Skip to main content

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.

to
4
6
4
11
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
6
4
1
1,478
1,003
314
197
179
135
113
96
85
81
76
73
73
46
40
40
36
25
2
6
3
1
2
1
9
3
2
2
2
6
5
3
2
1
11
11
11
Style: Medieval
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

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...
Category

Late 20th Century British Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

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

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

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

Gothic Oak Side Chair
Located in New York City, NY
Oak antique Gothic side chair with dark finish. Unusual raised design on back rest - elegant turned legs.
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Side Chairs

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

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

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 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

Related Items
Set of Four Outdoor American Victorian Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
"Set of 4 Outdoor American Victorian painted iron side chairs with oval scroll and filigree back and round seat Vintage condition"
Category

19th Century American Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Iron

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 ...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Italian Renaissance Style Walnut Side Chairs 19th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A PAIR OF ITALIAN RENAISSANCE STYLE WALNUT SIDE CHAIRS 19TH CENTURY, INCORPORATING EARLIER ELEMENTS In solid walnut with straight seats, gilt acanthus leaf finials, carved front st...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Gothic Revival Throne Chairs a Pair 1920's
Located in Fulton, CA
A pair of 1920's Gothic Revival armchairs. Also referred to as Jacobean, Spanish Revival and Renaissance Revival. Highly detailed carving with claw foot and barley twist detail. Meas...
Category

Early 20th Century American Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Gothic Revival Throne Chairs a Pair 1920's
Gothic Revival Throne Chairs a Pair 1920's
H 47.75 in W 26.5 in D 26 in
Gothic Revival Hand-Carved Side Chair, 1930s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Gothic Revival side chair. Striking Dutch design from the 1930s. Solid oak frame with original hand-carved elements. This wonderful Gothic Revival side chair is in ...
Category

1930s Dutch Vintage Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Oak

Gothic Revival Hand-Carved Side Chair, 1930s
Gothic Revival Hand-Carved Side Chair, 1930s
H 38.19 in W 17.92 in D 15.36 in
1960s Wrought Iron Cafe Chairs, Pair
Located in Esperance, NY
1960s Wrought iron cafe chairs - a pair.
Category

1960s American Vintage Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

1960s Wrought Iron Cafe Chairs, Pair
1960s Wrought Iron Cafe Chairs, Pair
H 24.25 in W 14 in D 17 in
Ilana Goor Style Wrought Iron Leather Garden Chair Mid-Century
Located in Vienna, AT
Ilana Goor style wrought iron leather garden chairs. Only one piece is left. Nice single leather chair in a 19th garden folding chair manner. It'...
Category

1960s American Vintage Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Italian 19th Century Renaissance Revival Savonarola Chair in Walnut Side Chair
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Impressive & fully original Florentine Renaissance Savonarola chair in carved walnut. Restored in our workshop and it looks simply stunning. Armrests ending with two amazing hand-c...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Birch, Walnut

Antique Italian Renaissance Revival Style Carved Walnut Throne Chair, circa 1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Italian Renaissance Revival tall back throne chair offers walnut frame having shaped back and scroll form arms surmounting seat raised on balustrade legs with carved folia...
Category

20th Century Italian Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Gothic Revival Hall Chair
Located in Denton, TX
Beautiful hand carved Gothic style hall chair with Fleur-de-lis, Trefoils and other gothic accents. Chair has a good weight to it with the leopard print fabric for fun.
Category

Early 20th Century European Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Gothic Revival Hall Chair
Gothic Revival Hall Chair
H 46.25 in W 20.5 in D 25 in
Throne Chair in Solid Walnut
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The groundbreaking Italian modernist artist and furniture designer, Enzo Mari, served as the inspiration behind our Solid Walnut Throne Chair. We channeled his signature stacking sh...
Category

2010s American Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Throne Chair in Solid Walnut
Throne Chair in Solid Walnut
H 45 in W 16 in D 16 in
Antique Gothic Revival Hall Chair, Scottish Oak, Reception Seat, Victorian, 1870
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Gothic Revival hall chair. A Scottish, oak baronial reception seat, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1870. Of superb Gothic appearance and excellent proporti...
Category

1870s British Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Oak

Previously Available Items
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

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...
Category

1920s British Vintage Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

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.
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

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.
Category

20th Century American Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Oak

Black Forest Face North Wind Oak Chair
Black Forest Face North Wind Oak Chair
H 41.5 in W 16.25 in D 18.5 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...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

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.
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

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 ,...
Category

1930s Spanish Vintage Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

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...
Category

1880s Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Oak

Gothic Revival Style Dragon Motif Brass and Leather Mahogany Oak Chairs
Located in Chattanooga, TN
These uniquely petite chairs beg a lot of questions. Some will remain unknown, but we’ll do our best. First, take a broad, sweeping overview and lets all just agree these chairs are beyond amazing. Even if medieval...
Category

1970s American Vintage Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Brass

Antique 19th Century Gothic Mahogany Hall Side Chair
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique fine quality 19th century Gothic mahogany hall or side chair, circa 1880. No loose joints and no woodworm. The best color and patina. Ove...
Category

1880s Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Set of 6Continental Deeply Carved Genre Scenes Oak Dining Chairs, c 1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique set of six continental dining chairs offers oak construction with wagon wheel form crest surmounting spindled and deeply carved ba...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

Interesting Unusual Pair of Tri Leg Carved Dark Brown Wood Lion Ram Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Very interesting three legged triangular seat chairs with carved oak lion and ram backs. Possibly continental style. Not quite sure of the place of o...
Category

Early 20th Century Medieval Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

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.

Recently Viewed

View All