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.
$840Sale Price|25% Off
5'2"x6'5" Red Afghan Khamyab with Bokara Design Hand Knotted Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Scarlet Red, Afghan Khamyab with Khoja Roshni Bokara Small Repetitive Design, Hand Knotted, Soft and Velvety Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 I...
Wool
$1,531Sale Price|25% Off
6'5"x9'5" Red Khamyab Turkaman with Khoja Roshni Design Hand Knotted Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Scarlet Red, Afghan Khamyab Turkaman with Khoja Roshni Design, Hand Knotted, Soft and Velvety Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tr...
Wool
Pretty Vintage French aubusson médiéval style jacquard Tapestry "Vendanges"
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French jacquard tapestry featuring the exquisite design of the renowned medieval museum tapestry, "Les Vendanges" (grape harvest) from the C...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
$1,314Sale Price|25% Off
2'7"x9'10" Blue Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Bayern Blue, Bijar Garus Design, Hand Knotted, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile...
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
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
$414Sale Price|25% Off
2'5"x6' Red Afghan Andkhoy with Tribal Motif Soft Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Crimson Red, Afghan Andkhoy with Geometric Motif, Soft and Velvety Wool, Hand Knotted, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditi...
Wool
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
$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
$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
$772Sale Price|25% Off
4'9"x6'5" Red Afghan Khamyab with Bokara Design Hand Knotted Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Scarlet Red, Afghan Khamyab with Khoja Roshni Bokara Small Repetitive Design, Hand Knotted, Soft and Velvety Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 I...
Wool
$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 medieval Aubusson design handWoven Polish Tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful vintage Polish handwoven tapestry by wool on cotton foundation dating from the mid 20th century, This Polish tapestry clearly draws inspiration from the late medieval Fren...
Wool, Cotton
$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
$193Sale Price|25% Off
3'x4'10" Pictorial Afghan Baluch with Cars and Buildings Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Pictorial Afghan Baluch with Cars and Buildings Natural Wool Hand Knotted Oriental Rug. It has been woven for months and months in the centuries...
Wool
$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
$1,380Sale Price|25% Off
2'8"x9'9" Misty Gray Bijar Garus Design Wool Hand Knotted Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Misty Gray, Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Hand Knotted, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile ...
Wool
$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
$1,014Sale Price|25% Off
4'10"x7'1" Gray Bijar Garus Design Turkish Knot Hand Knotted Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Spanish Gray, Bijar Garus Design, Turkish Knot, Hand Knotted, Zero Pile, Sheared Low, 100% Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tradi...
Wool
$30,000Sale Price|25% Off
13'7"x20'7" White Mansion Sized Persian Nain Hand Knotted Wool and Silk XL Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Linen White, Mansion Sized Persian Nain with Medallion Design, Finely Made, 300 KPSI, Wool and Silk, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile hei...
Silk
$3,570Sale Price|25% Off
9'7"x13'3" Ivory Vintage Persian Nain Hand Knotted Wool & Silk Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Linen White, Vintage Persian Nain with Flower Medallion, Sheared Low, Wool & Silk, Clean, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Very Good Condition, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Prima...
Wool
$799Sale Price|25% Off
5'x6'5" Red Afghan Khamyab with Bokara Design Hand Knotted Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Scarlet Red, Afghan Khamyab with Khoja Roshni Bokara Small Repetitive Design, Hand Knotted, Soft and Velvety Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 I...
Wool
$570Sale Price|25% Off
2'6"x13' Reed Yellow Vintage Persian Meshkin Clean Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Reed Yellow, Vintage Persian Meshkin, Full Pile and Clean, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditiona...
Wool
Nice French Aubusson Style screen printed by hand tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Immerse yourself in the allure of this mid-20th-century French tapestry, showcasing a design inspired by a 16th century masterpiece museum tapestry. Nice 20th-century tapestry repro...
Cotton, Linen
$1,031Sale Price|25% Off
2'6"x8'2" Colorful Natural Wool Fine Kashkuli Gabbeh Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Colorful, Vegetable Dyes, Natural Wool, Fine Kashkuli Gabbeh with Small Animal Figurines, Hand Knotted, Narrow Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0....
Wool
$879Sale Price|25% Off
3'x5'10" Gray Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Spanish Gray, Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design, Hand Knotted, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool...
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
$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
$1,548Sale Price|25% Off
2'7"x11'7" Pastel Gray Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Peshawar Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Pastel Gray, Hand Knotted, Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool ...
