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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.

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Style: Medieval
Early 20th Century Gilt Spelter Small Bust Jesus Christ
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A small antique bust of Jesus Christ. Made of gilded spelter (zinc alloy). On a black marble plinth. No signature. Minor wear to the gilt patina. Dimensions: 14 (h) x 6 x 6 cm Free...
Category

1920s French Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Marble, Spelter

Very Rare & Old Hand-Carved 1700s France Lime Stone Demi-Inlaid Reclaimed Table
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
This is one of two extremely rare and gorgeously hand-carved 17th century limestone tables that we recently reclaimed from a chateau in France. The highly detailed and anciently di...
Category

1730s French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Limestone

Great Quality Carved & Superb Condition Wooden Corpus Christi on Crucifix, 1800s
Located in Lisse, NL
Antique crucifix with stunning hand carved details and an amazing patina. This remarkable and good size crucifix with a sculpture of a suffering Christ on the cross is another one...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood, Oak

Set of four chairs in Venetian Gothic style in orange corduroy fabric
Located in Milano, IT
Step into the enchanting world of Venetian Gothic elegance with this exquisite Set of 4 Chairs, handcrafted circa 1920, each a masterpiece in wood. As you run your fingers along the ...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Minton Encaustic Neo-Medieval Old English Tile
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique neo-medieval old English encaustic tile depicting a King, possibly Henry III, attributed to Minton & Co. This tile was commissioned in 1840-42 by L. N. Cottingham for Temple Church, London and possibly removed following WWII bomb damage. It was not until 1850 that Minton and Co. began stamping the reverse of their tiles. Though unstamped, there is a similar tile to this one in the British Museum attributed to some of Minton’s earliest works: “Minton & Co.’s first major commission was for the restoration of the Temple Church in 1840-42… The earliest Minton tiles are two-colour inlaid tiles characterised by random stabmarks (a device which aids drying found on the reverse) together with the yellow glaze covering the inlaid white of buff areas.” As is the nature of encaustic tiles, both the red background and yellow figure form the body of the tile, unlike other tiles where the design is painted onto clay. This may be why it has such excellent definition after more than 180 years, the figure of the King clear and vibrant against the red with minimal surface wear. A brilliant collector’s piece! Provenance: This antique encaustic tile...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Clay

Blue Antique Persian Senneh All Over Design Hand Knotted Pure Wool Cleaned 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...
Category

Early 1900s Persian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

19th Century Cross
Located in Madrid, ES
19th century cross Nice xix century cross in olive wood. Measures: 23 x 12 cm. In good condition.
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

1920's Oscar Bach Gothic style Brown Patinated Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900 Oscar Bach bronze double light sconces, brown patinated finish
Category

1910s American Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Vintage French Medieval Knight's Helmet in Brass
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage French Medieval Knight's Helmet in Brass is a marvelous recreation of a period artifact. Hand-crafted by an obviously skilled artisan who clear...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass, Nickel

5 Lights Wrought Iron Candlestick
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice 5 lights candlestick. is made of wrought iron. This is a French work. Circa 1950
Category

1950s French Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Early 19th Century, Gothic Brass Skeleton Clock on Wood Base with Glass Dome
Located in Middleburg, VA
Early 19th century Gothic brass skeleton clock on wood base with glass dome. Bell on peak with steeple design and halberd hammer. Painted metal fa...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

A Superb French Gothic Iron Wall Light
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Superb French Gothic Iron Wall Light A very handsome Large Heavy French wall light, the light is set at a slight incline and would enhance the entrance ...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

French 17th Century Gothic Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th century French gothic andirons - fire dogs made of wrought iron. They have spit hooks to grill meat or poultry.
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Vintage Twisted Wrought Iron Magazine Rack
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Heavy. Solid. Twisted wrought iron. Can hold books, magazines, records. 4 well balanced legs.
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Large Carved Oak Grotesque Corbel
Located in Bradenton, FL
Large heavy 18th century or earlier carved oak corbel. The corbel depicts a large male open-eyed smiling face with broad features. Finly carved details with wonderful old patina.
Category

18th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Pair of Gilt Frame Gothic Angels
Located in Dallas, TX
Two gilt framed Gothic Angels framed and painted in the style of Fra Angelico - hand-carved in Italy in 1890. These are in excellent condition with littl...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

17th - 18th C. French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th/18th Century English andirons made of wrought iron. The andirons have a Gothic period style. The condition is good.
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

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...
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Limestone, Iron

