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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 Chamberlain Co Encaustic Heraldic Tile Panel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of four 6-inch antique encaustic heraldic tiles by Chamberlain Co of Worcester circa 1845. Dating from the mid 19th century, these four reclaimed tiles are mounted on a bespok...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Clay

TEN FINE RESTORED BROWN LEATHER GOTHIC REVIVAL STEEPLE BACK KITCHEN BAR STOOLs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of ten stunning fully restored hand dyed Whisky Brown leather, Gothic Revival Steeple back...
Category

20th Century European Medieval Furniture

Materials

Leather, Oak

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...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Cross of Caravaca 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Cross of caravaca xvii century. Very beautiful cross of caravaca made in bronze. 17th Century. Measurements: 14x6 cm. Good condition.
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

Medieval walnut sculptural arm chair with floral carvings, 17th century
Located in Zevenaar, NL
This unique late medieval chair dates from the Romanesque period and was made in England. The chair is made of walnut wood, in which beautiful floral patterns are carved. It looks l...
Category

17th Century British Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Walnut

17th Century Primitive Religious Carving Oak Panel 1631
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Primitive religious carving oak panel 1631 This rare piece comes from France, the somewhat Primitive carving shows the Madonna and Child sitting on the Devil who is depicted as a li...
Category

17th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Gothic Hand-Forged Iron Andirons
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
Large hand-forged iron fir place andirons with ball finials and decorative rings.
Category

Early 20th Century American Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Antique French Neogothic Altar Torchère Candlestick Set w/ Jesus & Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Neogothic Altar Torchère Candlestick Set w/ Jesus & Cross This set of antique French candle holders are decorated with im...
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

A Heavy French Panelled Oak Coffer
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Heavy French Panelled Oak Coffer The chest has 2 moulded panels on the front and 1 more on each side with a carrying handle This is a very heavy piece it is made from solid Oak The top of the box has a planked and moulded edge and it has a large lidded candle box inside This good rustic piece has been waxed and is in good sound condition for its age, it has blacksmith made hinges and handles The Coffer measures 56’’ wide...
Category

Early 1800s Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique Brass Scuttle Box
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Antique brass lined "treasure" box with medieval style motif. Embossed animals, nail trimming, and lion head handles. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category

Early 20th Century Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Fully Restored Antique Club Armchairs with Gothic Carved Panels Must See
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning fully restored pair of antique hand dyed Cigar brown leather club armchairs with Gothic carved panels. An exceptionally good looki...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Pair of 19th Century Italian Medieval Style One-Arm Sconces
Located in New Orleans, LA
A pair of carved, painted and gilded sconces in the Medieval style. 19th century Italian.
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair Of Vintage Cast Brass Candleholders, Wall Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair Of Vintage Cast Brass Double Swing Arm Candleholders, Wall Sconces, Gothic Fleurs De Lis, Circa 19th Century
Category

1950s French Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Gothic Pugin Vintage Faux Marble Painted Large Pedestal Plinth for Marble Bust
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Gothic style vintage Faux marble painted pine pedestal pillar column for displaying antiques. ...
Category

20th Century English Medieval Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century French Gothic Wrought Iron Fireplace Tool Set with Bronze Handles
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this unique antique fireplace tool set next to your mantel. Hand forged in southwest France circa 1870 in Gothic style, the "Serviteur" sits on three curved legs the end with a decorative twist, with one straight leg that makes it easy to push up against a firelplace. The set includes four tools with heavy bronze handles including a shovel, tongs and broom in excellent condition. The free standing pedestal is dressed at the top with a round bronze pediment...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron, Bronze

Collection of Silver Plated Liqueur Cups in Decorated in Wild Boar Deer Head
Located in Washington, DC
A collection of silver plated liqueur cups decorated in wild boar, and deer head forms-by "Valentin" Spanish designer. Sold individually.
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Medieval Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Carved Oak Foot Stool Upholstered in Leather
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Carved oak foot stool upholstered in leather. A lovely piece, this Victorian stool is made in carved oak, it stands on short carved hairy paw feet an...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Very Heavy Pair of 19th Century Iron Andirons or Fire Dogs
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Very Heavy Pair of 19th Century Iron Andirons or Fire Dogs This is a Very Heavy pair of Andirons and they are made of cast iron The Andirons are 15” high, 14” long and are 8.5...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Antique English Gothic Removable Candle Torch Set - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique English Gothic Removable Candle Torch Set - Pair This set includes two identical candlestick holders mounted on sturdy carved wood. Each candlestick holder has space for thr...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Metal

