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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
Antique Persian Bakhtiar Good Condition Longer Shape Worn Down 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

1920s Persian Vintage 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

Vintage Persian Baluch with Bashir Design Red Organic 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 Persian Hamadan Full Pile Organic 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

1970s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

Vintage Sheared Low Areas of Wear Hand Knotted Clean Wool Persian Serab Red 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 Hamadan Ivory with Flower Bouquet 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

Semi Antique Deep Red Persian Shiraz Clean Hand Knotted 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

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

Vintage Worn Down Tan Color Persian Qashqai Wool Handmade Bohemian 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 Shabby Chic Old Persian Tabriz Medallion Design 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

Beige Vintage and Worn Down Persian Qashqai 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

Colorful Vintage and Worn Down Persian Karabakh Hand Knotted 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

Saint Woman in polychrome carved wood
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
SAINT WOMAN IN POLYCHROME CARVED WOOD   ORIGIN : ITALY PERIOD : late 13th century   Height : 103 cm Length : 28  cm Width : 16 cm  Remains of polychromy   ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Softwood

Beige Worn Down and Old Persian Qashqai 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

Natural Colors Old and Worn Down Persian Qashqai 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

Natural Colors Gallery Size Old and Worn Down Persian Shiraz Hand Knotted
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

Earth Tone Colors Vintage and Worn Down Persian Qashqai 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

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

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Gothic Wrought Iron & Bronze 2 Arm Wall Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Antique Gothic wall sconces with two arms each in a wrought iron and bronze construction. Each sconce requires two candelabra light bulbs. ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Wrought Iron

Large Carved Oak Mule Chest, Green Man Marriage Chest
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Large Carved Oak Mule Chest, Green Man Marriage Chest This is a profusely carved Marriage chest, the coffer has many detailed carved panels. On the front we have 2 family crests on ...
Category

18th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique Caucasian Dagestan Vegetable Dyes Wide Runner Rug, 4'0" x 9'10"
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 make Rugs. This is truly a one-of-kind piece. Exact Rug Size in Feet and Inches: 4'0" x 9'10" Main Rug Color: Yellow Rug Border Color: Ivory Other Colors of the Rug: Pink, Denim Blue, Red, Chocolate Brown, Black, Forest Green...
Category

Early 1900s Russian Antique 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

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

Late 20th Century Unknown Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair of English Medieval Style Carved Caryatids
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of 19th century English medieval style limewood female caryatids carved as Queens or valkyries. These carvings are matching in design, each dep...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

American Gothic-Revival Gilt-Bronze "Dragon" Chandelier in the Manner of Tiffany
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and rare American Gothic-Revival gilt bronze "Dragon" six-light figural chandelier. The elongated body in the form of a winged dragon biting on a perch with his tail wrap...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Cast Iron Andirons Representing an Evangelist, French, circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of cast iron andirons represents an Evangelist. They are French, circa 1940.
Category

1940s French Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

1960s Hand Wrought Iron Oval Fleur De Lys Chandelier from Brittany, France
Located in Dallas, TX
Recently found in a home in Brittany, France, this high quality wrought iron chandelier was hand-formed with fleur de lys motifs. The main body is a thick, open oval, formed by three...
Category

1960s French Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron

Medieval Architectural Fragment Cornice, Corbel
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A fragment of a sandstone corbel with flat upper face, moulded transverse ledge and two protruding lobes with reserved trefoil detailing. The lower edge has fine dentiled carving and...
Category

15th Century and Earlier British Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Sandstone

16th Century French Oak Polychrome Statue of Saint Maudez
Located in San Francisco, CA
16th century French oak polychrome statue of Saint Maudez. A Breton saint from the 5th-6th century who founded a monastery off the coast of Brittany. Saint Maudez was said to have ba...
Category

16th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Gesso, Oak

Element of an Outdoor Carved Woodwork Showing a Salamander from a Normand House
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This carved oak woodwork was probably placed on the facade of the house, close to the roofing framework of a Norman house. The sculptor had depicted the salamender frontview in a sty...
Category

16th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Vintage Turkish Oushak Area Rug with Luxe Medieval Style, Wide Hallway Runner
Located in Dallas, TX
72689 vintage Turkish Oushak area rug with Luxe Medieval style, wide hallway runner. Immersed in Anatolian history, rich detail and dramatic colors, this hand-knotted wool vintage Ou...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

