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Medieval Benches

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 Coffer Bench
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late nineteenth century French Gothic style oak coffer bench features ten hand carved panels in the lower apron and seat back, each with alternating Gothic motifs. Gothic column...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Iron

Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Hand Carved Oak Coffer Bench
Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Hand Carved Oak Coffer Bench

Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Hand Carved Oak Coffer Bench

$1,495
19th Century French Gothic Hall Bench with Trunk
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Gothic Hall Bench with Trunk is a stately example of the genre which dates back to the middle of the 12th century in France! Hand-crafted from solid oak, it feat...
Category

1870s French Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Gothic Hall Bench with Trunk
19th Century French Gothic Hall Bench with Trunk

19th Century French Gothic Hall Bench with Trunk

$5,980
A 17th Century High Back Oak Box Settle The Settle has 3 carved back panels
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A 17th Century High Back Oak Box Settle The Settle has 3 carved back panels and further panels at the bottom the seat opens for storage The bench is a real country piece with very ...
Category

17th Century Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Oak

A 17th Century High Back Oak Box Settle The Settle has 3 carved back panels
A 17th Century High Back Oak Box Settle The Settle has 3 carved back panels

A 17th Century High Back Oak Box Settle The Settle has 3 carved back panels

$3,797
19th Century Gothic Pine Diminutive Church Pew
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Charming and withs tons of character, or patina or both. Gothic church pew with paneled sides in a smaller size, about 4.5 feet so its very manageab...
Category

1850s American Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Pine

19th Century Gothic Pine Diminutive Church Pew
19th Century Gothic Pine Diminutive Church Pew

19th Century Gothic Pine Diminutive Church Pew

$1,495
Oak Bench With Gothic Elements
Located in Brussels, Brussels
a fine Gothic-style oak chest bench. Lovely unusual model. The story about this bench is this is a chest dating from the late 16th century, transformed into a bench during the 19th c...
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Oak

Oak Bench With Gothic Elements
Oak Bench With Gothic Elements

Oak Bench With Gothic Elements

$3,501
Antique French 18th Century Gothic Style Oak Carved High Back Panel Settle
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1850 / settle / oak / Gothic / Antique / Mid-century A highly decorative hand carved oak settle crafted around 1850 in France. Nicely detailed carved and open worked panell...
Category

18th Century French Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Oak

Antique French 18th Century Gothic Style Oak Carved High Back Panel Settle
Antique French 18th Century Gothic Style Oak Carved High Back Panel Settle

Antique French 18th Century Gothic Style Oak Carved High Back Panel Settle

$3,607
Gothic Turned Wood Settee
By William & Mary
Located in New York, NY
Gilded Age American settee with upholstered seat and carved mahogany frame with spindle detailing. Seat is reupholstered in a bold red wool blend fabric. Circa 1890-1910.
Category

20th Century American Medieval Benches

Materials

Wool, Upholstery, Wood

Gothic Turned Wood Settee
Gothic Turned Wood Settee

Gothic Turned Wood Settee

$5,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Spanish Gothic Wrought Iron Kneeler Prie Dieu Prayer Benches - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique Spanish Gothic Renaissance Wrought Iron Kneeler "Prie Dieu" Prayer Benches Up...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique Spanish Gothic Wrought Iron Kneeler Prie Dieu Prayer Benches - a Pair
Antique Spanish Gothic Wrought Iron Kneeler Prie Dieu Prayer Benches - a Pair

Antique Spanish Gothic Wrought Iron Kneeler Prie Dieu Prayer Benches - a Pair

$1,500 / set
Very Rare Swiss or German Late Gothic early 16th century "Flachschnitz" Bench
Located in Troy, NY
Very Rare Swiss or German Late Gothic early 16th century "Flachschnitz" Bench. Unique, decorative, charming bench, front and back panels with intricate and whimsical “Flachschnitz” d...
Category

16th Century Swiss Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Pine

Very Rare Swiss or German Late Gothic early 16th century "Flachschnitz" Bench
Very Rare Swiss or German Late Gothic early 16th century "Flachschnitz" Bench

