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.
Beautiful antique fine 18th century french needlepoint tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Elegant 18th-century French petit point tapestry, beautifully hand-stitched with fine detail and rich colors. This charming piece depicts a lively pastoral scene with figures in peri...
Wool, Cotton, Silk
Zabihi Collection Animal Motif Meshed Early 20th Century Rug
Located in New York, NY
A stunning 1900s Meshed Conversational Animal Motif Statement Rug Details rug no. j5036 size 10' 1" x 13' 5" (307 x 409 cm) rug type Meshed,Pictorial
Wool
16th Century Leaf from Medieval Gregorian Chant Liturgical Sheet Music.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
16th Century Leaf from Medieval Gregorian Chant Liturgical Sheet Music On Vellum. This early leaf of liturgical sheet music is handwritten in Gothic Blackletter on vellum. It is no...
Glass, Wood
1900 Little Rustic Chest or Coffer Gothic Carved Oak & Wrought Iron, French
Located in Labrit, Landes
French coffer or chest made circa 1900. Decorated with carved flowers style. The design of this chest is deliberately rustic. The interior is lined with fabric. Very decorative and ...
Wrought Iron
Wrought Iron & Opaline Glass Pendant, Finland, 1930s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A finely crafted pendant light that pairs hand-forged wrought iron with a softly glowing opaline glass shade. The structure is elegant and slightly ornamental, with subtle botanical ...
Wrought Iron
Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry Vendanges museum Design
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French hand-printed tapestry featuring the exquisite design of the renowned medieval museum tapestry, "Les Vendanges" (grape harvest) from t...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
Antique French Medieval Gothic Carved Oak Chest Coffer 17th Century Panels 1679
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique 17th century French Gothic carved oak lidded chest or coffer, dated 1679. The chest was assembled in the mid 19th century with original carved panels from the 1600s. ...
Oak
$11,026Sale Price|20% Off
Antique early 17th century rare German or Austrian Stollentruhe or trunk
Located in Casteren, NL
This is an antique Stollentruhe (stile-and-panel chest) made of solid oak, originating from Southern Germany, most likely Bavaria, Upper Austria, or Tyrol, and dating to the early 17th century (circa 1600–1630). It is an early and exceptional example of the traditional stollen construction, recognizable by its tall, continuous corner stiles, heavy front panel, and strongly regional carved ornamentation. The chest is fitted with an outstanding and completely original chest lock...
Steel
Portuguese 18th Century Carved Stone Column
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A fabulous 18th century, or earlier, carved stone column from Portugal, best described as Gothic or Romanesque in style, using the familiar acanthus motif around the capital. By the ...
Stone
Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Hand Carved Oak Armchair, Throne
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late nineteenth century French Gothic style oak coffer armchair features eight hand carved panels in the lower apron and seat back, each with different Gothic motifs. The two lo...
Oak
Wonderful Handcrafted Stained Glass Gothic Revival Pendant with Geometric Design
Located in Lisse, NL
This rare and beautiful ceiling lamp is a true gem for anyone looking to create the perfect ambiance. Crafted in the 1920s, this unique Gothic Revival pendant showcases a geometric ...
Metal
$419Sale Price|30% Off
Weighted Resin Chess Set Game in Jointed Wood Box 9.5cm Kings, Ca 1930s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good and complete English resin moulded "weighted" chess set game of 32 pieces, in a jointed pine box, all dating to the early/ mid 20th century, Circa 1930's. The chess p...
Resin, Pine
Monumental Rare Antique Renaissance Revival Gothic Walnut Fireplace Mantel 11 FT
Located in Dayton, OH
Very large and exceedingly rare English Renaissance Revival fireplace mantel, circa 1860s. Made of hand carved walnut featuring a gothic cathedral design. The fireplace portion is ...
Walnut
Early Medieval Gold Brooch Inlaid with Red Garnet, Blue and Green Glass
Located in London, GB
This dazzling gold brooch, inlaid with red garnet, and blue and green glass, is a fine example of one of the most striking emblems of the early medieval elite. Its rich colours, expe...
Gold
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Anthony of Padua. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Anthony of Padua Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Foxing to the margin Free shipping The me...
Paper
French 16th Century Antique Aubusson Tapestry
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This 16th century Aubusson (French) tapestry is remarkably still vibrant and in wonderful antique condition. Its original border is completely intact and designed with florals, folia...
