Skip to main content

Medieval Furniture

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.

6
673
12
2
to
88
1,154
687
682
684
95,927
52,585
21,338
20,727
8,392
6,070
4,413
4,185
3,663
3,287
3,124
3,033
2,941
2,458
2,181
1,817
1,784
1,413
261
202
210
14
84
76
23
23
2
10
2
6
23
4
4
5
5
359
229
227
132
111
581
237
118
104
71
21
3
2
2
2
Item Ships From: Europe
Style: Medieval
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...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Unique 16th Century Antique Fireback, Biblical Wine Feast
Located in Haarlem, Noord-Holland
Beautifully decorated antique fireback or "ofenplatte". This used to be one of the sides of an antique stove made from several decorated firebacks. B...
Category

16th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Important Gothic Pugin Style Victorian Walnut Dwarf Open Bookcase
By Pugin
Located in GB
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 Furniture

Materials

Walnut

17th Century Antique Fireback / Backsplash Dated 1617
Located in Haarlem, Noord-Holland
Amazing French cast Iron fireback or backsplash. Showing IHS (Jezus the Savior of Humanity) or In Hoc Signo (In this sign will you win)) inside a beautiful wreath suspended by two angels, this all between two tall rounded pillars. This fireback is dated 1617. The fireback has a crack on the left side, see picture. Sold by Schermerhorn Antique Fireplaces Our vast collection of antique fireplaces and mantels...
Category

Early 17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Antique Fully Restored Gothic Pugin Style Brown Leather Studded Console Table
By Pugin
Located in GB
We are delighted to this absolutely stunning one of a kind Gothic Pugin style hand studded brown leather console table with single drawer This...
Category

1840s English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Leather, Oak

Extra-Large Wrought Iron Chandelier, Spain, circa 1950s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very impressive medieval-style sixteen-light wrought iron chandelier, of very large proportions, ending in stylized fleur-de-lys. Each light has a large amber-colored glass shade. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Medieval Furniture

Large rare antique statue of Saint Eligius, France ca. 1550
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1550 / statue Saint Eligius / Antique / reliques Religious statue of Saint Eligius from the 16th century in full wood found in France. This very rare find has a beautiful ...
Category

16th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large Hexagonale Base of Pilaster in Burgundy Stone, Burgundy, 15th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Large base of molded hexagonal pilaster in burgundy stone carved with vines, grapes and rosettes in high relief. Burgundy, 15th century 28 x 63 x 30 cm Provenance : collection De...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Late 19th Century Gilt Wrought Iron Medieval Style Four-Light Chandelier
Located in Barntrup, DE
Late 19th century gilt wrought iron medieval style four-light chandelier An impressive and heavy medieval-style castle design gilt wrought iron four-light chandelier from the late 1...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

STUNNiNG CARVED LIMED OAK GOTHIC REVIVAL FOUR POSTER SUPER KING SIZE BED FRAME
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely Gothic Revival Limed Oak Super King size bed frame Ple...
Category

20th Century English Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Bobyrug’s Nice Vintage French Hand Printed Tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the timeless elegance of the "Verdure des Flandres" tapestry – a stunning piece echoing 16th-century designs. Hand-printed using serigraphy on a cotton foundation, this exqu...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Cotton

Early 20th Century Brass Book Stand
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful antique brass book stand. Adjustable angle. Estimated date and origin: France, circa 1910. Dimensions: 24 x 21 cm and 19 cm tall. The book stand is in good condition....
Category

1910s French Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Brass Decorative Box - Gothic Style
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A nice antique brass box, with beautiful Gothic style scenes. The box is in good condition. Beautiful color and old patina. Estimated age and origin: Belgium, circa 1910. Dimensions:...
Category

Early 1900s Belgian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Late 19th Century Brass Gothic Style Candlesticks
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful pair of antique brass candlesticks. Gothic style. The candlesticks are in good condition. Beautiful color and shine. Sturdy and solid. Estimated age and origin: France, ...
Category

1880s French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Large Medieval carved frieze - France, 14th-15th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Gothic Limestone frieze decorated with curly foliage North of France, 14th-15th century 59,8 x 15,6x 22 cm This French Gothic limestone frieze, adorned with curling foliage, stands ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Limestone

Early 20th Century Brass Box - Gothic Style
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful decorative brass box. Beautiful ornaments in gothic style. Estimated date and origin: France, circa 1910. Dimensions: 15 x 10 cm and 7 cm tall. The box is in good cond...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Brass Box - Gothic Style
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful decorative brass box. Beautiful ornaments in gothic style. Estimated date and origin: France, circa 1910. Dimensions: 10,5 x 6,5 cm and 6 cm tall. The box is in good c...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

