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.
$781Sale Price|25% Off
2'8"x5'8" Marlin Blue Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Soft 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, Short Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: N...
Wool
19th Century French Gothic Petite Trunk ~ Blanket Chest
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Gothic Petite Trunk ~ Blanket Chest was purpose-built for a cozy niche, and its size makes it very versatile to use in any capacity! ...
Oak
Bobyrug’s Vintage French Hand Printed Medieval Design Tapestry « Noble Amazon
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover a reproduction of the exquisite "Noble Amazone" French medieval museum tapestry, a true masterpiece of design. This captivating artwork showcases a noble lady elegantly seat...
Cotton
Antique French 18th Century Gothic Style Oak Carved High Back Panel Settle
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1850 / settle / oak / Gothic / Antique / Mid-century A highly decorative hand carved oak settle crafted around 1850 in France. Nicely detailed carved and open worked panell...
Oak
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
Bobyrug’s Nice Vintage Aubusson Style Jaquar Tapestry with Medieval Museum Desig
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of French heritage with this exquisite midcentury tapestry featuring the captivating "Dame à l'orgue" (The Lady at the Organ) design from the Angers museum. Adm...
Cotton, Wool
$2,429Sale Price|20% Off
8'x10'2" Green 14th Century Influence Mamluk Design Hand Knotted Pure Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Pine Green, Mamluk Design, Pre Historic 14th Century Influence, Natural Dyes, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style:...
Wool
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
Circa 1880 Wood Pair of Mahogany Gothic Mirrors in Original Patina
Located in High Point, NC
Here is a pair of mirrors, its dark mahogany gothic tracery frame, arched the first thing to catch the eye. Dating to 1880s and originating from France, it reflects the design sensib...
Glass, Mahogany
Gothic Iron Castle Wall Light, Antique 19th Century Electric Fixture
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large and Heavy Gothic Iron Castle Wall Light This wonderful piece is made in iron, it was originally powered by gas, it has now been converted to electricity We have added a large...
Iron
$6,115Sale Price|20% Off
French Large Trunk- Chest - Gothic oak from the 16th century - France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Large solid oak chest from the 16th century Gothic period Very pretty French, Norman work. Decorated with Gothic motifs on 5 panels on the facade. Note reassembly in the 18th and 19...
Wood
$286Sale Price|25% Off
2'1"x4'9" Red Afghan Andkhoy with Geometric Motif Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Crimson Red, Afghan Andkhoy with Geometric Motif, Soft and Velvety Wool, Hand Knotted, Short & Narrow Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches...
Wool
18th Spanish Century Glazed Alhambra Majolica Amphora Vase
Located in Miami, FL
Spanish Mid 19th Century Glazed Alhambra Majolica Amphora Vase Valencian medieval jug reflexes with heraldic shield.
Ceramic
$2,646Sale Price|25% Off
2'10"x17'7" Red Northwest Zoroastrian Design Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Crimson Red, Northwest Zoroastrian All Over Design, Aryana Grade, Hand Knotted, Vegetable Dyes, Soft Pile, High Mountain Wool, Densely Woven, XL Runner, Oriental Rug Primary material...
Wool
Pretty Vintage Aubusson Style médiéval design Jacquard Tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
very beautiful French Aubusson style tapestry, with a design of a medieval tapestries. This tapestry has been made in the renowned “La Filandière” manufacturing Beautiful colours w...
Wool, Cotton
A devotional wall-mounted dedicated to Saint Michael. Italy, 17th century.
Located in Milan, IT
A devotional shrine, a Memento Mori, crafted from fruitwood with two juxtaposed panels hinged at the base, and crowned with a metal flame. The back features a hole for the nail used ...
Metal
Large (46 Inch) Mid-Century Medieval Heraldic Knight Coat of Arms Wall Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Large (46 by 25 by 4 inch) mid-century (1980s to 1970s) heraldic wall sculpture in the Anglo-Saxon medieval style depicting a knight's breastplate, battle axe, sword and arrow quiver...
Composition
Vintage Skull Oil Painting in Ornate Frame
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This compelling 20th-century oil painting captures the haunting beauty of a classic memento mori subject. Rendered on canvas with confident, academic brushwork, the skull emerges fro...
Paint
$8,177 / set
Memento Mori 16th Century Italian
Located in Hastings, GB
A truly exceptional pair of Memento Mori 'remember you must die' painted on board, these date to the 16th century and were originally housed in an North Italian Monastery, this incre...
