Skip to main content

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.

17
1,828
27
10
to
494
1,160
686
1,865
1,853
1,858
191,708
115,579
41,337
32,026
15,008
11,444
10,244
10,157
9,394
8,647
7,221
7,134
6,229
5,830
5,536
5,147
4,617
3,517
335
384
1,109
37
243
716
89
58
17
57
21
22
36
551
50
6
7
780
735
628
389
376
853
736
688
670
375
24
3
3
2
2
Style: Medieval
17th-18th Century French Gothic Firedogs, Andirons
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th-18th century French Gothic fire dogs made of wrought iron. The condition is good.
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

17th Century French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th century French Gothic andirons made of cast iron. The andirons have spit hooks to grill food. In France this type of very old andirons is called 'landiers'. The condition is good.
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Mid-19th Century New Orleans Gothic Ebonized Brass Lantern
Located in Charleston, SC
A Gothic lantern from New Orleans, circa 1850, featuring ebonized brass frame, etched glass panels and three candle bulb pendant. The fixture was originally candle but has been recen...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

17th Century French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th century French Gothic andirons made of wrought iron. These French andirons are called 'landiers' in France. This dates from the times the andirons were the main cooking equipmen...
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

17th Century Large Gothic Bulls Head Firedogs, Andirons
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th century Gothic bulls head fire dogs, andirons. These French andirons are called 'landiers' in France. This dates from the times the andirons were the main cooking equipment in t...
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Architectural Stone Fireplace
Located in London, GB
An architectural French stone fireplace. The panelled frieze with shaped, panelled jambs below. A rustic stone with nice, aged patina. French, late 18th-early 19th century. Shelf W...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Italian Gothic Brass Glass Travertine Marble Drinks, Side or End Tables, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A very special and stunning pair of Italian brass or bronze, glass, and travertine marble end or side tables with detailed Italian Gothic architecture bronze/brass frame, circa mid-2...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Travertine, Marble, Brass, Bronze

18th Century Italian Gothic Renaissance Square Chair Walnut Side Armchair
Located in Vigonza, Padua
18th century Italian Gothic Renaissance square chair in turned and hand-carved walnut. Polished to wax Measures cm: H77/40, W 52, D 46.
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Polished Steel Firegrate
Located in London, GB
An understated burnish steel fire grate. Shown in antiqued finished, but also available in clean steel finish. Reproduction. N.B. May be subject to an extended lead time. Measures...
Category

Late 20th Century English Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel

Brass and Steel English Register Grate
Located in London, GB
An English steel register grate. The pierced fret of Gothic style, panelled frame with steel bars surmounted by finials. N.B. May be subject to an extended lead time, please enquir...
Category

Late 20th Century English Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

16th Century French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, NL
16th century French Gothic andirons made of cast iron. With faces on the spit hooks to discourage evil powers. This product has to be shipped as freight due to its size and/or (volu...
Category

16th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Vintage Afghan Baluch Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
77009 Vintage Afghan Baluch Rug, 02'07 x 09'08. Afghan Baluch rugs are handwoven textiles originating from the Baluch tribes in Afghanistan. These rugs are characterized by intricate...
Category

Mid-20th Century Afghan Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

An Understated Burnish Steel Firegrate
Located in London, GB
An understated burnish steel fire grate. Shown in antiqued finished, but also available in clean steel finish. Reproduction. N.B. May be subject to an ...
Category

Late 20th Century English Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel

Pair of 19th Century Medieval Style Monumental Brass Candelabra
Located in Troy, NY
Pair of massive Gothic style brass candelabra of impressive size. Can be electrified or used to hold large pillar candles.
Category

16th Century German Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid-19th Century English Cast Iron Commodities Scale, Marked Birmingham
Located in Charleston, SC
A large 19th century English cast iron scale, circa 1840, marked Birmingham, England and features scrolling decorative and organic elements. It was purchased in the U.S. and would ha...
Category

19th Century British Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Leathermaché Putti, Architectural Decorations
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Leathermaché Putti, architectural decorations These very rare pieces are made in Leathermaché, two of them are characters in the forms of Putti or ...
Category

16th Century Great Britain (UK) Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Leather

Polished Steel Firegrate with Upright Bars
Located in London, GB
An understated burnish steel firegrate with upright bars to centre. Shown in antiqued finished, but also available in clean steel finish. Reproduction. N...
Category

