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.
Gothic Style 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 black and gilded colored parts to enhance any chic or eclectic home. We'd love to see it hanging in an ent...
Metal
Spanish Gothic Revival Fireplace Tools Stand in Wrought Iron with Dragon Motif
Located in Barcelona, ES
Stunning Spanish hand forged iron four-piece fireplace tools set stand with scrolls ornamentation, dragon motif and original gold leaf gilt finishing. Spain, 1920s-1930s. This sculpt...
Iron, Wrought Iron
16th Century English Renaissance Carved Oak Paneled Room, Tudor Style
Located in Queens, 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...
Oak
Framed Late 15th Century Illuminated Book of Hours Manuscript
Located in Chireno, TX
Framed late 15th century illuminated Book of Hours manuscript circa 1500, France. Gouache, ink gold wash and gold burnishing on vellum. Framed within large decorative matt. In very g...
Gold Leaf
Large (46 Inch) Mid-Century Medieval Heraldic Knight Coat of Arms Wall Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Large (46 by 25 by 4 inch) mid-century (1980s to 1970s) heraldic wall sculpture in the Anglo-Saxon medieval style depicting a knight's breastplate, battle axe, sword and arrow quiver...
Composition
Nice French Aubusson Style Medieval Design jacquard Tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Behold this exquisite French tapestry, meticulously crafted as a museum-tapestry design replica. This tapestry captures the essence of a renowned masterpiece, featuring a captivating...
Wool, Cotton
21th Century Italian Table, Chess Board, Chess Game Gold /Silver plated brass
Located in VALENZA, IT
Chess table and chess game in bronze and brass made with the ancient casting technique. After the casting, the finishing was chiseled and subsequently silvered and finished with 24-k...
Brass, Bronze
Portuguese 18th Century Carved Stone Column
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A fabulous 18th century, or earlier, carved stone column from Portugal, best described as Gothic or Romanesque in style, using the familiar acanthus motif around the capital. By the ...
Stone
19th Century Gothic Painted Bookcase
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Wonderful 19th Century English Gothic painted bookcase. 1880
Glass, Oak, Pine
$1,380Sale Price|25% Off
2'8"x9'9" Misty Gray Bijar Garus Design Wool Hand Knotted Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Misty Gray, Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Hand Knotted, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile ...
Wool
Unique 15th Century French Medieval Granite Castle Door Stop with Iron Ring
Located in Doha, QA
An exceptionally rare and evocative survivor of medieval castle architecture, this monumental granite door stop dates to the 15th century and retains its original hand-forged wrought...
Stone, Granite, Wrought Iron
Spanish Gothic Style Dragon Motif Fireplace Tools Set Stand, Black Wrought Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish hand forged iron five-piece fireplace tools set stand with scrolls ornamentation and dragon motifs, wrought iron. Spain, 1920s-1930s. This sculptural tools set hangs on a tri...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Gothic Chest with linenfold panels
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
GOTHIC CHEST WITH LINENFOLD PANELS ORIGIN : ILE DE FRANCE PERIOD : CIRCA 1500 Height : 78 cm Length : 167 cm Depth : 61 cm Walnut Simple in the structure, this chest ...
Wood, Walnut
Medieval Tile From Gravensteen (counts' Castle) – Ghent – 14th–15th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Medieval floor tile from the Gravensteen Castle – Ghent, 14th–15th century Rare red earthenware floor tile decorated with a heraldic lion, incised and inlaid with yellow slip under ...
Ceramic
Antique 16th Century Austrian Gothic Marble Memento Mori Skull with Iron Cross
Located in Doha, QA
An exceptional and rare Gothic-Renaissance memento mori, sculpted in marble and surmounted by an original iron cross, originating from Austria, 16th century. Carved from solid marble...
Marble
Antique French Pair of Patinated Spelter Sculptures Knights On Horseback
Located in Tyler, TX
EXQUISITE Antique French Pair of Patinated Spelter Sculptures of Knights on Horseback ~~Masterfully crafted inspired by the works of Theo Doriot~~ Right facing knight is 19" tall x...
Spelter
English Gothic Revival Walnut Prie-dieu
Located in Queens, NY
English Gothic Revival style (19th Cent) walnut Prie-dieu with fretwork design and needlepoint upholstery.
Georgian Mahogany Gothic Style Tall Case Clock with Moon Phase Dial
Located in Milford, NH
A fine English Georgian Gothic style tall case clock, its bonnet with a swan’s neck broken arch pediment with Battersea enamel oval polychrome urn accents surmounting scrolled fabric...
Metal, Brass
$5,583Sale Price|51% Off
Gothic Carved Oak Madonna, Flemish, Circa 1450-1550, Antique Art
Located in Buisson, FR
Amazing period piece. A Gothic / medieval Carved oak Madonna Southern Netherlands/ Flemish Circa 1450-1550 Weathered, small losses and old repairs H:101cm W:35cm D:15cm Measurement...