Pine
Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry Vendanges museum Design
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French hand-printed tapestry featuring the exquisite design of the renowned medieval museum tapestry, "Les Vendanges" (grape harvest) from t...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
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
Strawberry Hill Gothic Pier Mirror
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A carved gilt-wood Gothic design pier mirror inspired by the style and decoration of The Long Gallery at Strawberry Hill. Please note we are currently working to a 30-36 week lead t...
Giltwood
Minton Encaustic Neo-Medieval Old English Tile
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique neo-medieval old English encaustic tile depicting a knight on horseback, attributed to Minton & Co. This tile was commissioned in 1840-42 by L. N. Cottingham for Temple Ch...
Clay
Heavy Wrought Iron Medieval Fireplace Guard
Located in Greenwich, CT
A striking and substantial wrought iron fire guard showcasing exceptional hand‑forged workmanship and a dramatic presence. Constructed from thick, weighty iron, the guard features a...
Wrought Iron
Gothic Oak Chest, 16th Century, Paneled Lid, Netherlands
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gothic oak chest from 16th century with paneled lid and 4 linenfold panels in the front, circa 1500-1530 From the low countries, (Netherlands). In good original condition, with min...
Oak
$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
Vintage Gothic Mahogany Pommy Cross Bible Book Music Stand Lectern Podium 14"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage 20th century carved mahogany table top Bible / book stand / lectern - Gothic inspired styling with a reticulated pommy cross (croix pommée) at the center. Dimensions: 13.75"...
Mahogany
$3,480Sale Price|20% Off
Gothic Revival Oak Side Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
Gothic Revival carved oak table with rectangular shaped top featuring gadroon edge. Single fitted drawer. Table stands on barley twist turned legs with barley twist center stretch...
Oak
French Hand-Printed Tapestry in Medieval style - H 114 x L 97 cm - N° 1438
Located in Paris, FR
Located a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, we are a French family business specializing in the purchase, sale, expertise, cleaning, restoration and conservation of tapes...
Wool
Rare Pair Artistic Design Hand Crafted Wrought Iron Dragon Wall Sconce Light
Located in Lisse, NL
Monumental pair of hand-forged wrought iron dragon wall sconces .. masterpiece craftsmanship. Why We Love It: Because drama meets craftsmanship in...
Wrought Iron
$1,921Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Mid-20th Century French Iron and Brass Ring Chandelier with 6 Torches
Located in Casteren, NL
This elegant chandelier was made in France in the 1960s. It features a black patinated steel ring supporting 6 brass torches. The torches end with beautiful yellow twisted glass cove...
Brass, Steel
$543Sale Price|20% Off
3'x8'10" Red Vintage Northwest Zoroastrian Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Desire Red, Vintage Northwest Zoroastrian, Geometric Design, Sheared Low, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary mate...
Wool
Vintage Gothic Lions Head Sconce
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage wall sconce is a masterful blend of Hollywood Regency glamour and Gothic Revival theatricality. The fixture is anchored by a commanding cast metal lion’s head, ...
Brass
Antique French Pair of Patinated Spelter Sculptures Knights On Horseback
Located in Tyler, TX
EXQUISITE Antique French Pair of Patinated Spelter Sculptures of Knights on Horseback ~~Masterfully crafted inspired by the works of Theo Doriot~~ Right facing knight is 19" tall x...
Spelter
Large Antique Ornate Solid Brass Fireplace Fender Towel Rack c1900s Stunning
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large Antique Ornate Solid Brass Fireplace Fender Towel Rack c1900s Stunning. Towel Rack is: 3x40x8"h
Brass, Bronze
$422Sale Price|20% Off
3'1"x6'6" Brown Worn Out Vintage Zoroastrian Baluch Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Chocolate Brown, Vintage Zoroastrian Baluch with All Over Design, Worn Down and Distressed, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Wide Runner, Or...
Wool
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
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
$3,379Sale Price|20% Off
8'x10' Denim Blue, Soft Wool Hand Knotted, Fine Peshawar Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Denim Blue, Soft and Shiny Wool Hand Knotted, Fine Peshawar with Ziegler Mahal Design, Natural Dyes Dense Weave, Oriental Rug. It has been Knott...
