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.
Wrought Iron & Opaline Glass Pendant, Finland, 1930s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A finely crafted pendant light that pairs hand-forged wrought iron with a softly glowing opaline glass shade. The structure is elegant and slightly ornamental, with subtle botanical ...
Wrought Iron
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
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 ...
Brass, Metal
Pair of Gothic Style Wrought Iron Wall Lights, circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice pair of wall lights is made of wrought iron. This is a French work in the Gothic Style (Indicated height without candles). Circa 1940 Additional Information: Material: Wro...
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
$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
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
Italian Tuscan Medici Coat of Arms Metal Florentine Sconces c 1900 Fleur Di Lis
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 2 lights each. These will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the USA and appropriate sockets for every other country. and ready to hang. These Medici coat of arms sc...
Metal
Gothic wrought iron candelabra style floor lamp
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Gothic wrought iron candelabra style floor lamp.
Wrought Iron
A pair of Extruder Skull Table Lamps, designed by the luxury brand Eichholtz
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Extruder Skull Table Lamps, designed by the luxury brand Eichholtz. Characterized by their edgy, macabre aesthetic, they feature a highly detailed, ha...
Metal
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
$3,027 / set
Set of 4 Wrought Iron Wall Lights, circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
Set of 4 wrought iron wall lights. French work (Indicated height without candles). Circa 1940 Additional Information: Material: Wrought Iron Period: Circa 1940 Dimensions: W: 4.13 x...
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-Revival Gilt Bronze Sanctuary Chandlier
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
French 19th Century Gothic Style Bronze Chandelier
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stunning 6-light Byzantine/Gothic-style bronze chandelier from France, 19th century if not earlier. The dramatic fixture has a multifoil shaped ring from which the six lights rise ...
Bronze
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
Antique Pair of Bronze Medieval Revival, Former Church Candlestick Table Lamps
Located in Lisse, NL
Good size, great quality, antique bronze table lamps with an amazing patina. We are always on the lookout for antiques that have something ...
Bronze
$1,128Sale 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
Pair of Gothic Style Wrought Iron Wall Lights, c.1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and elegant pair of wall lights is made of wrought iron. This is a French work in the Gothic Style (Indicated height without candles). Circa 1940 Additional Information: ...
Wrought Iron
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Table Lamp Converted from the Carriage antique Spot Light
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique Italian table lamp used in the 1900 s like the carriage spot light working on the petroleum .Lamp have the Murano glass behind the b...
Brass, Bronze
Monumental Cast Bronze Exterior Lanterns By The General Electric Company
By General Electric Company (GEC) 1
Located in Nottingham, GB
MONUMENTAL CAST BRONZE EXTERIOR LANTERNS BY THE GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY Run of Four – Formerly Installed at the G.E.C Factory, Swinton, South Yorkshire An exceptionally rare survi...
Bronze
Vintage Gothic Gold Painted Metal & White Hanging Light Fixtures Sold Separate
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage Gothic Ecclesiastical gold painted metal & white & red plastic hanging light fixtures, selling separately. Beautiful condition, ...
Metal
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 Wrought Iron Wall Lights with Coat of Arms and 2 Light Arms, circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice pair of wrought iron wall lights with coat of arms and 2 light arms. This is a French work in the Gothic Style. Circa 1940 Additional Information: Material: Wrought iron S...
Wrought 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
Gothic Style Spanish 1940's Eight Light Chandelier
Located in Buchanan, NY
This unusual Spanish 1940s medieval style iron chandelier features a sturdy frame with eight torchiere arms suspended from an ornate hanger. The fixture has been recently wired to ac...
Iron
1890 French Big Winged Standing Dragon Wrought Iron Sconces
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing one light each. These will be newly rewired with certified US UL sockets for the USA and appropriate sockets for all other countries. Standing winged dragons with lots of det...
Wrought Iron
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
Rare Pair Artistic Design Hand Crafted Wrought Iron Dragon Wall Sconce Light
Located in Lisse, NL
Monumental pair of hand-forged wrought iron dragon wall sconces .. masterpiece craftsmanship. Why We Love It: Because drama meets craftsmanship in...