Tapestry
Antique French Gothic Server Sideboard Console Table 2-Tier Walnut Marble Top
Located in Tyler, TX
HIGHLY CARVED Antique French RENAISSANCE REVIVAL Marble Top Highly Carved Walnut Console, Sofa Table, Sideboard or Server~~c. 1890s Original "rouge" marble top, two drawers with key...
Walnut
French Vintage Tapestry The Royal Hunt by Marc Waymel, 1984
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Tapestry The Royal Hunt by Marc Waymel, created exclusively for Le Médaillier Franklin, France, ca. 1984. A colorful and beautiful vintage tapestry,...
Fabric, Cotton
Spanish Medieval Hand Forged Iron Candle Stand / Floor Candle Holder
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gorgeous handwrought torchère candle holder, Spain, 1940s This medieval style floor candleholder stands up on three legs tripod base. It has a terrific aged patina. It has a clean de...
Iron, Wrought Iron
$10,357Sale Price|41% Off
Rare 15th Century Solid Oak Medieval Dutch Gothic Chest or Trunk
Located in Casteren, NL
A very rare chest that was completely made of solid oak from the Netherlands middle ages. It is a joined chest with hand carved geometric gothic front panels. The ornaments used are typical Gothic ornaments such as trefoil, mouchette, and trace. This diminutive chest was probably made in the 15th century Netherlands. It has the typical construction of very early European furniture as is also seen on the German Stollentruhe. The chest has only a small lid with forged hinges...
Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Hand Carved Walnut Cabinet or Credenza
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late nineteenth century French Gothic style cabinet is constructed of solid walnut and features hand carved detailing of Gothic motifs on all of its forward facing panels, doors...
Walnut
Very Rare Antique Armada Box or Strongbox in Iron Early 17th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Very Rare Antique Armada Box or Strongbox in Iron Early 17th Century A truly wonderful 400 year old museum worthy ‘strongbox’ or ‘armada box’. Most probably German, around 1600-1620...
Iron
Early 20th Century Decorative Box - Brass - Gothic Tristan and Isolde Theme
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful decorative box, made of brass. The box is richly decorated with elegant motifs and representations of the classic story Tristan and Isolde. The box was probably made in B...
Brass
$2,370Sale Price|25% Off
11'8"x14'9" Dutch White Turkish Knot Design 100% Wool Hand Knotted Oversized Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Dutch White, Turkish Knot Paisley Design, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oversized, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Primary colo...
Wool
Late 19th Century French Gothic style Walnut Cigar cabinet
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Elegant 19th-century French cigar cabinet in the Gothic style. This beautifully crafted piece features a tambour roll-top door that opens to reveal compartments for cigars and two sm...
Brass
16th Century Gothic Carved Oak Chest, France
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 16th century / Chest / oak / Gothic A remarkable French Gothic oak chest dating from the 16th century, showcasing intricate hand-carved detailing throughout its façade. The...
Oak
$2,701Sale Price|25% Off
10'2"x14' Beige Ancient Persian Garden Design Tone on Tone Hand Knotted Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Beige, Ancient Persian Garden Design, Tone on Tone, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Primary colo...
Wool
Antique Rare Medieval Illuminated Vellum Psalm Leaf, Italy, c.1350–1450
Located in Doha, QA
A beautifully preserved medieval illuminated manuscript leaf on vellum (animal skin), dating to circa 1350–1450, originating from Europe. Italy. This striking example of Gothic craftsmanship features elegant textura script meticulously hand-lettered in rich brown ink across both sides, accompanied by vibrant rubrication and finely rendered initials in red and blue. The recto is adorned with a large illuminated initial, intricately decorated with geometric and foliate motifs, while delicate pen flourishes extend into the margins, demonstrating the skill and artistry of a professional scriptorium. The verso continues with carefully structured text and ornamentation, revealing the continuity of the manuscript’s original use. The presence of decoration on both sides highlights its authenticity as a working liturgical page rather than a later decorative fragment. Executed on supple vellum, the surface retains a beautiful natural patina, with subtle tonal variations and signs of age that enhance its historical character. The text is drawn from the Latin Psalms, traditionally used in devotional practice, adding both spiritual and cultural significance. The text translates in English as: “Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you. Do not hide your face from me; in the day when I am in trouble, incline your ear to me. On whatever day I call upon you, hear me quickly. For my days have vanished like smoke, and my bones have dried up like firewood. I am stricken like grass and my heart has withered, so that I forget to eat my bread. From the voice of my groaning, my bones cling to my flesh. I have become like a pelican in the wilderness; I am like an owl among the ruins. I lie awake, and I am like a solitary sparrow on a rooftop. All the day my enemies reproach me; those who praised me swear against me. For I have eaten ashes like bread and mingled my drink with weeping.” Presented in a custom frame, this rare...
