Medieval Furniture
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.
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Medieval Furniture
Fabric, Velvet, Trimming
21st Century and Contemporary American Medieval Furniture
Leather
2010s Italian Medieval Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Italian Medieval Furniture
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Medieval Furniture
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Medieval Furniture
Silk
2010s American Medieval Furniture
Bronze
2010s Mexican Medieval Furniture
Hardwood, Oak
2010s French Medieval Furniture
Leather
2010s Mexican Medieval Furniture
Oak
2010s Italian Medieval Furniture
Marble, Sterling Silver
2010s French Medieval Furniture
Leather
2010s Dutch Medieval Furniture
Sheet Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Medieval Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary European Medieval Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Medieval Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Medieval Furniture
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary English Medieval Furniture
Limestone
2010s Italian Medieval Furniture
Bronze, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Medieval Furniture
Iron
2010s Italian Medieval Furniture
Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Medieval Furniture
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Medieval Furniture
Wood, Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Medieval Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary American Medieval Furniture
Metal, Wrought Iron, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Medieval Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Medieval Furniture
Wood
2010s Indian Medieval Furniture
Velvet
2010s Italian Medieval Furniture
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Medieval Furniture
Velvet
2010s Australian Medieval Furniture
Fur
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Medieval Furniture
Bouclé
2010s Australian Medieval Furniture
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Medieval Furniture
Sheepskin
2010s American Medieval Furniture
Fur
21st Century and Contemporary American Medieval Furniture
Velvet, Silk
2010s Canadian Medieval Furniture
Silk, Velvet, Satin
21st Century and Contemporary American Medieval Furniture
Silk, Velvet
2010s Australian Medieval Furniture
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Medieval Furniture
Metal, Wrought Iron, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary French Medieval Furniture
Stone, Cast Stone, Cement
21st Century and Contemporary French Medieval Furniture
Cement, Cast Stone
21st Century and Contemporary French Medieval Furniture
Stone, Cast Stone, Iron
Early 2000s Medieval Furniture
Wood
2010s Italian Medieval Furniture
Limestone
21st Century and Contemporary European Medieval Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary European Medieval Furniture
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary American Medieval Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Medieval Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Medieval Furniture
Marble