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Medieval Cupboards

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
4 Doors Cupboard or Wardrobe Gothic Period in Oak, 15th Century
4 Doors Cupboard or Wardrobe Gothic Period in Oak, 15th Century

4 Doors Cupboard or Wardrobe Gothic Period in Oak, 15th Century

$34,648

4 Doors Cupboard or Wardrobe Gothic Period in Oak, 15th Century

Located in Brussels, Brussels

exceptional and very rare Gothic 4 doors buffet or wardrobe in oak, 15th century period from the north of France. This rare gothic piece open with 4 stylized plant decoration door, each with its original entrance, lockand hinges each in their original condition. The sides of the cupboard have carved pannels typical of gothic style furniture...

Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Cupboards

Materials

Oak

2 Door Carved Gothic Oak Cupboard, Sideboard This is an unusual design
2 Door Carved Gothic Oak Cupboard, Sideboard This is an unusual design

2 Door Carved Gothic Oak Cupboard, Sideboard This is an unusual design

$3,174

2 Door Carved Gothic Oak Cupboard, Sideboard This is an unusual design

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

2 Door Carved Gothic Oak Cupboard, Sideboard This is an unusual design, the Cupboard doors and drawer fronts are profusely carved in the Gothic Oak Style, with faces including the g...

Category

Early 1800s Antique Medieval Cupboards

Materials

Oak

French 16th and 19th Century Gothic Freestanding Oak Cabinet
French 16th and 19th Century Gothic Freestanding Oak Cabinet

French 16th and 19th Century Gothic Freestanding Oak Cabinet

$24,000

French 16th and 19th Century Gothic Freestanding Oak Cabinet

Located in Troy, NY

French 16th and 19th Century Gothic Freestanding Oak Cabinet. Unique and rare cabinet with an open base, finished all around, so it could be freestanding in the room, the front panel...

Category

16th Century French Antique Medieval Cupboards

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Century French Gothic Enfilade
19th Century French Gothic Enfilade

19th Century French Gothic Enfilade

$5,795

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 ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Cupboards

Materials

Oak

English 19th century Gothic Style Oak Food or Aumbry Cabinet
English 19th century Gothic Style Oak Food or Aumbry Cabinet

English 19th century Gothic Style Oak Food or Aumbry Cabinet

$14,850

English 19th century Gothic Style Oak Food or Aumbry Cabinet

Located in Troy, NY

Decorative English Oak "Food" or Aumbry Cabinet inspired by 16th Century examples, but of 19th Century manufacture. (See Victor Chinnery, Oak Furniture, the British Tradition...

Category

16th Century English Antique Medieval Cupboards

Materials

Oak

Antique English Jacobean Style Stained Oak Wall Cupboard
Antique English Jacobean Style Stained Oak Wall Cupboard

Antique English Jacobean Style Stained Oak Wall Cupboard

$1,125

Antique English Jacobean Style Stained Oak Wall Cupboard

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A noteworthy and very well crafted 19th Century two-door storage cupboard with traditional English Gothic style carved doors, fine graining and brass door pulls, key escutcheons (wit...

Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Cupboards

Materials

Metal

Gothic Carved Golden Oak 3 Door Cupboard
Gothic Carved Golden Oak 3 Door Cupboard

Gothic Carved Golden Oak 3 Door Cupboard

$4,416

Gothic Carved Golden Oak 3 Door Cupboard

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Gothic Carved Golden Oak 3 Door Cupboard This is a long carved country style Oak cupboard, the cupboard has 3 doors enclosing one long cupboard and one smaller, both cupboards are ...

Category

1880s Antique Medieval Cupboards

Materials

Oak

17th Century Carved Oak Court Cupboard, Cottage Livery Cupboard
17th Century Carved Oak Court Cupboard, Cottage Livery Cupboard

17th Century Carved Oak Court Cupboard, Cottage Livery Cupboard

$5,520

17th Century Carved Oak Court Cupboard, Cottage Livery Cupboard

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

17th Century Carved Oak Court Cupboard, Cottage Livery Cupboard This is an old and charming piece of carved oak furniture, the top section has a single cupboard enclosed by 1 carv...

