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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
2'x2'10" Blue Antique Persian Sarouk Hand Knotted Pure Wool Even Wear Mat 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

1910s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

17th Century French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Soest, NL
17th century French Gothic andirons made of wrought iron. The condition is good.
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Large 17th Century French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Soest, NL
Large 17th century French Gothic andirons made of wrought iron. The tops of the andirons consist of bull heads, which is characteri...
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Red Hand Knotted Old Persian Bakhtiari Professionally Cleaned Soft 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

17th-18th Century Large French Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Soest, NL
17th-18th century French Gothic fire dogs made of wrought iron. These French andirons are called 'landiers' in France. This dates from the times the andirons were the main cooking eq...
Category

18th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

17th Century French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Soest, NL
17th century French Gothic andirons made of wrought iron. The andirons are in a good condition and are fit for use in the fireplace.
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

10'3"x13'5" Lemon Icing White Antique Persian Kashan Kork Wool Pile 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

A Collection of 4 Superbly Carved Oak Door Panels
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Collection of 4 Superbly Carved Oak Door Panels These carved panels have come from a piece of 19th Century Oak Furniture Cupboard, probably of French origin. The carved panels m...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

1930's Caucasian Karabakh Pictorial Rug Medieval Stag Hunting Tapestry
Located in Dallas, TX
78707 Vintage Caucasian Karabagh Pictorial Rug, 04'06 x 09'05. Caucasian Karabagh pictorial rugs with deer and mountains refer to a specific type of rug originating from the Karabakh region in the South Caucasus, which encompasses parts of present-day Armenia and Azerbaijan. These rugs are renowned for their unique pictorial designs featuring motifs such as deer and mountains. The Caucasus region has a rich tradition of rug weaving dating back centuries, and Karabagh rugs are one of the most notable types. They are characterized by bold geometric patterns, vibrant colors, and often depict scenes from nature or daily life. The imagery of deer and mountains in these Caucasian rugs symbolizes elements of the natural world and can carry various meanings depending on the cultural context and the specific design. Mountains are often seen as symbols of strength, stability, and endurance, while deer may represent grace, beauty, or even spiritual significance. Caucasian Karabagh pictorial rugs are highly valued by collectors and enthusiasts for their artistic merit, craftsmanship, and cultural significance. They continue to be produced today, preserving a tradition that has been passed down through generations of skilled artisans in the Caucasus region. In the hushed embrace of a vintage woolen masterpiece lies a tale woven with threads of enchantment. This hand-knotted wool vintage Caucasian Karabagh pictorial rug beckons one into a realm where four deer frolic with the exuberance of spring, their graceful bounds captured amidst a verdant tapestry of blossoms and foliage. Here, amidst the vibrant hues of the foreground, the essence of the Karabakh region in the South Caucasus unfolds in a captivating tableau. Behold, as the scene unfurls like a cherished memory, revealing a crystal lake that mirrors the heavens above, while a dense forest, teeming with life, stands sentinel against the backdrop of majestic mountains. Each element whispers secrets of ancient landscapes and untold tales, inviting wanderers to lose themselves in its embrace. For within these Karabagh rugs lies a deeper resonance, where nature's bounty intertwines with the threads of tradition and culture. Embodying more than mere craftsmanship, these rugs are imbued with symbolism as rich as the colors that adorn them. Mountains stand tall as silent sentinels, guardians of strength and endurance, while deer dance gracefully amidst the fabric, embodying notions of beauty, grace, and perhaps even spiritual significance. Framed by the delicate embrace of a blooming Karabagh rose...
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Large Neo Gothic Style Cast Iron Two Arms Wall Sconce
Located in Plainview, NY
An exceptional Neo Gothic large size wall scone. The wall sconce has two large arms, each arm ending in a candelabra light with a custom made French style shade. The iron cast sconce...
Category

Late 20th Century Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Blue Vintage Persian Kerman Worn Down All Wool Hand Knotted Square Rug 1'9"x1'9"
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

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Cotton

Bronze Candlestick or Candle Holder, 16th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Bronze candlestick. Century XVI. Polished bronze candlestick with a wide circular base from which arises a truncated cone axis opening into a smooth plat...
Category

16th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

17th Century Gothic Cup Dogs, Andirons
Located in Soest, NL
French 17th century Gothic cup dogs. The condition is good.
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair of Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of andirons is made of wrought iron with rack. This is a French work. Circa 1900
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mortar and pestle. Bronze. 15th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Mortar and pestle. Bronze. 15th century. Bronze mortar and pestle with a circular base and a spouted mouth decorated with a band beneath the rim. The base, facing outward, features...
Category

15th Century and Earlier European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Berry Blue Vintage Persian Kerman Worn Down Hand Knotted Clean Pure Wool Mat 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

Rust Color Distressed Look Worn Wool Hand Knotted Vintage Persian Bibikabad 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 Century
Located in Soest, NL
17th 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

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs, 17th Century
Located in Soest, NL
17th 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

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

6'x8'9" Blue All Wool Clean Cropped Thin Hand Knotted Vintage Persian Tabriz 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

Millennium Blue Antique Kurdish Bijar Pure Wool Hand Knotted 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...
Category

