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.
attri to Charles Bevan. Gothic Revival Side Chair with Scroll Carvings
Located in London, GB
Attributed to Charles Bevan. A Gothic Revival side chair with scroll carvings to the upper sides and incised decoration framing the top backrest, finished with chamfered detailing. T...
$1,950 / set
Vintage Gothic Hand Carved Side Chairs - a Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fantastic pair of vintage Boho side chairs. Hand carved cherubs with beautiful gold leaf detail. Frosted blue velvet seats with a contrasting metallic back. Acquired from a Palm Be...
Metal, Gold Leaf
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
Gothic Revival English Solid Oak Singular Hand Carved Occasional Chair
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Solid Oak hand carved English Gothic Revival chair in excellent original condition. Sturdy and well proportioned. Skilfully carved with dowel and peg work joi...
Oak
$3,746Sale Price / set|25% Off
Oak Victorian or Gothic Revival Ecclesiastical His & Hers Throne Chairs a Pair
Located in Topeka, KS
Incredible Late19th Century to Early 20th Century Victorian or Gothic Revival Ecclesiastical His & Hers Throne Chairs comprised of oak frames with black and gold details, red hopsacking fabric on backs & seats with gimp and nail head trim & turned front legs on casters. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. Specifically, the Queen chair has one new hand carved finial created by our professional craftsman and all finials have been dyed black as well as the grooves & detail all over the frame of the chairs and the rings and ball details on the legs. Fabric is a bit faded. Please see photos, zoom in for details, and see long description as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 1900’s - Early 20th Century. ALL HAIL THE MIGHTY KING AND QUEEN!!!! Talk about ABSOLUTE Royalty!!! This is a glorious pair of Gothic Revival Ecclesiastical His & Hers Throne chairs comprised of hand carved oak frames bearing engraved Gothic details, designs, and cutouts including a transcendent triple finial high back presentation worthy of nobility. Each peak is hand carved with designs resembling oak leaves and they have been intricately dyed black… they’re nothing short of fabulous. Because of the maturity of these chairs, we believe that they were probably reupholstered at some point in their lives, and they look marvelous!! They are wearing a beautiful bright cardinal red hopsacking fabric trimmed with gimp and nail head details on the seats and back inserts which also have upholstered backs. The King chair has fabric surrounding the arm rests while the Queen chair has no arms, however it does have attractive side braces. Both thrones have lovely hand carved decorative front aprons with black detail and stand proudly upon turned front legs with black dyed rings & details on casters and square straight slightly curved back legs… I mean, WOW!!!! They’re definitely Ecclesiastical and Gothic Revival but they bear a bit of East Lake Victorian style as well and they are SURE to be quite the conversation piece in your home! They would be fabulous used as host & hostess chairs at your dining table, in a conversation or waiting area, in a home library, at a his & hers dressing area, or facing the fireplace in your den or study. Wherever you choose to use these unsurpassable chairs of distinction, they are sure to make you feel like wearing a crown and being addressed as “Your Majesty...
Fabric, Oak, Paint
$752Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Pair of Gothic Pitch Pine Throne Side Hall Bedroom Chairs
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique quality pair of Gothic pitch pine throne, side, hall, or bedroom chairs C1900. Solid and heavy, with no loose joints and no woodworm. Overall maximum dimensions: 59c...
Pine
$5,811Sale Price|55% Off
Antique medieval armchair sculptural walnut with floral carvings, 17th century
Located in Zevenaar, NL
This unique late medieval chair dates from the Romanesque period and was made in England. The chair is made of walnut wood, in which beautiful floral patterns are carved. It looks l...
Walnut
2 Light Golden Oak Dining Side Hall Chairs Gothic Steeple Back Antique Pugin
By Pugin
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous and extremely rare pair of Pugin-style gothic golden oak steeple back chairs in wonderful condition. Likely made around the Mid-20th Century, these beautifully crafted and...
Oak
$1,782Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Excellent Quality Gothic Carved Oak Carver Chairs A good pair of chairs
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Pair of Excellent Quality Gothic Carved Oak Carver Chairs A good pair of chairs very stout and sturdy, in the Gothic style with carved mask decoration and wide stats to the back, t...