Category

Mid-17th Century Antique Medieval Cupboards

Materials

Oak

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1860s Austrian Biedermeier Wardrobe Cupboard in Walnut, Polished to Wax
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$10,275

H 71.66 in W 37.8 in D 18.51 in

1860s Austrian Biedermeier Wardrobe Cupboard in Walnut, Polished to Wax

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Elegant 1860s Biedermeier wardrobe cupboard in walnut with hand-carved parts. Recovered in Villach, in the beautiful Alpine region of Austria, a tourist area full of lakes. Restored...

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Stunning Antique Hungarian Hand Painted Housekeepers Linen Cupboard / Wardrobe
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$5,451

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...

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1880s Hungarian Antique Medieval Cupboards

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Pine

19th Century French Cupboard with Dish Rack or Vaiselier in Oak
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$5,500

H 81.5 in W 52 in D 22 in

19th Century French Cupboard with Dish Rack or Vaiselier in Oak

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

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French 19th Century Walnut Louis XVI Style Enfilade
French 19th Century Walnut Louis XVI Style Enfilade

French 19th Century Walnut Louis XVI Style Enfilade

$6,800

H 39.63 in W 80.25 in D 21 in

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Located in Baton Rouge, LA

This 19th century Louis XVI style walnut enfilade is topped with an exciting slab of Verde Patricia marble that beautifully contrasts the linear formality and rich brown tones of the...

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Marble

German Neo-Gothic Painted and Carved Cupboard, around 1870
German Neo-Gothic Painted and Carved Cupboard, around 1870

German Neo-Gothic Painted and Carved Cupboard, around 1870

$2,485Sale Price|20% Off

H 74.81 in W 53.15 in D 19.69 in

German Neo-Gothic Painted and Carved Cupboard, around 1870

Located in Berlin, DE

Immerse yourself in the intricate beauty of German craftsmanship with this stunning Neo-Gothic painted and carved cupboard, dating back to around 1870. Rich in history and artistry, ...

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1870s German Antique Medieval Cupboards

Materials

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19th Century English Olivewood and Brass Inlaid Cabinet
19th Century English Olivewood and Brass Inlaid Cabinet

19th Century English Olivewood and Brass Inlaid Cabinet

$51,805

H 46.25 in W 33.5 in D 16.75 in

19th Century English Olivewood and Brass Inlaid Cabinet

By Town & Emanuel

Located in London, GB

A William IV cabinet attributed to Town and Emmanuel Constructed in a strongly grained olivewood and dressed with gold brass inlays and an etched and engraved brass panel; rising from a plinth base, the lockable single door having an inset panel in the manner of Jean Berain, enclosing a shelved interior, and flanked by narrow vertical conforming panels; the apron being dressed with three bronze rosettes, and the Jura Jaune marble is dressed with a three quarter arcaded brass gallery, circa 1830 The cabinet is illustrated and discussed in Christopher Payne’s “British Furniture 1820 to 1920” published in 2023. Payne singles out the rarity of the olivewood timber used as well as the necessity for hand cutting the large marquetry panel. Literature: Payne, Christopher. British Furniture 1820 to 1920 : The Luxury Market. ACC Art Books, 2023, pp. 38-39 (illus. fig. 1.33). Town and Emanuel Recorded in the 'Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840', published by the Furniture History Society, as being situated at 103 New Bond Street between 1830 and 1840, and apart from being manufacturers of furniture, also dealt in 'curiosities and antiques'. The late renowned connoisseur Christopher Gilbert records in his 'Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture' London 1997, also published by the Furniture History Society, a writing table in the Transitional manner with similar plaques. Their label reads 'Town and Emanuel, manufacturers of Buhl Marquetrie, Resner (sic) & Carved Furniture, tripods, screens & c. of the finest and most superb designs of the Louis 14th. Splendid cabinets and tables inlaid with fine Sevres and Dresden china...

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19th Century English Antique Medieval Cupboards

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Pair of English Oak Diminutive Two Door Corner Cupboards
Pair of English Oak Diminutive Two Door Corner Cupboards

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$3,900 / set

H 73 in W 26 in D 15 in

Pair of English Oak Diminutive Two Door Corner Cupboards

Located in Milford, NH

A diminutive pair of oak two door corner cupboards in their original dark finish, with molded cornice on each surmounting an upper door with six glass panels and brass escutcheon, op...

