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.
A Medieval Revival Entrance/ Accent Table
Located in Pomona, CA
A Medieval Revival Entrance/ Accent Table. Beautifully carved pedestal legs with faces on 3 sides of each leg. Below the faces are carved Acanthus leaf decoration. The multi-arched s...
Walnut
Early 19th Century French Wrought Iron Hobnail Studded Safe Dated 1838
Located in Dallas, TX
Keep your valuables and documents in this important antique hobnail safe. Manufactured by Magaud de Charf in Clermont, France, the monumental wrought iron safe is decorated with nail head motifs on all four sides and has an all-original, working mechanism. The front door is further decorated with two large hinges on the sides, and further embellished with a bronze plaque on the top which reads: "Doumaux Jeune a Clermont 1838". The inside opens to reveal an amazing lock mechanism and a large storage compartment. To open the safe, you first need to find and locate the nail which will activate and open the key latch on the right. Next, place the two large keys in each key hole one at a time and turn them in a certain order to open the safe; when opened, the inside reveals three wooden drawers over a bottom shelf which lifts up for underneath storage. (A video will be sent to the buyer if needed). The large and heavy hobnail studded safe...
Wrought Iron
3'9"x6'1" Ivory Pure Wool Hand Knotted Faded Out Worn Down Persian Vintage Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Vintage Persian Tabriz, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craftsmans...
Wool
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
19th Century Gothic Arched Door
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century gothic arched door, crafted from English oak. Dating back to circa 1820, this Victorian door comes on its original substantial iron hinges....
Wood, Oak
Pair of Gothic Style Wrought Iron Wall Lights, circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice 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: Material: Wro...
Wrought Iron
$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
Rare Pair of 15th Century French Late Gothic Fossil Marble Architectural Columns
Located in Doha, QA
A rare and exceptionally decorative pair of Late Gothic fossil marble architectural columns, carved in France during the 15th century. Standing an impressive 110 cm in height and mea...
Marble
$5,597Sale Price|25% Off
Red Antique Persian Heriz Soft Worn Wool Hand Knotted Oriental Rug 8'3"x11'9"
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...
Wool
Rare Early 18th Century English Carved Oak Hugh Castle Cabinet Chest Bookcase
Located in Dayton, OH
A rare and impressive English Gothic Medieval style Cabinet, Circa 1714. Built during the reign of King George I in honor of Hugh Lupus the First Earl of Chester and his castle. Hu...
Glass, Oak
antique tankard The ''Triumph of Silenus'' by Gérard van Opstal Flemish
Located in Den Haag, NL
Unique 19th Century plaster remake from a A tankard with a bulbous body decorated with nine figures; the handle is shaped like a panther's head. The base mount is made of chased, gil...
Plaster
$1,031Sale Price|25% Off
2'6"x8'2" Colorful Natural Wool Fine Kashkuli Gabbeh Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Colorful, Vegetable Dyes, Natural Wool, Fine Kashkuli Gabbeh with Small Animal Figurines, Hand Knotted, Narrow Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0....
Wool
Gothic Carved Chest, Handcrafted Solid Wood, Tyrol, 16th-18th Century
Located in ALHAURÍN EL GRANDE, Malaga
Tyrol, Austria, 16th–18th Century A remarkable and truly one-of-a-kind Gothic carved chest from the Tyrol region of Austria, reflecting centuries of craftsmanship, use, and careful ...
Wood
Antique French Gothic Server Sideboard Console Table 2-Tier Walnut Marble Top
Located in Tyler, TX
HIGHLY CARVED Antique French RENAISSANCE REVIVAL Marble Top Highly Carved Walnut Console, Sofa Table, Sideboard or Server~~c. 1890s Original "rouge" marble top, two drawers with key...
Walnut
Pair Of 19th Century Church Doors
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This pair of 19th century church doors date back to circa 1850. Made of sturdy English oak, these large scale doors are of exceptional quality. Ornate ir...
Wood, Oak
Stunning Handcrafted Late 1800s Gothic Casket with Peacock & Gargoyle Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful and rare Gothic Revival treasure box with bronze handle. If you are a collector of antique boxes and/or if you are looking for an extraordinary jewelry box to grace your credenza or side table then this unique and top quality made specimen in the Gothic style could be perfect. Gothic Revival boxes are very hard to find and we have never seen one with such prodigious carvings on all sides. The unique and cat-like dragon gargoyles (with fangs) that look like they are carrying this casket, are just some of the stunningly carved and detailed sculptures that make this antique rarity even more artistic and impressive. Another great feature are the peacock sculptures. In Christianity the peacock is the symbol of purity. Christians believe that once someone has passed their soul rises and goes to heaven. This is why in earlier times Christians would spread the feathers of a peacock over the deceased since it symbolized a pure soul that was immune to corruption. The peacock also represents immortality, resurrection, and the spiritual teachings of Jesus Christ and the Christian church. Have you also noticed the top quality details on both ends of the bronze handle on top? The quality of that ornamental work is of the absolute highest standard also. There are many more incredibly beautiful, hand carved details and together they show that no expense was spared to create one of the most amazing Gothic caskets...