Oak
French handmade wrought iron wall coat rack, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Hand forged wall coat rack in very good condition.
Wrought Iron
Pretty Vintage Aubusson Style médiéval design Jacquard Tapestry « the harvest »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
very beautiful Aubusson style tapestry, with a design of a medieval tapestry That Tapestry has been created in about 1530 by B. Van Orley, creator of "Chasses de Maximilien" (acces...
Wool
Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry Vendanges museum Design
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French hand-printed tapestry featuring the exquisite design of the renowned medieval museum tapestry, "Les Vendanges" (grape harvest) from t...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
18th Century Gothic Reliquary Casket
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An 18th Century Gothic Reliquary Casket. Possibly of European origin, this ancient treasure chest has parts dating back as far as the 17th century. Painted and gilded to all sides ...
Wood, Giltwood
Early 17th Century Medieval Handcrafted Black Iron Coffer or Box
Located in Brescia, IT
The iron coffer, fully original in every part of it, was forged and handcrafted in German in the 1610. Complete with key. Full working iron mechanisms. It ...
Iron
$30,000Sale Price|25% Off
13'7"x20'7" White Mansion Sized Persian Nain Hand Knotted Wool and Silk XL Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Linen White, Mansion Sized Persian Nain with Medallion Design, Finely Made, 300 KPSI, Wool and Silk, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile hei...
Silk
Vivid Orange Overdyed Old Persian Tabriz Barjasta 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...
Wool
Antique Rare Medieval Illuminated Vellum Psalm Leaf, Italy, c.1350–1450
Located in Doha, QA
A beautifully preserved medieval illuminated manuscript leaf on vellum (animal skin), dating to circa 1350–1450, originating from Europe. Italy. This striking example of Gothic craftsmanship features elegant textura script meticulously hand-lettered in rich brown ink across both sides, accompanied by vibrant rubrication and finely rendered initials in red and blue. The recto is adorned with a large illuminated initial, intricately decorated with geometric and foliate motifs, while delicate pen flourishes extend into the margins, demonstrating the skill and artistry of a professional scriptorium. The verso continues with carefully structured text and ornamentation, revealing the continuity of the manuscript’s original use. The presence of decoration on both sides highlights its authenticity as a working liturgical page rather than a later decorative fragment. Executed on supple vellum, the surface retains a beautiful natural patina, with subtle tonal variations and signs of age that enhance its historical character. The text is drawn from the Latin Psalms, traditionally used in devotional practice, adding both spiritual and cultural significance. The text translates in English as: “Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you. Do not hide your face from me; in the day when I am in trouble, incline your ear to me. On whatever day I call upon you, hear me quickly. For my days have vanished like smoke, and my bones have dried up like firewood. I am stricken like grass and my heart has withered, so that I forget to eat my bread. From the voice of my groaning, my bones cling to my flesh. I have become like a pelican in the wilderness; I am like an owl among the ruins. I lie awake, and I am like a solitary sparrow on a rooftop. All the day my enemies reproach me; those who praised me swear against me. For I have eaten ashes like bread and mingled my drink with weeping.” Presented in a custom frame, this rare...
Animal Skin, Glass, Wood, Paint
Antique R.J. Horner Carved Mahogany Winged Griffin Parlor Set
Located in Toledo, OH
Stunning Antique R.J. Horner 3 piece Carved Mahogany Winged Griffin Parlor Set. Both the settee & matching armchairs have beautifully carved Winged Griffins, Lion and scroll pedimen...
Mahogany
Fairies tapestry, after an old 18th century tapestry, by Robert Four, Aubusson
Located in Lyon, FR
"Fairies verdure" tapestry, replica of an ancient tapestry from the 18th century, printed to the heart of the wool by silkscreen process, on old style fabric, by the Robert Four Manu...
Fabric
9'x11'6" Red Southwest Geometric Design Hand Woven Flat Weave Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Crimson Red, Flat Weave, American Indian Southwest Geometric Design, Hand Woven, 100% Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditiona...
Wool
$781Sale Price|25% Off
2'8"x5'8" Marlin Blue Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Soft Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Marlin Blue, Bijar Garus Design, Hand Knotted, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Short Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: N...
Wool
Antique Medieval Tuscan Mortar in Nembro Marble, Italy
Located in Roma, IT
Incredilbe apothecary Mortar in Nembro Marble, made from a single block of marble and dated back to the early 600 from Tuscany. It was used in the in apothecaries to grind herbs and spices into powder for food or medicine. Very unique and rare piece in great conditions considering the the period to which it dates. This highly sculptural and unique piece would be suitable today as a magnificent decoration on a table or mantle, or to grace the counter of an open kitchen...