Very Rare Swiss or German Late Gothic early 16th century "Flachschnitz" Bench

$48,000
Carved Green Man Golden Oak Coffer, Hall Seat
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Carved Golden Oak Coffer, Hall Seat This is a lovely old piece and a very useful Hall Bench, it has storage under the seat, the coffer has a carved front showing the face of the gr...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Oak

Carved Green Man Golden Oak Coffer, Hall Seat
Carved Green Man Golden Oak Coffer, Hall Seat

Carved Green Man Golden Oak Coffer, Hall Seat

$1,535
Neo Gothic Style Oak Bench, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Neo Gothic style oak bench, circa 1950.      
Category

1950s European Vintage Medieval Benches

Materials

Oak

Neo Gothic Style Oak Bench, circa 1950
Neo Gothic Style Oak Bench, circa 1950

Neo Gothic Style Oak Bench, circa 1950

$1,569
Very Interesting Iron Workers Gothic Sexy Dungeon Wrought Iron Bench Part of Set
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this rather interesting metal workers sexy Gothic dungeon bench Well, where to begin, what an interesting piece…. Umm… it looks like it came from ...
Category

20th Century English Medieval Benches

Materials

Iron

Very Interesting Iron Workers Gothic Sexy Dungeon Wrought Iron Bench Part of Set
Very Interesting Iron Workers Gothic Sexy Dungeon Wrought Iron Bench Part of Set

Very Interesting Iron Workers Gothic Sexy Dungeon Wrought Iron Bench Part of Set

$2,098
Carved Oak Hall Seat, with 2 Stick Stands
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Carved oak hall seat, with 2 stick stands This is a carved oak hall stand, in the form of a small settle which has a roomy stick stand on each side a...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Oak

Carved Oak Hall Seat, with 2 Stick Stands
Carved Oak Hall Seat, with 2 Stick Stands

Carved Oak Hall Seat, with 2 Stick Stands

$1,119
C19th Country House Elm Bench
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
Substantial 19th Century ‘Country House’ elm hall bench. The arched back with angled panels and flanked with carved finials, above scroll arms with pierced carved trefoils and soli...
Category

1860s English Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Elm

C19th Country House Elm Bench
C19th Country House Elm Bench

C19th Country House Elm Bench

$7,275
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This is a 19th century French farm table bench, beautiful patina at age these are great for tables but so many times they're used in mudroom or hallways. DIMENSIONS 83ʺW × 9ʺD × 17ʺH
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1840s French Antique Medieval Benches

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Category

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H 50 in W 50 in D 20.5 in
Antique Oak Mission Arts and Crafts Gothic Style Bench Settee c. 1900/1930's
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Located in New York, NY
Incredible Mission, Gothic, Arts and Crafts style settee, bench, constructed of quarter sawn oak, and oak veneer. The bench features back supports with pyramid form capitals, a drama...
Category

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Antique Oak Mission Arts and Crafts Gothic Style Bench Settee c. 1900/1930's
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$4,090
H 47.5 in W 77 in D 22 in
Early 19th Century French Gothic Revival Monks Bench – Louis XVIII Period
Located in Alton, GB
An extraordinary and stately piece from the early 19th century, this French Gothic Revival Monks Bench, dating circa 1820, is a masterclass in craftsmanship and evocative design. Att...
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Early 19th Century French Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

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Early 19th Century French Gothic Revival Monks Bench – Louis XVIII Period
Early 19th Century French Gothic Revival Monks Bench – Louis XVIII Period

Early 19th Century French Gothic Revival Monks Bench – Louis XVIII Period

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H 70.87 in W 70.87 in D 21.66 in
Antique French Gothic Bench Settee Oak Arches Linen Fold Lift Top Seat c. 1900
Located in Tyler, TX
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Early 1900s French Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

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Antique French Gothic Bench Settee Oak Arches Linen Fold Lift Top Seat c. 1900
Antique French Gothic Bench Settee Oak Arches Linen Fold Lift Top Seat c. 1900

Antique French Gothic Bench Settee Oak Arches Linen Fold Lift Top Seat c. 1900

$3,700
H 61.25 in W 49 in D 20.5 in
Antique French Bench Settee Gothic Oak Tracery Lift Top Seat Storage Trunk 19C
Located in Tyler, TX
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Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Benches