Early 1900s Persian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

2'6"x10' White Hand Knotted Fragment Pure Wool Vintage Persian Tabriz 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

3'2"x9'6" Multicolored Hand Knotted Wool Vintage Northwest Persian 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

Blue Pure Wool Vintage and Worn Persian Kerman Hand Knotted Mat Rug 1'6"x2'
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

8'4"x11' Barn Red Clean Tribal Weave Vintage Persian Heriz 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

Antique Pair of Gothic Pitch Pine Throne Side Hall Bedroom Chairs
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique quality pair of Gothic pitch pine throne, side, hall, or bedroom chairs C1900. Solid and heavy, with no loose joints and no woodworm. Overall maximum dimensions: 59c...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Pine

20th Century French Andirons or Firedogs, Gothic Style
Located in Soest, NL
20th century French andirons or firedogs in the Gothic Style. The condition is good.
Category

20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs, Gothic Period, 17th Century
Located in Soest, NL
17th century French andirons made of wrought iron. The style of the andirons is Gothic Period. The andirons have spit hooks to grill food. They are in a good condition.
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

17th Century French Gothic Period Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Soest, NL
17th century Gothic Period andirons made of wrought iron. The andirons are in a good condition and are fit for use in the fireplace.
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Early 18th Century French Gothic Period Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Soest, NL
Early 18th century French Gothic period andirons made of wrought iron. The andirons are in a good condition and are fit for use in the fireplace.
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

3'x14'3" Redwood Red Organic Wool Distressed Vintage Heriz Oriental 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 French Gothic Style Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French Gothic style andirons. The tops of the andirons consist of bull heads which is characteristic for this type of andirons. In France these andirons are called 'land...
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

2'2"x5'10" Alabaster White Distressed Look Tabriz Vintage Runner 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

8'7"x11'2" Turkey Red Wool Vintage Persian Bakhtiari 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

1950s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

17th-18th Century French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Soest, NL
17th-18th century French Gothic fire dogs made of wrought iron. The andirons have spit hooks. The condition is good.
Category

18th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

4'1"x9'10" Tractor Red Hand Knotted Vintage Hamadan Velvety 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

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

9'9"x13' Ajax Red Hand Knotted Vintage Persian kashan Pure 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

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

17th Century Magnificent French Gothic Firedogs or Andirons
Located in Soest, NL
17th century, French Gothic fire dogs made of wrought iron and cast iron. Rare combination of Gothic forged iron and heavy cast iron at the back. This product has to be shipped as f...
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron, Iron

2'1"x5'10" Ivory Hand Knotted Wool White Wash Vintage Persian Tabriz 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

Wood Wall Hanging of Maesta Madonna and Christ Child after Cimabue, Italy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A fabulous pentagon wood wall hanging of the Madonna and child from Italy. This piece is created from wood, and has an applied print of Maesta, (Madonna enthroned with the Christ child by Cimabue) The edges feature a gold embossed design. The back includes metal hanging hardware. Cimabue, also known as Cenni di Pepo...
Category

20th Century Italian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper

Blue Hand Knotted Old Persian Kerman Leaf and Bird Design All Wool Rug 1'7"x1'7"
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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

8'3"x11' Lusty Red Nomad Art Vintage Persian Heriz 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

Atelier Ciani Florence Italy prod. years 80' medieval stylish wall lamp bronze
Located in Biella, IT
Atelier Ciani Florence Italy design production years 80' medieval stylish sconce in brass & bronze wrought
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze

17th-18th Century Gothic Firedogs or Andirons
Located in Soest, NL
17th-18th century French Gothic fire dogs made of wrought iron. The condition is good.
Category

18th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

8'x11'2" Venetian Red With Centre Floral Motif Cleaned Old Heriz 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

Walnut Brown, Northwest Persian Wide Runner Abrash, 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

9'3"x11'8" Currant Red Pure Wool Semi Antique Persian Heriz 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

Large Gothic Bull's Head Andirons, Firedogs, 18th Century
Located in Soest, NL
Large wrought iron fire dogs with spit hooks. These French andirons are called 'landiers' in France. This dates from the times the andirons were the main cooking equipment in the hou...
Category

18th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

6'5"x9'5" Onyx Black Worn Wool Hand Knotted Cleaned Vintage Tabriz Overdyed 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 Antique Persian Lilihan Full Pile Clean and Soft Hand Knotted Rug 3'1"x4'7"
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...
Category

1920s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

8'7'x11'1" Cherry Red Vibrant Wool Tribal Village Nomad Art Vintage 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

Rectangular wrought iron chandelier
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Rectangular wrought iron chandelier with golden twist trim details and original canopy.
Category

1940s French Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Salmon Color Old Persian Bibikabad All Over 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

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Rare 15th Century English Studded Door
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A rare and striking 15th century English studded door. At over 420 years old, this unique and impressive door offers a glimpse into historic England. Thick and sturdy, it features...
Category

15th Century and Earlier English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak

9'5"x13' Red Hand Knotted Soft Wool Vintage Persian Kashan Clean 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 Red Northwest Persian Worn Down Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug 3'10"x10'3"
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

Crimson Red Antique Persian Heriz Rosette Hand Knotted Pure Wool Clean 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

1930s 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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