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
Semi Antique Abrash Pink Persian Qashqai Worn Down 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
1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wool
Vintage Red Northwest Persian Distressed 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
Vintage Persian Karajeh Full Pile Excellent Condition Ivory Wool Handknotted 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
Lladró Medieval Tournament Sculpture. Limited Edition
By Lladro
Located in New York City, NY
Honor and loyalty are the supreme values of medieval knights, the heroes of a fascinating, romantic era that inspired this spectacular high porcelain limited edition. The ornamental ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Medieval Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Persian Karajeh Full Pile Excellent Condition Ivory Wool Handknotted 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
Bohemian Antique Wash Ivory Persian Kerman Vintage Worn 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
Pair of Neo Gothic Steel Firedogs
Located in London, GB
Pair of 19th century (dated 1861) neo-Gothic polished cast iron firedogs, with heraldic masks, horseshoe shaped bases, and orb finial tops. Scrolled backbars.
Measures: Height: 690 ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Iron
Bohemian Hand Knotted Washed Out Gray Pure Wool Worn Down Persian Kerman 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
Spanish Medieval Iron Candle Holder in Hand Forged Gilt Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Terrific hand forged iron primitive three-light candelabras in Medieval style with parcel-gilt accents. Spain, 18th-19th century
It is supported by four legs with claw ending feet. I...
Category
19th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf, Iron
Antique North West Persian Runner, Dated 1876 Even Wear Red Wool Handknotted 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
1870s Persian Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wool
Oversized Antique Agra Good Cond Soft Colors Even Wear Pure Wool Handknotted 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 Indian Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wool
English Hob Grate with Greek Key to Fret
Located in London, GB
A good quality English hob grate in the Gothic taste. The shaped front area with Greek key fret below. Half polish finish.
Width At Front: 770 mm 30 ⅜"...
Category
18th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Iron
Small Pair of Andirons in the Gothic Style
Located in London, GB
A pair of English polished wrought iron firedogs in the Gothic style. 20th century. (Back bars could be extended if required).
Measures: Height: 395 mm 15 ½"
Width: 230 mm 9"
De...
Category
20th Century English Medieval Furniture
Materials
Iron
Semi Antique Brown Persian Shiraz Clean Abrash Hand Knotted Natural 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
1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wool
Early 1900s Impressive and Finely Handcrafted Antique Gothic Art Porcelain Vase
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and impressive work of Gothic art pottery.
This most skillfully created and highly decorative work of Gothic art is very rare and of a great size. The impressive floral decor o...
Category
Early 20th Century European Medieval Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century German Painted Porcelain Platter in Repoussé Pewter Frame
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a man's office with this large, hand painted porcelain plate; crafted in Germany, circa 1880 and round in shape, the painted ceramic platter depicts the portrait of a man dressed in ornate period clothing. The antique wall plate...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Pewter
Set of 3 Wrought Iron Sconces, French, circa 1950, Can Also Be Sold Per Unit
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This set of 3 wrought iron wall sconces is French, circa 1950. These wall lights can also be sold individually.
Category
1950s French Vintage Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Victorian Carved Oak Stick Stand & Matching Mirror Set
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Victorian carved oak stick stand & matching mirror set
Both the stand and the mirror are made in oak, they have carved decoration in the Gothic st...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Oak
Large & Imposing English Antique Polished Steel Firegrate
Located in London, GB
A large and imposing 19th century English polished steel firegrate with a Gothic influence. The turned cylindrical feet surmounted by elegant ball finials with teardrop tops, large b...
Category
19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Steel
Gothic Style Verdigris Copper Lantern with Clear Seeded Glass, Circa 1930s
Located in New York, NY
AHL3787
A vintage dome-topped hexagonal verdigris copper lantern glazed with seeded clear glass. With a hinged bottom door for re-lamping. Circa 1930s.
Dimensions:
Current height: ...
