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.
$680Sale Price|45% Off
Ornate Gothic Style Gilded Mirror with Cherub and Masks
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Dramatic Gothic style aged mirror having central cherub at the top, ornate frame and two mask like faces on each side. Mirror has natural spiderwebs and mercury with fabulous moody ...
Gesso, Wood
Rare & Beautifully Hand-Carved Antique Dutch Arts & Crafts Beveled Wall Mirror
Located in Lisse, NL
Striking wall mirror with handcarved geometrical 'flowers' and trefoil symbols. Via one of our foreign contacts we recently purchased this perfectly fine and deeply handcarved, sc...
Mirror, Wood
Spanish Revival Wall Mirror with Medieval Knight Shaped Frame in Walnut Wood
Located in Barcelona, ES
Medieval Inspired wall mirror, Carved Walnut Wood, Spain, 1930s. One of a kind carved walnut mirror framed by a spanish knight. This finely carved wall ...
Wood, Walnut
Circa 1880 Wood Pair of Mahogany Gothic Mirrors in Original Patina
Located in High Point, NC
Here is a pair of mirrors, its dark mahogany gothic tracery frame, arched the first thing to catch the eye. Dating to 1880s and originating from France, it reflects the design sensib...
Glass, Mahogany
Gothic Window Pane Mirror in Burr Walnut Frame from England (H 37 3/4 x W 17)
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome large rectangular window pane paneled mirror from England - featuring a burl walnut frame with decorative inlaid accents, gothic arches, and aged mirrored glass. The pane...
Mirror, Wood, Burl, Glass, Walnut
17th C Style Roman Castle Giltwood Frieze Mirror By Gustav Carroll
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
17th C Style Roman Castle Giltwood Frieze Mirror By Gustav Carroll
Giltwood
Portal Mirror – Hand Carved Modern Gothic Style Polished Bronze Wall Mirror
By Realm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Inspired by ancient mirrors, the Portal Mirror is imbued with tarnished aura. Inviting onlookers to the fantastical vision of Realm, this mirror adds a decadent and ritualistic ambia...
Bronze
1920s Italian Gothic Mirror Console with Contemporary Gold Leaf by Paolo Lumini
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Italian Gothic gold leaf mirror console with black marble top 1920s. Statement piece completely cover in gold leaf by Paolo Lumini, he restored the all piece giving a a completely f...
Marble, Gold Leaf
Gothic Architectural Style Mirror with Carved Tracery, Large Scale 59.5 Inches
Located in Stamford, CT
Gothic style stained pine wall mirror with dentil crown molding on top and delicate Gothic tracery over the glass, reminiscent of a stained glass window. A very handsome large scale ...
Glass, Pine
A Fine Mid 19th Century Hand Carved Gothic Style Oak Wood Mirror
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Fine Mid 19th Century Hand Carved Gothic Style Oak Wood Mirror The large and excellent quality beveled mirror of oval form, the top center with a large putti holding a scroll, sur...
Wood
Vintage Gothic Renaissance Large Wrought Iron Metal Arched "Spear" Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Gothic Renaissance Style Large Wrought Iron Metal Arched Wall Mirror with Pointed Top and "Spear" Finials. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 80" H x 43" W x 1" D. Mirror ...
Wrought Iron
Gothic Carved Oak Oval Mirror, 19th Century, Floral Frame
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Carved Oak Oval Mirror A lovely piece, the wide frame has a beautifully carved border decorated with Roses and a crown at the top. The mirror is in good condition, the frame ...
Oak
Italian Hall Foyer Wall Mirror with Gold Giltwood Frame
Located in New York, NY
A tall slender Italian mirror with a gold giltwood frame in the Gothic design style, circa early to mid-20th century, Italy. A great mirror for a vanity, hall, foyer, etc., where a tall slender mirror...
Mirror, Giltwood
19th Century French Polychrome And Giltwood Quatrefoil Church Mirror With Cross
Located in Hastings, GB
An outstanding 19th century French quatrefoil church mirror, in polychrome giltwood, bordered in red and blue/black, adorned with the original cross. Mir...
Mirror, Oak
Antique Wrought Iron Mirror with Ornate Patterning
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique ornately round wrought iron mirror. This impressive mirror is decorated with arched trefoils and twisted detailing, that would make an elegant showpiece in any space. Th...