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French 19th Century Solid Walnut Louis Philippe Enfilade
French 19th Century Solid Walnut Louis Philippe Enfilade

French 19th Century Solid Walnut Louis Philippe Enfilade

$7,500

H 39.13 in W 65.5 in D 21.5 in

French 19th Century Solid Walnut Louis Philippe Enfilade

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

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French 19th Century Vernis Martin Cabinet with Ormolu Mounts
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$36,608

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Located in London, GB

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19th Century French Gothic Oak Buffet
19th Century French Gothic Oak Buffet

19th Century French Gothic Oak Buffet

$4,980

H 39 in W 54 in D 18 in

19th Century French Gothic Oak Buffet

Located in Dallas, TX

19th century French Gothic oak buffet is a marvel of hand-worked craftsmanship and the sculptor's art, all in one piece! Rendered from old-growth oak...

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1840s French Antique Medieval Cupboards

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Previously Available Items
15th Century French Gothic Oak Cupboard / Dressoir
15th Century French Gothic Oak Cupboard / Dressoir

15th Century French Gothic Oak Cupboard / Dressoir

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H 59.45 in W 62.6 in D 20.87 in

15th Century French Gothic Oak Cupboard / Dressoir

Located in Hoddesdon, GB

Gothic Oak Dressoir: 1460 - 1500 , France - Flandres This exquisite Gothic oak dressoir dates back to the 15th century. This remarkable piece is a rare survivor from the Haute épo...

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15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Cupboards

Materials

Iron

19th Century Gothic Revival Oak Ecclesiastical Style Cupboard
19th Century Gothic Revival Oak Ecclesiastical Style Cupboard

19th Century Gothic Revival Oak Ecclesiastical Style Cupboard

Sold

H 62.01 in W 44.89 in D 20.08 in

19th Century Gothic Revival Oak Ecclesiastical Style Cupboard

Located in Hoddesdon, GB

A Gothic revival period , joined solid oak ecclesiastical style cupboard dating to the 1860s , beautiful rich colour, intricately carved with 15th century gothic tracery design , two...

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1860s British Antique Medieval Cupboards

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17th Century, English Carved Oak Court Cupboard Sideboard
17th Century, English Carved Oak Court Cupboard Sideboard

17th Century, English Carved Oak Court Cupboard Sideboard

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H 69.75 in W 61.25 in D 23.25 in

17th Century, English Carved Oak Court Cupboard Sideboard

Located in Forney, TX

A most impressive antique, circa 1660-1700, English carved oak court cupboard (sideboard) with outstanding dark rich patina. Born in England, most likely North County, dating to the late 17th century - possibly very early 18th century, hand-crafted of warm solid oak, richly carved with intricate Celtic foliate motifs throughout. Medieval Tudor styling, two-piece design, the top having a pair of cabinet doors flanking a recessed arched vault decorative panel, flanked by Jacobean bulbous turned column supports, over lower case with large double-door cabinet, retaining the original hand forged iron butterfly hinges and pulls, all rising on bracket feet. PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION: Having a brass plaque reading: "Bequeathed to Joseph FitzGerald Blood, by Mrs. Jane Thomas, Birkenhead, A.D. 1901," Joseph FitzGerald Blood; Irish; born in Ireland in 1853, died in London in 1924. In the 1901 English census: Joseph was in Birkenhead, Cheshire, England. Source "1901 England Census" Class: RG13; Piece: 3399; Folio: 95; Page: 13 Acquired from highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas. French English Antiques Important Estates...

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17th Century English Antique Medieval Cupboards

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Gothic Carved Oak Credence Cupboard by Old Charm
Gothic Carved Oak Credence Cupboard by Old Charm

Gothic Carved Oak Credence Cupboard by Old Charm

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H 28 in W 32 in D 14 in

Gothic Carved Oak Credence Cupboard by Old Charm

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Gothic Carved Oak Credence cupboard by Old Charm A Charming little piece dating from about 1920, the cabinet is known as a credence cupboard as it has suc...

