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.
$512Sale Price|50% Off
Neo-Gothic style lamp
Located in Porto, PT
Neo-Gothic style lamp. European; 20th century, made of art bronze and glass. Dimensions: (Height) 33.5 cm.
Metal
$5,350
Neo Gothic Bronze Lamp
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Neo Gothic bronze architectural fragment mounted as lamp.
Bronze
Spanish Medieval Table Lamp, Gilt Wrought Iron, Hand Forged, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Medieval Style Iron Table Lamp, Spain, 1940s Gorgeous Spanish Colonial table lamp hand forged in iron with gilt patinated finsih. Tripod standing p...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Metal
Antique Gilt Bronze Three Arm Candelabra by Cornelius & Co., 1840, USA
By Cornelius & Co.
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 ...
Bronze
19th Century French Carved Limestone Gothic Architectural Fragment Table Lamp
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
19th Century French architectural table lamp formed from a carved limestone Gothic fragment. The tapering element carved in relief with stylised foliate crockets/leafwork, later dr...
Limestone
$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
Gothic Style Brass Table Lamps with Belgium Linen Shade
Located in Sheffield, MA
Pair of antique French Gothic Revival style brass table lamps with Belgium, linen shades. Great original condition with patina. Measures: Height from bottom to top of shade 26" Dia...
Brass
Stoneware Lamp with Gothic Face
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Ceramic lamp with a gothic face. Lamp measures 19" high from base to the bottom of socket and 10" diameter. Lamp has been professionally rewired for a 3-way light bulb. We also added...
Ceramic
French 19th Century Brass Altar Candlestick Lamp and Shade
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An antique brass altar candlestick from 19th century France, that has been converted into an electrified lamp. This gorgeous fixture i...
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
Iron
$1,067Sale Price|25% Off
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
Wrought 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...
Brass
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
$1,229Sale 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
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
Antique Gothic Revival Gold Bronze Figural Candelabra Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gothic Revival Gold Bronze Figural Candelabra Table Lamps - a Pair. Item features wooden decorative candles, twin light sockets, pierced decorated frames, very nice antique p...
Brass, Bronze
1930s Brass Candlestick Table Lamp with Spikes and Ball Feet at Base
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1930s Brass Candlestick Table Lamp with Spikes and Ball Feet at Base Height to finial: 24" Height to socket: 19" Two Light Socket with pull chains Ball Feet Medieval Art Deco Needs R...
Brass
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...
Bronze
$1,200Sale Price / set|54% Off
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...
Porcelain
Pair of Vintage Etruscan Bronze Statuette Table Lamps
Located in North Miami, FL
These outstanding solid bronze hand forged Etruscan statuettes of a male and female are mounted on metal and brass bases. These lamps are simple and heavy - custom designed base and...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Heavy French Gothic Brass Table Lamps, Pair, Decorative Design, 1900
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...
Brass
$2,368Sale Price / set|20% Off
"Vintage Architectural Element Lamps, Blackened Finish, Medieval Style, Pair"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Vintage architectural element lamps, black finish. Standard Single Edison Socket 25 Watts
Cement, Stone, Brass
neoclassical table lamp in golden wrought iron circa 1950
Located in Mouscron, WHT
neoclassical table lamp in golden wrought iron circa 1950
Wrought 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....
Glass, Beech
1940s Hand-Carved Organic Midcentury Wooden Table Lamp
Located in Copenhagen, DK
1940s lacquered solid wooden table lamp with swirling organic hand-carved relief decorations around the heavy body. Smooth slender neck with wide tiered architectural top. Original b...
Wood
19th Century French Pair Of Gothic Revival Metal Table Lamps
Located in High Point, NC
This pair of 19th Century French Gothic Revival metal table lamps embodies the ornate craftsmanship of the period, drawing inspiration from medieval architecture and ecclesiastical d...
Metal
Pair of 19th Century Italian Fragment Lamps
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 19th c. Italian Carved Wood Fragments converted to Lamps. The Shades are included and are Hand Made of Parchment Paper. They are Hand Gilded and Decorated. The lamps have be...
French 19th Century Carved Marble Table Lamp of Bacchus
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French Empire style carved marble table lamp featuring a visage of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, to grace the urn of the lamp base. A new, neutral tone linen shade with pleating ...
Marble
$1,800 / set
H 23 in W 14 in D 9 in
Pair of Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Lamps, Spanish Revival Style, Spain
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking pair of hand-forged wrought iron lamps in the Spanish Revival taste, dating to the early 20th century. Each sconce features an elongated shield-form back crowned with a dr...
Wrought Iron
19th Century French Lamp
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite 19th-century French lamp is a masterpiece of Neoclassical design, combining luxurious materials with intricate craftsmanship. The base is made of finely cut crystal, s...
Bronze
$2,788
H 15.75 in W 11.82 in D 11.82 in
Camel-Brown Leather & Wrought Iron Table Lamp, Jacques Adnet Style, France 1940s
By Hermès, Jacques Adnet
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Leather Saddle Stitching & Wrought Iron Table Lamp, Jacques Adnet Style, France 1940s An exceptionally rare and elegant table lamp dating from the 1940s, with a distinctive base...