A large French 19th century simulated stone plaster bust of a medieval man C1860
Located in Central England, GB
This most impressive life sized characterful plaster bust dates to circa 1860. It is finely modelled and depicts a medieval gentleman wearing a simple hat and tunic top. The features...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Antique Gothic Style Hob Grate
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A Victorian era Gothic style hob grate dating from circa 1830 and unusually decorated with castellations and quatrefoils. Finished in black graphite polish, this antique cast iron ho...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Metal, Iron

16th century large chest strongbox iron and walnut
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A quite large 16th century Italian so called 'coffre fort' . Coffers or chest like these were specifically made for cities or large villages to safegueard the gold and valuables. The...
Category

16th Century Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

French 19th Century Zinc Gargoyle
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique and extremely rare zinc feathered gargoyle. Great expression This gargoyle, a word derived from the French 15th century word 'Gargouille' (throat), is a hybrid, possibly a g...
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Zinc

Minature suit of armour
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Hutton-Clarke Antiques proudly presents a rare and unique miniature suit of medieval armour, likely originating from Italy or Spain and dating back to the mid to late 19th century. S...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel

Carved Oak Key Cupboard A very attractive piece, the cupboard can be wall hung
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Carved Oak Key Cupboard A very attractive piece, the cupboard can be wall hung showing the gothic carving on the front of the door to full advantage, it shows a large bunch of keys ...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

French Gothic Period 'Pillars and Pediment' Fireback / Backspash, 16th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
16th century French Gothic fireback with two pillars of Hercules and a pediment. The pillar refers to the club of Hercules, his favorite weapon. It symbolizes power. Since antiquity...
Category

16th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Ceiling Lamp from 1930's, forged and welded steel.
Located in Turku, FI
Quite special and unique ceiling lamp from 1930's. Designer and manufacturer is unknown but it has a bit same style like Taidetakomo Hakkarainen lamps and other works. Rough hardly...
Category

Early 20th Century Finnish Medieval Furniture

Materials

Metal

Arts and Crafts Carved Oak Marriage Chest or Carved Coffer
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts Carved Oak Marriage Chest or Carved Coffer This is a lovely old piece, and is in remarkably good condition for its age, the coffer has gothic carvings of Dragons and...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

17th Century Embroidered King David With Harp Silk Tread Green Velvet Flanders
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Step into the rich tapestry of the 17th century with our exquisite embroidered picture featuring King David With Harp. Meticulously crafted with silk thread, mounted on luscious gree...
Category

17th Century Belgian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Silk, Velvet

Antique English Heraldic Stained Glass Window
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A fascinating early 19th century English heraldic stained glass window detailing an unidentified family crest, circa 1820. Dating from the Georgian era, this stunning stained glass w...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Lead

English Oak Gothic Style Dressing Table Mirror with Castellated Top
Located in London, GB
An English oak Gothic style dressing table or chest of drawers mirror with castellated top and carved seed pod details below, with dowelled construction and through pegged joints to ...
Category

1960s English Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique Hand-Carved Gothic Style Quasimodo / Hunchback of Notre Dame Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Very rare, 19th century statuette of Victor Hugo's famous novel character. If you are a collector of rare novel and/or famous movie characters then this 19th century sculpture of Quasimodo, better known as the Hunchback of Notre Dame...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

French Large Trunk- Chest - Gothic oak from the 16th century - France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Large solid oak chest from the 16th century Gothic period Very pretty French, Norman work. Decorated with Gothic motifs on 5 panels on the facade. Note reassembly in the 18th and 19...
Category

16th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

FINE SUITE OF FOUR VINTAGE GOTHIC WINDSOR STEEPLE BACK BURR YEW & ELM ARMCHAIRs
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of four Burr Yew & Elm circa 1940's Gothic Steeple back Windsor armchairs Please note th...
Category

1940s English Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Elm, Yew

Country English Provincial Oak Farmhouse Dining Table
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
A characterful English table Proper peg joined Oak refectory table Good thick three plank top with cleated ends set on turned baluster legs Character timbers throughout Natural f...
Category

20th Century British Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Bobyrug’s Nice French Aubusson Style hand printed 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...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Cotton

Large Church Antique Torcheres Floor Candlestick for 19 Candles
Located in Antwerp, BE
Brass and enamel multi-light standing candelabra in the Gothic style. The foot is bulbous scroll pattern with enamelled cartouches sitting on three mythical beasts. The candle holder...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Brass

19th Century English Victorian Hall Bench in Oak, Bobbin Turned Legs
Located in Odense, DK
This is a lovely piece of carved furniture, the back of the seat is crisply carved with the traditional Wheel of Life pattern, it is made from solid oak with a carved edge and a carv...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Fragment Of Flemish Tapestry Early 17th Century
Located in RÉDING, FR
Fragment of Flemish tapestry from the 17th century. This tapestry fragment depicts a mythological angelic child in the center. On either side we find two columns of golden acanthus s...
Category

17th Century Belgian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Set of 3 Antique Ecclesiastical Panels
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of 3 antique Ecclesiastical style panels. These tracery panels of Pugin style make for decorative wall art or, once glazed, elaborate windows in a period property or modern hom...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