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
$1,972Sale Price|20% Off
9'5"X12'10" Blue Pure Wool Hand Knotted Vintage Persian Kerman Distressed Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Vintage Zoroastrian Karman, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving crafts...
Wool
$763Sale Price|25% Off
2'9"x9'7" Red Afghan Andkhoy with Geometric Motif Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Crimson Red, Afghan Andkhoy with Geometric Motif, Soft and Velvety Wool, Hand Knotted, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditi...
Wool
$2,370Sale Price|25% Off
9'9"x13' Light Brown Vintage Persian Tabriz Hand Knotted Pure Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Light Brown, Vintage Persian Tabriz, Good Condition and Clean, Full Pile and Soft, All Over Design, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile heig...
Wool
$1,598Sale Price|25% Off
8'4"x10'1" Ivory Moroccan Weave with Geometric Design Hand Knotted Pure Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Cream White, Tone on Tone, Moroccan Weave with Geometric Design, Pure Wool, Hand Knotted, Textured Pile, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Styl...
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
$979Sale Price|25% Off
4'8"x7'1" Granite Gray Bijar Garus Design Turkish Knot Hand Knotted Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Granite Gray, Bijar Garus Design, Turkish Knot, Hand Knotted, Zero Pile, Sheared Low, 100% Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tradi...
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
$781Sale Price|25% Off
2'8"x5'8" Marlin Blue Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Soft Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Marlin Blue, Bijar Garus Design, Hand Knotted, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Short Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: N...
Wool
$2,317Sale Price|25% Off
8'3"x11'1" Red Khamyab Turkaman with Khoja Roshni Design Hand Knotted Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Scarlet Red, Afghan Khamyab Turkaman with Khoja Roshni Design, Hand Knotted, Soft and Velvety Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tr...
Wool
$1,058Sale Price|25% Off
2'7"x8' Blue Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Marlin Blue, Bijar Garus Design, Hand Knotted, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile...
Wool
$2,138Sale Price|25% Off
2'8"x15'6" Blue Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Marlin Blue, Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Hand Knotted, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, XL Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No P...
Wool
$1,893Sale Price|25% Off
2'7"x14'2" Stone Gray Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Stone Gray, Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Hand Knotted, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile ...
Wool
$1,832Sale Price|25% Off
2'6"x14' Gray Bijar Garus Design Aryana Grade Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Spanish Gray, Bijar Garus Design, Aryana Grade, Vegetable Dyes, High Mountain Wool, Hand Knotted, Soft Pile, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pil...
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
$450Sale Price|25% Off
2'4"x9' Scarlet Red Vintage Persian Karajeh Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Scarlet Red, Vintage Persian Karajeh with Geometric Medallions, Sheared Low, Zero Pile, Evenly Worn, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Clean, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Narrow Run...
Wool
$2,370Sale Price|25% Off
Midnight Blue Antique North West Persian Hand Knotted 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
$474Sale Price|25% Off
3'9"x9'7" Blue Vintage Persian Tabriz Pure Wool Hand Knotted Wide Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Millennium Blue, Vintage Persian Tabriz with Colorful Field Design, Clean and Good, Pure Wool, Hand Knotted, Wide Runner Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0...
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
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
$4,695Sale Price|25% Off
10'2"x10'2" White 250 KPSI Hand Knotted Nain Flower Design Wool-Silk Square Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Snow White, 250 KPSI, Hand Knotted, Nain with Flower Medallion Design, Wool and Silk, Square, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: T...
Silk
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
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
$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
$299Sale Price|25% Off
3'x4'9" Fire Brick Red, Persian Ardabil, Pure Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Fire Brick Red, Persian Ardabil with Various Human Figurines, Pure Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditional Pri...
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
$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
$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
$580Sale Price|25% Off
3'3"x6'2" Brown Afghan Andkhoy with Geometric Motif Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Amber Brown, Afghan Andkhoy with All Over Geometric Motif, Hand Knotted, Soft and Velvety Wool, Wide Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches ...
Wool
$697Sale Price|25% Off
3'x5' Yale Blue Aryana Grade Bijar Garus Design Soft Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Yale Blue, Aryana Grade, Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Hand Knotted, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: ...
Wool
$763Sale Price|25% Off
2'9"x9'7" Red Afghan Andkhoy with Geometric Motif Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Crimson Red, Afghan Andkhoy with Geometric Motif, Soft and Velvety Wool, Hand Knotted, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditi...
Wool