Pendant "Cibulak", Czechoslovakia, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in the Czech Republic. Made of brass and glass. Brass shows some signs of use, such as scratch marks.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Arts & Crafts Gothic Cast Iron Spiral Scrollwork Fireplace Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Arts & Crafts Gothic Cast Iron Spiral Scrollwork Fireplace Andirons - a Pair. Item features swing out arm/pot holders, ornate scrolling frame, spiral form body, cast iron constructio...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Carved Amber Figure of Christ
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This fine amber sculpture depicting Jesus Christ is a very rare object. Exemples of this sort can only be found in Germanic countries. Already used during Prehistoric times, amber have always fascinated people. Because of the virtues associated with this material amber was carved as amulets and prophylactic ornaments. As an expression of luxury and means amber was also used for adornments and small figures collected by the upper classes. This fossilized resin was picked on the Baltic Sea shores and soon entered a intense trade system. From the 14th century onwards knights of the Teutonic Order...
Category

19th Century German Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Other

A Superb Gothic Iron and Wood Chandelier
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Superb Gothic Iron and Wood Chandelier A very handsome piece, Large Heavy and very Gothic in design, the light has 5 wide branches and would enhance the...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

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

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

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Small Carved Oak Chest or Shoe Box Coffer
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Small carved oak chest or shoe box coffer The chest has 2 carved panels to the front and and decorative nailed and scalloped corners, inside is clean and it has blacksmith made hinges This small oak...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Very Rare Set of Twenty Large, 1940s Church Indoor or Outdoor Sconces (
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very rare set of twenty of large 1940 church sconces, the glass can be easily change, to a different color of glass, the price is for the pair they c...
Category

1940s American Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique Belgian Architectural Element Mounted Crest
Located in North Miami, FL
This is a wonderful antique architectural element mounted to custom iron wall bracket for best display and viewing. THIS ITEM IS LOCATED AND WILL SHIP FROM OUR EAST HAMPTON, NY SHOW...
Category

Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Concrete, Iron

Vintage Large Wall Art Form Lion Knights Sword Sculpture Medieval Style
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Vintage Medieval Lion Knight Sword Sculpture Crafted in a resin style, this piece depicts a fierce lion knight wielding a sword, capturing the essence...
Category

1960s American Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Resin

19th Century Cross
Located in Madrid, ES
19th Century cross. Made in olive wood and silver metal. Measures: 8x5 cm. Good condition.
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Large wall lamp with sword, 1950's
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A large wall lamp with a metal sword in wrought iron is a unique and original choice for a home. This lamp has a beautiful design that creates a medieval atmosphere. The sword is ma...
Category

1950s French Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique Italian Gothic Crucifix in Bronze Casting, Sculpture from the Early 1900
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Gothic Crucifix Sculpture in Bronze Casting, Italy, Early 1900s Majestic Gothic crucifix made in bronze casting at the beginning of the 20th century i...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

STUNNING ANTIQUE SUPER DECORATiVE HAND HAMMERED BOWL IDEAL FOR FRUIT OR PUNCH
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique bowl with hand hammered finish ideally suited for fruit or punch A super decorative an...
Category

20th Century European Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair of important wrought iron landiers. French work in the Gothic Style. C 1900
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This tall pair of gothic style wrought iron andirons are also called landiers because of the shape of the top parts that where used to have water or soup boiling on receipt near the ...
Category

1880s French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique Hand-Carved Wood Figural Bard Musician Medieval Gothic Tavern Side Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique European hand-carved Medieval Musician Tavern Chair. Item features remarkable solid carved wood figural frame, shaped seat, unique construction, and beautiful aged patina, ci...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

17-18th C. Andirons In The Gothic Manner
Located in Haarlem, Noord-Holland
A tall pair wrought iron andirons from the 17-18 th century. Gothic period. One front ring is missing.
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Large Antique Gothic Andirons or Firedogs, 17th Century
Located in Soest, NL
Large 17th century French andirons made of wrought iron. The style of the andirons is gothic. These French andirons are called 'landiers' in France. This dates from the times the and...
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

19th C Sturdy Heavy Carved Oak Table This is a wonderful table
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th C Sturdy Heavy Carved Oak Table This is a wonderful table, the table base has large bulbous legs, and the apron below has a linen fold ...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

15th Century Stone Sculpture, Bust of a Wooman
Located in BARSAC, FR
Sculpture In limestone from the 15th century representing a wooman probably a saint. The face is round and serene, the hair long and the fore...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

4'x6'2" Ivory Organic Wool Evenly Worn Mint Condition Clean 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

3'1"x5'1" Blue Overdyed Vintage Persian Tabriz Hand Knotted Sheared Low Wool 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Medieval furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include rugs and carpets, building and garden elements, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wool and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Asia, and West Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Arval Argenti Valenza, Edward F. Caldwell & Co., and Aeterna Furniture. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $30 and tops out at $275,000 while the average work can sell for $1,886.

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