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.
$1,905Sale 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
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
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
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
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
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
$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
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
19th Century French Gothic Black Painted Wrought Iron Six-Light Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring a true "Old World" flair to your dining room, entryway or den with this large and imposing light fixture. Crafted in France circa 1870 and round in shape, this antique chandeli...
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
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
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
Early 20th Century French Forged Wrought Iron 5 Light Candelabra Floor Lamp
Located in Miami, FL
Early 20th century Gothic Style French forged wrought iron 5 light candelabra floor lamp. US Rewiring and each takes a regular or LED Light bulb. Has a cord switch attached to the tw...
Wrought Iron
French Iron Chandelier, Medieval Style, Twelve Lights, Circa 1860-1869
Located in Stockbridge, GA
19th century French iron chandelier with 12 lights.
Iron
Incredible Pair of Antique French Heavy Bronze Gothic Sconces
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sensational gutsy pair of heavy antique French 3 arm sconces having gothic inspired details. Newly rewired. (Joyce)
Bronze
Vintage Spanish Gothic Hand Wrought Iron Candlestick Short Italian Floor Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Spanish Gothic Hand Wrought Iron Distressed Candlestick Short Italian Tripod Floor Lamp, Stamped Made in Italy. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 44" H (to finial) x 38"...
Wrought Iron
$1,254Sale Price|25% Off
6 Lights Wrought Iron Candlestick
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and delicate 6 lights candlestick is made of wrought iron. This is a French work. Circa 1950
Iron, Wrought Iron
Hand Forged Iron 4 Candle Candelabra Designed in the brutalist Gothic style
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Hand Forged Iron 4 Candle Candelabra Designed in the brutalist Gothic style, the candlestick is very heavy, and stable it is 6” tall, 12” in long and 6L wide TZX143
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
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
$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
$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
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 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
$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
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
$2,800 / item
Gothic Form Steel Wall Lights
Located in New York, NY
Gothic form steel wall lights, 17 available.
Steel
Antique Gothic Silvered Bronze 12-Light Chandelier, Circa 1860.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Gothic Silvered Bronze 12-Light Chandelier, Circa 1860.
Bronze
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
Antique Forged Iron Fleur-de-Lys Torchere Sconce from France, circa 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
From France, this antique forged iron torchere style sconce has a large single fleur-de-lis at the top and a thick scroll at the bottom of it. The sconce’s stem is at an angle, held to the backplate by a twisted iron bar. There is a flame style glass...
Iron
Gothic Iron Castle Wall Light, Antique 19th Century Electric Fixture
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large and Heavy Gothic Iron Castle Wall Light This wonderful piece is made in iron, it was originally powered by gas, it has now been converted to electricity We have added a large...
Iron
Pair of 19th Century Italian Medieval Style One-Arm Sconces
Located in New Orleans, LA
A pair of carved, painted and gilded sconces in the Medieval style. 19th century Italian.
Wood
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
Pair Of Bronze Candlesticks, Late 18th/early 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Pair of bronze candlesticks on a tripod base resting on lion's paws, and at the top, the point used to fix the candle Period late 18th early 19th century Wear from use, one of the ...
Bronze
Pair of Monumental 19th Century Medieval Style Brass Candelabra
Located in Troy, NY
Pair of massive Gothic style brass candelabra of impressive size. Can be electrified or used to hold large pillar candles.
Brass
A Large Iron Candle Stick or Torchère This is a Tall Torchere
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Large Iron Candle Stick or Torchère This is a Tall Torchere, it takes 4 candles and will give height to spread the candle light source The stand is blacksmith made and very heavy,...
Iron
A Superb French Gothic Iron Entrance Wall Light
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Superb French Gothic Iron Entrance Wall Light A very handsome French iron wall light with a glass flame shade, the light is set at a slight incline and would enhance the entrance...
Iron
$10,223
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
Vintage Gothic Lions Head Sconce
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage wall sconce is a masterful blend of Hollywood Regency glamour and Gothic Revival theatricality. The fixture is anchored by a commanding cast metal lion’s head, ...
Brass
French Gothic Iron Wall Light, Antique Design, Circa 1900, Heavy Duty
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Superb French Gothic Iron Wall Light A very handsome Large Heavy French wall light, the light is set at a slight incline and would enhance the entrance ...
Iron
Pair of Large Twisted Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Wall Sconces
Located in Troy, NY
Large hand-forged twisted wrought iron wall sconces, timeless, bold and Stark appearance, exclusively designed for the Fortress, each sconce is individually hand-forged by local arti...
Iron
19th Century Blacksmith Made Gothic Wrought Iron Floor Lamp
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Blacksmith Made Gothic wrought iron floor lamp This is a very unusual Gothic Wrought Iron Floor Lamp the stand is blacksmith made, it stands on 3 feet and takes a wax candle which sits in the centre sconce...
Iron
Antique Gothic Renaissance Oscar Bach Style Bronze Paw Foot Pole Floor Lamp
By Artistic Brass & BZ Wks NYC
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique French Gothic Renaissance Oscar Bach Style Bronze Paw Foot Pole Floor Lamp by...
Bronze
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
$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
Gothic Wrought Iron Floor Lamp, Blacksmith Made, 50\" Tall
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Blacksmith made Gothic wrought iron floor lamp This is a very unusual Gothic Wrought Iron Floor Lamp the Stand is blacksmith made, it stands on 4 feet and takes a 2” diameter wa...
Iron
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
Nexus - double wall light
Located in Firenze, FI
A decorative LED wall fixture with a curved brass arm emerging from a central circular mount. The light is housed within vertical satin-finish glass tubes, radiating a soft, even glow. A blue enamel insert at the center echoes the collection's signature palette, evoking refined Art Deco accents and the elegance of a reimagined medieval torch.
Earthenware, Glass
Pair of Early 20th Century Forged Polished Iron Wall Torchere Sconces
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a powder room or an entry way with this elegant pair of antiques wall torcheres lights. Crafted in France, circa 1920, each narrow fixture made...
Iron
$14,500 / set
Pair of Large Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Wall Sconces
Located in Troy, NY
Large, hand-forged wrought iron wall sconces, timeless, bold and stark appearance, exclusively designed by the Fortress, each sconce is individually hand-forged by local artisans; sm...
Iron
Set of Four Neo-Gothic Iron Sconces, France, 1940s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Large and unusual set of four Gothic inspired sconces displaying striking ironwork. Each sconce has three arms. Can be wired.
Pair of 1970s Italian Wall Lights Gothic Hand Sconces Brass Metal
By Gio Ponti
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Striking pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1970s, crafted in metal and brass with a distinctive hand-shaped design. The sculptural form recalls a Gothic decorative language, whil...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Set Of Eight Mediaeval Bronze Sconces, Great For A Wine Cellar. Priced per sconc
Located in Buchanan, MI
Set Of Eight Mediaeval Bronze Sconces, Great For A Wine Cellar. Priced per sconce. Original wirring.
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
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
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
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
$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
Nexus - wireless table lamp
Located in Firenze, FI
Compact and sculptural, this wireless lamp features a circular brass base and a curved arm that encloses a vertical satin-finish glass LED light source. A blue enamel accent punctuat...
Brass
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