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Antique French Bench Settee Gothic Oak Tracery Lift Top Seat Storage Trunk 19C
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$4,500
H 75 in W 56.5 in D 20 in
19th Century French Primitive Oak Bench
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th century French primitive oak bench is a beautifully understated example of vernacular craftsmanship, valued for its honesty of form and material. Constructed from a single,...
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19th Century French Primitive Oak Bench
19th Century French Primitive Oak Bench

19th Century French Primitive Oak Bench

$1,595
H 18.1 in W 69.8 in D 15.6 in
Gothic Revival Oak High Back Hall Bench, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Gothic Revival high back hall bench. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak frame with original hand-carved elements in the back and the sides! Un...
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Materials

Wrought Iron

Gothic Revival Oak High Back Hall Bench, 1900s
Gothic Revival Oak High Back Hall Bench, 1900s

Gothic Revival Oak High Back Hall Bench, 1900s

$2,173 Sale Price
20% Off
H 59.26 in W 61.42 in D 18.51 in
19th-Century English Gothic Revival Oak Bench — A Carved Homage to the Tudor Age
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
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1880s British Antique Medieval Benches

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19th-Century English Gothic Revival Oak Bench — A Carved Homage to the Tudor Age
19th-Century English Gothic Revival Oak Bench — A Carved Homage to the Tudor Age

19th-Century English Gothic Revival Oak Bench — A Carved Homage to the Tudor Age

$4,430
H 45.08 in W 47.25 in D 18.31 in
19th Century Light Blue Paint Pine Settle Bench
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century American country pine settle bench with old, naturally worn blue surface paint. The bench features an open rail back and a set box having two hinged lids enclosing an o...
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19th Century American Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Pine

19th Century Light Blue Paint Pine Settle Bench
19th Century Light Blue Paint Pine Settle Bench

19th Century Light Blue Paint Pine Settle Bench

$2,850
H 32.5 in W 67.5 in D 17.5 in
Previously Available Items
19th Century French Gothic Hall Bench
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Gothic Hall Bench was hand-crafted from solid old-growth oak, and features a tailored classical architecture with design embellishments that are definitive of the...
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Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Gothic Hall Bench
19th Century French Gothic Hall Bench

19th Century French Gothic Hall Bench

H 38 in W 44 in D 17.5 in
Gothic Carved Oak Window Seat, Plank Bench This an attractive piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Carved Oak Window Seat, Plank Bench This an attractive piece of Old and rustic Country Furniture, it has a solid Oak seat with a carved decoration along the top, the legs hav...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Oak

Gothic Carved Oak Window Seat, Plank Bench This an attractive piece
Gothic Carved Oak Window Seat, Plank Bench This an attractive piece

Gothic Carved Oak Window Seat, Plank Bench This an attractive piece

H 13 in W 51 in D 13 in
Vintage Gothic Wrought Iron Curule Scrollwork Distressed Green Bench w Finials
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Gothic Wrought Iron Curule Scrollwork Distressed Green Bench with Finials. Item features pointed finials, scrolling frame, lattice seat, wrought iron construction, great styl...
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Mid-20th Century Unknown Medieval Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Vintage Gothic Wrought Iron Curule Scrollwork Distressed Green Bench w Finials
Vintage Gothic Wrought Iron Curule Scrollwork Distressed Green Bench w Finials

Vintage Gothic Wrought Iron Curule Scrollwork Distressed Green Bench w Finials

H 30.5 in W 34.75 in D 16 in
19th Century Antique Solid Oak Church bench in Gothic style with storage
Located in Miami, FL
This wonderful antique freestanding oak church pew in gothic style from the late 19th century is a fantastic addition for enthusiasts. It is beautifully carved and has a storage in t...
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Mid-19th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Oak

19th Century Antique Solid Oak Church bench in Gothic style with storage
19th Century Antique Solid Oak Church bench in Gothic style with storage