Unique Pair of Elegant Vessels in a Soft Patina Metal Finish
Located in Bronx, NY
A unique pair of elegant vessels in a soft patina metal finish with lamp application. Our lamps have the unique distinction of being comprised of vases an...
Category

1970s European Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

18th Century French Hanging Iron Fireplace Accessory
Located in Atlanta, GA
A tall French hanging iron fireplace accessory from the 18th century. This fabulous antique fireplace accessory piece from France, when hu...
Category

18th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Metal, Iron

French Gothic Wrought Iron Manor House Fire Tool Companion Set
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
French Gothic wrought iron manor house fire tool companion set The stand is very large and heavy, it dates from the early 19th century and comes from a Brittany Manor House Thi...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Small Pair of Andirons in the Gothic Style
Located in London, GB
A pair of English polished wrought iron firedogs in the Gothic style. 20th century. (Back bars could be extended if required). Measures: Height: 395 mm 15 ½" Width: 230 mm 9" De...
Category

20th Century English Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Large Antique Cast Iron Fire Grate
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large late 19th century cast iron fire grate, salvaged from a farmhouse in Suffolk. This antique fire grate is ideal for a large fireplace in the main ro...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron, Metal

Pair of Very Large Painted Wall Brackets
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A pair of very large painted wall brackets. The brackets are in 5” wide solid wood with old silver blue/grey paint, they are over 1ft high and has are deeply moulded. They do have...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Pine

16th Century Carved Red Sandstone Roundel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An English medieval style carved red sandstone roundel possibly dating from as early as the 16th century. Likely once used as decoration for an exterior capital, this 400 – 500 year ...
Category

16th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Sandstone

Vintage French Neogothic Altar Torchère Candlestick Set w/ Black Porcelain
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage French Neogothic Altar Torchère Candlestick Set w/ Black Porcelain These matching black porcelain candlesticks have bronze flourishes. The base of each candlestick has three...
Category

Late 20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Craven Dunnill & Co 6-inch Encaustic Crown Tile on Stand
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A late 19th century encaustic floor tile by Craven Dunhill and Co (stamped) depicting a neo-medieval crown in deep red and buff tones. This 6-inch tile in...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel

Set of Four Ebonized Gothic Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of four ebonized Gothic side chairs. Label from Irving & Casson - A.H. Davenport, Co., Boston and New York.
Category

19th Century American Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Encaustic Heraldic Tile Panel by Chamberlain & Co
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of four 6-inch antique encaustic heraldic tiles by Chamberlains of Worcester circa 1845. Dating from the mid 19th century, these four reclaimed tiles are mounted on a bespoke ...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Metal, Steel

Early 16th Century Stone Carving - 'The Death of a Prelate'
Located in Basildon, GB
An Early 16th Century Stone Carving with polychrome : 'The Death of a Prelate'. The enthroned figure of a Bishop surrounded by attendants and surmounted by celestial angels.
Category

16th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

16th C set of Four Evangelist Vault Keys
Located in MADRID, ES
Vault keys such as these were used where the vault ribs came together, as a finishing touch. These particular ones depict the four Evangelists. The Angel for St Matthew...
Category

16th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Gothic Form Steel Wall Lights
Located in New York, NY
Gothic form steel wall lights, 17 available.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel

Row of 3 Polished Steel and Wrought Iron Hat and Coat Hooks
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Row of 3 Polished Steel and Wrought Iron Hat and Coat Hooks This is a Heavy quality and very practical row of Wrought Iron Hat and Coat Hooks, there are 3 double hooks, they come f...
Category

Mid-20th Century Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

Set Of Eight Mediaeval Bronze Sconces, Great For A Wine Cellar. Priced per sconc
Located in Buchanan, MI
Set Of Eight Mediaeval Bronze Sconces, Great For A Wine Cellar. Priced per sconce. Original wirring.
Category

20th Century Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

Pair of Vintage Architectural Element Lamps
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Vintage architectural element lamps, black finish.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Medieval Furniture

Materials

Cement, Stone, Brass

Porta libro Rame e travertino
Located in Catania, IT
Porta libro con scultura a sbalzo in rame e base in travertino, di pregiata manifattura, l’interno é rivestito in morbido tessuto.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Marble, Copper

Antique Gothic Style Fire Grate
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An unusual late 19th century antique gothic style fire grate, reclaimed from a property in Sussex. Pairing function with form, this fire grate is a striking piece for any setting, de...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

