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.
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
Antique Gothic High Cupboard of the Galloping Queen Holland
Located in Milano, IT
Majestic Old Gothic sideboard of the galloping Queen Holland. The sideboard can also be classified as a tall cupboard . The sideboard is provenance from the very large auction house ...
Wood
19th Century French Gothic Credenza
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Gothic Credenza is a remarkable work of the cabinet maker's art, featuring tailored architecture melded with the timeless intricacies of the style that dates back...
Oak
Gothic Influence Credenza - 16th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb and rare 16th century credenza from the southwest of France with a Gothic influence The credenza opens with two doors. Very beautiful ironwork with superb Gothic irons fitting...
Chestnut
$5,472
H 69.1 in W 46.07 in D 22.64 in
Stunning Antique Hungarian Hand Painted Housekeepers Linen Cupboard / Wardrobe
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this very well made antique Hungarian hand painted Housekeepers pot cupboard circa 1880 Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers wi...
Pine
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
19th Century French Server
Located in Nashville, TN
This is a 19th-century French Louis Philippe buffet or sideboard. Crafted from solid walnut this piece has a white marble top, two drawers above a two-door cabinet, and turned woode...
Marble
19th Century French Gothic Enfilade
Located in High Point, NC
19th century French gothic enfilade with a plank top which has a beveled edge, following down to lovely hand paneled sides and four drawers ...
Oak
$4,500
H 81 in W 35 in D 17 in
Antique French Louis XV Style Armoire Cupboard Linen Cabinet Bonnetiere Oak
Located in Tyler, TX
Beautifully Carved Antique French Louis XV Oak Armoire, Wardrobe, Bonnetiere, Cupboard or Cabinet ~~c. 1900 Perfect statement piece that can accommodate any number of storage needs...
Oak
19th Century French Boulle Inlaid Side Cabinet or Credenza
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th century French Boulle serpentine fronted credenza, having shaped glazed doors to either end with shelves within. The central door with classical scrolling fo...
Brass
Antique Blue Painted Cupboard Dated 1850
Located in Vo', Veneto
Antique Blue Painted Cupboard dated 1850 Period: dated 1850 Origin: Tyrolean area, Germany Wood type: Fir Height: 175 cm 68.89 in Width: 125 cm (1...
Fir
Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Qing-Style Elm Wood Carved Cabinet
Located in Elkton, MD
A Chinese Qing-style carved cabinet with a rectangular top, featuring two drawers beneath. Originating from the esteemed restaurant and private collections of Margaret and Warren Kuo.
Elm
1970s Stanley Arch Gothic Armoire Wood Iron Wardrobe Cabinet
By Stanley
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1970s with this exquisite arch gothic armoire cabinet with interior mirror. The ultra rare cabinet exudes an air of luxury and ...
Iron
Narrow 14" Depth Cupboard Made With Antique French Doors
Located in Sheffield, MA
Very shallow 14" deep white washed two door armoire that will fit into a small room or space for extra storage or serve as entertainment cabinet for large screen TV, video and audio ...
Wood
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
Antique Pine False Front Cupboard/Secretary Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique pine cabinet. Removable shelves inside make it great for linen storage or cupboard. Clean lines and warm waxed pine are the hallmarks of this lovely armoire. Known as a "fa...
Pine
19th Century French Gothic Credenza ~ Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Gothic Credenza ~ Cabinet is a testament to centuries of talented artisans handing down their trade to successive generations. The original style was birthed in ...
Steel
Rosewood Credenza With Iron Base & Brass Hardware
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A mid century Brazilian style rosewood credenza. Credenza sits upon a sculpted iron base and features brass drawer pulls. Four doors open to reveal two cabinets, each with an inner s...
Brass, Iron
Sold
H 37.5 in W 42 in D 20.25 in
Antique Gothic Style Figural Carved English Oak Linen Fold Design Credenza c1910
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Gothic style credenza in the manner of Kittinger offers English oak construction with flared case having double doors with carved reserves opening to shelved interior with...
Oak
Gothic Cupboard from Flanders or Northern France
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Exhibition Musée Cantini, 1952, L'art du Moyen-Age dans les collections marseillaises, n°142 Provenance Ancienne collection Lehmann Ancienne collection L.-P. Bresset As it...
Oak
Sold
H 33.47 in W 68.9 in D 18.78 in
19th Century Large Spanish Gothic Carved Walnut Cabinet with Three Door
Located in Miami, FL
From Northern Spain, constructed of solid walnut, the rectangular top with molded edge atop a conforming case housing three doors, the doors paneled with solid walnut, raised on a pl...
Iron
Sold
H 33.8 in W 31.7 in D 19.1 in
Early 1900s Hand Carved Gothic Revival Oak Drinks Cabinet / Dry Bar with Knights
By N.V. Wed. Oosten & Zoon
Located in Lisse, NL
Marvelous and practical Gothic Revival drinks cabinet with knight sculptures and more. This rare, Dutch Gothic dry bar truly is in excellent condition. This beautifully hand carved ...
Iron
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H 28.7 in W 40.5 in D 17.3 in
Gothic Revival Hand Carved Small Oak Credenza with Church Window Like Panels
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish Gothic Revival cabinet with deep church window panels and more. This practical size Gothic credenza or sideboard comes with two perfectly sliding drawers and two doors with...
Brass, Metal
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H 70 in W 31 in D 15 in
19th Century French Gothic Style Hand Carved Oak and Walnut Cabinet or Credenza
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late 19th century French Gothic style oak and walnut credenza features intricately hand carved Gothic motifs on all forward facing panels and double spiraled barley twist column...
Walnut, Oak
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H 33.5 in W 31.5 in D 18.9 in
Early 20th Century Gothic Revival Carved Oak Drinks Cabinet / Dry Bar W. Knights
By N.V. Wed. Oosten & Zoon
Located in Lisse, NL
Marvellous and practical Gothic Revival drinks cabinet. This rare, Dutch Gothic dry bar is in excellent condition. This beautifully carved cabinet comes with two Knights who look like they are guards to the gate of a castle. The doors to this practical cabinet are shaped like the top section of large church windows and the deep carvings are an absolute joy to watch. The forged hinges as well as the 'lock plates' are perfect for these doors and both come with a good working lock and key. The history of the Dutch maker (from Haarlem), N.V. Wed. Oosten & Zoon' (Cabinetmaker), goes back to the 18th century. However, this Gothic Style cabinet...
Iron
Sold
H 36 in W 17.75 in D 16.38 in
Gothic Revival Style Dragon Motif Brass and Leather Mahogany Oak Dining Set
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This 8-piece set begs 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 this dining set is beyond amazing. Even if medieval...
Brass
Sold
H 49.8 in W 30.7 in D 15.4 in
Gothic Revival Credenza / Drinks Cabinet with Hand-Carved King and Queen
Located in Lisse, NL
Early 20th century, handcrafted Gothic credenza or dry bar. This beautiful and handcrafted Gothic Revival credenza can be used for all sorts of purposes. It is the kind of furniture...
Iron
French Gothic Carved Oak Coffer
Located in Stamford, CT
A French oak lift top blanket chest, coffer, cassone with sophisticated carved Gothic tracery front. The body of the chest 16th century. The beauti...