Mirror
$1,719Sale Price|50% Off
1970s Heraldic Mirror in Wrought Iron
Located in Manzano, IT
Add a touch of medieval charm and character to your room with this gorgeous shield-shaped mirror, a true vintage design object from the 1970s. Perfect for decorating living rooms, pr...
Wrought Iron
Rare Antique French Wrought Iron Mirror, Gothic Style, circa 1950
Located in Paris, FR
Antique French Brutalist-style mirror, in patinated and hammered wrought iron, Gothic inspiration, circa 1950. Wrought-iron mounting bracket. Frame width: 5 cm / 1.96 in. Antique gla...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Large French Gothic Style Carved Oak Wall Mirror An ideal piece for the hall
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large French Gothic Style Carved Oak Wall Mirror An ideal piece for the hall, a tall mirror, with twisted rope carving and a very unusual waisted shape to the sides. This one would ...
Oak
Gothic Horseshoe Coat and Tack Rack with Mirror
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Horseshoe Coat and Tack Rack with Mirror A very fine quality piece made and carved in Oak Beautifully made in the shape of a horseshoe with 5 turned wooden farriers nails f...
Oak
Large Heavily Carved French Oak Gilt Cushion Mirror
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Heavily carved french oak gilt cushion mirror A lovely Cushion mirror in carved gilt Oak, the 7” wide frame is set with mirrors and intric...
Oak
Antique Venetian 17th Century Rare Find Mirror
Located in Doha, QA
An absolutely unique extremely rare find, this Baroque early 17th century mirror is a museums piece and a real treasure for a true history lover. Exquisitel...
Glass, Wood, Paint
Christian the 8th Mirror in Mahogany from circa 1880s
Located in Lejre, DK
The "Christian the 8th" mirror, crafted from rich mahogany and dating back to the late 1880s, exudes timeless elegance and historical significance. Its majestic presence and ornate d...
Mirror, Mahogany
"Iceberg" Functional Wall Mirror Sculpture by Alexey Krupinin
Located in Topanga, CA
"Aisberg Mirror Series," 202x Made to order. A one-of-a-kind functional sculpture by Alexey Krupinin, a Los Angeles-based artist. Alexey explores organic shapes that capture the b...
Mirror, Foam, Plaster
Gigantic Rare Heavy Sunburst Mirror Wall Clock from the 1970s
Located in München, DE
Gigantic very rare heavy Sunburst mirror wall clock from the 1970s. Beautiful elaborate high quality design. The clock has a body made of black lacquered wood, at the front there are...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Large 17th Century hand carved wood mirror
Located in London, Charterhouse Square
Large 17th Century hand carved wood mirror. Beautifully carved details and patterns. The wood condition is consistent with age, mirror plate ha...
Mirror, Teak
$1,084 / item
H 31.5 in W 30.32 in D 0.71 in
Ergon Organic Shaped Modern Mirror with a Brass Frame, Large
Located in London, London
Playful and modern Ergon™ organic shaped mirror with a solid brushed brass frame. Designed and made in London, UK. Our mirrors are designed with...
Brass
$856 / item
H 23.63 in W 22.6 in D 0.71 in
Ergon Organic Shaped Freeform Contemporary Mirror with a Brass Frame, Medium
Located in London, London
Playful and modern Ergon™ organic shaped freeform mirror with a solid brushed brass frame. Designed and made in London, UK. This mirror is fully customisable. Our mirrors are design...
Brass
$584 / item
H 26.78 in W 10.63 in D 0.71 in
Arcus Arch shaped Minimalist Mirror with Brass Frame, Small
Located in London, London
Modern Arcus™ arch shaped mirror with a minimalist solid brushed brass frame. Designed and handcrafted in London, UK. Fitted with an integrated French cleat (split batten) system th...
Brass
Arcus Arch shaped Minimalist Mirror with Brass Frame, XL
Located in London, London
Modern Arcus™ arch shaped mirror with a minimalist solid brushed brass frame. Designed and handcrafted in London, UK. Fitted with an integrated French cleat (split batten) system th...
