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.
Very large English antique solid oak mule chest coffer with drawers from 1790
Located in Leicester, GB
An unusually large antique mule chest / coffer with handsome panelling all around. This 18th century mule chest has the height to be a credenza...
Iron
Flemish 17th century Gothic carved oak table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Flemish 17th century carved oak table circa 1690. We are pleased to offer this 17th century table which was often called a rent table. Over-sailing solid oak top which has now been...
Oak
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Dominic. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Dominic Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Free shipping The measurement is the paper size
Paper
15 Inch English Patinated Iron Gargoyle Door Knocker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An English Solid Iron Door Knocker displaying an ominous Gargoyle. The piece is very large at 15" tall and also has a very good weight at 7 pounds. Definitely a substantial stateme...
Iron
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
19th Century French Armorial Coat Of Arms
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century French armorial coat of arms dated to circa 1850. Hand carved onto oak boards, this polychrome and gilt panel incorporates various heraldic elements. Typically refer...
Oak
$2,317Sale Price|25% Off
8'3"x11'1" Red Khamyab Turkaman with Khoja Roshni Design Hand Knotted Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Scarlet Red, Afghan Khamyab Turkaman with Khoja Roshni Design, Hand Knotted, Soft and Velvety Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tr...
Wool
$1,058Sale Price|25% Off
2'7"x8' Blue Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted 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, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile...
Wool
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
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
Mid 19th Century Gothic Brass Jardiniere with Shields This is a very old piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Gothic Brass Jardiniere with Shields This is a very old piece it is decorated with Lions and Shields and it has a Latin Motto inscribed on both sides which means ‘Virt...
Brass
Nice French Aubusson Style screen printed by hand tapestry «winged stags»
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Immerse yourself in the allure of this mid-20th-century French tapestry, showcasing a design inspired by a 15th-century woven masterpiece titled "Cerfs Ailés" (winged stags) at Rouen...
Cotton, Linen
$2,138Sale Price|25% Off
2'8"x15'6" Blue Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Marlin Blue, Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Hand Knotted, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, XL Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No P...
Wool
$1,893Sale Price|25% Off
2'7"x14'2" Stone Gray Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Stone 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
$1,832Sale Price|25% Off
2'6"x14' Gray Bijar Garus Design Aryana Grade Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Spanish Gray, Bijar Garus Design, Aryana Grade, Vegetable Dyes, High Mountain Wool, Hand Knotted, Soft Pile, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pil...
Wool
Antique 15th Century Medieval Gothic Iron Money Strongbox with Original Locks
Located in Doha, QA
An exceptionally rare and important 15th century Gothic iron strongbox, weighing approximately 80 kg. This large strongbox retains its original mechanical locking system, which remai...
Iron
Rare Monumental Italian Carved Carrara Marble Model of a Cathedral
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A Rare and Monumental Italian Carved Carrara Marble Model of a Cathedral, Rome, 19th century, circa 1840. Possibly a representation of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence Italy. The Italian Renaissance is renowned for its magnificent works of art and architecture, which are admired to this day for their grandeur and intricate details. Among the most impressive examples of this era are the rare and monumental carved Carrara marble models of cathedrals...
Carrara Marble
13th Century Period Wood Carved Polychrome Sculpture of Corpus Christi
Located in Vero Beach, FL
13th Century Period Wood Carved Polychrome Sculpture of Corpus Christi Rare and beautiful sculpture of Corpus Christi. The artwork, probably German, is carved from hardwood. This f...
Hardwood, Paint
Rare 1920's Bronze lantern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful and rare 1920's bronze lantern, the patina is so much nicer in person
Bronze
French 19th Century Church Altar Candlesticks
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A towering pair of 19th century French brass altar candlesticks from a cathedral or church. The center of each bobeche is fitted with a spike, surrounded by a pierced brass crown of ...
Brass
19th Century Farmhouse Gothic Oak Refectory Table This is a large piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Farmhouse Gothic Oak Refectory Table This is a large piece, made in solid Oak, the table has hefty 6” bulbous carved oak legs and a solid Oak top, it will seat 8 din...
Oak
Spanish Medieval Torch Chandelier in Gilt Wrought Iron and Wood, Six Lights
Located in Barcelona, ES
One of a Kind Gilt Iron and Oak Wood Six-Light Torch Chandelier, Hand-Forged, Spain 1940s Large size. This outstanding torch chandelier features a rectangular oak wood base holding t...
Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf, Iron
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Seljuk Bronze Oil Lamp Base with Tripod Stand, Medieval Style
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Seljuk Bronze Oil Lamp Base, 12th/13th Century a tripod stand with stylized hoofed feet. Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimensions: Height: 62.5cm. Diameter: 22cm.
Bronze
19th Century Gothic Style Arched Oak Plank Door
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A mid-19th century gothic style arched oak plank door with original wrought iron strap hinges and hardware. Suitable for exterior use, this antique oak door features a beautiful pat...
Oak
$1,197Sale Price|25% Off
Blue Hand Knotted Overdyed Old Persian Tabriz Worn Down Rustic Look 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...
Wool
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
19th Century French Gothic Forged Iron Five-Light Floor Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a study of office with this elegant floor fixture. Crafted in southern France, circa 1860, the candelabra lamp stands on a tripod base ending with three feet. The twisted st...
Iron
Antique Dutch Brass Mid-Drip Heemskerk Candlestick circa 1525
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A rare and historically significant Dutch brass candlestick of the Heemskerk type, dating to around 1525. This early 16th-century example features a pronounced mid-drip pan with slig...
Brass, Bronze
$22,500Sale Price|25% Off
Red Antique Persian Serapi Heriz Wool Hand Knotted Even Wear Rug 11'3"x15'3"
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...
Wool
Pair of Gothic Style Wrought Iron Wall Lights, c.1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and elegant pair of wall lights is made of wrought iron. This is a French work in the Gothic Style (Indicated height without candles). Circa 1940 Additional Information: ...
Wrought Iron
18th Century Verdure Tapestry Fragment Cushion
Located in London, GB
A fragment of 18th Century hand stitched verdure needlework made as a cushion cover. Wonderfully muted, time-softened palette that only age can produce — mossy greens, lichen, faded...
Wool, Linen
Early 18th Century French Gothic Period Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
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.
Wrought Iron
Very Large Reclaimed Medieval Style Stained Glass Window
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A very large rectangular reclaimed medieval style stained glass window, one of three similar in the same design in different sizes we are selling. This stained and leaded glass pan...
Lead
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
An Impressive 18th Century Painted Parchment Armorial
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
An Impressive 18th Century Painted Parchment Armorial Height: 260cm Width: 185cm Provenance: Private Melbourne collection.
Parchment Paper
16th Century oak carved Gothic Panel, Belgium
Located in Meulebeke, BE
16th century / Belgium / Letter Panel / Oak / Gothic A finely carved Gothic oak panel from 16th-century France. This architectural fragment features graceful vertical fluting framed...
Oak
$10,770Sale Price|25% Off
11'x14'7" Red Antique Persian Heriz Even Wear Wool Hand Knotted Oversized Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Terracotta Red, Larger Antique Persian Heriz in Good Condition, Even Wear, 100% Wool, Professionally Cleaned, Sides and Ends Secured, Hand Knotted, Oversized, Oriental Rug Primary ma...
Wool
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Elizabeth of Hungary. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Elizabeth of Hungary Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Free shipping The measurement is the paper size
Paper
The Lovers’ Draught: Antique English Medieval Needlepoint Masterpiece of Romance
Located in Dallas, TX
78092 Rare Antique English Needlepoint Tapestry 02'04 x 03'05. Woven in the quiet hush of late-Victorian England yet echoing the soul of the Middle Ages, this extraordinary handwoven...
Wool
$3,922Sale Price|25% Off
Wrought Iron Chandelier with 12 Lights in the Gothic Style. Circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice chandelier with 12 lights is made of wrought iron. This is a French work in the Gothic style. Circa 1950
Wrought Iron
Quelaag's Chair – Handcrafted Carved and Upholstered Contemporary Gothic Chair
By Realm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Part of an ongoing series of Witch’s Chairs, the voluptuous forms and plush upholstery of this chair polymerize mutated forms with a sense of gorgeous monstrosity. The fusion of rabb...
Brass
$434Sale Price|30% Off
3 British Heraldic Crests Earl of Cranford Kelly Kinnoul Coat of Arms Prints 19"
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of three black and white prints on paper of the heraldic coats of arms of Erskine Earl of Kelly, Cranford Earl of Cranford, and Hay Earl of Kinnoul. Black and gold wood and gesso frame; purple mat. Framed by Soicher Marin...
Hardwood, Paper
English 19th Century Stone Fireplace Mantel
Located in London, GB
An early to mid 19th century Gothic style English limestone fireplace. Unusual in design, very well proportioned and a substantial piece. The castellated shelf which steps down to sit on a plain frieze with carved ends to meet the roundels carved at the top of the jambs, which are inverted with interior panels with outer mouldings. Areas of this surround with natural fossil and patterning adding to its charm. A superior quality Gothic surround...
