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Medieval Armchairs

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
Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Hand Carved Oak Armchair, Throne
Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Hand Carved Oak Armchair, Throne

Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Hand Carved Oak Armchair, Throne

Located in Fayetteville, AR

This late nineteenth century French Gothic style oak coffer armchair features eight hand carved panels in the lower apron and seat back, each with different Gothic motifs. The two lo...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Antique English Yorkshire Wainscot Oak Highback Corner Arm Chair Throne 47"
Antique English Yorkshire Wainscot Oak Highback Corner Arm Chair Throne 47"

Antique English Yorkshire Wainscot Oak Highback Corner Arm Chair Throne 47"

Located in Dayton, OH

Exceedingly Rare English Yorkshire Wainscot High back corner armchair, circa 17th century. Made of oak with an impressive hand carved back that features a whimsical figure along the...

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17th Century Antique Medieval Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Antique Glastonbury Chair, English, Oak, Elbow Seat, Gothic Revival, Victorian
Antique Glastonbury Chair, English, Oak, Elbow Seat, Gothic Revival, Victorian

Antique Glastonbury Chair, English, Oak, Elbow Seat, Gothic Revival, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique Glastonbury chair. An English, oak armchair in Gothic Revival taste, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880. A superb example of the traditional Glastonbury fo...

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1880s British Antique Medieval Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Pair of 19th Century Italian Romanesque Style Oak Chairs
Pair of 19th Century Italian Romanesque Style Oak Chairs

Pair of 19th Century Italian Romanesque Style Oak Chairs

Located in Troy, NY

Pair of 19th Century Italian Romanesque Style Oak Chairs of impressive, and massive size, after a 12th century model from the cathedral in Agnano, Italy.

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19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Armchairs

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Oak

Gothic Revival Style 19th Century Burgundy Arm Chair
Gothic Revival Style 19th Century Burgundy Arm Chair

Gothic Revival Style 19th Century Burgundy Arm Chair

Located in Queens, NY

English Victorian Gothic Revival style carved burgundy painted & gold trim small (throne) arm chair with carved center medallion and finials on back.  

Category

20th Century Medieval Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Gothic style linenfold Caquetoire Armchair
Gothic style linenfold Caquetoire Armchair

Gothic style linenfold Caquetoire Armchair

Located in Troy, NY

Gothic style Linenfold Caquetoire Armchair. The linear design, understated decoration of the linen-fold back panel and comfortable proportion give this chair a timeless look.

Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Early Gothic Medieval Cathedral Solid Oak Misericord Bench Chair
Early Gothic Medieval Cathedral Solid Oak Misericord Bench Chair

Early Gothic Medieval Cathedral Solid Oak Misericord Bench Chair

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Gothic Medieval cathedral oak Misericord bench, circa 15th-17th Centuries. This beautiful small bench or chair stall was often found in Medieval Cat...

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17th Century European Antique Medieval Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Pair Oversized Gothic Foliate Carved Oak & Upholstered Armchairs C1890
Pair Oversized Gothic Foliate Carved Oak & Upholstered Armchairs C1890

Pair Oversized Gothic Foliate Carved Oak & Upholstered Armchairs C1890

Located in Big Flats, NY

***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Pair Oversized Gothic Foliate Carved Oak & Upholstered Armchairs C1890. Measures - 61.5"H x 32.25"...

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19th Century Antique Medieval Armchairs

Materials

Oak

17th Century Gothic Oak Wainscot Hall Chair with Carved Design
17th Century Gothic Oak Wainscot Hall Chair with Carved Design

17th Century Gothic Oak Wainscot Hall Chair with Carved Design

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

17th Century Oak Wainscot hall chair This Handsome Chair, has a magnificent patina, the solid plank seat has a little carving to the front border, the back is carved with a large ...

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17th Century Antique Medieval Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Pair of Emperor Throne Chairs
Pair of Emperor Throne Chairs

Pair of Emperor Throne Chairs

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This pair of throne chairs is fully embellished with carved wood, and tufted faux leather. As seen in the Hunger Game's movie, as President Snow's throne, now you can preside over yo...

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20th Century Medieval Armchairs

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Wood

EXQUISITE PAIR OF HAND CARVED HARDWOOD LiBRARY ARMCHAIRS LION GRIFFON WING ARMS
EXQUISITE PAIR OF HAND CARVED HARDWOOD LiBRARY ARMCHAIRS LION GRIFFON WING ARMS

EXQUISITE PAIR OF HAND CARVED HARDWOOD LiBRARY ARMCHAIRS LION GRIFFON WING ARMS

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super decorative pair of large hand carved Mahogany and leather library armchairs with ornately carved ...

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20th Century English Medieval Armchairs

Materials

Hardwood

Pair of French Arts and Crafts Gothic Walnut Library Chairs
Pair of French Arts and Crafts Gothic Walnut Library Chairs

Pair of French Arts and Crafts Gothic Walnut Library Chairs

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

A Pair of French arts and crafts gothic walnut library chairs These beautiful chairs date from around 1880, recently upholsterd, the fabric has been especially designed and chose...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Medieval Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Medieval Style Hall Chairs, France, 19th Century
Medieval Style Hall Chairs, France, 19th Century

Medieval Style Hall Chairs, France, 19th Century

Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse

Imposing pair of medieval / Gothic style armchairs, in carved oak, with leather seats and backs. Ornate brass trim.

Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

French Gothic Armchairs, Walnut, Carved Faces, Silk Upholstery, 1870
French Gothic Armchairs, Walnut, Carved Faces, Silk Upholstery, 1870

French Gothic Armchairs, Walnut, Carved Faces, Silk Upholstery, 1870

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Large French Gothic Library Throne Chairs This beautiful pair of wide carved chairs each have a different carved face in the back rail, acanthus leaf carved arm rests and a sturdy ...

Category

1870s Antique Medieval Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Pair of English Gothic Style Mahogany and Gold Damask Armchairs
Pair of English Gothic Style Mahogany and Gold Damask Armchairs

Pair of English Gothic Style Mahogany and Gold Damask Armchairs

Located in Queens, NY

Pair of English Gothic-style (late 19th Century) mahogany armchairs having tapered spool form front legs with carved details and gold damask upholstered seats. (priced as pair).   

Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Fabric, Mahogany

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Medieval armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval armchairs 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 armchairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, oak and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval armchairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original armchairs, popular names associated with this style include Aeterna Furniture, William Westenhaver, and Witco. 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 armchairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $650 and tops out at $25,906 while the average work can sell for $3,480.