Marble
Illuminated Manuscript Parchment, Gothic Period, 15th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
A double-sided illuminated manuscript on parchment hand-written and coloured from the Gothic period (15th century) This is a page from a liturgical book such as the Psalters and cour...
Parchment Paper
$772Sale Price|25% Off
4'9"x6'5" Red Afghan Khamyab with Bokara Design Hand Knotted Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Scarlet Red, Afghan Khamyab with Khoja Roshni Bokara Small Repetitive Design, Hand Knotted, Soft and Velvety Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 I...
Wool
Antique Statue of Virgin Mary and Child , 19th Century
Located in Basildon, GB
A Pine Carving of Virgin and Child signed E. Lechner. Carved in 15th Century style, a high relief with a hollowed back and depicting the crowned Virgin standing on contrapose with lo...
Wood, Pine
Rare Antique Austrian Gothic Two-Handed Longsword Medieval Double-Edged Blade
Located in Doha, QA
An exceptional and rare Austrian longsword, designed as a two-handed weapon with a classic cruciform hilt and straight, double-edged blade. This distinguished form bridges the morpho...
Iron
Rare Antique Gothic Windlass Crossbow, 15th–16th Century, Germany
Located in Doha, QA
This remarkable windlass crossbow, dating from the late 15th to early 16th century, is a striking example of early European military craftsmanship, originating from Germany. Measurin...
Iron
$1,598Sale Price|25% Off
8'4"x10'1" Ivory Moroccan Weave with Geometric Design Hand Knotted Pure Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Cream White, Tone on Tone, Moroccan Weave with Geometric Design, Pure Wool, Hand Knotted, Textured Pile, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Styl...
Wool
4'10"x9'6" Chocolate Brown Antique Kurdish Hand Knotted Wool Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Chocolate Brown, Antique Kurdish with Geometric Medallion, Good Condition, Soft and Shiny Wool, Vegetable Dyes, Hand Knotted, Wide Runner, Fine Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool L...
Wool
Antique English Oak Gothic Style Church Door
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Antique English Oak Gothic Style Church Door. Hand crafted from English oak, this Victorian studded door was salvaged from a church in Weston Super Mare,...
Wood, Oak
$1,968Sale Price|39% Off
French Medieval Carved Stone Panel Depicting A Madonna With Child
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful primitive medieval stone panel, depicting a Madonna with child France before 1600 Weathered and small losses
Stone
English 15th Century Pre-Reformation Ecclesiastical Throne
Located in Kent, Dover
A large English carved and polychrome painted medieval ecclesiastical throne. In the English gothic manner, with finely carved tracery, it is also decorated in the Italianate taste w...
Fruitwood, Oak, Walnut
A 17th Century High Back Oak Box Settle The Settle has 3 carved back panels
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A 17th Century High Back Oak Box Settle The Settle has 3 carved back panels and further panels at the bottom the seat opens for storage The bench is a real country piece with very ...
Oak
2'x3' Gray 200 KPSI Meditation Tree of Life Design Hand Knotted Wool Mat Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Spanish Gray, 200 KPSI, Meditation Tree of Life Design, Tone on Tone, Zero Pile, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Densely Woven, Sample, Mat, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No P...
Wool
$286Sale Price|25% Off
2'1"x4'9" Red Afghan Andkhoy with Geometric Motif Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Crimson Red, Afghan Andkhoy with Geometric Motif, Soft and Velvety Wool, Hand Knotted, Short & Narrow Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches...
Wool
Pair of 19th Century Repousse Brass Hall Lanterns in the Moorish Taste
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of late 19th Century Belgian repousse brass hall lanterns in the Moorish taste. Circa 1880.
Brass
19th Century Gothic Pine Diminutive Church Pew
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Charming and withs tons of character, or patina or both. Gothic church pew with paneled sides in a smaller size, about 4.5 feet so its very manageab...
Pine
French Gothic Arms Fireback
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
French Gothic fireback reproduction. With decorations in the style of the early days of casting firebacks. 20th century. The fireback has a black / pewter color. The fireback is in ...
Iron
Gothic twisted Cloister Column with Crocket Capital - Italy, 14th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Twisted Cloister Column with Crocket Capital Italy, 14th Century 127 × 29 × 27 cm This refined white marble column is a distinguished example of Italian Gothic architectural sculp...
Marble
Minton Encaustic Neo-Medieval Old English Tile
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique neo-medieval old English encaustic tile depicting a knight on horseback, attributed to Minton & Co. This tile was commissioned in 1840-42 by L. N. Cottingham for Temple Ch...
