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Medieval Lighting

MEDIEVAL STYLE

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.

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Style: Medieval
Pair Of Antique Cornelius Gilt Bronze And Crystal Three Arm Candelabra
Located in New Orleans, LA
An exquisite, period pair of antique Cornelius and Company gilt bronze three arm candlesticks, Philadelphia, circa 1840, having been electrified ...
Category

1840s American Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Bronze

A Pair of Heavy French Gothic Brass Table Lamps
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Pair of Heavy French Gothic Brass Table Lamps A pair of very decorative Chateau table lamps, the bases are in the Gothic style with a wide 3 footed base and an elaborate centre...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Brass

Early 20th C Etched Gothic Motif White Glass Pendant Light
Located in New York, NY
Single pendant light featuring an etched arched Gothic design on the white shade. Original brass fitter and iron hardware. This can be seen at our 400 Gilligan St location in Scranto...
Category

Early 20th Century American Medieval Lighting

Materials

Brass, Iron

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...
Category

Early 20th Century American Medieval Lighting

Materials

Brass

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 ...
Category

19th Century Dutch Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Gothic Revival Figural Bronze Candlestick Table Lamp by Leandri
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gothic French Renaissance Figural Bronze Tall Candlestick Table Lamp by "Leandri". Item features the original French foundry mark, stunning cast bronze figures of winged grif...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century Neo-Gothic Italian Wrought Iron Dragon Wall Lights
Located in Hastings, GB
An incredible pair of late 19th century wrought iron wall lights/ torchiere's. This stunning pair of hand crafted Dragons are attributed to the Italian Master Ironworker Alessandro Mazzucotelli. These would have originally been holding candles but have been cleverly adapted to become the most unique pair of wall lights. Each Dragon grapsing two torchieres housing a single e114 (small screw in lamp holder) on each. They have been fully rewired and PAT tested. Wear and Patina commensurate with age 42cm Height, 30.5cm Width, 27.5cm Depth Mazzucotelli was born in Lodi to Giovanni Valente, an Iron Merchant originally from Locatello di valle Imagna, and Rosa Caprara. At the age of 18 he moved to Milan as an apprentice with his brother Carlo in the blacksmith store of Defendente Oriani, which he later took over in 1891. From 1902 to 1908 the company running the shop was called Mazzucotelli-Engelmann; later he worked alone, first in via Ponchielli and then in 1909 at Biocca Mazzucotelli collaborated with architects such as Giuseppe Sommaruga,Gaetano Moretti, Ernesto Pirovano, Franco Oliva, Ulisse...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

Maison Baguès Red Signed Crystal Flowers Sconces, Wrought Iron, circa 1900
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 2 lights each, will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the USA and certified sockets for other countries and ready to hang. Wrought iron in construction. Adorning 3 ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Wrought Iron

Late 19th Century Gilt Wrought Iron Medieval Style Four-Light Chandelier
Located in Barntrup, DE
Late 19th century gilt wrought iron medieval style four-light chandelier An impressive and heavy medieval-style castle design gilt wrought iron four-light chandelier from the late 1...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron, Metal

Late 19th Century French Gilt Wrought Iron Sconces, Set of 2
Located in Barntrup, DE
Late 19th-century French gilt wrought iron two-light sconces, set of two. A beautiful pair of Medieval style sconces, France, from the late 19th century. These wrought iron wall lamp...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel

Atelier Ciani Florence Italy prod. years 80' medieval stylish wall lamp bronze
Located in Biella, IT
Atelier Ciani Florence Italy design production years 80' medieval stylish sconce in brass & bronze wrought
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

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...
Category

20th Century French Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

Beautiful French Late 19th Century Gothic/Church Bronze / Brass Light
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful late 19th century church light, the patina is so much nicer in person, originally it was for candle, but was converted to electricity, can be ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze

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...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Large wall lamp with sword, 1950's
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A large wall lamp with a metal sword in wrought iron is a unique and original choice for a home. This lamp has a beautiful design that creates a medieval atmosphere. The sword is ma...
Category

1950s French Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

5 Lights Wrought Iron Candlestick
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice 5 lights candlestick. is made of wrought iron. This is a French work. Circa 1950
Category

1950s French Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wrought 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
Category

1920s American Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Bronze

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
Category

1950s French Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

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...
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique, French, Folk Art, wrought iron gothic chandelier. Circa early 1900's
Located in CARENTAN-LES-MARAIS, FR
Sourced in the Mayenne department of France, this wonderful Folk Art, wrought iron, chandelier captures the essence of the Gothic style with its featured dragon and serpent twisted and sculptured bodywork. The high quality craftsmanship and detailing, including the spiralled candle holders...
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