19th Century Antique Solid Oak Church bench in Gothic style with storage

H 41.54 in W 46.07 in D 23.63 in
19th Century Antique Gothic Revival Church Bench Settle
Located in London, GB
A spectacular 19th Century carved Oak Gothic Church settle. The rectangular back features panels are filled with intricate carvings of tracery, arches and crosses, surmounted by a ...
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Mid-19th Century European Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Wood

19th Century Antique Gothic Revival Church Bench Settle
19th Century Antique Gothic Revival Church Bench Settle

19th Century Antique Gothic Revival Church Bench Settle

H 60.24 in W 74.02 in D 19.69 in
19 th Century Chest or Coffer Gothic Carved Oak, French
Located in Labrit, Landes
French coffer or chest made in the late 19th century. Decorated in the neogothic style. Very decorative and full of character Good condition 145 / 47 / 71 65.5 Kg
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1890s French Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Oak

19 th Century Chest or Coffer Gothic Carved Oak, French
19 th Century Chest or Coffer Gothic Carved Oak, French

19 th Century Chest or Coffer Gothic Carved Oak, French

H 27.76 in W 57.09 in D 18.31 in
Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Hand Carved Bleached Oak Coffer Bench
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This small scale late nineteenth century French Gothic style coffer bench is constructed of solid hand carved bleached oak. Three hand carved panels on the front are detailed with a ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Oak

Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Hand Carved Bleached Oak Coffer Bench
Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Hand Carved Bleached Oak Coffer Bench

Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Hand Carved Bleached Oak Coffer Bench

H 28 in W 28.5 in D 16 in
19th Century Oak Window Seat or Hall bench This is a lovely honest piece of Oak
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Oak Window Seat or Hall bench This is a lovely honest piece of Oak furniture, it has a curved solid Oak seat with high arm rests and matching legs and stretchers This i...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Oak

19th Century Oak Window Seat or Hall bench This is a lovely honest piece of Oak
19th Century Oak Window Seat or Hall bench This is a lovely honest piece of Oak

19th Century Oak Window Seat or Hall bench This is a lovely honest piece of Oak

H 24 in W 24 in D 15 in
19th Century French Gothic Hall Bench
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Gothic Hall Bench celebrates the style that has remained popular since the middle of the 12th century! The rectilinear architecture creates a sturdy structure wi...
Category

1870s French Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Oak, Sycamore

19th Century French Gothic Hall Bench
19th Century French Gothic Hall Bench

19th Century French Gothic Hall Bench

H 50 in W 50.5 in D 17 in
Antique Gothic Stye Painted Cast Aluminum Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition
Category

1930s American Vintage Medieval Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Antique Gothic Stye Painted Cast Aluminum Bench
Antique Gothic Stye Painted Cast Aluminum Bench

Antique Gothic Stye Painted Cast Aluminum Bench

H 19.75 in W 25.5 in D 13.5 in
Rare Unique English Oak Gothic Victorian Settee Settle Bench Circa 1890
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb and very unique form of Gothic bench from England. The bench features a dark oak finish with minor signs of age and use such as finish losses and minor wear. The ben...
Category

1890s English Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Oak

Rare Unique English Oak Gothic Victorian Settee Settle Bench Circa 1890
Rare Unique English Oak Gothic Victorian Settee Settle Bench Circa 1890

Rare Unique English Oak Gothic Victorian Settee Settle Bench Circa 1890

H 40.5 in W 61.5 in D 17 in
19th Century English Victorian Hall Bench in Oak, Bobbin Turned Legs
Located in Odense, DK
This is a lovely piece of carved furniture, the back of the seat is crisply carved with the traditional Wheel of Life pattern, it is made from solid oak with a carved edge and a carv...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Benches

Materials

Oak

19th Century English Victorian Hall Bench in Oak, Bobbin Turned Legs
19th Century English Victorian Hall Bench in Oak, Bobbin Turned Legs

19th Century English Victorian Hall Bench in Oak, Bobbin Turned Legs

H 24.02 in W 47.64 in D 10.63 in

Medieval benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval benches for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, oak and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval benches 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 benches, popular names associated with this style include and Gillows of Lancaster & London. 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 benches differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $595 and tops out at $54,000 while the average work can sell for $2,214.

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