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.
Zabihi Collection Animal Motif Meshed Early 20th Century Rug
Located in New York, NY
A stunning 1900s Meshed Conversational Animal Motif Statement Rug Details rug no. j5036 size 10' 1" x 13' 5" (307 x 409 cm) rug type Meshed,Pictorial
Wool
Beautiful antique fine 18th century french needlepoint tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Elegant 18th-century French petit point tapestry, beautifully hand-stitched with fine detail and rich colors. This charming piece depicts a lively pastoral scene with figures in peri...
Wool, Cotton, Silk
Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry Vendanges museum Design
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French hand-printed tapestry featuring the exquisite design of the renowned medieval museum tapestry, "Les Vendanges" (grape harvest) from t...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
Nice French Aubusson Style screen printed by hand tapestry «winged stags»
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Immerse yourself in the allure of this mid-20th-century French tapestry, showcasing a design inspired by a 15th-century woven masterpiece titled "Cerfs Ailés" (winged stags) at Rouen...
Cotton, Linen
$2,701Sale Price|25% Off
10'2"x14' Beige Ancient Persian Garden Design Tone on Tone Hand Knotted Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Beige, Ancient Persian Garden Design, Tone on Tone, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Primary colo...
Wool
$654Sale Price|25% Off
2'7"x6' Green Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Pickle Green, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Vegetable Dyes, Hand Knotted, Soft Wool, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches...
Wool
$2,370Sale Price|25% Off
11'8"x14'9" Dutch White Turkish Knot Design 100% Wool Hand Knotted Oversized Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Dutch White, Turkish Knot Paisley Design, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oversized, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Primary colo...
Wool
$22,500Sale Price|25% Off
Red Antique Persian Serapi Heriz Wool Hand Knotted Even Wear Rug 11'3"x15'3"
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
$1,197Sale Price|25% Off
Blue Hand Knotted Overdyed Old Persian Tabriz Worn Down Rustic Look Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
Nice Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry « Suzanne and the old men »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French screen-printed by hand tapestry featuring the exquisite design of a medieval museum tapestry titled « Suzanne and the old men » The ...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
$13,218Sale Price|25% Off
Red Antique Persian Karajeh Heriz Pure Wool Hand Knotted Clean Oversized Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
$3,644Sale Price|25% Off
Burgundy Red Rajasthan Design Wool and Silk Hand Knotted Rug 9'0" x 12'0"
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Silk
$2,812Sale Price|25% Off
Beige Antique Persian Kerman with Areas of Wear, Distressed, Clean, Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
$418Sale Price|25% Off
10'x14'6" Green Flat Woven by Hand Contemporary Kilim Design 100% Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Old Moss Green, Flat Woven by Hand, Contemporary Kilim Design, 100% Wool, Flat Weave, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditional Prim...
Wool
$3,937Sale Price|25% Off
Peach Vintage Persian Kashan No Wear Hand Knotted Soft Wool Clean Oversized Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
$453Sale Price|25% Off
6'x9' Ruddy Blue Pure Cotton Durie Kilim Flat Weave Hand Woven Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Ruddy Blue, Pure Cotton, Durie Kilim Flat Weave, Stripe Design, Hand Woven, Reversible Oriental Rug Primary materials: Cotton Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditional P...
Silk
$1,170Sale Price|25% Off
4'1"x6' Scarlet Red Antique Tekke Bokara Wool Hand Knotted Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Scarlet Red, Antique Tekke Bokara, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Professionally Cleaned, Even Wear, Sides and Ends Secured, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0....
Wool
$1,395Sale Price|25% Off
5'9"x5'9" Gray Hand Knotted Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design All Wool Round Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Medium Gray, Hand Knotted, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Soft Wool, Natural Dyes, Round, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Sty...
Wool
$450Sale Price|25% Off
2'5"x9'5" Light Red Vintage Northwest Persian Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Desire Red, Vintage Northwest Persian, Geometric Design with Ancient Bird Figurines, Sheared Low, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Runner, O...
Wool
$354Sale Price|25% Off
3'9"x6'1" Ivory Pure Wool Hand Knotted Faded Out Worn Down Persian Vintage Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Vintage Persian Tabriz, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craftsmans...
Wool
$2,157Sale Price|25% Off
9'5"x13' Red Hand Knotted Soft Wool Vintage Persian Kashan Clean Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
$570Sale Price|25% Off
3'4"x10'9" Red Semi Antique Persian Heriz Full Pile Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Savvy Red, Semi Antique Persian Heriz, Geometric Medallion Design, Clean, Full and Soft Even Pile, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental, Wide Runner Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: N...