Large 19th Century Victorian Gothic Cast Iron and Tiled Fireplace Insert
Located in Manchester, GB
Large and rare Victorian Gothic fireplace insert produced by the Coalbrookdale foundry. A simple frame borders larger than average runs of 8 inch square tiles of bamboo canes with Squash plants growing around them, the plant bearing fruit. Tiles produced by Minton Hollins...
Category

1870s Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

French Medieval Hunting Tapestry, Les Editions d'Art de Rambouillet
Located in Dallas, TX
78549 Vintage Les Editions d'Art de Rambouillet French Tapestry, 04'09 x 05'01. Emanating Medieval style with incredible detail and texutre, this handwoven vintage French tapestry is...
Category

Late 20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Large French 17th Century Gothic Andirons or Landiers
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th century French gothic 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...
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Maroon Red Vintage Fish Mahi Herat Design Clean Hand Knotted Pure 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...
Category

1970s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Mid-Century French Gothic Rust and Gilt Six-Light Round Iron Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this large antique light fixture over a dining or breakfast table. Crafted in France circa 1960, and made of solid iron, the round chandelier features a thick circular gallery ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Fire Brick Red Vintage North West Persian Pure Wool Hand Knotted 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Fire Brick Red Pure Wool Vintage Sarouk Mir with Boteh Design Hand Knotted 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...
Category

1970s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

French 19th Century Henri II Style Bleached Desserte Console
Located in San Antonio, TX
This French 19th century Henri II bleached Desserte is made of walnut and features impressive curled columns on the sides. With a drawer and two shelves, this desserte offers both pr...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Gothic Capital with Foliate Decoration, 13th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Gothic capital with foliate decoration France, limestone 13th century 16.5 x 17 x 12.5 cm The leaves are organically arranged around the core of...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Limestone

Victorian Gothic Style Interior Door
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A late 19th century Victorian gothic style interior door, one of two similar reclaimed from a country house in Surrey (please enquire for details). This antique internal door...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine, Paint

Large 17th Century German Continental Oak Coffer Chest.
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Absolute beautiful 17th century continental carved oak coffer, circa 1692. Fine quality continental carved oak coffer from Germany, Free of any inscription. Beautifully carved arcad...
Category

17th Century German Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Needlepoint Tapestry Medieval Style Fruit Tree Flowers with Dog Rabbit and Bird
Located in London, GB
Beautiful needlepoint tapestry with a medieval style design in warm colours. Featuring a fruit tree with a bird, flowers, and a dog chasing a rabbit. The tapestry is hand crafted. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Medieval Furniture

Materials

Tapestry

John on the chest of Christ Sculpture Museum Reproduction
Located in Den Haag, NL
This Item is an Identical Museum Reproduction The carving shows Christ and St John sitting on a bench. John rests his head on Christ's chest, his eyes closed in devotion. His right hand rests in that of Christ, who places a loving arm around his shoulder. This Item is an Identical Museum Reproduction . Polymer is a heavy and very strong type of resin material that captures perfectly the details of the casting. The advantages of polymer when compared to concrete, cast stone, and cement are that it is far less fragile and much more resistant . sold by . Ancient Sculpture...
Category

2010s American Medieval Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Pair of Alabaster Bookends in Form of Medieval Library Very
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Library, Book, Throne, medieval, revival Alabaster and marble bookends in the shape of monks sitting on a throne reading a book Medieval style figur of a monge carved on the albastr...
Category

20th Century Italian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Alabaster

1983 Oak Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Homage to our favorite chairs. 20th century hand carved oak medieval Gothic style arched back dining chair.
Category

2010s Mexican Medieval Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Oak

Denim Blue Vintage Persian Shiraz Intricate Design Pure Wool Hand Knotted 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Sand Color Hand Knotted Bohemian Vintage Persian Hamadan Worn Wool 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Arts and Crafts Chesterfield Buttoned Leather Oak Foot Stool
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts Chesterfield Buttoned Leather Oak Foot Stool A Lovely piece, this Victorian stool is made in Oak, it stands on short Turned legs and has gothic style carving around ...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Spanish 1950s Gilt Iron Floor Lamp
Located in Buchanan, NY
Introducing a unique Spanish 1950s gilt iron floor lamp that adds a touch of elegance to any space. This iron floor lamp features a stunning gilt gold patin...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Bobyrug’s Vintage French Jaquar Aubusson Style Medieval Design Tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of "La Dame à la Licorne" – a beautiful 20th-century French tapestry echoing the 15th-century masterpiece at the Cluny Museum in Paris. Woven with precision usi...
Category