Oak
PAIR OF ANTIQUE GOTHIC A.W.N PUGIN SIDE CHAIRS CHIPPENDALE CLUSTER COLUMN LEGs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite, highly collectable pair of Gothic Revival A.W.N Pugin side chairs with ornately carved frames Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote, please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price. A truly sublime pair of very rare, Gothic Steeple...
Leather, Hardwood
$18,000 / set
Set of Four Ebonized Gothic Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of four ebonized Gothic side chairs. Label from Irving & Casson - A.H. Davenport, Co., Boston and New York.
Wood
$2,613Sale Price|20% Off
18th Century Gothic Oak Wainscot Chair, Hall Chair, Carved Backrest
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
18th Century Oak Wainscot Chair, Hall Chair This Handsome Chair, has carving to the back rest, a magnificent patina apart from the well used solid plank seat, the sturdy crook arms...
Oak
$600 / set
Pair of Feudal Style Side Chairs
Located in Westfield, MA
Step into a realm of historical opulence with this exquisite pair of Feudal Side Chairs, each piece a testament to the intricate artistry and grandeur of its era. These chairs are no...
Walnut
$4,869 / set
H 33.86 in W 17.52 in D 17.33 in
Pair Of Regency Gothic Revival English Oak Hall Chairs Circa 1825
Located in Norwich, GB
A superb pair of Regency oak Gothic Revival hall chairs. English - Circa 1825. Excellent examples with architectural influence, having lancet arched shaped tops with fabulous quatre...
Oak
Unique English Oak Side Chair, Circa 1885
Located in Incline Village, NV
Late 19th century very unique English side chair in solid oak with carved back in floral motif. Two long vertical open slats (one to each side of the back) add to the unique design o...
Oak
Venezia Mid-18th Century Baroque Hand-Carved Walnut Armchair
Located in Brescia, IT
Mid-18th Century baroque hand-carved 1750 Venetian walnut armchair. Straw seat not original. The 18th Century was in Venice the Golden Age and this armchair is a remarkable work by ...
Walnut
$1,285 / set
H 35.24 in W 18.51 in D 16.74 in
Pair of Vintage English Oak Occasional Chape Hall Chairs Lovely Primate Patian
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning pair of antique English oak hand carved hall prayer chairs These are a very early Victorian pair, quite a primate by de...
Oak
Mid 20th Century Gunlocke Walnut Side Armchair
By Gunlocke
Located in Doylestown, PA
Single vintage 1950s walnut Gunlocke armchair with a molded seat from a Manhattan rectory. Solid and sturdy, a great side chair for an office.
Walnut
Mid-Century Walnut Armchair
By Finn Juhl
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural solid walnut and upholstered occasional chair after Finn Juhl. The chair has tapered legs, a subtly curved chair back and retains its original turquoise vinyl upholstery.
Walnut
$4,725
H 49.61 in W 25.6 in D 25.79 in
Rare circa 1880 Burmese Solid Hardwood Hand Carved Floral Chair High Back Ornate
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this absolutely stunning solid Rosewood hand carved high back low seat Burmese chair A truly stunning piece, this type of furniture is just about as ornate as ...
Hardwood
$18,000 / set
H 43.5 in W 24 in D 26 in
Harlequin Set of 12 French Louis XIII 17th Century Walnut Side Chairs
Located in Troy, NY
A Harlequin Set of 12 French Louis XIII 17th Century Walnut and upholstered Side Chairs of beautiful quality, generous Proportions and solid pegged co...
Walnut
$1,500Sale Price|46% Off
H 37 in W 23.25 in D 21 in
Late 19th Century Victorian Gothic Revival Leopard Upholstery Arm or Side Chair
Located in Plainview, NY
A rare late 19th century Victorian gothic revival chair. The chair is made of solid mahogany skillfully carved in gothic motifs featuring figural design on both arms and on each side...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique English Satinwood Occasional Chair, circa 1870
Located in New Orleans, LA
Satinwood is a lovely color and this chair is pleasing to the eye. A perfect complement to any room in the home or office environment.