Brass, Iron, Wrought Iron
Italian Postmodern 1970's Marble & Polished Chrome Table Desk Spot Lamp
Located in San Diego, CA
Faboulous multidirectional chrome & marble spot desk Italian lamp , circa 1970's great condition we have polished and rewired the lamp nice and heavy quality .
Marble, Chrome
$1,764
H 11.82 in W 11.82 in D 11.82 in
Made-to-Order Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Table Lamp, Belgian Linen Shade
By Rose Uniacke
Located in Langenfeld (Rheinland), DE
A striking hand-forged table lamp crafted from dark wrought iron, paired with a Belgian linen shade. Each piece is made to order using traditional hand-forging techniques, inspired ...
Steel
Gothic wrought iron candelabra style floor lamp
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Gothic wrought iron candelabra style floor lamp.
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
Vintage Italian Design Table Lamp from the 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
Add a touch of retro charm to your space with this vintage table lamp inspired by the iconic design of the 1950s. This Italian-made lamp showcases a timeless aesthetic that effortles...
Brass, Iron
Spanish Designer, Table Lamp, Alabaster, Spain, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An alabaster table lamp designed and produced in Spain, c. 1940s. Dimensions (inches): 15.75” H x 9.75” diameter Bulb Specifications: E-26 Bulb Number of Sockets (per fixture): 1 ...
Alabaster
$3,850 / set
H 33 in Dm 15 in
Pair of Antique French Six Arm Candelabra, Bronze Dore on Rouge Marble Bases
Located in Montreal, QC
This pair, very much in the Louis XV style, has a number of points of interest : The six arms are arranged around the central light so there are actually seven lights, the vase shaped stem is modelled in bas-relief with leaves, and the base is a well-chosen shaped rouge griotte marble tablet...
Bronze
$4,995 / set
H 41.5 in W 9 in D 9 in
Pair P Hanson Napoleon III Gilt &Patinated Bronze Figural 5-Arm Candelabra Lamps
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of late 20th century Napoleon III style gilt and patinated bronze figural seven-light candelabra attributed to Paul Hanson. The design features female bronze figures, support...
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 28.35 in W 13.78 in D 5.12 in
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
A Silver Plated Column Lamp by The Northern Goldsmiths Company
By Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd.
Located in London, GB
A George V silver plated column lamp with octagonal base. Manufactured by the Nothern Goldsmith's Company c.1920. Re-wired with brown silk flex. Shade not included. H: 33cm to ba...
Silver Plate, Brass
Gothic Style Brass Altar Candlestick as Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
Gothic Style Brass Altar Candlestick as Lamp, with pierced floral and scalloped motif on shaped base. Overall: 44" H x 10" Diameter. Provenance: From a Fifth Avenue Collection.
Brass
A brass gothic column table lamp
Located in London, GB
England, circa 1840 An unusual mid nineteenth century single brass column lamp, decorated with Gothic tracery, supported on an octagonal base. Height of column 44.00cm Height with ...
Brass
Gothic Style Barley Twist Floor Lamp Table This is an unusual Piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Style Barley Twist Floor Lamp Table This is an unusual Piece, the base of the lamp is in the form of a small carved wine table and the lamp rises from the centre The wooden ...
Oak
Rare Mid-20th Century Bronze Iron Rose Motif Table Lamp
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautiful craftsmanship bronze / wrought iron table lamp with rose flowers and thorns in high relief to the base and shade. The lamp features a bell shaped shade of beige fabric and ...
Bronze, Iron
Pair of Massive Brass 'Trumpet' Gothic Style Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of massive brass 'Trumpet' Gothic Style lamps England, 1900s Each one of substantial size and grace, standing 35-inches tot he socket, 32.5-Inches high to the the top of the c...
Brass
Gothic Style Table Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Gothic lantern style hexagonal table lamp. Textured amber glass panes on each side sit behind scrolled elements and twisted wrought iron posts deco...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Gothic Chess Pieces Laguna Brayton Lamps 1947 Design Peter Ganine
By Ganine
Located in Palm Springs, CA
These pieces are so rare and happy to offer them in a pair of custom lamps. The King and Queen chess pieces were designed by Peter Ganine and made by Calif...
Ceramic
Heavy French Gothic Brass Table Lamp
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Heavy French Gothic brass table lamp A very decorative Chateau table lamp, the base is in the Gothic style with a wide straight upright column and a ...
Brass
Pair of Antique Solid Brass Table Lamps
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of antique table lamps in solid brass. These were made in England, they date from around the 1930’s. The quality is superb, they are very well made and are a lovel...
Brass
Unique Lamp Bronze Medieval Style Aquamanile, 1944
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Unique lamp made of Bronze, inspired by a medieval aquamanile in the shape of a lion. This lamp is made for 25 years service of Jacq. A.D.M. Daniëls as ...
Bronze
Candlestick Oak Gothic Scrollwork Pricket
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Museum quality, Gothic, oak pricket candlestick Rare survival, few candlesticks of this age and quality survive, generally only seen in museum collections - Has a tactile, aesthe...
Oak
Wrought Iron Gothic Style Candleholder, French, circa 1920
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This gothic style candleholder is made of wrought Iron. This is a very nice and fine French work, circa 1920.
Wrought Iron
Pair of Vintage Etruscan Bronze Statuette Table Lamps
Located in North Miami, FL
Patina on bronze hand forged Etruscan statues of women. Simple and heavy - custom designed base and shades, silk cable, rewired.
Bronze