19th Century Gothic Painted Bookcase
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Wonderful 19th Century English Gothic painted bookcase. 1880
Category
19th Century English Antique Medieval Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Oak, Pine
Medieval Bookcases
6 Results
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
Baltic Neo-Classical Mahogany Breakfront Cabinet, Circa 1750, Antique
Located in Queens, NY
"Continental (Probably Baltic-18th Century) Neo-classic mahogany breakfront cabinet with a lower section having 4 door under 4 drawers, all having an oval shaped inlaid pattern and an upper section with 4 Gothic style lattice glass door under a centered pediment Good; Wear consistent with age and use. Glass pane...
Category
18th Century Unknown Antique Medieval Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Dutch Gothic Revival Oak Barrister's Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
Dutch furniture makers embraced the Gothic Revival well into the early twentieth century, adapting traditional architectural motifs to practical furniture for everyday living. This h...
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Mid-20th Century Dutch Medieval Bookcases
Materials
Oak
Fine Quality 19th Century Carved Oak Glazed Bookcase
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Fine Quality 19th century carved oak glazed bookcase. This is a very attractive piece, it has 2 glazed doors which have a deeply carved border matching the top and base carving an...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Medieval Bookcases
Materials
Oak
Important Gothic Pugin Style Victorian Walnut Dwarf Open Bookcase
By Pugin
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very well made Gothic Pugin style very large dwarf open bookcase A very good looking and well made piece, the sh...
Category
19th Century English Antique Medieval Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
JOHN WIDDICOMB Vintage Large Walnut Gothic Design Breakfront Display Bookcase
Located in Perkasie, PA
JOHN WIDDICOMB Vintage Walnut Gothic Design Breakfront Display Bookcase – Item 72383 This impressive JOHN WIDDICOMB breakfront display bookcase combines elegant Regency proportions ...
Category
1980s Vintage Medieval Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
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Medieval bookcases for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Medieval bookcases 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 bookcases created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, oak and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval bookcases made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England 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 bookcases differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,304 and tops out at $17,500 while the average work can sell for $5,097.
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