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.
Small Antique Medieval Style Leaded Glass Window Depicting a Boat at Sea
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A small late 19th century leaded glass window of German origin depicting a boat at sea in an earlier 13th century medieval style. Possibly a copy of a medieval work, the glass sees ...
Lead
$480Sale Price|20% Off
2'4"x9' Scarlet Red Vintage Zoroastrian Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Scarlet Red, Vintage Zoroastrian Karjihooz with Geometric Medallions, Sheared Low, Zero Pile, Evenly Worn, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Clean, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Narr...
Wool
$4,079Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Glastonbury Chair, English, Oak, Elbow Seat, Gothic Revival, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Glastonbury chair. An English, oak armchair in Gothic Revival taste, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880. A superb example of the traditional Glastonbury fo...
Oak
Spanish Medieval Double Planter Jardinière, Gilt Wrought Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand Forged Double Floor Planter, Gold leaf, gilt iron, Spain, 1940s. Rare find. One of a kind double plant iron stand entirely made by hand. This planter features two basket planter...
Iron, Gold Leaf, Metal, Wrought Iron
Neo-Gothic style chapel-cabinet on a carved and lacquered wooden column
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Neo-Gothic style chapel-cabinet on a carved and lacquered wooden column lacquered wooden Corinthian column - Antique Decorative composition of a chapel cabinet placed on a column mou...
Glass, Wood
Nice French Aubusson Style screen printed by hand tapestry "the dance"
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Immerse yourself in the allure of this mid-20th-century French silk screen printed tapestry, showcasing a design inspired by a 15th century masterpiece Louvre museum tapestry. Beaut...
Cotton, Linen
$1,995Sale Price|25% Off
9'x12'1" Brown Wool and Silk Hand Knotted Modern Grass Design Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Shades of Brown, Wool and Silk, Hand Knotted, Modern Grass Design, Tone on Tone, Lush and Plush, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches S...
Wool
$7,624Sale Price|20% Off
Red Antiqued Heriz Re-Creation Hand Knotted Pure Wool Oversized Rug 12' x 14'10"
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
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...
Iron
19th Century French Gothic Polished Black and Silver Cast Iron Strongbox Safe
Located in Dallas, TX
Keep your jewelry or important documents locked up in this small antique safe from Northern France. Crafted, circa 1880, the 52 pound cast safe has a chic two-tone black and silver paint finish. The heavy...
Iron
$158Sale Price|20% Off
Ivory Vintage Zoroastrian Karman Worn Down Hand Knotted Wool Mat Rug 1'7"x3'7"
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
$2,989Sale Price|20% Off
Soft Pink Hand Knotted Worn Wool Cropped Thin Vintage Zoroastrian Karman Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand-knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
Pair of 19th Century French Forged Iron Candlesticks
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of forged iron candlesticks candle holders with a handle in the form of a sea creature and a movable clamp to keep your candle in place ...
Iron
Wrought Iron Cage Chandelier With 7 lights in The Gothic Style
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice cage chandelier with 7 lights is all made of wrought iron. This is a French work in the Gothic style. Circa 1950
Wrought Iron
$2,676Sale Price|20% Off
Beige Old Zoroastrian Karman Shabby Chic Distressed Hand Knotted Worn Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand-knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Zoroastrian Serab Camel Hair Pure Wool Hand Knotted Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand-knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
19th Century French Gothic Walnut Buffet
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Gothic Walnut Buffet is a refined expression of the style which is considered one of the oldest furniture styles from France, dating back to the mid-12th century....
Bronze
Bobyrug’s Nice Vintage Hand Painted French Tapestry with Medieval Museum Design
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the allure of the 15th-century masterpiece in your home with this exquisite midcentury French tapestry. featuring the design of a medieval tapestry “Charles of Orleans and M...
Cotton
$1,142 / set
17th - 18th Century Gothic Large French Andirons
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
17th - 18th century French andirons - fire dogs made of wrought iron. These French andirons are called 'landiers' in France. This dates from the times the andirons were the main cook...
Wrought Iron
Antique Gothic Wrought Iron Spiral Twist 56" Fireplace Mantel Fender Surround
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gothic/Arts & Crafts Wrought Iron Spiral Twist 56" Fireplace Mantel Fender Surround. Item features twisted finials, vintage scrolling central design, very nice antique it...
Wrought Iron
17th Century Carved Figure of a Saint
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Mid 17th century Northern European carved figure of a saint. This striking statue depicts a saint who is dressed in robes, whilst holding his hand over his heart. This figure is freestanding and is stood within a leaning position which makes him stand out. It has been beautifully carved from oak and has remnants of its original paintwork. Likely to have stood within a church for many years and would have been removed due to renovation reasons. This historical figure...
Oak, Paint
Farm House Tole Hollywood Regency Chandelier with Murano Shades Italy 1980s
By Koegl
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Add a touch of opulence to your home with this charming Chandelier. Perfect verdigris colored parts to enhance any chic or eclectic home. We'd love to see it hanging in an entryway o...