Large Set of Black Stone Tiles
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This set is composed of around 2500 of Soignies black stone square tiles. Each side be 35 cm. Total surface about 280m².
Category

19th Century Belgian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

An English Stone Firepace in the Gothic Style
Located in London, GB
An English stone fireplace in the Gothic style. The moulded jambs surmounted by frieze with spandrels. Early 20th century. Shelf Width: 1408 mm 55 ⅜" Overall Height:...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Brass and Copper Textured Lidded Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Textured copper box with brass detailing. The exterior of the box features pebbled like texture, perfectly patinated with brass hinges, ball feet and detailing. The hinged box is per...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass, Copper

19th Century Viennese Miniature Covered Silver and Enamel Cornucopia
Located in New York, NY
A very fine antique jeweled, silver Viennese enamel covered Cornucopia. Each panel is beautifully enameled with cupids, Angeles and Maidens with neoclassical mythological subjects, f...
Category

1850s Austrian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Rustic English Fireplace in the Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
A large stone fireplace in the Gothic style. The moulded jambs with plain frieze above and heavy moulded shelf. Rustic travertine stone. English,...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Large Hexagonale Base of Pilaster in Burgundy Stone, Burgundy, 15th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Large base of molded hexagonal pilaster in burgundy stone carved with vines, grapes and rosettes in high relief. Burgundy, 15th century 28 x 63 x 30 cm Provenance : collection De...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Early 19th Century Limestone Mantel Chimneypiece in the Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
A 19th century English limestone fireplace in the Gothic manner. The jambs and end blocks with Quinto acuto arches, the frieze with accompanying arch motif throughout with shelf abov...
Category

Early 19th Century British Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Limestone

Important Book 'Seigneurs et Princes de Monaco' by S.E René Novella and Philip R
Located in London, GB
Important book 'Seigneurs et Princes de Monaco' by S.E René Novella and Philip Reder French, Late 20th century Book: height 6.5cm, width 30cm, depth 38cm Case: height 9.5cm, width 34cm, depth 40cm Beautifully decorated in the style reminiscent of Medieval illuminated manuscripts, the book describes the history of Lords and Princes of Monaco. Written by S.E René Novella and illustrated by Philip Reder in the late 20th century, it was manufactured using traditional bookmaking techniques by Arts et Couleurs. Intricate colour border detailing adorns the pages of this publication, with a colour palette of various shades of green, blue, and red predominating. The names of lords and kings are further decorated with ornate borders, including motifs such as a crown, and the text includes ornate, coloured lettering. A luxurious red satin case with a red leather spine protects the book which comes with a certificate of authenticity. A collection of red lacquer illustrations depicting various arches is part of the publication. Red leather was used for the cover of the book and is decorated with gold and black debossed patterns. Only 150 copies were made with the book in Mayfair Gallery...
Category

Late 20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Leather, Satin, Paper

Antique Gothic Style Hob Grate
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A Victorian era Gothic style hob grate dating from circa 1830 and unusually decorated with castellations and quatrefoils. Finished in black graphite polish, this antique cast iron hob grate...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Metal, Iron

English Fireplace in the Gothic Style
Located in London, GB
An English stone fireplace in the Gothic manner. The moulded jambs surmounted by arched frieze, circa 1900. Measure: Shelf Width: 1395 mm 54 7/8 in Overall Height: 1125 mm ...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

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

Painted Napoleon III Cast Iron Chandelier
Located in Washington, DC
Painted Napoleon III Cast Iron Chandelier from Northern France probably around Lille.
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

19th Century Cast Iron Hob Grate in the Gothic Style
Located in London, GB
A 19th century cast iron hob grate in the Gothic style. The burning area with rosette pattern and cast spandrels below. Decorative wreath motif to back. English, 19th century. Width...
Category

19th Century English Antique 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

16th Century Giltwood and Polychrome Group Carving – 'God and Mary'
Located in Basildon, GB
A 16th Century Giltwood and Polychromed Carved Group depicting God and Mary seated on a plinth.
Category

16th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Set of 3 Antique Ecclesiastical Diagonal Panels
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of 3 antique Ecclesiastical style carved panels in diagonal form. These tracery panels of Pugin style make for decorative wall art or, once glazed, elaborate windows in a perio...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

English Bath Stone Fireplace Mantel in the Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
A large English Bath stone fireplace in the Gothic style, with arched opening and moulded shelf. Modern. Measures: Shelf Width: 1850 mm 72 ?" Overall ...
Category

20th Century English 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.

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