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.
$3,168Sale Price|20% Off
8'2"x11'2" Ivory European Spanish Savonnerie Hand Knotted Pure Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Bone White, Mid Century European Spanish Savonnerie with Flower Trellis Design, Excellent Condition, Professionally Cleaned, Thick & Plush, Hand Knotted, Natural Wool, Fine Oriental ...
Wool
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
$5,594Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Six Antique Italian 17th-18th Century Rocchetto Chairs
Located in Milano, IT
A rare and elegant set of six antique Italian chairs dating back to the 17th-18th centuries, crafted with exceptional artisan skill. These chairs are a magnificent example of the Roc...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century French Iron Sixty-Eight Bottle Wine Rack with Lock and Keys
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wine cellar or wet bar with this elegant antique bottle cabinet. Forged in France circa 1960, the wrought iron wine storage stands on small feet and features an arched top...
Iron
Gothic Inglenook Grate Set on Dragon Andirons These are heavy Iron Andirons
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Inglenook Grate Set on Dragon Andirons These are heavy Iron Andirons with claw feet and brass faces, they come with a good grate suitable for both coal or logs which sits n...
Iron
Rare Large 15th Century Renaissance English Oak Roof Angels Corbel.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Rare Large 15th Century Renaissance English Oak Roof Angels Corbel. Truly astonishing rare roof angels, circa 1450. The large Medieval carvi...
Oak
Gothic Architectural fragment abstract sculpture
Located in Vosselaar, BE
We mounted this Gothic architectural fragment on a custom iron stand. In this new context it becomes a sculpture with a almost abstract f...
Sandstone
19th Century French Gothic Wrought Iron Five-Light Floor Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Architectural and sculptural, this antique floor lamp combines Gothic character with the rustic artistry of hand-forged iron. Crafted in southern France circa 1860, the tall candelab...
Iron
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
A set of 4 French large Gothic style iron wall sconces, C. 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A striking set of four sconces. Each sconce features a pair of scrolling arms, each supporting a single electrified candle, flanking a central vertical support accented with brass de...
Metal, Brass, Iron
$872Sale Price|20% Off
2'6"x8' White Rajasthan Leaf Design Hand Knotted Wool and Silk Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Chiffon White, Rajasthan with All Over Leaf Design, Hand Knotted, Wool and Silk, Soft Pile, Thick and Plush, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile heigh...
Wool
$4,062Sale 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
Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry « departure to hunt »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French silk screen-printed by hand tapestry featuring the exquisite design of «Departure for falcon hunting on horseback” This tapestry, a ...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
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
$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
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...
Wrought Iron
Wrought Iron Bed, 206cm Long, Mid-20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large wrought iron bed, dating from the mid-20th century. Beautifully crafted from hammered and forged iron, entirely hot-riveted. The posts are topped with bronze vases. ...
Iron
$4,285Sale Price|20% Off
8'x10'2" Linen White Persian Design Wool and Plant Based Silk Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Linen White, Light Tone on Tone with Persian Design, Wool and Plant Based Silk, Thick and Plush, 200 KPSI, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Woo...
Silk
Rare Pair of 15th Century French Late Gothic Fossil Marble Architectural Columns
Located in Doha, QA
A rare and exceptionally decorative pair of Late Gothic fossil marble architectural columns, carved in France during the 15th century. Standing an impressive 110 cm in height and mea...
Marble
$755Sale Price|20% Off
Pink Abrash Vintage Zoroastrian Amadan Hand Knotted Pure Wool Clean Runner 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
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
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
Set of 36 Reclaimed Mixed Encaustic Tiles by Craven Dunnill & Co And Others
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of thirty six reclaimed mixed encaustic tiles by Craven Dunnill & Co and other makers. Dating from the mid 19th century, these reclaimed encaustic tiles are a pleasing blend o...
Clay
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Gothic Oak & Brass Communion Shelf 19thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Gothic Oak and Scrolled Brass Communion Shelf 19thC Measures- 35.5''H x 24.25''W x 15.25''D This antique Gothic-style communion shelf from the 19th century is crafted from oa...
