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.
$6,664Sale Price|20% Off
8'9"x8'9" Ivory Wool and Pure Silk Hand Knotted Broken Persian Design Round Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Ivory with Touches of Pink Wool and Pure Silk Hand Knotted Broken Persian Design Oriental Round Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tran...
Silk
French Gothic Style Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket, 20th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
French Gothic Style Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket. Made of cast iron as well as wrought iron.
Iron, Wrought Iron
$1,602Sale Price|20% Off
4'3"x12' Intellectual Gray Persian Village Soft Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Pure Wool, Hand Knotted, Persian Village Influence with Geometrical Medallions, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the c...
Wool
$534Sale Price|20% Off
2'1"x3' Cypress Tree Design Silk With Textured Wool Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Cypress Tree Design Silk With Textured Wool Hand Knotted Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old Persian we...
Silk
Fine Quality 19th Century Carved Oak Glazed Bookcase
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Fine Quality 19th century carved oak glazed bookcase. This is a very attractive piece, it has 2 glazed doors which have a deeply carved border matching the top and base carving an...
Oak
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
$1,470Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Gothic Revival Wrought Iron Torchiere Altar Candle Stand Floor Lamp 70"
Located in Dayton, OH
Large antique wrought / forged iron converted torchiere candle stand / candle holder floor lamp featuring Gothic / Spanish styling with scrolled accents, fleur de lis and two lights....
Iron
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
$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
$6,576Sale Price|20% Off
8'1"x10'1" Seashell White Broken Persian Design Hand Knotted Wool and Silk Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Seashell White with Pop Of Colors, Broken Persian Design with Pop of Colors, Hand Knotted, Wool and Pure Silk, Soft to the Touch, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: N...
Wool
17th C Style Roman Castle Giltwood Frieze Mirror By Gustav Carroll
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
17th C Style Roman Castle Giltwood Frieze Mirror By Gustav Carroll
Giltwood
Very Rare Swiss or German Late Gothic early 16th century "Flachschnitz" Bench
Located in Troy, NY
Very Rare Swiss or German Late Gothic early 16th century "Flachschnitz" Bench. Unique, decorative, charming bench, front and back panels with intricate and whimsical “Flachschnitz” d...
Pine
$30,000Sale Price|25% Off
13'7"x20'7" Ivory Mansion Sized Zoroastrian Nain Hand Knotted Wool & Silk XL Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Linen White, Mansion Sized Zoroastrian Nain with Medallion Design, Finely Made, 300 KPSI, Wool and Silk, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile hei...
Silk
$483Sale Price|20% Off
6'x9' Ruddy Blue Pure Cotton Durie Kilim Flat Weave Hand Woven Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Ruddy Blue, Pure Cotton, Durie Kilim Flat Weave, Stripe Design, Hand Woven, Reversible Oriental Rug Primary materials: Cotton Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditional P...
Silk
A Set Of Four Reclaimed Encaustic Floral Quatrefoil Tiles
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of four reclaimed encaustic floral quatrefoil tiles. These vibrant neo-medieval style tiles come together to create a quatrefoil design housing a vivid black and blue fleur-de...
Clay
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
Large Medieval St. Wrought Iron Castle Chandelier for Dining Room or Restaurant
Located in Lisse, NL
Magnificent hand-forged castle-style eight-light chandelier, radiates quality and craftsmanship. This good quality and all hand-forged, eight-light chandelier comes with some really...
Wrought Iron
$320Sale Price|20% Off
2'1"x3'1" Golden Yellow Pinecone Design Hand Knotted Pure Wool Mat Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Golden Yellow, Pinecone Design, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Shaved Low, Densely Woven, Mat, Sample, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Trans...
Wool
Unique Small Size & Quality Hand Carved Tiger Oak Gothic Revival Chest, 1920
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and practical size, multi purpose Gothic chest / box from a monastery. This here Gothic chest is one of the smallest yet most stylish we ever had the pleasure of offering. ...
Wrought Iron
Monumental French Gothic Revival Cast Bronze Candlestick with Wax Candle
Located in SEDLEC-PRČICE, CZ
This monumental French Gothic Revival altar candlestick in cast bronze features exceptional sculptural detail with a figure of Christ and an antique carved candle. Handcrafted in Fra...
Bronze
$4,581Sale Price|20% Off
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
Byzantine Style Marble Baptismal Font on Later Stand
Located in Essex, MA
Byzantine style carved marble Baptismal font on later cast stone stand. Four lion leads Circumnavigate the font. Foliate and Byzantine Carving Th...