Gothic crowned Head - Île de France, 14th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Head of a crowned Virgin Île-de-France, first half of 14th century. H26 x 14 x 14 cm Provenance : - Private Collection, Paris France (1960) - Private Collection Tuscany, Italy (19...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Elephant bird egg
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Elephant bird egg from Madagascar. The largest egg ever from a living creature; it is from the extinct elephant bird. Assembled from the shards of se...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Malagasy Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Eggshell

French Carved Gothic Oak Wall Mirror The Oak Mirror Frame is Crisply Carved
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
French Carved Gothic Oak Wall Mirror The Oak Mirror Frame is Crisply Carved with acanthus leaves and a top crest, the Oak Frame is 5” wide and the carvings are in excellent conditio...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique French Gothic Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket, 17th - 18th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th - 18th century French Gothic fire grate with period andirons and a recently forged grate. Made of wrought iron. The condition is good. The total width at the front of the grat...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique French Gothic Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket, 17th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th century French Gothic fire grate with period andirons and a recently forged grate. Made of wrought iron. The condition is good. The total width at the front of the grate is 81...
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique French Gothic Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket, 17th - 18th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th - 18th century French Gothic fire grate with period andirons and a recently forged grate. Made of wrought iron. The condition is good. The total width at the front of the grat...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique French Gothic Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket, 17th - 18th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th - 18th century French Gothic fire grate with period andirons and a recently forged grate. Made of wrought iron. The condition is good. The total width at the front of the grat...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Unique Victorian Reformed Gothic Specimen Cabinet in Oak
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
Sn4656 Exceptional quality Reformed Gothic oak collectors cabinet, having outswpet cornice with above a pair of glazed doors fitted with original working lock and a key, enclosing 22...
Category

1860s English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Romanesque Telamon - Northern Italy, late 12th (Reemployed Roman marble)
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Telamon Northern Italy, late 12th - early 13th century Reemployed Roman marble H 32 x L 18 x P 17 cm « Sono coloro che hanno dimenticato che l’uomo é solo un bruco, destinato a dive...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Marble

Arts and Crafts Brass Stick Stand, Umbrella Stand A good quality piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts Brass Stick Stand, Umbrella Stand A good quality piece, the stand is cylindrical, it is made in brass and has Lion’s mask ring handles on each side The stand is in g...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Set of 3 Antique Ecclesiastical Diagonal Panels
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of 3 antique Ecclesiastical style carved panels in diagonal form. These tracery panels of Pugin style make for decorative wall art or, once glazed, elaborate windows in a perio...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

Beautiful French Gothic Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket, 17th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
Beautiful 17th century French Gothic fire grate with period andirons and a recently forged grate. Made of wrought iron. The condition is good.
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Set of 5 Antique Ecclesiastical Carved Panels
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of 5 antique Ecclesiastical style carved panels. These tracery panels of Pugin style make for decorative wall art or, once glazed, elaborate windows in a period property or mod...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

Antique French Gothic Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket, 17th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th century French Gothic fire grate with period andirons and a newly forged grate. Made of wrought iron. The condition is good.
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

French Gothic Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket, 17th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th century French Gothic fire grate with period andirons and a recently forged grate. Made of wrought iron. The condition is good.
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique Carved English Oak Fireplace
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Though this antique carved English oak fireplace dates from the late 19th century, it draws inspiration from eras across the ages. It is elaborately carved throughout and handcrafted...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Oak

Arts and Crafts Oak Joint Stool, Occasional Table with Drawer
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts Oak Joint Stool, Occasional Table with Drawer This a good Golden Oak Joint or Joined Stool with a carved frieze which is a drawer for storage This is a good solid s...
Category

1880s Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Gothic Design Victorian Sterling Silver Toast Rack - Made in 1846
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1846, possibly by John Gilbert, and also carrying the retail shop mark of James Braham (located at 8 the Strand, Torquay) this very stylish, Victorian, An...
Category

1840s English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

17th century carved limewood figure of St Michael
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 17th century carved limewood figure of st michael circa 1640. Beautiful floor standing figure of the st michael the dragon slayer, also known as archangel michael.  Michael ha...
Category

Mid-17th Century Belgian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Flemish Hand Embroidery 15th & 16th Century Gothic Silk & Gold threat Liturgical
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Flemish hand embroidery from the 15th to 16th century adorns this chasuble fragment, depicting scenes of the Virgin Mary Madonna and child amidst a garden setting. Created with lavis...
Category

16th Century Belgian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Gold

Medieval furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include rugs and carpets, building and garden elements, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wool and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Asia, and West Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Arval Argenti Valenza, Edward F. Caldwell & Co., and Aeterna Furniture. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $30 and tops out at $275,000 while the average work can sell for $1,886.

Recently Viewed

View All