Bronze, Iron
Reclaimed Fragments of Religious Artworks After Matteo di Pacino
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Reclaimed Fragments of Religious Artworks After Matteo di Pacino. A pair of reclaimed fragments of religious artworks after Matteo di Pacino, originally part of a triptych. Painted ...
Wood, Paint
English Medieval Extremely Rare Church Pew Animal Carvings
Located in Vero Beach, FL
English Medieval Extremely Rare Church Pew Animal Carvings Pair of extraordinary animal carvings from the 15th century. A cat playing with a mouse and a dog with a bat wing in its p...
Wood
Pair of Gothic Revival Inlaid & Fine Cut Velvet Side Chairs, English, c. 1870
By Charles Bevan, Bruce James Talbert
Located in Atlanta, GA
A richly detailed pair of English Gothic Revival walnut side chairs, dating to around 1870, distinguished by their intricately carved tracery backs, architectural arcade motifs, and ...
Upholstery, Ebony, Walnut
$2,700Sale Price|28% Off
Early Gothic Medieval Cathedral Solid Oak Misericord Bench Chair
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gothic Medieval cathedral oak Misericord bench, circa 15th-17th Centuries. This beautiful small bench or chair stall was often found in Medieval Cat...
Wood
16th Century oak carved Gothic Panel, France
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
Madonna and Child Sedes Sapientiae “Throne of Wisdom” Devotional Wood Statue
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a hand-carved wooden statue representing the Madonna and Child. The Virgin Mary holds the infant Jesus in the style of traditional European Romanesque or early Gothic rel...
Wood
Bleached blanket chest trunk, France, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Description: This exquisite bleached oak chest blanket, crafted in France during the 1940s, is a stunning example of Gothic-inspired design. The chest combines the timeless elegance...
Oak
Barn Red Antique Persian Feraghan Sarouk Evenly Worn Hand Knotted 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 make exact rug size in feet and inches : 9'0" x 12'0" main rug color : redrug border color : red other colors of the rug : blue, ivory, green, yellow, orange, midnight blue rug...
Wool
$2,370Sale Price|25% Off
11'8"x14'9" Dutch White Turkish Knot Design 100% Wool Hand Knotted Oversized Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Dutch White, Turkish Knot Paisley Design, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oversized, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Primary colo...
Wool
Round Wrought Iron Chandelier with 8 Lights in the Gothic Style
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This 8 lights round chandelier is made of wrought iron. This is a French work in the Gothic style. Circa 1950
Wrought Iron
Red Antique Persian Karajeh Heriz Pure Wool Hand Knotted Clean Oversized 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
$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
19th Century Gothic Wrought Iron Chandelier
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Intricate wrought iron, Gothic style chandelier with foliate and floral motif.
Wrought Iron
Stained Glass Triptych By Tom Spencer
Located in Petworth, GB
Stained glass trilogy Depicting Christ shining a torch after a quote from Oscar Wilde ‘Religion is like a blind man looking in a black room for a black cat that isn’t there, and fi...
Stained Glass, Giltwood
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
$4,750Sale Price|42% Off
Mid Century Gothic Style French Chaise Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A mid century French attributed sofa. Angular gothic silhouette. Iron base frame. Cream vinyl upholstery with brass brad detail. Previous owner added bolts with caps to adjust feet h...
Brass, Iron
$324Sale Price|25% Off
2'2"x5'2" Beige Afghan Andkhoy Geometric Pattern Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Beige, Afghan Andkhoy with Geometric Pattern, Soft Wool, Hand Knotted, Short & Narrow Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditio...
Wool
Rare Antique German Gothic Crossbow, circa 1540, All Original
Located in Doha, QA
An exceptional early German crossbow dating to around 1540, crafted from antler, wood, and iron. This finely made piece exemplifies the late Gothic to early Renaissance period of Ger...