Marble
$457Sale Price|20% Off
2'8"x6'6" Ivory New Zoroastrian Amadan Hand Knotted Wool Full Pile Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Daisy White, New Zoroastrian Amadan with Geometric Medallion, Full Pile and Soft, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 I...
Wool
Vintage Gothic Black Wrought Iron Wall Hanging Candelabra Made in Mexico
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome vintage Gothic or Spanish Revival handmade solid wrought iron black painted candelabra wall hanging made in Mexico. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage ...
Wrought Iron
Antique Gothic Carved Limestone Model of a Madonna or Venus
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique limestone carving. Modeled as a Madonna. With her head slightly tilted, holding an orb in one hand, and with her other hand resting on her breast. By repute ...
Limestone
Costumes of Italian fashion in the Middle Ages, 19th-century chromolithograph
Located in Argenteuil, IDF
Beautiful original double-page color plate enhanced with gold Costumes of Italian fashion in the Middle Ages from the series "Historical Costume" illustrated by Albert Charles Augu...
Paper
$446Sale Price|20% Off
10'x14'6" Green Flat Woven by Hand Contemporary Kilim Design 100% Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Old Moss Green, Flat Woven by Hand, Contemporary Kilim Design, 100% Wool, Flat Weave, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditional Prim...
Wool
18th Century Handcarved Wooden Coat of Arms Ex. Wormingford Hall, UK
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An impressive hand carved wooden coat of arms believed to be made from lime wood and date from the 18th century, formerly at Wormingford Hall, Essex. Though the armorial crest is u...
Wood
John Taylor Arms Old Rouen Etching 1927 Gothic Street Scene Signed
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A finely executed original etching titled Old Rouen by acclaimed American master etcher John Taylor Arms, dated 1927 and signed in pencil beneath the plate. This evocative compositi...
Paper
Murano Glass Wedding Cake Bead Rosary with Glass Cross
Located in NICE, FR
This unique Murano glass rosary is handcrafted in Venice and features traditional Wedding Cake glass beads. Each bead is individually decorated with gold leaf, delicate pink roses, b...
Murano Glass
$700Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage French Scrolled Iron 12 Light Altar Floor Pedestal Candelabra Gothic
Located in Dayton, OH
20th Century French or Gothic inspired 12 light candelabra. Features a scrolled design with pedestal and molded flower at the center. Each candle holder features a drip pan. The cand...
Iron
Dutch Gothic Oak Steeple with Gilt Filigree, 19th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Dutch Gothic style (19th Century) oak and gilt filigree carved 4 section steeple (Provenance: a Dutch church 108 Utrechtsestraat St., Amsterdam).
Oak
Post-Medieval English Encaustic Tile by Godwin
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century post-medieval encaustic tile by English makers Godwin of Lugwardine; one of 6 similar we have available. Dating to circa 1870, this antique tile features a heraldic, ...
Clay
A Victorian Antique Oak Exterior Door
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A Victorian antique oak exterior door crafted in the early 20th century. With a pleasing eight panel configuration, the door incorporates gothic styles. A unique pattern of wooden s...
Oak
Antique English Gothic Arts & Crafts Hand Wrought Iron Balance Beam Scale
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Gothic Arts & Crafts Hand Wrought Iron Balance Beam Scale. Circa Mid 19th Century. Measurements: 31" H x 29" W x 11.25" D. Plate approx 11.25" Diameter. Base 7x5.
Wrought Iron
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
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
16th Century oak carved Gothic Panel, Belgium
Located in Meulebeke, BE
16th century / Belgium / Letter Panel / Oak / Gothic A finely carved Gothic oak panel from 16th-century France. This architectural fragment features graceful vertical fluting framed...
Oak
Oil on board portrait of a 16th style gentleman. Very stately. In The Manner.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Oil on board portrait of a 16th style gentleman in the manner of Hans Holbein. Very stately.
Wood
Old Antique Reclaimed Large Stone Fireplace Mantel with Trumeau Overmantle
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Reclaimed from a castle in Caithness, England, this majestic 115" high mid-18th century hand-carved limestone fireplace is a truly rare and captivating royal masterpiece. It represents an artistic mix of elegance, history and sophistication that has been extremely well kept throughout the years. The perfection within the details of this two-tiered fireplace is quite fascinating. It is a true representation for the skilled craftsmanship and sculptural artistry of the period's master carvers. Engraved right into the trumeau center of this monumental antique mantel...