Clay
$763Sale Price|25% Off
2'9"x9'7" Red Afghan Andkhoy with Geometric Motif Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Crimson Red, Afghan Andkhoy with Geometric Motif, Soft and Velvety Wool, Hand Knotted, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditi...
Wool
Oak Victorian or Gothic Revival Ecclesiastical His & Hers Throne Chairs a Pair
Located in Topeka, KS
Incredible Late19th Century to Early 20th Century Victorian or Gothic Revival Ecclesiastical His & Hers Throne Chairs comprised of oak frames with black and gold details, red hopsacking fabric on backs & seats with gimp and nail head trim & turned front legs on casters. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. Specifically, the Queen chair has one new hand carved finial created by our professional craftsman and all finials have been dyed black as well as the grooves & detail all over the frame of the chairs and the rings and ball details on the legs. Fabric is a bit faded. Please see photos, zoom in for details, and see long description as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 1900’s - Early 20th Century. ALL HAIL THE MIGHTY KING AND QUEEN!!!! Talk about ABSOLUTE Royalty!!! This is a glorious pair of Gothic Revival Ecclesiastical His & Hers Throne chairs comprised of hand carved oak frames bearing engraved Gothic details, designs, and cutouts including a transcendent triple finial high back presentation worthy of nobility. Each peak is hand carved with designs resembling oak leaves and they have been intricately dyed black… they’re nothing short of fabulous. Because of the maturity of these chairs, we believe that they were probably reupholstered at some point in their lives, and they look marvelous!! They are wearing a beautiful bright cardinal red hopsacking fabric trimmed with gimp and nail head details on the seats and back inserts which also have upholstered backs. The King chair has fabric surrounding the arm rests while the Queen chair has no arms, however it does have attractive side braces. Both thrones have lovely hand carved decorative front aprons with black detail and stand proudly upon turned front legs with black dyed rings & details on casters and square straight slightly curved back legs… I mean, WOW!!!! They’re definitely Ecclesiastical and Gothic Revival but they bear a bit of East Lake Victorian style as well and they are SURE to be quite the conversation piece in your home! They would be fabulous used as host & hostess chairs at your dining table, in a conversation or waiting area, in a home library, at a his & hers dressing area, or facing the fireplace in your den or study. Wherever you choose to use these unsurpassable chairs of distinction, they are sure to make you feel like wearing a crown and being addressed as “Your Majesty...
Fabric, Oak, Paint
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Gothic Castle Limestone Chimney Mantle Chateau Fireplace Hand Carved Stone
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare Gothic Castle Limestone Chimney Mantle Chateau Fireplace Hand Carved Stone . A real museum / Chateau mantel fireplace piece. Perfect for a Rustic ...
Stone, Limestone
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
9x13 Vintage Large Flemish Tapestry Vinyard Scene Millefleurs 270cmx407cm
Located in New York, NY
This monumental vintage Flemish tapestry depicts an elaborate vineyard harvest scene inspired by medieval and Renaissance European tapestry traditions. The composition is filled with...
Wool, Cotton
3'9"x6'1" Ivory Pure Wool Hand Knotted Faded Out Worn Down Persian Vintage Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Vintage Persian Tabriz, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craftsmans...
Wool
Early 19th Century French Wrought Iron Hobnail Studded Safe Dated 1838
Located in Dallas, TX
Keep your valuables and documents in this important antique hobnail safe. Manufactured by Magaud de Charf in Clermont, France, the monumental wrought iron safe is decorated with nail head motifs on all four sides and has an all-original, working mechanism. The front door is further decorated with two large hinges on the sides, and further embellished with a bronze plaque on the top which reads: "Doumaux Jeune a Clermont 1838". The inside opens to reveal an amazing lock mechanism and a large storage compartment. To open the safe, you first need to find and locate the nail which will activate and open the key latch on the right. Next, place the two large keys in each key hole one at a time and turn them in a certain order to open the safe; when opened, the inside reveals three wooden drawers over a bottom shelf which lifts up for underneath storage. (A video will be sent to the buyer if needed). The large and heavy hobnail studded safe...
Wrought Iron
A Medieval Revival Entrance/ Accent Table
Located in Pomona, CA
A Medieval Revival Entrance/ Accent Table. Beautifully carved pedestal legs with faces on 3 sides of each leg. Below the faces are carved Acanthus leaf decoration. The multi-arched s...
Walnut
Pretty medieval Aubusson design handWoven Polish Tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful vintage Polish handwoven tapestry by wool on cotton foundation dating from the mid 20th century, This Polish tapestry clearly draws inspiration from the late medieval Fren...
Wool, Cotton
Set of 17th Century English Keys Framed
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of 17th Century English Keys Framed and ready to display. This wonderful collection of ten ancient keys were hand forged in England in the 17th/18th century. Of unknown origi...
Metal