Category
1930s Vintage Medieval Furniture
Materials
Brass, Copper
English Steel Firebasket in the Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
An English polished cast iron firegrate. The legs and front bars of architectural form sympathetic to the Gothic style throughout, the cast iron back plate...
Category
18th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Steel
Red Handmade Persian Qashqai Vintage Worn Down Bohemian 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
1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wool
Rare Late Medieval 16th Century German Wrought Iron Oak Chest or Stollentruhe
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
A very impressive Westphalian Gothic chest or ‚Stollentruhe’, Westphalia, Germany, circa 1500-1550. Wrought iron mounted oak, partially carved. The monumental rectangular standing chest with full-height stiles, extensively mounted with wrought ironwork straps terminating in quatrefoil finials which ’wrap’ around the chest edges. These are fixed with convex head nails. The ironwork with some remains of an originally red painted surface. In addition, running along the edges of the lid at the front and sides is a plain iron band, close-nailed. The feet of the two front legs are finely carved on the front face, in low relief with a rectangular arched ’panel’ depicting on the left a lion, on the right a dragon holding each a coat of arms.
Regarding the age of circa 500 years, this coffer is in exceptionally good condition, with only smaller restorations.
Comparative literature
• Baumeier, Stefan, Beschlagene Kisten; Die ältesten Truhen Westfalens, Essen, 2012.
• Falke, Otto von, Deutsche Möbel...
Category
16th Century German Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Iron
Very Large Pair of Polished Steel Andirons in the Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
A very large pair of polished steel firedogs in the Gothic manner. The arched feet with scrollwork below, the shafts with dragon's heads and figure, surmounted by mulling top of crow...
Category
Late 20th Century English Medieval Furniture
Materials
Steel
Antique French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs, 17th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th century French andirons made of cast iron. The style of the andirons is Gothic. They are in a good condition.
Category
17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Iron
Mid 19th Century Gothic Style Antique Steel Firegrate
Located in London, GB
A mid 19th century (circa 1860) Gothic style steel firegrate. The horseshoe shaped dogs with scrolls and foliage surmounted by brass enrichment and knolled shaped finials. The cast f...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Steel
Large English Stone Fireplace in the Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
A large English stone fireplace in the Gothic manner. The arched frieze with carved spandrels, the jambs with moulding to inside edge. Finished with a light grey, rustic paint effect...
Category
19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Stone
Mid 19th Century Polished Cast Iron Gothic Style Firegrate
Located in London, GB
A substantial mid 19th century polished cast iron Gothic style firegrate, with twisted design to firedogs and centre bar.
Width At Front: 895 mm 35 ¼"
Width At Back: 510 mm ...
Category
19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Iron
Interesting Iron Workers Gothic Sexy Dungeon Iron Throne Armchair Part Suite
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this rather interesting metal workers sexy Gothic dungeon throne armchair
Well, where to begin, what an interestin...
Category
20th Century English Medieval Furniture
Materials
Iron
Semi Antique Beige Persian Shiraz Worn Down Clean Hand Knotted Organic 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
1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wool
Spanish 19th Century Wrought Gilt Iron Gothic Style Floor Candlestick
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand-hammered Gothic style floor candle stand with gold leaf accents, Spain, circa 1890.
This elegant floor standing candleholder has a tr...
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf, Iron
Old Gray Persian Shiraz with Triple Medallion Worn Down Hand Knotted 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
1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wool
15th Century French Fireplace Mantel
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A monumental 15th century sandstone Gothic fireplace mantel. Finely sculpted with a moulded beam and column supports.
Category
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Sandstone
Neo Gothic Style Oak Bench, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Neo Gothic style oak bench, circa 1950.
Category
1950s European Vintage Medieval Furniture
Materials
Oak
Handcrafted and Hand Carved Gothic Revival Hall Bench or Stool Made of Solid Oak
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautifully designed and highly practical Gothic style bench.