Wool
HUGE Pair of 13-Light Handforged Wrought Iron Castle Chandeliers w. Gothic Crown
Located in Lisse, NL
Largest ever pair of Medieval Style chandeliers, over 5 feet tall. With 20th century lighting as one of our specialities we have seen and sold all kinds of light fixtures, but never...
Wrought Iron, Metal
Antique Italian Wall Fountain Basin, Rosso Verona Marble, Gothic Style
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Italian wall mounted fountain basin in a late Gothic style with central sun in low relief or "bas relief" on a detailed pedestal in Rosso Verona marble with patina. Minor ...
Marble
Gothic Style Free Standing Tall Fire Basket, Grate for Inglenook
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic style free standing tall fire basket, Grate for Inglenook This is a Quirky and decorative piece, it is blacksmith made with 2 large Ornamental Dragon’s Heads at each side,...
Iron
Spanish Medieval Table Lamp, Gilt Wrought Iron, Hand Forged, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Medieval Style Iron Table Lamp, Spain, 1940s Gorgeous Spanish Colonial table lamp hand forged in iron with gilt patinated finsih. Tripod standing p...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Gothic hand sculpted oak panel in oak, Belgium 17th century
Located in Meulebeke, BE
This antique oak panel from 17th‑century Belgium is a remarkable example of Gothic sculptural craftsmanship, capturing a pastoral allegory in deep relief. The composition depicts a...
Oak
$4,980Sale Price|37% Off
Spanish Medieval Style Carved Stone Fragment Depicting A Dragon/ Mythical Figure
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful hand-carved fragment depicting a dragon / mythical creature. Wonderful folk art style. Weathered stone, full with small fragmented fossils of shells Placed on an iron stan...
Stone
$345Sale Price|25% Off
2'3"x6'4" Orange New Zoroastrian Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Carrot Orange, New Zoroastrian Hussainabad with Repetitive Fish Mahi Design, Hand Knotted, Full Pile, Soft and Shiny Wool, Narrow Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: ...
Wool
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
Fairies tapestry, after an old 18th century tapestry, by Robert Four, Aubusson
Located in Lyon, FR
"Fairies verdure" tapestry, replica of an ancient tapestry from the 18th century, printed to the heart of the wool by silkscreen process, on old style fabric, by the Robert Four Manu...
Fabric
Antique French Carved Oak Statue Niche St. Thérèse Gothic Shrine c1930
Located in Choudrant, LA
Antique French Carved Oak Statue Niche St. Thérèse Gothic Shrine c1930. Direct from France, a remarkable antique carved oak Gothic shrine featuring St. Thérèse of Lisieux, her beaut...
Oak
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 Credenza
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Gothic Credenza is a remarkable work of the cabinet maker's art, featuring tailored architecture melded with the timeless intricacies of the style that dates back...
Oak
Spanish Gothic Revival Fireplace Tools Stand in Wrought Iron with Dragon Motif
Located in Barcelona, ES
Stunning Spanish hand forged iron four-piece fireplace tools set stand with scrolls ornamentation, dragon motif and original gold leaf gilt finishing. Spain, 1920s-1930s. This sculpt...
Iron, Wrought Iron
$979Sale Price|20% Off
Orange Overdyed Old Zoroastrian Tebraz Barjasta 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...
Wool
$4,260Sale Price|20% Off
8'7"x12' Intel Blue Bidjar Garus Design Hand Knotted Wool Aryana Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Fine Aryana Bidjar Garus Design, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving c...
Wool
$4,919Sale Price|20% Off
Space Gray Afghan Kashkuli Gabbeh Design Soft Wool Hand Knotted Rug 10' x 13'8"
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
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
$5,350
Neo Gothic Bronze Lamp
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Neo Gothic bronze architectural fragment mounted as lamp.
Bronze
Spanish Revival Gilt Iron and Amber Glass Wall Lantern / Wall Sconce, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Revival Hand Forged Wall Hanging Lantern / Wall Sconce in Gilt Iron Sculptural gilt iron wall sconce / lantern with amber blown glass cylinder lampshade, Spain, 1940s This spanish hanging...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
$3,929Sale 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
$1,192Sale Price|25% Off
Colorful Soft Wool Fine Kashkuli Gabbeh Style Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Colorful, Soft Wool, Vegetable Dyes, Fine Kashkuli Gabbeh with Small Animal Figurines, Hand Knotted, Runner Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditi...
Wool