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large French Decorated Gothic Hall Lantern Ceiling Light This is a Large and Very Heavy Hall Lantern it is a Classic Elaborate Gothic Design decorated with animals Caryatid and symb...
Brass
Pair Heavy Weight Solid Brass Polished Bronze Gothic Twisted 8 Light Lanterns
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of heavy-weight solid brass polished bronze Gothic-style 8-light lanterns combines luxury, durability, and intricate craftsmanship to create a statement of elegance for any...
Bronze
Vintage Gothic Gilt Lantern
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a dramatic architectural statement in your home with this monumental vintage Gothic Revival lantern. This commanding fixture features an open-cage design constructed from sturdy...
Iron
Large 19th Century Solid Bronze Gothic Lantern, Six Lights, Circular
Located in Manhasset, NY
A 19th/Early 20th Century Solid Bronze Gothic Lantern, Six Lights. Circular Having fine bronze escutcheons This large and impressive lantern is ...
Bronze
20th Century French Lantern
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant 20th-century French lantern showcases the timeless artistry of wrought iron craftsmanship. Its intricate scrollwork features delicate curves and flourishes, creating a s...
Iron
Rare 1920's Bronze lantern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful and rare 1920's bronze lantern, the patina is so much nicer in person
Bronze
Beautiful 1920s Gothic Wood Lantern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful Gothic lantern, the patina of the wood is beautiful, the height of the light is with out the chain.
Metal
$2,164Sale Price|20% Off
An Old Decorative Green Man Copper Lantern This old Hall Lantern has 6 sides
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
An Old Decorative Green Man Copper Lantern This very old Hall Lantern has 6 bevelled glass sides This very unusual Baroque light is wired for electricity, it has the mask of the gr...
Copper
Pair of 19th Century Repousse Brass Hall Lanterns in the Moorish Taste
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of late 19th Century Belgian repousse brass hall lanterns in the Moorish taste. Circa 1880.
Brass
$1,196Sale Price / item|20% Off
Large Patinated Gothic Style Hexagonal Lantern, Rewired, Second Available
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Patinated Gothic Style Hexagonal Lantern, Rewired Sold Individually USA, circa 1920s Standing 42-Inches tall, executed in patinated metal, with Holy Cross finial, with pierc...
Metal
$4,204Sale Price / set|20% Off
Spanish Medieval Style Wall Sconces in Gilt Hand Forged Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Medieval style hand forged uplighter torch wall sconces, 1930s. Rare hand forged iron gothic inspired cylinder wall lights with terrific aged patina showing the original gold leaf gilding. This pair of medieval iron...
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron
Pair of 19th Century gothic English lights
Located in London, GB
Pair of 19th Century gothic English lights Dimensions: H 10.5” x W 5.5” x D 5.5” Chain drop 20” Weight: 5kg pair Date: Late 19th Century Origin: English Material: Metal and glass ...
Metal
$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
$5,194Sale Price|20% Off
French Arts and Crafts Gothic Hall Lantern Ceiling Light
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large French Arts and Crafts Gothic Hall Lantern Ceiling Light This is a very Large and Heavy Hall Lantern it is a Classic Designed and signed E...
Brass
$600Sale Price|24% Off
Gothic Pendant from the Magic Kingdom Collection
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This authentic Wrought Iron Gothic Lantern was originally made for a theme park in Anaheim Ca. The intricate forged iron lantern is composed of over 50 individual handmade parts. ...
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
Antique Gothic American Iron Hall Lantern, Circa 1900-1910
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Gothic American iron hall lantern, Circa 1900-1910.
Iron
$4,500 / set
One Pair of Lime Painted Gothic Lanterns
Located in Washington, DC
One pair of very unusual pine lime painted wooden gothic lanterns glass to either side and the bottom.
Glass, Wood
$4,900 / item
Pair of Lime Painted Gothic Lanterns
Located in Washington, DC
A pair of very unusual pine lime painted wooden Gothic lanterns. Glass to either side and the bottom.