Late 20th Century English Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel

English Fireplace in York Stone
Located in London, GB
An English fireplace in York stone. The plain jambs surmounted by brackets, with moulded shelf above. English, circa 1900. Measures: Shelf width: 1445 mm...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Modern Gothic Mantel in Sandstone
Located in New York, NY
A modern sandstone mantel with shield and ribbon carving to the frieze supporting a deep shelf with lambs tongue decoration. The 3/4 column jambs support acanthus bracket corbels Op...
Category

Early 2000s Medieval Furniture

Materials

Sandstone

17th-18th Century Large Gothic Style Firedogs or Andirons
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th-18th century, French Gothic style fire dogs made of wrought iron. The andirons have spit hooks to grill food. These French andirons are called 'landiers' in France. The condit...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

16th-17th Century French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, NL
Impressive 16th-17th century French Gothic andirons made of cast iron. The andirons have spit hooks to grill food and cups to keep drinks warm. The andirons are therefore also called...
Category

Early 17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Very Rare Casket Minnekästchen or Box, Germany or Italy, 15th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Wooden coffret, call minnekästchen, engraved with a dog, a hare and foliage with polychromy remains. During the Middle Age, the hare is a symbol of fertility, joy and represents the Christ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

17th-18th Century Large French Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, 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

Massive 17th Century French Elm and Oak Trestle Table
Located in Troy, NY
Imposing Refectory Table of Unusual Design with half-round ends and a Medieval Look. The almost 3.5 inch thick top adds to its bold appearance. The center of the top adorned with a d...
Category

16th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Elm, Oak

Oversized Vintage Persian Tabriz Hunting Rug, Hotel Lobby Size Carpet
Located in Dallas, TX
76680 Vintage Persian Tabriz Hunting Rug 14’07 x 21’09. Reminiscences of an exotic journey and worldly sophistication, this hand-knotted wool vintag...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Pair of Antique Carved Stone Sinks (Stoups or Benitiers) from France, Circa 1830
Located in Dallas, TX
These antique French Gothic style white limestone (Pierre Calcaire) pieces are old holy water vessels (stoups or 'benitiers' in French) are from a small chapel in the Drome departmen...
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Distressed Vintage Skull Steampunk Style Area Rug Inspired by Alexander McQueen
Located in Dallas, TX
80434 Distressed Vintage Skull Steampunk Style Area Rug Inspired by Alexander McQueen. Unconventional elements, like this hand-knotted wool distressed vi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

17th Century Magnificent French Gothic Firedogs or Andirons
Located in Amerongen, 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

Large Pair of Medieval Style Wrought Iron Candelabras - Italy, 19th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Ornate pair of wrought-iron candle holders. Lovely scrolling and patterned iron work.
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Bohemian Oil Painting of Carlsbad by Bernatova
By Jindra Bernatova
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Beautiful oil on board painting of Carlsbad or Karlovy vary in western Bohemia. Depicts a Baroque statue from 1716 and a Gothic castle in the background f...
Category

20th Century Czech Medieval Furniture

Materials

Leather, Canvas, Wood, Paint

French 19th Century Iron Chandelier
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Large Gothic Hamstone Antique Fireplace
Located in London, GB
A large, antique English Gothic hamstone fireplace. The arched, moulded jambs with crests to centre and carved key stone. The frieze with stop-fluted arches and central blocking with...
Category

17th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

French Gothic Style Cup Dogs or Andirons
Located in Amerongen, NL
French Gothic style firedogs. 20th century. With spit hooks to grill food and a cup to keep drinks or soup warm.
Category

20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

English Stone Fireplace in the Gothic Style
Located in London, GB
A 19th century English stone fireplace in the Gothic style. The jambs and frieze with recessed panels and end blocking featuring shield crest,...
Category

15th Century and Earlier English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Large, Magnificent and Rare Gothic Revival Silver Plated Incense Burner
Located in London, GB
A magnificent and rare Gothic Revival, Byzantine influenced antique silver plated incense burner. The highly decorative bowl, set with many coloured glass cabochon and bearing the initials I H S a symbolic monogram of Christ, is suspended from a high domed crown on six sturdy chains. Beneath the bowl is a reversed crown terminating in a reversed ring...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Silver

19th Century English Finials Carved as Heraldic Lions
Located in Baambrugge, NL
The beast are portrayed sejant each with the forepaws supporting a shield. They are sitting on octagonal bases. The armorials might have been painted at some point, but no traces ...
Category