Satinwood
$1,869 / set
H 37.41 in W 14.57 in D 15.36 in
Superb Quality Pair of Antique Victorian Mahogany Hall / Side Chairs
Located in Suffolk, GB
A superb pair of antique Victorian mahogany hall / side chairs beautifully crafted with rich carved detail and elegant sweeping forms—an excellent example of mid-19th-century decorat...
Mahogany
$3,971
H 38.59 in W 18.9 in D 19.3 in
Reanaissance Revival Hand-Carved Chair with Embossed Leather 19th Century
Located in Lucenec, SK
Chair in carved beech and embossed leather seat and back, circa 1850. The coat of arms embossed at the leather back belongs to the Hungarian noble family Erdody de Monyorókerék et Mo...
Leather, Beech
Pair of french gothic high back side chairs, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Pair of unique high back gothical inspired chairs made from weathered steel. Beautiful and elegant high back dining chairs, great contrasting decorative piece which can be used in a...
Steel
Sold
H 48.25 in W 16.125 in D 16 in
Intricately Carved French Gothic Side Chair, Crowned Coat of Arms, Circa 1870
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… The motifs of this French side chair are amazingly detailed. Hand-carved circa 1870, the Gothic-style motifs are accompanied by the Arms of France on ...
Wood
Sold
H 36.42 in W 17.92 in D 17.33 in
2 Light Golden Oak Dining Side Hall Chairs Gothic Steeple Back Antique Pugin
By Pugin
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous and extremely rare pair of Pugin-style gothic golden oak steeple back chairs in wonderful condition. Likely made around the Mid-20th Century, these beautifully crafted and...
Oak
Sold
H 60.63 in W 22.64 in D 17.72 in
Tall Forged Statement Chair Artisan Throne Minimalist Wrought Iron Brutalist
Located in London, GB
A hugely impressive, possibly unique and strikingly captivating Brutalist wrought iron hand-forged high-back statement chair in lovely vintage condition. Likely British-made in the l...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Handmade Tuscan Tripod Side Chairs, 1960s-70s Italy
Located in Beerse, VAN
Beautiful set of handmade Tuscan tripod chairs. The chairs are made of solid chestnut wood and are very sturdy. The set has been fully restored with respect for the weathered patin...
Chestnut
Set of four early 20th Century Gothic style hall chairs
Located in Martlesham, GB
A fine set of four early 20th Century Gothic style oak hall chairs, having a decorative arched back in the typical Gothic style, moulded edge hard seat with a shaped apron below, sup...
Oak
Wrought Iron 'Dagobert' Style Folding Chairs in Bouclé - a Pair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of Southern European "Dagobert" style folding chairs. Heavy wrought iron frames with new high pile wool bouclé upholstery. Sourced in Belgium.
Iron
Black Forest Face North Wind Oak Chair
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Whimsical Black Forest North Wind style carved face chair. Turned wood and carved detail in tiger oak. A wonderful addition in any interior.
Oak
Sold
H 37 in W 17.5 in D 20.75 in
Antique Pair Carved Walnut Gothic Upholstered Side Chairs Circa 1860
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique pair of Gothic side chairs offers walnut frames with carved scroll, cross and foliate elements over upholstered seats and raised on cabriole legs, c1860 Measures- 37''H x...
Walnut
Antique Gothic Carved Mahogany Church Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gothic, carved mahogany church/rectory/prayer chair features a peaked high back with a storage compartment under the seat. Impressive entryway or accent chair.
Mahogany
Sold
H 29.93 in W 22.45 in D 21.66 in
Pair of Spanish Style X Frame Throne / Castle Chairs in Oak 1930s Savonarola
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Impressive pair of X frame throne / castle chairs in Spanish Medieval design style made in the 1930s. Solid oak frames with marvelous carved details ,...
Fabric, Oak
Antique Pair of Gothic Oak Side Hall Bedroom Chairs
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique quality pair of Gothic revival oak side hall bedroom chairs C1880. Lovely light golden colour to the oak frames and a fantastic Gothic desig...
Oak