Wool
Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French screen-printed by hand tapestry featuring the exquisite design of a medieval museum tapestry This tapestry, a replica of the origin...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
$2,895Sale Price|25% Off
Beige Worn Wool Distressed Look Old Persian Kerman Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand-knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
Pretty Vintage Aubusson Style médiéval design Jacquard Tapestry « the harvest »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
very beautiful Aubusson style tapestry, with a design of a medieval tapestry That Tapestry has been created in about 1530 by B. Van Orley, creator of "Chasses de Maximilien" (acces...
Wool
$502Sale Price|25% Off
2'9"x9'3" Brown Vintage Northwest Persian Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Bistre Brown, Vintage Northwest Persian with Animal Figurines, Sheared Low, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary ma...
Wool
$4,366Sale Price|25% Off
9'x11'10" Marlin Blue Peshawar Tree of Life Hand Knotted Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries...
Wool
$509Sale Price|25% Off
3'x8'10" Red Vintage Northwest Persian Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Desire Red, Vintage Northwest Persian, Geometric Design, Sheared Low, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary material...
Wool
Late 19th Century French Aubusson Verdure Tapestry with Louis XVI Revival Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79208 Late 19th Century Antique French Aubusson Tapestry, 06'00 x 08'10. A sanctuary of woven splendor and poetic artistry, this handwoven wool and silk French Aubusson tapestry from...
Wool, Silk
$396Sale Price|25% Off
3'1"x6'6" Brown Worn Out Vintage Persian Baluch Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Chocolate Brown, Vintage Persian Baluch with All Over Design, Worn Down and Distressed, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Wide Runner, Orient...
Wool
$918Sale Price|25% Off
Vivid Orange Overdyed Old Persian Tabriz Barjasta Design Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
$766Sale Price|25% Off
Purple Overdyed Hand Knotted Old Persian Hamadan Wool Clean Rustic Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
$2,374Sale Price|25% Off
2'9"x21'9" Gray Persian Village Inspired Design Hand Knotted All Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Medium Gray, Persian Village Inspired Geometric Elements Design, Natural Dyes, Denser Weave, Organic Wool, Hand Knotted, XL Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pil...
Wool
$3,430Sale Price|25% Off
Sky Blue Hand Knotted Jewellery Design Wool and Pure Silk Square Rug 10' x 10'2"
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Silk
$501Sale Price|25% Off
2'1"x3' Cypress Tree Design Silk With Textured Wool Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Cypress Tree Design Silk With Textured Wool Hand Knotted Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old Persian we...
Silk
$1,207Sale Price|25% Off
6'1"x6'1" Dense Weave Hand Made Herati Fish Design Square 175 KPSI Wool&Silk Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Dense Weave Hand Knotted Herati Fish Design Square 175 KPSI Extra Soft Wool Red Oriental Rug. It has been woven for months and months in the cen...
Silk
$417Sale Price|25% Off
3'2"x6'8" Pink Vintage Persian Hamadan Hand Knotted Wool Worn Out Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Coral Pink, Vintage Persian Hamadan with Anchored Medallion, Worn Out and Distressed, Zero Pile, Clean, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Wide Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Lat...
Wool
$2,370Sale Price|25% Off
8'x10' Blue, Silk with Wool, Tone on Tone, Modern Design Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Sky Blue, Silk with Textured Wool, Tone on Tone, Modern All Over Design, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transiti...
Wool
$10,536Sale Price|20% Off
Red Hand Knotted Wool Antiqued Fine Heriz Re-Creation Oriental Rug 12'1" x 18'2"
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
$930Sale Price|25% Off
3'3"x9'6" Umber Brown Antique Persian Baluch Pure Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Umber Brown, Antique Persian Baluch, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Professionally Cleaned, Even Wear, Sides and Ends Secured, Wide Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No P...
Wool
$2,370Sale Price|25% Off
9'1"x11'7" Hot Pink Sari Silk Solid Design Kilim Flat Weave Hand Woven Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Hot Pink, Sari Silk, Solid Design Kilim, Flat Weave, Hand Woven, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Sari Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditional Primary color: Pink ...
Wool
$7,199Sale Price|20% Off
Antique French Aubusson Verdure Tapestry
Located in Dallas, TX
77764, antique French Verdure tapestry. This hand-woven antique French Aubusson verdure tapestry depicts a landscape scene of the French countryside. ...