19th Century Great Britain (UK) Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Sandstone

Large 17th Century Figural Carved Griffin Gothic Coffer or Blanket Chest
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Large Gothic coffer / bench, believed to date back to the 1600s. Item features ornate, hand-carved, detailing on the front panel, a very thick and solid ...
Category

17th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century English Gothic Style Stone Fireplace
Located in London, GB
A mid-late 19th century English Gothic style stone fireplace. The moulded jambs surmounted by arched frieze with spandrel panels. Two-tier moulded shelf. Some markings to the stone c...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Pair of Neo-Gothic Bronze Candlesticks, Done in the Manner of A. W. N. Pugin
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A pair of neo-gothic bronze candlesticks in the manner of Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, finely cast in form of a gothic cluster column on ...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

17th-18th Century Gothic Firedogs or Andirons
Located in Amerongen, 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

Neo-Gothic antique three piece ormolu clock set
Located in London, GB
The central clock with dial to the center, displaying hours in individual plaques in Roman numerals and five minute intervals engraved into the ormolu case in Arabic numerals, the ca...
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

French 16th and 19th Century Gothic Freestanding Oak Cabinet
Located in Troy, NY
Unique and rare cabinet with an open base, finished all around, so it could be freestanding in the room, the front panels intricately carved with gothic tracery work, the side and ba...
Category

16th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

English Stone Fireplace in the Gothic Style
Located in London, GB
A 19th century English stone fireplace in the Gothic style. The jambs and frieze with recessed panels and end blocking featuring shield crest,...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

19th Century English Carved Limestone Fireplace in the Gothic Taste
Located in London, GB
A 19th century English carved limestone fireplace, with the initials 'AB' and the date 1855 carved to the centre of the frieze, jambs carved with bellflowers and ears of wheat, surmo...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Limestone

Late Gothic Swiss early 17th century Rustic walnut Table
Located in Troy, NY
Very charming alpine table of late Gothic design, the one plank top supported by sides ending in shoe feet with simple decoration, one drawer above a conn...
Category

Early 1600s Swiss Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

English 19th century Gothic Style Oak Food or Aumbry Cabinet
Located in Troy, NY
Decorative English Oak "Food" or Aumbry Cabinet inspired by 16th Century examples, but of 19th Century manufacture. (See Victor Chinnery, Oak Furniture, the British Tradition) Open c...
Category

16th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Set of Four Neo-Gothic Iron Sconces, France, 1940s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Large and unusual set of four Gothic inspired sconces displaying striking ironwork. Each sconce has three arms. Can be wired.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Large Gothic Bull's Head Andirons, Firedogs, 18th Century
Located in Amerongen, 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

One Pair of Lime Painted Gothic Lanterns
Located in Washington, DC
One pair of very unusual pine lime painted wooden gothic lanterns glass to either side and the bottom.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

17th Century Gothic Cup Dogs, Andirons
Located in Amerongen, NL
French 17th century Gothic firedogs. With spit hooks to grill food and a cup to keep drinks or soup warm.
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

17th Century French Cupdogs, Andirons
Located in Amerongen, NL
Wrought iron fire dogs with spit hooks to grill food and a cup to keep drinks or soup warm. We have a unique and specialized collection of antique and used fireplace accessories con...
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Black Wrought Iron Andirons with Trefoil Finials and Semi-Circle Legs, c. 1920s
Located in New York, NY
AFP0506 A pair of antique blackened wrought iron andirons pierced with a gothic style trefoil finial atop rectangular bodies and semi-circle legs. Circa 1920s. DIMENSIONS: Overall:...
Category

Early 20th Century American Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

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

Early 18th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

English Stone Fireplace Mantel in the Gothic Style
Located in London, GB
An English stone fireplace in the Gothic style. The frieze with moulding detail to ends surmounted by imposing shelf, early 20th century, possibly earlier. Measures: Shelf Width: 1...
Category

Early 20th Century English Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Tall Pair of Wrought Iron Candleholders, Early 19th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Elegant and rare pair of heavy wrought iron candleholders with a crown of flowers, raised on a tripod base. Probably from Italy.
Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

A Large English Fireplace Mantel in Grey York Stone
Located in London, GB
A large English fireplace in grey York stone. The frieze and jambs with moulded ingrounds surmounted by plain shelf, 19th century. Measure: Shelf Width: 1940 mm 76 3/8 in Over...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

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.

Recently Viewed

View All