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Medieval Side Chairs

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
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...
Category

15th Century and Earlier British Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Oak

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...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Pine

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...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Metal, Gold Leaf

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.
Category

19th Century American Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak, Paint

18th Century Italian Gothic Renaissance Square Chair Walnut Side Armchair
Located in Vigonza, Padua
18th century Italian Gothic Renaissance square chair in turned and hand-carved walnut. Polished to wax Measures cm: H77/40, W 52, D 46.
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Walnut

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...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Oak

Medieval walnut sculptural arm chair 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...
Category

17th Century British Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Walnut

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...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Walnut

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...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

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...
Category

Early 1800s English Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

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Previously Available Items
2 Light Golden Oak Dining Side Hall Chairs Gothic Steeple Back Antique Pugin
By Pugin
Located in London, GB
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Tall Forged Statement Chair Artisan Throne Minimalist Wrought Iron Brutalist
Located in London, GB
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Pair of Handmade Tuscan Tripod Side Chairs, 1960s-70s Italy
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Antique Gothic Carved Mahogany Church Chair
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Pair of Spanish Style X Frame Throne / Castle Chairs in Oak 1930s Savonarola
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
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Antique Pair of Gothic Oak Side Hall Bedroom Chairs
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
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Medieval side chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval side chairs for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage side chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval side chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, England, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 side chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $717 and tops out at $18,000 while the average work can sell for $2,575.

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