Brass
$645 / item
H 22.05 in W 14.57 in D 0.71 in
Capsula Capsule Pill Shaped Modern Mirror with a Brass Frame, Medium
Located in London, London
Modern capsule shaped mirror with a minimalist solid brushed brass frame. Designed and handcrafted in London, UK. This mirror is fully customisab...
Brass
Mid Century Wall Mirror with Walnut and Capiz Shell Frame
Located in New York, NY
Chic rectangular wall mirror having a voguish frame with walnut trim surrounding its gold toned capiz shell interior. Currently configured to hand vertically, the mirror can easily be reconfigured to hang horizontally if you prefer. Total H 48 x...
Shell, Mirror, Walnut
17th Century Italian Ebonised Ripple Framed Mirror
Located in London, GB
Wonderful 17th Century Italian ebonised Guilloché mirror with carved ripple moulding. Luigi XIV, Piedmont. The rectangular plate within a cushion frame of convex and carved ripple m...
Walnut
Circa 1880 Wood Pair of Mahogany Gothic Mirrors in Original Patina
Located in High Point, NC
Here is a pair of mirrors, its dark mahogany gothic tracery frame, arched the first thing to catch the eye. Dating to 1880s and originating from France, it reflects the design sensib...
Glass, Mahogany
Sold
H 26.38 in W 26.38 in D 1.97 in
19th Century French Polychrome And Giltwood Quatrefoil Church Mirror
Located in Hastings, GB
A stunning 19th century French quatrefoil church mirror, in polychrome giltwood, bordered in red and blue. Mirror is a modern replacement. Wear commensur...
Mirror, Oak
19th Century Antique Gothic Arch Window Mirrors with Distressed Glass
Located in Kent, CT
A pair of 19th-century cast iron church windows fitted with heavily distressed mercury glass style mirrors. Textured surface with rust-colored patina.
Iron
Mid Century Hammered Copper Wall Mirror
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A mid century hammered copper wall mirror. Raised pattern with dark patinated surface.
Copper
Sold
H 27.96 in W 14.57 in D 4.34 in
Antique Victorian Gothic Velvet Framed Wall Mirror With Shelves, 19th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE MIRRORED SHELF A decorative mirror with suptuous red velvet-covered, shaped frame in the Gothic taste. Three mirrored sections with ...
Gold, Metallic Thread
Sold
H 31.89 in W 27.17 in D 4.34 in
Mid-19th Century Scandinavian hand crafted mirror in Gothic style in hard wood.
Located in København K, 84
This mid-19th century Scandinavian mirror is a finely handcrafted example of Gothic Revival design, reflecting the romantic historicism that swept through Northern Europe during the ...
Hardwood, Pine
Sold
H 63.5 in W 34.5 in D 2.75 in
Late 19th Century French Gothic Arched Giltwood Cathedral Style Mirror
Located in Birmingham, AL
A stunning late 19th century French Gothic arched giltwood mirror having a cathedral style silhouette and original mirrror glass, circa 1890s. T...
Mirror
Vintage Boho Punch Cut Phoenix Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a bold statement with this stunning vintage punch-cut Phoenix mirror, an artistic fusion of intricate metalwork and mythical inspiration. Featuring a highly detailed punched met...
Metal
Sold
H 22.45 in W 18.51 in D 5.91 in L 22.45 in
Spanish Neogothic Style Gilded Iron Mirror with Two-Headed Dragon
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Imposing gilded iron mirror with a spectacular Spanish Neogothic design, featuring a majestic two-headed dragon. This piece is a masterpiece of handcrafted ironwork, with an elaborat...
Iron
Italianate Loggia Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Finely cast rein faux stone architectural element form Mirror with shaped and scrolled top with fruit cluster in a crest. The mirror with an egg-and-dart and bead-and-reel double sur...
Resin
Sold
H 45 in W 30 in D 3 in
French Carved Gothic Oak Wall Mirror The Oak Mirror Frame is Crisply Carved
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French Carved Gothic Oak Wall Mirror The Oak Mirror Frame is Crisply Carved with acanthus leaves and a top crest, the Oak Frame is 5” wide and the carvings are in excellent conditio...
Oak
19th Century Bleached Oak Gothic Mirror
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Decorative 19th Century bleached oak Gothic mirror. With original bevelled mirror plate.
Oak