Iron
Pair of Solid Brass Wall Lantern
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Elegant pair of wall lantern hand crafted from brass with three 40/watt light each. Suitable for wet locations, electrified and ready to use . Beautiful decorative pair of lantern indoor...
Brass
19th Century Mexican San Miguel Wrought Iron Lantern
Located in Forney, TX
A most impressive and ornately decorated antique electrified hanging lantern from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (New Spain). Exquisitely hand-crafted in the 19th century (possibly late 18th century), even though San Miguel was the first town in present day Mexico to win independence from the Spanish Empire in the early nineteenth century, this lantern displays strong European old world influence. Constructed of wonderfully patinated wrought iron and oxidized tin, tall cylindrical shaped, framed with intricate scrollwork, openwork, and an abundance of fiolate decoration in the delicate form of serrated acanthus leaves. Retaining the six original bubble glass panels. The interior having a central candelabra like independently hung fixture adorned with six faux candle flame light bulbs. Originally made before the invention of electricity, this lantern has been converted from candle light to modern day electricity, accepting standard candelabra bulbs. Faux flaming bulbs included. It can be used a variety of ways, including as an indoor hanging pendant lamp, chandelier, outdoor patio or covered entry way, or placed as a table lamp on a large console table or sideboard. Timelessly elegant, producing a warm silhouette and enchanting glow with breath-taking radiating patterns, that lends to creating an ambiance of cozy romantic warmth and rich sophisticated depth, visually striking and reminiscent of a magnificent Medieval wood burning fireplace. Dimensions (approx): 36" High, 21" Diameter In the mid-18th century the settlement city of San Miguel de Allende was at its height, and this was when most of its distinctive large mansions, palaces, and religious buildings were constructed, most still remaining today. The town was also home to the area's wealthy hacienda owners. At that time, it was one of the most important and prosperous settlements in New Spain with a population reaching 30,000. By comparison, in the mid-18th century Boston...
Wrought Iron, Tin
$1,127 / set
H 16.93 in W 5.12 in D 6.3 in
Gothic Revival Wall Sconces, Gilt Iron, Spain, 1940s, Red Shades
Located in Barntrup, DE
A beautiful pair of Gothic Revival style gilt-wrought iron wall sconces with red lampshades (new), Spain, 1940s. Each wall light fixture has one socket for E14-size light bulb. Dimen...
Wrought Iron
$2,803
H 45.28 in W 16.15 in D 8.27 in
Large Italian Art Deco Wrought Iron Lantern, Paolo Buffa Style. 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Argelato, BO
Large Italian Art Deco Lantern in the style of Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1940s This is a highly elegant piece, crafted thanks to the remarkable technical expertise of Italian craftsmen. T...
Wrought Iron
Italian 1940s Brass and Glass 6 Sided Lantern
Located in Montclair, NY
A beautiful Italian 1940s six sides glass panel and brass lantern with crown top. Original chain and ceiling canopy. Lantern body measures 8" in diameter, 24.5" height, from top of c...
Brass
American Wrought Iron and Gilt Monumental Hanging Lantern, Circa 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
American wrought iron and gilt three-light hanging lantern with six-paneled glass sides, decorative gilt acanthus and floral medallions, adorned with upper and lower scrolled spikes ...
Vintage Polished Brass Lanterns - a Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fabulous pair of vintage Boho brass lanterns. Chic polished brass frame with inset glass panels. 3 sets available on my Chairish page. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Brass
On Hold|$3,950
H 30 in W 14 in D 14 in
French 1890s Iron and Copper Wall Lantern with Four Lights and Scrolling Bracket
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French iron wall lantern from the late 19th century, with four lights, glass panels, and scrolling bracket. Created in France during the last decade of the 19th century at a time w...
Brass, Iron, Copper
$1,800 / set
H 15 in W 10 in D 7 in
Pair of Antique Italian Giltwood Wall Sconces, Carved Lantern Design
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of carved painted and giltwood five-panel one-light wall sconces formed as flush mounted half lanterns; recently rewired.