Limestone, Iron
$1,145Sale Price|20% Off
6'1"x10' New Persian Mahal with Herati Fish Design All Over Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Charcoal Black New Persian Mahal with Herati Fish Design All Over Hand Knotted Oriental Rug. It has been woven for months and months in the cent...
Wool
Vintage French Medieval Tapestry, the Promenade Tapestry
Located in Dallas, TX
77769, vintage French Medieval tapestry, the Promenade tapestry. Drawing inspiration from a combination of Pieter van Aeist and French Medieval sty...
Wool
$1,519Sale Price|20% Off
5'x6'9" Gray Afghan Peshawar Birds of Paradise Design Hand Knotted Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Nevada Gray, Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Natural Dyes, Hand Knotted, Soft Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tra...
Wool
$3,190Sale Price|20% Off
9'7"x12'9" Blue Rustic Look Hand Knotted Worn Wool Old Zoroastrian Karman Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Light Blue Hand Knotted Cropped Thin, Worn Wool Distressed Look Old Zoroastrian Karman Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months i...
Wool
Pretty Vintage French screen printed Tapestry by hand. « Sheep shearing »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French screen printed tapestry by hand featuring the exquisite design of the renowned medieval museum tapestry,I « La tonte des Moutons» ( S...
Wool, Cotton
$2,304Sale Price|20% Off
10'x10' Rose Pink, Wool and Art Silk Jacquard Hand Loomed, Round Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Rose Pink, Wool and Art Silk Jacquard Hand Loomed, All Over Design, Round Oriental Rug. It has been Loomed for months and months in the centurie...
Silk
$315Sale Price|20% Off
2'x3'1" Gray, THE MAHARAJA, Pure Silk with Textured Wool, Hand Knotted, Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
THE MAHARAJA, Pure Silk with Textured Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Primary color: Grey ...
Silk
19th Century French Gothic Cast Iron Strongbox Safe with Key
Located in Dallas, TX
Add a touch of history and character to an office, study, or library with this unusual antique cast iron strongbox. Crafted in Northern France circa 1880, the substantial rectangular safe weighs 52 pounds and features a striking two-tone black and silver finish with a rich, aged patina. Built for security and durability, the heavy...
Iron
Unique Fine Table Altar Crucifix with Bronze Sculptures of Christ, Mary and John
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and exceptional work of religious art. If you are a collector of truly exceptional church artefacts then this early 20th century altar piece could be perfect for you. With church related antiques as one of our specialties we know that you will rarely find a better quality altar crucifix...
Brass, Bronze
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
Early 20th Century 27 Light Gothic Cast Brass Floor CandleStick Torchere
Located in Germantown, MD
An exceptional Early 20th Century two tier 27 Light Gothic Cast Brass Floor CandleStick Torchere. Measures 9.5" in width, 9.5" in depth and stands 40" tall . Lower tier had 17 light...
Brass
Antique Gothic Silvered Bronze 12-Light Chandelier, Circa 1860.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Gothic Silvered Bronze 12-Light Chandelier, Circa 1860.
Bronze
$909Sale Price|20% Off
2'7"x8'2" Ivory, Hand Knotted Nain, 250 KPSI Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Ivory, Hand Knotted Nain All Over Flower Design, 250 KPSI Wool, Runner Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-...
Silk
Vintage Gothic Renaissance Painted Hall Altar Console Table Chair Set - 4 Pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Gothic Renaissance Revival Painted Hall Altar Console Table Chair Set - 4 Pc ...
Mirror, Oak
$1,562Sale Price|20% Off
6'x6' Uranian Blue Wool Peshawar Birds of Paradise Hand Knotted Round Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries...
Wool
Mid-Century French Iron Coffee Table with Crackle Glass Top
Located in Dallas, TX
This vintage French coffee table, crafted circa 1970, showcases a refined blend of sculptural ironwork and textured glass, offering a striking balance of structure and lightness. The...
Wrought Iron
$2,090Sale Price|20% Off
6'x6' Ivory Sickle Leaf Design Hand Knotted Silk with Textured Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Papyrus White, Sickle Leaf Design, Hand Knotted, Silk with Textured Wool, Square, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional ...
Wool
$1,248Sale Price|20% Off
9'x12' Black Overdyed Afghan Peshawar, Hand Knotted Pure Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Black Overdyed Afghan Peshawar with All Over Design, Hand Knotted Pure Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Primary colo...
Wool
Very Rare Casket Minnekästchen or Box, Germany or Italy, 15th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Wooden coffret, call minnekästchen, engraved with a dog, a hare and foliage with polychromy remains. During the Middle Age, the hare is a symbol of fertility, joy and represents the Christ...
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