Wool
$487Sale Price|25% Off
2'8"x9'3" Brown Vintage Northwest Persian Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Carob Brown, Vintage Northwest Persian, Worn and Distressed, Sheared Low, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary mate...
Wool
$1,995Sale Price|25% Off
9'x12'1" Brown Wool and Silk Hand Knotted Modern Grass Design Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Shades of Brown, Wool and Silk, Hand Knotted, Modern Grass Design, Tone on Tone, Lush and Plush, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches S...
Wool
Vintage French Medieval Tapestry, the Promenade Tapestry
Located in Dallas, TX
77769, vintage French Medieval tapestry, the Promenade tapestry. Drawing inspiration from a combination of Pieter van Aeist and French Medieval sty...
Wool
Nice French Aubusson Style hand printed tapestry « enchanted park »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Immerse yourself in the allure of this mid-20th-century French tapestry, showcasing a design inspired by a 15th-century woven masterpiece titled "The Enchanted Park." Adorned with ex...
Wool, Cotton
$1,981Sale Price|25% Off
2'7"x12'1" Brown Hand Knotted Mamluk Design Textured Wool and Silk Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Almond Brown, Hand Knotted, Mamluk Design with Geometric Medallions, Textured Wool and Silk, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches S...
Silk
$3,959Sale Price|25% Off
12'2"x15'2" Orange Pure Wool Hand Knotted Vintage Tabriz Oversized Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
Pretty Vintage Aubusson Style médiéval design Jacquard Tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
very beautiful French Aubusson style tapestry, with a design of a medieval tapestries. This tapestry has been made in the renowned “La Filandière” manufacturing Beautiful colours w...
Wool, Cotton
$3,570Sale Price|25% Off
6'7"x10'2" Red Antique Persian Fereghan Sarouk Hand Knotted Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Blush Red, Antique Persian Fereghan Sarouk, Medallion Design, Even Low Pile, Soft, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool\ Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches ...
Wool
$2,292Sale Price|25% Off
4'x6'1" THE PEACOCK Sari Silk Colorful Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind THE PEACOCK, Sari Silk Colorful Hand Knotted Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old Persian weaving crafts...
Silk
$1,316Sale Price|25% Off
Blue Hand Knotted Clean Evenly Worn Vibrant Wool Overdyed Old Persian Tabriz Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
$499Sale Price|25% Off
2'10"x9' Carob Brown Vintage Northwest Persian Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Carob Brown, Vintage Northwest Persian with Animal Figurines, Worn Down and Distressed, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Runner, Oriental Ru...
Wool
Moldovan Rose Kilim • Handwoven Floral Flatweave Rug • Wall Art • Vintage, 1960s
Located in Burlingame, CA
✔ This rug feels like a romantic midnight garden, grounding a space with moody elegance, painterly florals, and soulful vintage character. Handwoven in Eastern Europe in the 1960s, ...
Wool, Cotton
$557Sale Price|25% Off
3'x9'8" Brown Vintage Persian Hamadan Hand Knotted Wool Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Coffee Brown, Vintage Persian Hamadan with Bird Figurines, Hand Knotted, Worn Down and Distressed, 100% Wool, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Runner, Oriental Rug P...
Wool
$461Sale Price|25% Off
2'8"x8'9" Brown Vintage Persian Bibikabad Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Mink Brown, Vintage Persian Bibikabad, Worn Down and Distressed, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wo...
Wool
$13,650Sale Price|25% Off
Rich Red Vintage Persian Kashan Rare XL Squarish Size Hand Knotted Pure Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand-knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
The Lovers’ Draught: Antique English Medieval Needlepoint Masterpiece of Romance
Located in Dallas, TX
78092 Rare Antique English Needlepoint Tapestry 02'04 x 03'05. Woven in the quiet hush of late-Victorian England yet echoing the soul of the Middle Ages, this extraordinary handwoven...
Wool
$468Sale Price|25% Off
2'6"x9'8" Beige Hand Loomed Organic Wool Modern Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Beige Hand Loomed Organic Wool Modern Runner Oriental Rug. It has been woven for months and months in the centuries-old Persian weaving craftsma...
Wool
$5,464Sale Price|25% Off
8'9"x8'9" Beige, Wool and Pure Silk, Hand Knotted, Oriental, Round, Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Beige, THE SUNSET ROSETTES, Wool and Pure Silk, Hand Knotted, Oriental, Round Rug. It has been Loomed for months and months in the centuries-old...
Silk