Giltwood, Glass
$2,780 / item
H 14.25 in W 11 in D 12 in
Spanish Influenced Top Cresting Wrought Iron Exterior Lantern Wall Mount
By Britt Jewett
Located in Santa Paula, CA
Designed to pair with the historic Oreña Adobe in Santa Barbara, a Spanish influenced top cresting, sharp geometries and six-sided tapered shape. B...
Wrought Iron
Classic Solid Copper & Brass Hanging Pendant / Lantern Light
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Capture the timeless elegance of this authentic vintage lantern. Originally crafted as a classic outdoor wall-mounted sconce, this piece has been converted into a stunning ceiling ...
Brass, Copper
Hand-Crafted Solid Brass Wall Lantern, UL Approved, 21st Century
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Quality Single hanging wall lantern made of solid brass with two 60/watt lights UL approved up to US code , suitable for wet location. Beautiful patina .
Brass
Pair of English Vintage Lanterns
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Pair of vintage 20th century glass and steel lanterns from England. This striking ensemble of light fixtures bears a vaguely Gothic influence in their hexagonal shape, made of textur...
Steel
Set of Four English Vintage Lanterns
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Set of four vintage 20th century glass and steel lanterns from England. This striking ensemble of light fixtures bears a vaguely Gothic influence in their hexagonal shape, made of te...
Steel
Petite Italian Gothic Filigree Lantern w/ Red Orange Glass
Located in San Francisco, CA
A small hanging lantern with deep orange and red glass panels, handmade in a tapered, four-sided frame with an abundance of delicately cured wro...
Brass, Wrought Iron
19th Century Spanish Gothic Style Wrought Iron Portico Lantern.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th Century Spanish Gothic Style Wrought Iron Portico Lantern. Antique hand forged iron Gothic style hanging lantern from Spain circa 1890. It i...
Wrought Iron
Early Newyork Subway Train Station 32” Bronze Lantern Light
Located in Bensalem, PA
This is a truly amazing piece of New York City subway history solid bronze lantern with 2 sets of 4 original acrylic subway inserts black and white this does not have any wiring or s...
Bronze
Midcentury French Gothic Verdigris and Bronze Iron Four-Light Ceiling Lantern
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1970, and round in shape with olive form, the two-tone lantern features a scrolled top, and is decorated with a pierced ornate body embellished with acanthus ...
Iron
Pair of Cast Iron Garden / Entry Exterior Gothic Light
Located in Surrey, BC
a beautiful pair of complete cast iron post lights ideal for a garden / driveway posts entry etc. found in New jersey years a go. they have been rewired and ...
Iron
Handsome Large Outdoor Iron Lantern with Seeded Glass
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Large handsome iron outdoor lantern having medieval gothic style, seeded glass panels and 4 chunky resin candle style lights inside.
Iron
Large Decorative French Hall Lantern
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large decorative French hall lantern This is a very large Hallway or Porch Lantern it has 6 sides, at the top it is decorated with Fleur des Lys...
Glass
Antique Gothic Gilt Bronze Hall Lantern
Located in Lymington, GB
A very smart English 19th-century Gothic gilt-bronze hall lantern. George IV-period, circa 1820-1830. In superb condition. Later adapted with a 3-way center and wiring. A chic Georgian addition to a hallway, entry or foyer. Measures: H 2’3” (69 cm) W 12 ½” (31 cm) D 12 ½” (31 cm). Nb: A very similar antique Gothic lantern...
Bronze
English Brass Lantern in the Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
A compact lantern styled in the Gothic taste, with four clear glass panels and three arm branch. English, mid 20th century.
Brass
French Gothic Church Sanctuary Lamp Chandelier, circa 1890
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing one light, will be rewired with certified UL US socket for the USA and certified socket for other countries and ready to hang. Flame light bulb not included. Brass detailing ...
Brass