Brass
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
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
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
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
Victorian Gothic Green Man Desk, Golden Oak, Carved Details, 1850
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Victorian Golden Oak Green Man desk The Desk stands on chunky barley twist turned legs with a long stretcher. The Desk has one drawer in the centre ...
Oak
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
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
$1,950 / set
Vintage Gothic Hand Carved Side Chairs - a Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fantastic pair of vintage Boho side chairs. Hand carved cherubs with beautiful gold leaf detail. Frosted blue velvet seats with a contrasting metallic back. Acquired from a Palm Be...
Metal, Gold Leaf
16th Century oak carved Gothic Panel, France
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
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
$792Sale Price|20% Off
An Architectural Model of a Gothic Pinnacle France
Located in Chonburi, TH
This architectural model is a stunning representation of a Gothic pinnacle from France, standing at an impressive height of 51 cm. Crafted with meticul...
Oak
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
$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
English 19th Century Stone Fireplace Mantel
Located in London, GB
An early to mid 19th century Gothic style English limestone fireplace. Unusual in design, very well proportioned and a substantial piece. The castellated shelf which steps down to sit on a plain frieze with carved ends to meet the roundels carved at the top of the jambs, which are inverted with interior panels with outer mouldings. Areas of this surround with natural fossil and patterning adding to its charm. A superior quality Gothic surround...
Stone
$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
$2,881Sale Price|20% Off
10'2"x14' Beige Ancient Persian Garden Design Tone on Tone Hand Knotted Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Beige, Ancient Persian Garden Design, Tone on Tone, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Primary colo...
Wool
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
18th Century Polychrome Armorial Panel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
back to top An 18th Century Polychrome Armorial Panel. This hand carved and polychrome decorated coat of arms panel is dated to circa 1790. The gilded crest is a large shield desi...
Oak
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
18th Century French Religious Fer a Hosties Eucharist Host Iron Waffle Press
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce antique, circa 1765, French fer a hosties (cast iron host press / host mold). Exquisitely hand forged in France in the 18th century, showcasing the blacksmith's high qual...
Iron
19th Century Heraldic Oak Lion Carved Panel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century heraldic oak lion carved panel. Hand carved in England circa 1890, this medieval style Victorian carving has a mix of heraldic themes. Carved in high relief, ‘Ignavi...
Oak
17th Century Two-Toned French Walnut Wood Gothic Trunk
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-carved in the 1600s, this Gothic-style French trunk has a highly unique two-tone appearance. A partial stripping of the walnut wood has accentuated the elaborate arcading and bl...
Metal, Iron
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
Pair of eight-light antique vintage Italian candelabrum in wrought gilded iron
Located in Leesburg, VA
Pair of eight-light antique vintage Italian candelabrum in wrought gilded iron Anonymous Probably early 20th century; Italy Iron A distinctive pa...
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...
Iron
Antique Extremely Rare Judaica Tzedakah Synagoge Charity Box 16th Century
Located in Doha, QA
This 16th century Tzedakah Charity Box is an incredibly rare and unique museum quality piece. It’s made out of walnut wood and has an original 16th century silk material all over it from outside as well as in the inside, bronze plug in the front and the Star of David with two lions from the left and right side of the Star. There are also two round bronze handles to lift the box from both sides. The Tzedakah Box...
Metal
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
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
$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
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
$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
$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
A Rare And Extraordinary English Oak Spice Chest C. 1700
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very early Oak Spice Chest with fine English form, handsome decorative panel doors and 24 drawers, four of which are hidden behind a central interior doo...
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
Nice vintage French Aubusson Style Jacquard tapestry "landscape with herons"
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Mid-Century French Jacquard Tapestry – Herons in a Landscaped Garden Beautiful mid-20th-century French decorative tapestry, Jacquard woven in a blend of wool and cotton, depicting a...
Wool, Cotton
Nice vintage medieval French Aubusson Style Jacquard tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Mid-Century French Jacquard Tapestry – Life of the Seigneurial Court A charming mid-20th-century French woven tapestry, produced on a Jacquard loom in wool and cotton, depicting an ...
Cotton, Wool