18th century 5 Branch Wall Sconce Candelabra
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
18th century 5 Branch Wall Sconce Candelabra This is a very large antique wall candle sconce, the sconce is highly decorated in the gothic style, there are 5 heavy arms to this ver...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Unique Pair of Elegant Vessels in a Soft Patina Metal Finish
Located in Bronx, NY
A unique pair of elegant vessels in a soft patina metal finish with lamp application. Our lamps have the unique distinction of being comprised of vases an...
Category

1970s European Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Porcelain

Large Wrought Iron Wall Sconce, French, circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This decorative single large wall light is made of wrought iron. This is a French work, circa 1950.
Category

1950s French Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Gothic Wrought Iron & Bronze 2 Arm Wall Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Antique Gothic wall sconces with two arms each in a wrought iron and bronze construction. Each sconce requires two candelabra light bulbs. ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Medieval Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Wrought Iron

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...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

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 ...
Category

Late 18th Century European Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Large Neo Gothic Style Cast Iron Two Arms Wall Sconce
Located in Plainview, NY
An exceptional Neo Gothic large size wall scone. The wall sconce has two large arms, each arm ending in a candelabra light with a custom made French style shade. The iron cast sconce...
Category

Late 20th Century Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Gothic Chandelier Pendant Hexagon Witco Style
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Great period piece of modern Medieval lighting. Faux hewn wood in hexagon form. Metal shades supported with metal crown stantions. Center spot light for nice downlighting. Source fro...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Medieval Lighting

Materials

Metal

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...
Category

1950s American Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Steel, Brass

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.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

Late 20th Century Medieval Lighting

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...
Category

1930s Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

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...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

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"...
Category

20th Century Medieval Lighting

Materials

Metal

Italian antique carved wood and yellow fabric floor lamps or torch holders, 1500
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian antique carved wood and yellow fabric floor lamps or torch holders, 1500. Pair of floor lamps or torch holders with dark patina wooden structure, finely carved, and yellow fa...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Atelier Ciani Florence Italy design prod. years 80' medieval stylish wall lamp
Located in Biella, IT
atelier Ciani design Florence Italy production years 80' medieval stylish wall lamp in brass & wrought iron
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

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...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Painted Napoleon III Cast Iron Chandelier
Located in Washington, DC
Painted Napoleon III Cast Iron Chandelier from Northern France probably around Lille.
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

Wrought Iron and Gold Votive Candelabra Electrified or Table Lamp
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Large size 57x28x22 cm This very beautiful wrought iron and gold candelabra with two side candles and another electrified central candle This is an ...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

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. ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

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...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Silver

Blacksmith Made Gothic Wrought Iron Floor Lamp
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...
Category

Early 20th Century Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

Tall Heavy Gothic Table Lamp A very decorative table lamp
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Tall Heavy Gothic Table Lamp A very decorative table lamp, the base is in age darkened brass and in the Gothic style standing on claw feet and acanthus decoration around the colu...
Category

1930s Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Brass

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
Category

1960s Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

Gothic Form Steel Wall Lights
Located in New York, NY
Gothic form steel wall lights, 17 available.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Medieval Lighting

Materials

Steel

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.
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

1970s Modern Gothic Metal 4 Light Chandelier
Located in Pasadena, CA
Iron 4 light 4 arm chandelier with wax candle shades with electrically lit lighting. The hook shaped arms extend generously outward and offer a glow thro...
Category

Late 20th Century American Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

A Superb French Gothic Iron Wall Light
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 ...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

Pair Of Vintage Cast Brass Candleholders, Wall Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair Of Vintage Cast Brass Double Swing Arm Candleholders, Wall Sconces, Gothic Fleurs De Lis, Circa 19th Century
Category

1950s French Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Brass

A Superb Gothic Iron and Wood Chandelier
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...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Gothic Forged Iron Five-Light Floor Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a study of office with this elegant floor fixture. Crafted in southern France, circa 1860, the candelabra lamp stands on a tripod base ending with three feet. The twisted st...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

A 19th/Early 20th 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...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Vintage Architectural Element Lamps
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Vintage architectural element lamps, black finish.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Medieval Lighting

Materials

Cement, Stone, Brass

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.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

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...
Category

1930s French Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

Pair of Medieval Style Jeweled Lamps, France, circa 1930s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Fabulous and whimsical pair of lamps with three lights each. They are made of beechwood, painted gold, with geometric patterning, and are decorated with coloured cut-glass cabochons....
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Lighting

Materials

Glass, Beech

Medieval lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval lighting for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval lighting made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original lighting, popular names associated with this style include Edward F. Caldwell & Co., Maison Baguès, Oscar Bruno Bach, and Schonbek. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for lighting differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $200 and tops out at $37,500 while the average work can sell for $2,900.

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