Wrought Iron
Antique French Gilt Metal Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique French Gilt Metal Chandelier Country: France Materials: Gilt Metal Condition: Shows Patina From Age Style: French Gothic Year: 1950’s $1,895 Dimensions: 30”H x 24”W x 24”D
Metal
Rare Antique Gothic Revival Bronze 12 Candle Chandelier with Gargoyle Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and stunning 19th century copy of a 16th century Gothic art chandelier. With another year of selling rare and beautiful antiques almost over, we are proud to offer you one of...
Bronze
$1,800
Gothic Iron Chandelier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large Gothic style wrought iron chandelier boasting eight sockets, four on arms and four inset. Beautiful scrolling iron work, including gargoyle heads on each arm. Please confirm lo...
Wrought Iron
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
$3,080Sale Price|30% Off
Rare Antique Hubbell Carved Oak Figural Dolphins Library Column Floor Lamp
By Hubbell
Located in Dayton, OH
A rare and one of a kind antique figural carved oak floor lamp, circa 1920s. Meticulously carved with amazing detail throughout. Features a swiss guard with torchiere staff atop a sq...
Oak
Spanish Hand Forged Iron and Wood Medieval Inspired Torch Wall Sconce, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Medieval style three-light torch wall sconce in iron and wood, Spain, 1940s This wall sconce features a wooden backplate holding three hand forged iron branches with naturalistic des...
Iron, Wrought Iron
19th C. French Wrought Iron Twelve-Light Chandelier with Fleur-de-Lys Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this large antique light fixture over a dining table, or in a den. Forged in Normandy France circa 1880, and almost four feet in diameter, the large chandelier built of solid w...
Iron
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
$3,985Sale 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
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
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
$9,482Sale 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
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
$1,663Sale Price|24% Off
Wrought Iron Floor Lamp with 7 Lights, French, Circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice 7 lights candelabras floor lamp is made of wrought iron. This is a French work. Circa 1940.
Wrought Iron
Antique Giacometti Style Brass Bronze Fleur de Lis Gothic Pole Floor Lamp - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique Giacometti Style Bronze Fleur de Lis Gothic Pole Floor Lamps - a Pair. Very r...
Bronze
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...
Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron, Iron
A set of 4 French large Gothic style iron wall sconces, C. 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A striking set of four sconces. Each sconce features a pair of scrolling arms, each supporting a single electrified candle, flanking a central vertical support accented with brass de...
Metal, Brass, Iron
$1,947Sale 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
$396Sale Price|20% Off
Neo Gothic Medieval Style Carved Wood Wall Candle Holder or Torchere
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Neo Gothic Medieval Style Carved Wood Wall Candle Holder or Torchere. This imposing wooden candle holder seamlessly combines natural beauty with functionality, featuring a sturdy des...
Oak
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
Antique French Renaissance Art Nouveau Iron Floral Lantern Pole Floor Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique French Renaissance Art Nouveau Iron Lea...
Wrought Iron
Large Pair of Wrought Iron Wall Lights with Coat of Arms and 3 Light Arms
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This large pair of 3 light arms wall lights is decorated with coat of arms. These wall sconces are made of wrought iron. This is a French work in the Gothic Style. Circa 1940
Wrought Iron
Pair of 19th Century Gothic Bronze Verdigris Lantern Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique Gothic style lantern sconces made of verdigris bronze and opaque textured glass. One pane is missing and will be replaced when purchased. The lights are cleaned and r...
Bronze
Pair of Gothic Style Wrought Iron Wall Lights with 2 Arms, circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice pair of wall lights with 2 Arms is made of wrought iron. This is a French work in the Gothic Style (Indicated Height without candles). Circa 1940 Additional Information: M...
Wrought 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
1920's Oscar Bach Gothic style Brown Patinated Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900 Oscar Bach bronze double light sconces, brown patinated finish
Bronze
$5,350
Neo Gothic Bronze Lamp
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Neo Gothic bronze architectural fragment mounted as lamp.
Bronze
$11,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of 12' Polychromed Plaster Angel 14-Light Candelabra / Lamps on Pedestals
By Daprato Rigali Studios
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of 12' polychromed plaster angel 14-light candelabra / lamps on pedestals Subtle and dramatic, impressive in size and well executed. Each angel sta...
Brass
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
$10,449
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
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