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...
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
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
$5,878Sale 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
$768Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Pair of Gothic Pitch Pine Throne Side Hall Bedroom Chairs
Located in Wisbech, England
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
A Pair of Important Scottish Armorial Hall Chairs Late 18th/Early 19th Century
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Pair of Important Scottish Armorial Hall Chairs Late 18th or Early 19th Century, Scotland Constructed in quarter sawn oak, each of generous proportion with solid backs boldly carved...
Oak
$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
$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
Three-legged Antique Oak Hall Chair with Lion and Shield
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Antique three-legged oak chair from circa 1910, featuring a coat of arms traceable to the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia). Upholstered in faux leather and in excellent condition. A par...
Oak
$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
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
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
$3,258Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
$2,485Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 36.62 in W 18.12 in D 19.3 in
FOUR CIRCA 1920 ENGLiSH OAK HAND CARVED GOTHIC REVIVAL STEEPLE BACK HALL CHAIRS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning suite of four circa 1920's English oak hand carved Gothic hall chairs with Steeple top back re...
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
$2,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32.29 in W 18.51 in D 18.9 in
Pair of 19th Century Biedermeier Fruitwood Side Chairs
Located in Berlin, DE
A pair of beautifully honey colored fruitwood Biedermeier side chairs, with gently curved rectangular backs, the top and side inlaid with banding, the splat carved with a stylized flower head, on sabre legs. Newly upholstered in black Prussian horse hair fabric...
Fruitwood
$3,500 / set
H 38 in W 11 in D 17 in
Pair of Early 18th Century Renaissance Style Sgabello Hall Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A remarkable pair of oak and walnut hall chairs after the Italian Renaissance designs which were adapted by the English in the early 18th century. This form of decorative stool was s...
Oak, Walnut
$1,340Sale Price|20% Off
H 32 in W 15 in D 12 in
Late 18th - Early 19th Century Small Swedish Hall / Side Chair
Located in Wainscott, NY
A rustic 18th century Swedish side chair, hand-carved in oak with a refined simplicity typical of early Scandinavian rural design. The chair features an open rectangular back with sh...
Oak
$2,895 / set
H 34.75 in W 17.5 in D 19.5 in
Pair of Gothic Revival Inlaid & Fine Cut Velvet Side Chairs, English, c. 1870
By Charles Bevan, Bruce James Talbert
Located in Atlanta, GA
A richly detailed pair of English Gothic Revival walnut side chairs, dating to around 1870, distinguished by their intricately carved tracery backs, architectural arcade motifs, and ...
Upholstery, Ebony, Walnut
On Hold|$2,953
H 43.31 in W 24.41 in D 21.66 in
Antique armchair in walnut with tapestry upholstery, UK 17th century
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A distinguished 17th‑century English armchair crafted in rich walnut and upholstered in a traditional tapestry fabric. This early piece embodies the sculptural presence and craftsman...
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of 19th Century Klismos Chairs
Located in New York, NY
A pair 19th century Danish Klismos chairs. Collected in Copenhagen elegant pair of late 19th century Danish Klismos Chairs. Ebonized hardwood wi...
Hardwood
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 ...
Oak
$1,463Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 38.59 in W 19.1 in D 18.12 in
Pair of Quality Antique Carved Walnut Hall Chairs
Located in Suffolk, GB
Pair of quality antique carved walnut hall chairs by Simpson and Sons, Halifax having a wonderful shaped swan neck top with a quality carved sunflower to the centre splat supported b...
Walnut
$1,400Sale Price|30% Off
H 65 in W 28 in D 27 in
Antique American Gothic Revival Cathedral Back Carved Walnut Throne Side Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Large antique American Gothic Revival throne chair, circa 1870s. Made from walnut with a pierced cathedral back featuring arches and a cen...
Upholstery, Walnut
$1,529Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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, England
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