Stone
STUNNiNG PAIR OF GOTHIC REVIVAL EXTRA LARGE HAND CARVED WOODEN PLANTERS 72X60CM
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of very large Antique Gothic Revival style hand carved planters Please note the delivery...
Hardwood
Large Heavy .Brass Ring Door Knocker This is a superb heavy door knocker
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Heavy .Brass Ring Door Knocker This is a superb heavy door knocker, the outer ring lifts and lands on the circular striking back plate The door knocker is in good condition ...
Brass
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
Nice Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry « Suzanne and the old men »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French screen-printed by hand tapestry featuring the exquisite design of a medieval museum tapestry titled « Suzanne and the old men » The ...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
19th Century Gothic Oak Confiturier Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Gothic Oak Confiturier ~ Cabinet is a commanding example of Gothic Revival craftsmanship, carved in solid oak and presenting a strong architectural presence in a compact...
Steel
$7,199Sale Price|20% Off
Antique French Aubusson Verdure Tapestry
Located in Dallas, TX
77764, antique French Verdure tapestry. This hand-woven antique French Aubusson verdure tapestry depicts a landscape scene of the French countryside. ...
Wool
Pair of 18th Century Verdure Tapestry Fragment Cushions
Located in London, GB
A fragment of 18th Century hand stitched verdure needlework made as a cushion covers. Wonderfully muted, time-softened palette that only age can produce — mossy greens, lichen, fade...
Wool, Linen
$6,500
Medieval Oak Chest
Located in Greenwich, CT
A very early oak chest with lovely silvery patina of heavy plank construction raised off the floor with integral legs extending the depth of the edges, and a hinged ridged top with t...
Oak
$9,332Sale Price|38% Off
Antique French Crystal Chandelier Ceiling Lamp Lustre Art Nouveau Lamp
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our cherished old chandelier, lovingly and professionally restored in Berlin! Its electrical wiring works seamlessly in the US, as it has been expertly re-wired and is re...
Crystal, Brass
Heavy Bronze Bell, Tower Bell This Is a Very Heavy Piece It Is on an Oak Yoke
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Heavy Bronze Bell, Tower Bell This is a very heavy piece it is on an Oak Yoke with iron fixings including a the bracket which holds the rope For the purpose of the pictures and ...
Bronze
Antique Medieval Gothic Hand Carved Wood Figural Musician Bard Tavern Side Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique European Medieval Gothic Hand Carved Wood Figural Musician Bard Tavern Side Chair. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 39.5" H x 19" W x 22" D x 17" Seat Height.
Wood
Early 1900 Hand Carved Marble Statue / Sculpture of Mother Mary w. Cross & Book
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful antique and all handcrafted, solid Carrara marble sculpture. This rare work of religious art is entirely hand carved out of white marble. We are not certain, but we feel t...
Carrara Marble, Marble
Important Bronze Seal – Sigillum Comitatus Namurcensis Belgium, 19th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
"Important Bronze Seal – Sigillum Comitatus Namurcensis Belgium, 19th Century" Important bronze seal – Sigillum Comitatus Namurcensis Belgium, 19th century – Neo-Gothic historicist s...
Bronze
Antique Renaissance Style Italian Fresco Of The Virgin & Child After The Master
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An Antique Renaissance style Italian fresco of the Virgin & child after the Master of the Gold Brocade. An iconic image of mother and child painted in oil onto a thick terracotta pa...
Terracotta
Brutalist Raw French Garden Fountain Element Or Trough Or Water basin
Located in Beervelde, BE
Exceptional early fountain trough. Extra raw and in hard red French stone, Reclaimed in Provence. The real deal, rare to find with unique artempo details and wear. Extra raw brutalis...
Stone
Nexus - double wall light
Located in Firenze, FI
A decorative LED wall fixture with a curved brass arm emerging from a central circular mount. The light is housed within vertical satin-finish glass tubes, radiating a soft, even glow. A blue enamel insert at the center echoes the collection's signature palette, evoking refined Art Deco accents and the elegance of a reimagined medieval torch.
Earthenware, Glass
Scottish Gothic Linen Cupboard
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Interesting 19th C Scottish gothic pine linen cupboard. 1850 Interior shelf depth 36.5cm
Pine
$4,366Sale Price|25% Off
9'x11'10" Marlin Blue Peshawar Tree of Life Hand Knotted Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Afghan Peshawar with Birds of Paradise Design, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries...
Wool