Late 20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

French Gothic Wrought Iron Chandelier, c. 1930
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent frosted glass chandelier combines the soft finish of molded Art Deco glass with the striking forms of a Gothic wrought iron frame. The cent...
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Large French 17th Century Gothic Andirons or Landiers with Wolf Head
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th century French gothic 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...
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Antique English Gothic Style Silver Plate Toast Racks, dated 1923
Located in Pearland, TX
A superb pair of antique English silverplated toast racks, dated 1923. Maker's mark and hallmarks on reverse. These fine quality silver toast ra...
Category

1920s English Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Bobyrug’s Vintage France Aubusson Style Jaquar Tapestry, Flemish « Mille Fleur »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Introducing a stunning midcentury French Flanders tapestry from the renowned Halluin manufacturing This exquisite piece features a captivating design inspired by 16th-century museum tapestries, showcasing vibrant colors. Woven with precision by the mechanical Jacquard manufacturing technique, it elegantly combines wool and cotton. The upper section of this Flemish "Mille fleurs" masterpiece depicts villages, fortresses, and a windmill in a naive landscape, reminiscent of heraldic tapestries...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Red Old Persian Hamadan Hand Made Hand Knotted Pure Wool Gallery Size 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

19th Century Aubusson Tapestry
Located in LYON, FR
Beautifully vivid, 1860-1870 Hand-woven Aubusson French Tapestry. Bought in St Ouen Paris. Warm fresh earthy tones, with amazing detail all in excellent condition. This piece has ha...
Category

1860s French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Red Semi Antique Persian Heriz Full Pile and Clean Hand Knotted Pure Wool XL 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...
Category

1950s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

English Early 19th Century Iron Bound Coffer
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This exceptional trunk was made in England, circa 1800. The antique coffer has an interior which has been lined with metal and would make a fantastic storage or blanket chest. The so...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Bronze Door Knocker with Gargoyle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
European solid Bronze Gargoyle Door knocker - the piece is very large at 11" tall and weighs 5 pounds. Gargoyles are symbolic of protection - this grotesque but wonderful sculptu...
Category

20th Century European Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Italian Wooden Church Candlesticks in the Shape of a Torch Holder
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our objects. Peculiar, rare, and antique pair of Italian altar candlesticks in the shape of a torch; they were made completely by the technique of manual turning, a special way of working that allows the objects to have a rounded shape: the piece of wood rotates with the aid of the lathe, while the craftsman uses special tools called "gouges" to shape and decorate its surface; they were then painted with a pasty gray-white varnish, which over time has taken on the craquelure effect; on the wooden structure we did not, therefore, consider doing any restoration because its veiled patina and imperfections make it truly alluring and fascinating and attest to its antiquity and authenticity; at the top of each one is a metal "bobeche" of shaped leaves made to hold large candles; when, in more recent times, they were electrified, a candle-shaped lamp holder was applied; the base is made of three lion's paws in cast bronze. They were produced in a craft workshop in the province of Lucca (Tuscany, Italy) between 1830 and 1835; the area was famous for producing liturgical furnishings of all kinds. The master craftsman was inspired by ancient medieval torch...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Gilt Metal Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique French Gilt Metal Chandelier Country: France Materials: Gilt Metal Condition: Shows Patina From Age Style: French Gothic Year: 1950’s $1,895 Dimensions: 30”H x 24”W x 24”D
Category

1950s French Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Metal

French Gothic Style Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
19th - 20th century French Gothic Style fireback. The fireback is made of wrought iron and has a brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pew...
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Unusual Train / Bus Terminal Cast Iron and Wood bench ....Garden bench
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Train / Bus Terminal Cast Iron and Wood bench ....Wonderful design and proportion.. Several layers of old paint,, Would be a fabulous garden bench, Arm height 24"..Hand deliv...
Category

Early 20th Century American Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Blue Antique Persian Afshar All Over Boteh Design Hand Knotted Pure 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...
Category

1920s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Gothic Canopy, France, 15th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Gothic canopy France, 15th century Alabaster, some traces of polychromy 33 x 23 x 20 cm Provenance: - Private collection Genève, Switzerland ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Alabaster

Chili Red Vintage Bohemian North West Persian Hand Knotted Pure Wool 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Blue Vintage Persian Northeast Geometric Motifs Wool Hand Knotted 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Prussian Blue Vintage Persian Bakhtiari Even Wear Wool Hand Knotted 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...
Category

1950s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Gothic Oak Housekeeper Cupboard, Hall, Armoire, Scotland 1880, H985
Located in Vancouver, BC
Antique Gothic Oak Housekeeper Cupboard, Hall, Armoire, Scotland 1880, H985 Scotland 1880 Sold oak Original finish Carved top with a pair of carved panelled doors underneath Four pa...
Category

1880s Scottish Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Red Old Persian Hamadan Full Pile Mint Cond Pure Wool Hand Knotted 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

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.

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