Metal
Antique Medieval Gothic Hand Carved Wood Figural Musician Bard Tavern Side Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique European Medieval Gothic Hand Carved Wood Figural Musician Bard Tavern Side Chair. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 39.5" H x 19" W x 22" D x 17" Seat Height.
Wood
$594Sale Price|20% Off
3'x9'8" Brown Vintage Zoroastrian Amadan Hand Knotted Wool Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Coffee Brown, Vintage Zoroastrian Amadan with Bird Figurines, Hand Knotted, Worn Down and Distressed, 100% Wool, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Runner, Oriental Ru...
Wool
Medieval Style Stained Glass Window of St Michael
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A reclaimed religious stained glass window of St Michael weighing a soul, after a medieval era stained glass window in Eaton Bishop Church, Herefordshire. This English church origina...
Lead
Gothic Jewish German 800 Silver by Julius Herz Flatware Set Service 211 pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Julius Herz (1819-1911) founded a jewelry store in the lower Webergasse in 1843 and held the title of jeweler and goldsmith from 1854. His assortment ranged from household items such as sugar bowls and sauce boats to precious tiaras and fine jewelry. In 1886/87, he handed over the management of the company to his sons Adolf and Salomon Herz, who were appointed court jewelers shortly afterwards. Under the management of Bruno Netter, son-in-law of Adolf Herz, who had run the business since the late 1920s, the company merged with Joseph Herz Heimerdinger, another traditional Jewish company, and relocated to Wilhelmstraße 38, where Heimerdinger's business premises had been located since 1913. In 1938, the company still advertised under the name "Netter, Herz und Heimerdinger GmbH, Juweliere" before the business was looted and completely destroyed during the Reichspogromnacht on November 9/10, 1938. Outstanding rare Gothic German...
Silver
Nautical Boat Ship Chandelier Wrought Iron Venetian Cocca Anseatica, circa 1900
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 2 lights. Will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the USA and appropriate sockets for all other countries and ready to hang. One of a kind ship. Wrought iron with in...
Wrought Iron
Medieval Knopped Bronze Candlestick Bell Base, Netherlands, 15th Century
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
An 15th Century Gothic socket candlestick in in bronze with a pronounced bell foot, integral drip tray, and a slender, knopped stem rising to a tall socket with an early clean-out ap...
Brass
Chandelier Pendant Wrought Iron Wood Gothic Style French Design 1940s
Located in Palermo, IT
Particular Gothic style chandelier made of wrought iron and wood. Made in France in the 1940s.Please watch the video and photos carefully, thank you. Weight: 10 Kg Bulbs: 4 E14 ligh...
Wrought Iron
$4,596Sale Price|20% Off
8'x10' Brown Wool and Silk Mamluk Design with Star Medallion Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Wood Brown, Hand Knotted, Mamluk Design with Star Medallion, Textured Wool and Silk, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditiona...
Wool
Antique Medieval European Castle Gothic Forged Iron Processional on Stand
Located in Forney, TX
A spectacular early European castle altar processional / torchiere stand. circa 1730 or earlier. Born in Continental Europe in the early 18th century or earlier, some later elements, most likely Germanic, Medieval Gothic style, hand forged iron sculptural cross form mounted with primitive push-button panel opening to reveal heraldic coat of arms embossed brass plaque, with The Nelsons family banner, royal crown crest with cross, standing mythical goat and stag heraldic supporters, shield escutcheon castle, fleur-de-lis, three diamonds and eagle shield...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Maderas De Santa Barbara Gothic Revival Jungle Room Dining Chairs - Set of 4
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Maderas De Santa Barbara Gothic Revival Jungle Room Dining Chairs - Set of 4. Item features tall backs, original red upholstery, solid wood construction, distressed finish, very nice...
Fabric, Wood
19th Century Gothic Style Arched Oak Plank Door
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A mid-19th century gothic style arched oak plank door with original wrought iron strap hinges and hardware. Suitable for exterior use, this antique oak door features a beautiful pat...
Oak
Spanish Gueridon Drinks Occasional Low Side Table in Wrought Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Elegant wrought iron low round coffee table or occasional table drinks table. Spain, 1940s This drink table stands up on four scrolled legs supported on iron balls . The top is heavi...
Wrought Iron, Iron
$2,528Sale Price|20% Off
8'x10' Blue, Silk with Wool, Tone on Tone, Modern Design Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Sky Blue, Silk with Textured Wool, Tone on Tone, Modern All Over Design, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transiti...
Wool
Circa 1870 Richly Carved French Gothic Style Cabinet in Golden Oak
Located in Dallas, TX
The intricate motifs of this beautiful golden oak cabinet feature religious iconography paired with elaborate foliate tracery, rosettes within roundels, and climbing vines for pilasters, all in the style of French Gothic. Hand-carved circa 1870, the half-octagonal cabinet...
Metal, Iron
$782Sale Price|20% Off
3'x5'3" Ivory Hand Knotted Wool Mamluk Design Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Azureish White, Hand Knotted, Mamluk Design, Tone on Tone Design, Undyed 100% Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Prima...
Wool
$2,704Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Handforged Medieval Iron Luster from a German Castle
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Handforged Medieval Iron Luster from a German Castle A very large medieval luster from a castle in South Germany. Made of handforged iron around...