Animal Skin, Glass, Wood, Paint
Monumental Framed Medieval Facsimile Map Of The World Fra Mauro Wood Wall Panel
Located in Forney, TX
A remarkable palatial nearly 7.5ft x 7.5ft facsimile of the important Map of the World (circa 1450) by Fra MauroFra Mauro (Italian; circa 1400–1464), featuring a solid wood framed hi...
Linen, Wood, Paper
Pair of Gothic Style Wrought Iron Wall Lights, c.1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and elegant pair of wall lights is made of wrought iron. This is a French work in the Gothic Style (Indicated height without candles). Circa 1940 Additional Information: ...
Wrought Iron
French 18th Century Gothic Armoire
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This 18th century, mixed wood French armoire is absolutely stunning. It is Gothic-style and features two tall, paneled doors on barrel hinges. One key operates the locking right door...
Wood
Pair of 19th Century gothic English lights
Located in London, GB
Pair of 19th Century gothic English lights Dimensions: H 10.5” x W 5.5” x D 5.5” Chain drop 20” Weight: 5kg pair Date: Late 19th Century Origin: English Material: Metal and glass ...
Metal
$1,082
Nexus - wall light
Located in Firenze, FI
A decorative LED wall fixture with twin curved brass arms emerging symmetrically from a central circular mount. The lights are enclosed in vertical satin-finish glass tubes, radiating a soft, even glow. A blue enamel insert at the center echoes the collection's signature palette, blending Art Deco refinement with the elegance of a reimagined medieval torch.
Brass
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Gothic Style Bronze & Iron Bat Motif Lantern
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gothic Style Bronze and Iron Bat Motif Lantern Gothic style bronze and iron bat motif lantern, with a total of 45" drop, chain can be removed or added. For sale are two exceptional Gothic-style bronze and iron bat motif lanterns, sold individually, offering a rare and unique addition to any space. Each lantern has a finely cast bronze bat...
Metal, Bronze, Wrought Iron
French 19th Century Gothic Style Bronze Chandelier
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stunning 6-light Byzantine/Gothic-style bronze chandelier from France, 19th century if not earlier. The dramatic fixture has a multifoil shaped ring from which the six lights rise ...
Bronze
Antique Lifesize Crowned Mother Mary and Child Jesus Gothic Revival Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Hand carved wood antique statue of Mother Mary wearing a Gothic crown. This original and all hand carved sculpture of the mother of all mothers is anothe...
Wood
$875Sale Price|39% Off
Early 20th Century Italian Gothic style Decorative Boxe or Small Trunk
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this beautiful and rare small trunk made in the early 20th century. Made entirely of iron with brass decorations, this trunk has a Gothic-inspired design. A unique decora...
Iron
Rare & Beautifully Hand-Carved Antique Dutch Arts & Crafts Beveled Wall Mirror
Located in Lisse, NL
Striking wall mirror with handcarved geometrical 'flowers' and trefoil symbols. Via one of our foreign contacts we recently purchased this perfectly fine and deeply handcarved, sc...
Mirror, Wood
Antique Gothic Bronze Wall Hanging Altar Door Tabernacle with Chalice (B)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gothic Bronze Wall Hanging Altar Door Tabernacle with Chalice (B). Item features heavy solid brass/bronze construction, chalice and rays of light cast design, very nice vinta...
Bronze
Early 1900 Hand Carved Marble Statue / Sculpture of Mother Mary w. Cross & Book
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful antique and all handcrafted, solid Carrara marble sculpture. This rare work of religious art is entirely hand carved out of white marble. We are not certain, but we feel t...
Carrara Marble, Marble
$10,828Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 16th Century German Dark Brown oak carved Stollentruhe Trunk or Chest
Located in Casteren, NL
This impressive large Stollentruhe, also known as a Stollentroewe, is a large German storage chest crafted around 1580. Its distinctive construction, with massive upright corner post...