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Early 20th Century Medieval Cupboards

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19th Century Gothic Style Housekeepers Cupboard
19th Century Gothic Style Housekeepers Cupboard

19th Century Gothic Style Housekeepers Cupboard

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H 84.5 in W 74 in D 20 in

19th Century Gothic Style Housekeepers Cupboard

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Very good Gothic painted pine 8 drawer housekeepers cupboard. 1840 All eight drawer work and run smoothly Reference: 7405 Dimensions 74 inches (188 cms) Wide 20 inches (51...

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19th Century English Antique Medieval Cupboards

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Pine

Rare and Extraordinary French Louis XIII 16th Century Gothic Oak Cabinet
Rare and Extraordinary French Louis XIII 16th Century Gothic Oak Cabinet

Rare and Extraordinary French Louis XIII 16th Century Gothic Oak Cabinet

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H 51.5 in W 50.75 in D 23 in

Rare and Extraordinary French Louis XIII 16th Century Gothic Oak Cabinet

Located in Bridgeport, CT

An important Neo-Gothic style carved cabinet with carved bands with scrolling vines and pointed windows. The upper double doors with complementary iron hardware over two carved friez...

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16th Century French Antique Medieval Cupboards

Materials

Iron

18th Century Cupboard
18th Century Cupboard

18th Century Cupboard

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H 74 in W 53.5 in D 27.5 in

18th Century Cupboard

Located in Madison, MS

This beautiful and unique English cupboard is one of a kind. It has carved rosette corners, back fitted with four arch paneled doors. The base has t...

Category

18th Century English Antique Medieval Cupboards

Materials

Ash, Elm

Gothic Cupboard from Flanders or Northern France
Gothic Cupboard from Flanders or Northern France

Gothic Cupboard from Flanders or Northern France

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H 47.05 in W 55.52 in D 23.23 in

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...

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15th Century and Earlier Dutch Antique Medieval Cupboards

Materials

Oak

Continental Gothic Style Two-Door Cupboard or Altar with Figural Carving
Continental Gothic Style Two-Door Cupboard or Altar with Figural Carving

Continental Gothic Style Two-Door Cupboard or Altar with Figural Carving

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H 52.5 in W 37 in D 18.5 in

Continental Gothic Style Two-Door Cupboard or Altar with Figural Carving

Located in Milford, NH

A finely carved Continental Gothic style two-door cupboard or altar, probably oak, with open linen-carved panel back base and sides, the doors featuring a carved figure on each, canted corners with additional carved figures of monks or priests, and original cast iron hardware. In 18th and 19th century Europe, sacristy or vestment cabinets...

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19th Century European Antique Medieval Cupboards

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Iron

19th Century Petite French Carved Oak Gothic Vestment Cabinet Prayer Room
19th Century Petite French Carved Oak Gothic Vestment Cabinet Prayer Room

19th Century Petite French Carved Oak Gothic Vestment Cabinet Prayer Room

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H 51 in W 19.75 in D 14 in

19th Century Petite French Carved Oak Gothic Vestment Cabinet Prayer Room

Located in Shreveport, LA

~Direct from France~ ~Super Petite antique French oak vestment/sacristy cabinet~ ~Superb designs – look at the gorgeous dimensional carvings on the upper door panel…a sitting nun w...

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19th Century French Antique Medieval Cupboards

Materials

Oak

19th Century Ebonised French Gothic Armoire
19th Century Ebonised French Gothic Armoire

19th Century Ebonised French Gothic Armoire

Sold

H 103.94 in W 46.46 in D 20.48 in

19th Century Ebonised French Gothic Armoire

Located in Hastings, GB

19th century French Gothic Armoire This impressive large Armoire is decoratively hand carved in a Gothic style Dating from the mid-19th century French Black in color, original ebonized finish with some overlayed wax/varnish finish in places The Armoire has 2 lower drawers and 3 adjustable shelves inside, the inner drawer is in bird's-eye maple veneer There is a very decorative crest and 2 finials on the top The crest, finials, top of the Armoire and mirrored...

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19th Century French Antique Medieval Cupboards

Materials

Wood

Medieval cupboards for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval cupboards for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage cupboards 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 cupboards made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and France 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 cupboards differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $831 and tops out at $32,177 while the average work can sell for $9,938.

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