Medieval Chairs
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.
1940s English Vintage Medieval Chairs
Elm, Yew
1760s English Antique Medieval Chairs
Oak
Early 20th Century Swedish Medieval Chairs
Wood, Cotton
2010s Italian Medieval Chairs
Stainless Steel
2010s Italian Medieval Chairs
Steel
Early 20th Century Medieval Chairs
Mirror, Oak
1930s Slovenian Vintage Medieval Chairs
Leather, Hardwood
Early 1900s Italian Antique Medieval Chairs
Velvet, Wood
1880s Scottish Antique Medieval Chairs
Oak
2010s Mexican Medieval Chairs
Oak
Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Chairs
Oak
Mid-19th Century Antique Medieval Chairs
Oak
Early 1900s English Antique Medieval Chairs
Leather, Hardwood
Early 1900s English Antique Medieval Chairs
Leather, Hardwood
1950s European Vintage Medieval Chairs
Oak
1950s Swedish Vintage Medieval Chairs
Oak
17th Century European Antique Medieval Chairs
Wood
20th Century English Medieval Chairs
Oak
20th Century English Medieval Chairs
Iron
19th Century English Antique Medieval Chairs
Oak
Late 19th Century European Antique Medieval Chairs
Wood
19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Chairs
Oak
1790s Danish Antique Medieval Chairs
Fabric, Wood
1960s French Vintage Medieval Chairs
Elm
1860s Antique Medieval Chairs
Bronze, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Medieval Chairs
Bouclé
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Medieval Chairs
Velvet
1920s Vintage Medieval Chairs
Upholstery, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Medieval Chairs
Stainless Steel
Early 1900s Irish Antique Medieval Chairs
Leather, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Medieval Chairs
Steel
2010s American Medieval Chairs
Linen, Cane, Hardwood
2010s Mexican Medieval Chairs
Oak
Early 20th Century Swedish Medieval Chairs
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Wood
Mid-20th Century Mexican Medieval Chairs
Leather, Oak, Giltwood
1880s Scottish Antique Medieval Chairs
Oak
Late 19th Century American Antique Medieval Chairs
Wood, Oak
Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Chairs
Walnut
Late 19th Century American Antique Medieval Chairs
Mahogany
19th Century French Antique Medieval Chairs
Oak
20th Century English Medieval Chairs
Pine
Early 1900s Italian Antique Medieval Chairs
Walnut
Early 2000s Medieval Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Medieval Chairs
Cast Stone
16th Century Dutch Antique Medieval Chairs
Wood
Early 1800s Italian Antique Medieval Chairs
Leather, Walnut