Steel
Superb Norway SterlingSilver 925 gilt dragon enamel viking boat salt cellar Aase
By Magnus Aase
Located in Wien, AT
A stunning salt cellar, made by famous Norwegian artist Magnus Aase in 925 Sterling silver (hallmarked). The makers mark being Magnus Aase, Norway, from the 1940s. The salt cellar ...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
$654Sale Price|25% Off
2'7"x6' Green Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Pickle Green, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Vegetable Dyes, Hand Knotted, Soft Wool, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches...
Wool
Antique Gothic Bronze Wall Hanging Altar Door Tabernacle with Chalice (A)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gothic Bronze Wall Hanging Altar Door Tabernacle with Chalice (A). Item features heavy solid brass/bronze construction, chalice and rays ...
Bronze
Stunning & Large, The Golden Virgin Mary & Child Jesus Sculpture by Albert Roze
Located in Lisse, NL
Meaningful and a monumental masterpiece: “La Vierge d'Albert” piece of the golden Virgin) by ), cast by Barbedienne, 1916. Step into the poetic depths of history with this extraordi...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
$22,500Sale Price|25% Off
Red Antique Persian Serapi Heriz Wool Hand Knotted Even Wear Rug 11'3"x15'3"
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
Rare Large Gothic 16th century carved solid oak chest, France
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 16th century / bridal or blanket chest / oak / Gothic This impressive chest was hand-carved in solid oak in the 16th century in France. The construction is typical of very...
Oak
Nice French Aubusson Style screen printed by hand tapestry «winged stags»
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Immerse yourself in the allure of this mid-20th-century French tapestry, showcasing a design inspired by a 15th-century woven masterpiece titled "Cerfs Ailés" (winged stags) at Rouen...
Cotton, Linen
$636Sale Price|20% Off
French Gothic Ormolu Cut Glass & Marble/Quartz Double Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Gothic Ormolu Cut Glass and Marble/Quartz Double Inkwell France, circa 1870s A magnificent French Gothic Ormolu Cut Glass and Marble/Quartz Double Inkwell, dating back to the...
Quartz, Marble, Ormolu
Quelaag's Chair – Handcrafted Carved and Upholstered Contemporary Gothic Chair
By Realm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Part of an ongoing series of Witch’s Chairs, the voluptuous forms and plush upholstery of this chair polymerize mutated forms with a sense of gorgeous monstrosity. The fusion of rabb...
Brass
French Tapestry, Genuine Jacquard in Medieval Style - H 131 x W 190 cm - N 1439
By Aubusson Manufacture, Royal Manufacture of Aubusson
Located in Paris, FR
Located a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, we are a French family business specializing in the purchase, sale, expertise, cleaning, restoration and conservation of tapes...
Wool
French Gothic Arms Fireback
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
French Gothic fireback reproduction. With decorations in the style of the early days of casting firebacks. 20th century. The fireback has a black / pewter color. The fireback is in ...
Iron
$2,812Sale Price|25% Off
Beige Antique Persian Kerman with Areas of Wear, Distressed, Clean, Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Neo-Gothic Room Divider by Carl Durkow, Stainless Steel & Aluminum
By Carl Durkow
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A one-of-a-kind room divider for the ages. Flowing curtains, melting wax. Constructed and forged in stainless steel and aluminum, this neo-gothic modesty screen is ideal for obscurin...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
English Gothic Revival Walnut Prie-dieu
Located in Queens, NY
English Gothic Revival style (19th Cent) walnut Prie-dieu with fretwork design and needlepoint upholstery.
Gothic wrought iron candelabra style floor lamp
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Gothic wrought iron candelabra style floor lamp.
Wrought Iron
$3,800 / set
1950's Italian Gothic Dragon Andirons
Located in New York, NY
Unique pair of large 1960's Italian Gothic Dragons andirons, in vintage original condition with minor wear and patina due to age and use, amazing craft...
Iron
16th Century oak carved Gothic Panel, Belgium
Located in Meulebeke, BE
16th century / Belgium / Letter Panel / Oak / Gothic A finely carved Gothic oak panel from 16th-century France. This architectural fragment features graceful vertical fluting framed...
Oak
Nice Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry « Suzanne and the old men »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French screen-printed by hand tapestry featuring the exquisite design of a medieval museum tapestry titled « Suzanne and the old men » The ...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
Gothic-Revival Gilt Bronze Sanctuary Chandlier
Located in Queens, NY
English Gothic Revival-style (19th Century) bronze dore 6 sided filigree sanctuary fixture suspended by 3 chains connected to a canopy
Bronze