Iron
$9,220Sale Price|20% Off
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
Gothic Revival Gilt Bronze Chandelier, 19th Century, Filigree Design
Located in Queens, NY
English Gothic Revival-style (19th Century) bronze dore 6 sided filigree sanctuary fixture suspended by 3 chains connected to a canopy
Bronze
Sterling Silver Vessel
Located in New York, NY
A small well-made sterling silver vessel in the Gothic design style. Piece can be just decorative or use to hold small items, etc., shown in images as a jewelry dish. Markers' mark a...
Sterling Silver
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
$6,414Sale Price|25% Off
10'x14' Orange Bijar Garus Design High Mountain Wool Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Burnt Orange, Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Hand Knotted, Vegetable Dyes, Aryana Collection, Soft Pile, Densely Woven, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile ...
Wool
Pair of Wrought Iron Dragon Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and unusual pair of andirons representing dragons are made of wrought iron. This is a French work. Circa 1940
Wrought Iron
$3,953Sale 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
Seljuk Bronze Oil Lamp, Cast Technique, 12th/13th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Seljuk Bronze Oil Lamp, 12th/13th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Description: A 12/13th-century Seljuk bronze oil lamp is an antique from the Seljuk Empire, k...
Bronze
$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
$1,375Sale Price|35% Off
Gothic chest with decorated front late 18th century
Located in Diest, BE
An antique Gothic French chest with a carved wood exterior and metal hardware.
Wood
Antique Veil of Veronica Engraving, in Polychrome, Large Gilded Frame
Located in Lisse, NL
A striking and deeply expressive antique devotional work, centered around a finely detailed engraving of the “Vera Icon”, the sacred veil bearing the face of Christ. The print itse...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Moldovan Rose Kilim • Handwoven Floral Flatweave Rug • Wall Art • Vintage, 1960s
Located in Burlingame, CA
✔ This rug feels like a romantic midnight garden, grounding a space with moody elegance, painterly florals, and soulful vintage character. Handwoven in Eastern Europe in the 1960s, ...
Wool, Cotton
$2,217Sale Price|25% Off
8'1"x10' Orange Northwest Persian All Over Design Soft Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Burnt Orange, Northwest Persian All Over Design, Soft Pile, 100% Wool, Denser Weave, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tra...
Wool
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
16th Century Gothic Carved Oak Chest, France
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 16th century / Chest / oak / Gothic A remarkable French Gothic oak chest dating from the 16th century, showcasing intricate hand-carved detailing throughout its façade. The...
Oak
St Joseph Late Medieval Orphrey Panel, Circa 1480, Embroidery Textile
Located in Doha, QA
An extraordinarily rare and important late medieval English orphrey panel, dating to circa 1480, executed in sumptuous sacred embroidery and remarkably preserved in untouched conditi...
Metallic Thread
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Table Lamp Converted from the Carriage antique Spot Light
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique Italian table lamp used in the 1900 s like the carriage spot light working on the petroleum .Lamp have the Murano glass behind the b...
Brass, Bronze
Vintage Pair of Cast Stone Lion Heads, 19th Century, French Wall Art
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique pair of cast stone Gargoyle wall plaques. Featuring expressive mythical faces with intricate sculptural details. They were designed for wall mounting and make striking additi...
Cast Stone
Early 20th Century French Gothic Forged Iron Four-Light Floor Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique floor fixture was crafted in southern France circa 1920. Forged in the Gothic tradition, the candelabra lamp features a tall iron stem with a subtle twist at the...
Iron
$1,758Sale Price|20% Off
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
$2,200 / set
French 18th Century Forged Iron Andirons
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A towering pair of 18th century French forged, wrought iron andiron-chenets to watch over the hearth. They include a small basket at the top for warming, the rim impressed with a geo...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century Wooden Door with Gothic Style Arch Detail
Located in Atlanta, GA
Late 19th Century Wooden Door with Gothic Style Arch Detail
Wood
Early 1900s Impressive and Finely Handcrafted Antique Gothic Art Porcelain Vase
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and impressive work of Gothic art pottery. This most skillfully created and highly decorative work of Gothic art is very rare and of a great size. The impressive floral decor o...
Porcelain
Large Medieval St. Wrought Iron Castle Chandelier for Dining Room or Restaurant
Located in Lisse, NL
Magnificent hand-forged castle-style eight-light chandelier, radiates quality and craftsmanship. This good quality and all hand-forged, eight-light chandelier comes with some really...
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
SIX ORIGINAL VICTORIAN CIRCA 1880 STEEPLE BACK GOTHiC ARCH OAK DINING CHAIRS 6
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of six original Gothic revival English oak Victorian dining chairs circa 1880 Please note...
Oak