This unique, Gothic Revival bench is another one of our recent great finds. It has so...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Medieval Furniture
Materials
Oak
Tan Color Persian Shiraz with Double Medallion Worn Down Hand Knotted 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
1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wool
Red Vintage Persian Baluch Hand Knotted Organic Wool 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
1970s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wool
Red Vintage Turkoman Bokara Pure Wool Good Condition 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
Tan Color Old Persian Shiraz with Triple Medallion Design Hand Knotted 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
1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wool
Red Vintage and Worn Down Geometric Design Persian Shiraz Handmade 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
Vintage Persian Serab Runner All Over Repetitive Design 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
1970s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wool
Vintage Hand Knotted Red Persian Qashqai Sheared Down Pile 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
Oscar Bach Attributed Figural Bronze Marble-Top Telephone Hall Stand with Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Oscar Bach attributed figural bronze marble-top telephone hall stand with chair. Item features an ornate figural bronze telephone cabinet stand, m...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Wrought Iron Floor Lamp with 4 Lights, French, circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This 4 lights decorative floor lamp is made of wrought iron. This is a nice French work, circa 1950.
Category
1950s French Vintage Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Antique Persian Kermanshah Signed Worn Areas Garden Design 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
1890s Persian Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wool
Saint Blaise, Carved, Polychrome and Gilded Wood, Castilian School, 14th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Sculpture "San Blas". Carved, polychrome and gilded wood. Castilian school, 14th century.
The figure stands, looking straight ahead with large, expressive ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Spanish Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Other
Vintage Persian Shiraz with Triple Medallion Worn Down Hand Knotted 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
1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wool
English Renaissance Carved Oak Paneled Room
Located in New York, NY
English Renaissance (Tudor-16th Century) oak carved linen fold design paneled room with a mantle, overmantle carving and a Pair of spindle design open doo...
Category
16th Century British Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Oak
Bordeaux Storage Tin with Knight Helmet, Knightstick, Rifle, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage biscuit tin for Demaret confectionary, a Belgian Candy Factory.
This vintage tin storage box has a bordeaux background with a knight h...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Medieval Furniture
Materials
Tin
Vintage Persian Shiraz with Serrated Medallion Distressed Hand Knotted 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
1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wool
Large Size French Wall Crucifix / Jesus Christ on the Cross with Crown of Thorns
Located in Lisse, NL
Antique large size sculpture and an impressive, religious work of art.
Looking at Christ suffering like this, the crucifix (in our view) is a symbol of what 'telling people the trut...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wood
Vintage Red Persian Qashqai Cropped Thin Pile Hand Knotted Natural 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
1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wool
20th Century Made in Italy Sterling Silver Jug
By Mario Vallè
Located in VALENZA, IT
Fully handmade medieval style solid sterling silver jug. The body is oval and shaped embossed grooves. The base, separated from the rest of the body by a bushing, is round with the s...
Category
1990s Italian Medieval Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Relief Tile Panel in the Style of J. Parentani, 1890
Located in Rijssen, NL
Stunning Art Nouveau/ Arts & Crafts tile panel from the superb firm, Craven Dunnill, & Co., Ltd, Jackfield Salop, England, circa 1905, in a bright celadon. This quantity original jug...
Category
1890s French Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Earthenware, Pottery
Pair of Forged Wrought Iron Andirons, French, 19th Century
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This rack and pinions andirons are made of forged wrought iron. They are French, from 19th century.
Category
1880s French Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Circa 1900s Silverplate Chandelier with 5 Arms
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A vintage silverplate chandelier with a broad belly, five arms with beautiful details, original canopy.
The piece came from Remains Lighting.
Measurements:
32 inches high x 18...
Category
20th Century English Medieval Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Handmade Persian Shiraz Vintage Worn Down Wool Bohemian 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
French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs, 17th-18th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th-18th century French andirons made of wrought iron. The style of the andirons is Gothic. The andirons have spit hooks to grill food. They are in a good condition.
Category
Early 18th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
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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