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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
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

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

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

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

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

19th Century English Gothic Style Stone Fireplace
Located in London, GB
A mid-late 19th century English Gothic style stone fireplace. The moulded jambs surmounted by arched frieze with spandrel panels. Two-tier moulded shelf. Some markings to the stone c...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Pair of 16th Century Carved Oak Saints
Located in Basildon, GB
A Pair of 16th Century Oak Saints: One being a male depicted wearing a long hooded cloak held together with a brooch over a flowing tunic tied at the ...
Category

16th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

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

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

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

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

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

19th Century Handwrought Iron Gothic Fireplace Andirons Firedogs
Located in Southall, GB
A large pair of 19th century handwrought iron Gothic fireplace andirons firedogs. This pair are completely wrought by hand out of very thick iron and have a dark black finish, crafte...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

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

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

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

neoclassical table lamp in golden wrought iron circa 1950
Located in Mouscron, WHT
neoclassical table lamp in golden wrought iron circa 1950
Category

1950s European Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Large & Imposing English Antique Polished Steel Firegrate
Located in London, GB
A large and imposing 19th century English polished steel firegrate with a Gothic influence. The turned cylindrical feet surmounted by elegant ball finials with teardrop tops, large b...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel

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

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

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

15th Century English Red Sandstone Font
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Potentially dating from as early as the 15th century medieval era, this carved red English sandstone font is between 500 and 600 years old. Though heavily weathered by the elements, ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Sandstone

Italian antique carved wood and yellow fabric floor lamps or torch holders, 1500
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian antique carved wood and yellow fabric floor lamps or torch holders, 1500. Pair of floor lamps or torch holders with dark patina wooden structure, finely carved, and yellow fa...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

1970s Modern Gothic Metal 4 Light Chandelier
Located in Pasadena, CA
Iron 4 light 4 arm chandelier with wax candle shades with electrically lit lighting. The hook shaped arms extend generously outward and offer a glow thro...
Category

Late 20th Century American Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Very Large Pair of Polished Steel Andirons in the Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
A very large pair of polished steel firedogs in the Gothic manner. The arched feet with scrollwork below, the shafts with dragon's heads and figure, surmounted by mulling top of crow...
Category

Late 20th Century English Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel

Small Gothic Style Wrought Iron Firegrate
Located in London, GB
A small Gothic style wrought iron firegrate. The turned feet surmounted by shaped front bars and finials. Shaped cast iron fireback behind with scrollwork behind. English, 20th centu...
Category

20th Century English Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

An Understated Burnish Steel Firegrate
Located in London, GB
An understated burnish steel fire grate. Shown in antiqued finished, but also available in clean steel finish. Reproduction. N.B. May be subject to an ...
Category

Late 20th Century English Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel

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

19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Small Gothic Style Fireplace in Purbeck Stone
Located in London, GB
A small English Gothic style fireplace in grey Purbeck stone. The moulded legs surmounted by arched frieze, English, 20th century. Shelf Width: 1220 mm 48 in Overall Height: 1...
Category

15th Century and Earlier English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Polished Steel Firegrate
Located in London, GB
An understated burnish steel fire grate. Shown in antiqued finished, but also available in clean steel finish. Reproduction. N.B. May be subject to an extended lead time. Measures...
Category

Late 20th Century English Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel

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

Very Fine Pair of Antique Continental Silver Mounted Rock Crystal Candlesticks
Located in London, GB
The candlestick bodies of fine, translucent rock crystal accented with silver gilt mounts; the candlestick base mounts decorated with neo-Gothic style patterns and masked faces. T...
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Rock Crystal, Silver

Pair of 19th Century French Wrought Iron “Landiers” Andirons with Fleur de Lys
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a fireplace with this elegant pair of antique wrought iron andirons with matching cross bar. Forged in France, circa 1820, and standing on three feet, the andirons called “L...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Lime Painted Gothic Lanterns
Located in Washington, DC
A pair of very unusual pine lime painted wooden Gothic lanterns. Glass to either side and the bottom.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair of Medieval Style Jeweled Lamps, France, circa 1930s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Fabulous and whimsical pair of lamps with three lights each. They are made of beechwood, painted gold, with geometric patterning, and are decorated with coloured cut-glass cabochons....
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Glass, Beech

19th Century English Oak Gothic Wine Cooler
Located in London, GB
A 19th century English oak Gothic wine cooler.
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

1950 Medieval Chandelier in the Style of Maison Jansen
Located in Paris, FR
Chandelier of wrought iron medieval style, everything is screwed and welded, eight arms of light, the measures are without the chain, approximately 1 meter more , eight bulbs and fou...
Category

1950s French Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair of Gothic Style Fire Tools
Located in Southall, GB
A 19th century set of Gothic Style fire tools handmade with decorative weaved handles. On original gothic stand, complete with fire tongs, shovel, brush and poker.  
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Arts and Crafts Chesterfield Buttoned Leather Oak Foot Stool
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts Chesterfield Buttoned Leather Oak Foot Stool A Lovely piece, this Victorian stool is made in Oak, it stands on short Turned legs and has gothic style carving around ...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

English Hob Grate with Greek Key to Fret
Located in London, GB
A good quality English hob grate in the Gothic taste. The shaped front area with Greek key fret below. Half polish finish. Width At Front: 770 mm 30 ⅜"...
Category

18th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Polished Steel Firegrate with Upright Bars
Located in London, GB
An understated burnish steel firegrate with upright bars to centre. Shown in antiqued finished, but also available in clean steel finish. Reproduction. N...
Category

Late 20th Century English Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel

English Fireplace in York Stone
Located in London, GB
An English fireplace in York stone. The plain jambs surmounted by brackets, with moulded shelf above. English, circa 1900. Measures: Shelf width: 1445 mm...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Early 16th century German Gothic Cabinet / Sideboard
Located in Troy, NY
Very attractive, rare and large Gothic cabinet / sideboard with three drawers over two doors, constructed in three parts. beautiful Gothic tracery work,...
Category

16th Century German Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

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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