Wrought Iron
$5,008Sale Price|20% Off
10'2"x10'2" White 250 KPSI Hand Knotted Nain Flower Design Wool-Silk Square Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Snow White, 250 KPSI, Hand Knotted, Nain with Flower Medallion Design, Wool and Silk, Square, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: T...
Silk
Rare Gothic German Oak and Iron Chest Known as "Stollentruhe" 16th century
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
The large rectangular standing chest on stile feet, extensively mounted with wrought ironwork straps with stylised sixfoil motif. These are fixed with convex head nails: running vert...
Iron
Antique Gothic Saint Peter Fireback / Backsplash, 16th - 17th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Saint Peter with the key to the gate of heaven. German Gothic period fireback. Made of cast iron. It has a black / pewter patina. The condition is good, no...
Iron
Danish Cast Iron and Bronze Jewelry Box or Dresser Box, Circa 1940s
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful casket form cast iron and bronze dresser box, jewelry box, cigar box, or decorative box with interior cedar lining. The front depicts a scene from the 1219 Battle of Lynd...
Bronze, Iron
$4,672Sale Price|20% Off
8'x10'2" Brown Wool and Silk Mamluk Design with Star Medallion Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Lark Brown, Textured Wool and Silk, Mamluk Design with Star Medallion, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tradit...
Wool
c.1860–1880 Pair of Gothic Revival Bronze Church Candlesticks, France, 16.5in
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Impressive pair of 19th century bronze candlesticks executed in the Gothic Revival style, likely of French or Northern European origin. These sculptural candlesticks feature an archi...
Bronze
Medieval Architectural Fragment Cornice, Corbel
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A fragment of a sandstone corbel with flat upper face, moulded transverse ledge and two protruding lobes with reserved trefoil detailing. The lower edge has fine dentiled carving and...
Sandstone
Chinese Ming Dynasty Bronze Luan Chariot Bell
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Cast with a globular top with a central aperture on both sides, pierced with radiating petals to one side, supported on a tall spreading foot of rectangular section cast with raised ...
Bronze
Heavy Folding Wrought Iron Fire Guard for Inglenook Fireplace
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Heavy folding wrought iron fire guard for inglenook fireplace This is a heavy folding fireguard, it would suit a traditional Inglenook fireplace or ...
Iron
Georgian Architectural Model
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine English early 19th century mahogany architectural model of a church, the multiple steeples flanking a faux carved slate shingled room, wh...
Mahogany
19th Century French Gothic Forged Iron Six Candles Chandelier
Located in Paris, FR
Large decorative forged iron chandelier, late 19th century. Forged in France, circa 1890, the large chandelier can receive 6 candles (candles not provided). On wavy shapes, the chand...
Iron
$319Sale Price|20% Off
3'x4'9" Fire Brick Red Zoroastrian Ardabil Pure Wool Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Fire Brick Red, Zoroastrian Ardabil with Various Human Figurines, Pure Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditional...
Wool
$1,288Sale Price|20% Off
6'1"x6'1" Dense Weave Hand Made Herati Fish Design Square 175 KPSI Wool&Silk Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Dense Weave Hand Knotted Herati Fish Design Square 175 KPSI Extra Soft Wool Red Oriental Rug. It has been woven for months and months in the cen...
Silk
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...
Oak
attri to Charles Bevan. Gothic Revival Side Chair with Scroll Carvings
Located in London, GB
Attributed to Charles Bevan. A Gothic Revival side chair with scroll carvings to the upper sides and incised decoration framing the top backrest, finished with chamfered detailing. T...
17th Century Magnificent French Gothic Firedogs or Andirons
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
17th century, French Gothic fire dogs made of wrought iron and cast iron. Rare combination of Gothic forged iron and heavy cast iron at the back. This product has to be shipped as f...
Wrought Iron, Iron
$453Sale Price|20% Off
Brown Hand Knotted Vintage Worn Zoroastrian Abrash Clean Distressed Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
Large gothic corbel - France, 15th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Gothic Corbel France, 15th century limestone 36 x 44 x 45 cm This imposing culot, carved in stone and dating from the fifteenth century, exemplifies the expressive vitality and imag...
Limestone
Antique 13th-14th Century Medieval Carved Stone Gargoyle
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique medieval carved stone gargoyle from the private collection of a country house in Oxfordshire, originally purchased from Crowther of Syon Lodge in 1985. Dating to the 13...
Stone
Oil on Canvas Portrait of a Medieval Man Signed Costello
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Oil painting of a medieval man with drop earing, signed on lower corner Costello. Original caved wood Frame. Circa 1950's. Framed 17.5 tall, 15.5 wide...
Canvas, Hardwood
$4,942Sale Price|20% Off
8'3"x11'5" Brown Antique Zoroastrian Fish Herat Design Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Biscotti Brown, Antique Zoroastrian with Fish Tabriz All Over Herat Design, Pure Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tr...
Wool
$401Sale Price|25% Off
3'4"x4'9" Red Afghan Andkhoy with Rosette Design Soft Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Scarlet Red, Afghan Andkhoy with Rosette Design, Soft and Velvety Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditional Prim...
Wool