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.
12'x17'10" Gray, Modern Grass Design, Natural Wool, Hand Knotted Oversized Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Anchor Gray, Modern Grass Design, Natural Wool, Tone on Tone, Hand Knotted, Oversized Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Pri...
Wool
2'7"x10'1" Hale Navy Gray Kohinoor Plush Wool Hand Knotted Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind 100% Plush Wool, Tone on Tone, Kohinoor Herat, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weavin...
Wool
8'x10'1" Classic Gray Hand Knotted Modern Grass Design Wool Plain Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Undyed Pure Wool, Tone on Tone, Modern Grass Design, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old ...
Wool
6'x6' Onyx Gray Hand Knotted Kohinoor Herrita 100% Plush Wool Round Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind 100% Plush Wool, Tone on Tone, Kohinoor Herat, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weavin...
Wool
12'x12' Gray Modern Soft Undyed Wool Grass Design Hand Knotted Round Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Organic Undyed Wool, Tone on Tone, Modern Grass Design, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-o...
Wool
4'x6'2" Rock Ridge Gray Hand Knotted Grass Design Undyed Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Undyed Natural Wool, Tone on Tone, Modern Grass Design, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-o...
Wool
2'6"x21'8" Castor Gray Undyed Wool Grass Hand Knotted XL Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Undyed 100% Wool, Tone on Tone, Modern Grass Design, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old ...
Wool
2'8"x20' Owl Gray Hand Knotted Grass Design XL Runner Undyed Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Undyed 100% Wool, Tone on Tone, Modern Grass Design, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old ...
Wool
2'8"x10' White Hand Knotted Mamluk Dynasty Tone on Tone Design Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Harp White, Hand Knotted, Mamluk Dynasty, Tone on Tone Design, Undyed Luxurious Wool, Runner Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transiti...
Wool
2'6"x8' Retro Green Diamond Shape Repetitive Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Retro Cyan Forest Green, Diamond Shape Repetitive Design, Borderless Hand Knotted, Kohinoor Herat, 100% Wool, Tone on Tone, Runner Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile...
Wool
6'x6' Wickham Gray Hand Knotted Grass Design Modern Undyed Wool Round Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Undyed Pure Wool, Tone on Tone, Modern Grass Design, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old ...
Wool
4'1"x12'1" Metallic Gray Grass Design Undyed Wool Hand Knotted Wide Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Undyed 100% Wool, Tone on Tone, Modern Grass Design, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old ...
Wool
4'1"x12'1" Battleship Gray Grass Design Undyed Wool Hand Knotted Wide Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Undyed 100% Wool, Tone on Tone, Modern Grass Design, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old ...
Wool
6'x6' Dark Gray Hand Knotted Modern Grass Design Natural Undyed Wool Square Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Undyed 100% Wool, Tone on Tone, Modern Grass Design, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old ...
Wool
4'x6'4" Platinum Gray Modern Grass Design Pure Undyed Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Pure Undyed Wool, Tone on Tone, Modern Grass Design, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old ...
Wool
13'x13' Gainsboro Gray Grass Design Organic Undyed Wool Hand Knotted Round Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Undyed 100% Wool, Tone on Tone, Modern Grass Design, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old ...
Wool
9'1"x12' Ghost White, Hand Knotted, Mamluk Dynasty Design, Undyed 100% Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Ghost White, Hand Knotted, Mamluk Dynasty, Tone on Tone Design, Undyed 100% Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Primary...
Wool
11'10"x17'10" Hand Knotted Obscured and SubtlePure WoolSoftOversize Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Colorful, Hand Knotted Modern Design with Geometric Medallions, Textured Wool , Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the ...
Wool
3'10"x7' Charcoal Gray, Tone on Tone Wool and Silk Hand Knotted Wide Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Charcoal Gray, Tone on Tone Soft to the Touch, Wool and Silk Hand Knotted, Grass Design Dense Weave, Wide Runner Oriental Rug. It has been Knot...
Silk
10'1"x14' Orange, Pure Wool Hand Knotted, Modern Chiaroscuro Collection Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Orange, Thick and Plush Pure Wool Hand Knotted, Modern Chiaroscuro Collection, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the ce...
Wool
5'10"x5'10" Blue, Wool and Silk Hand Knotted, Modern Grass Design Round Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Light Blue, Densely Woven Wool and Silk Hand Knotted, Modern Grass Design Gabbeh, Round Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months ...
Silk
2'7"x14' Gray, Wool and Silk Hand Knotted, Modern Grass Design Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Charcoal Gray, Densely Woven Wool and Silk Hand Knotted, Modern Grass Design Gabbeh, Runner Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and mon...
Silk
10'5"x14'6" Denim Blue Pure Wool Modern Chiaroscuro Collection Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Denim Blue, Pure Wool Modern Chiaroscuro Collection, Thick and Plush, Hand Knotted Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in th...
Wool
2'7"x8'2" Nebulous White Hand Knotted Washed Out Peshawar Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Washed Out Peshawar All Over Design, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weavi...
Wool
6'x6' Beacon Gray Hand Knotted Soft Wool Afghan Peshawar Square 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
2'6"x19'5" Coconut White Hand Knotted All Wool White Wash Peshawar XL Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind White Wash Peshawar, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craftsmanship...
Wool
5'9"x7'10" Black, Erased, Handspun Wool and Silk, Gabbeh Obscured Design, Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Eerie Black, Erased, Handspun Wool and Silk, Gabbeh Obscured Design, Thick and Plush, Handmade, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style:...
Silk
12'x18' Gray, Erased Persian Design Wool with Silk Hand Knotted Oversized Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Cloud Gray, Broken and Erased Persian Design, Wool with Pure Silk, Hand Knotted, Oversized Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tran...
Silk
11'10"x14'9" Light Gray, Jewellery Design, Pure Wool, Hand Knotted Oversized Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Light Gray, Tone on Tone Geometric Jewellery Design, Pure Wool, Hand Knotted, Oversized Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional P...
Wool
Set of 9 Encaustic Tiles by W. Maw & Co
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of nine encaustic tiles by W. Maw & Co Benthall Works, Broseley. Dating from the mid 19th century, this reclaimed set of encaustic tiles are of a neo-medieval style. Made in b...
Clay
2'7"x9'6" Retro White Lori Buft Gabbeh Tree Design 100% Wool Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Hand Knotted Lori Buft Gabbeh, Small Animal Figurines, Natural Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-ol...
Wool
$6,876Sale Price|25% Off
10'x10' Misty Gray Hand Knotted Broken Persian Square Wool And Silk Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Hand Knotted Broken Persian Design, Wool And Silk, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craftsma...
Silk
8'x10' Stone Gray Modern Grass Design Wool and Silk Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Stone Gray, Modern Grass Design, Wool and Silk, Hand Knotted, Borderless, Denser Weave, Tone on Tone, Lush and Plush, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile heig...
Wool
A Set Of Four Reclaimed Encaustic Floral Quatrefoil Tiles
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of four reclaimed encaustic floral quatrefoil tiles. These vibrant neo-medieval style tiles come together to create a quatrefoil design housing a vivid black and blue fleur-de...
Clay
6'x9' Red & White Oxidized Grass Design Hand Knotted Pure Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Wine Red with Daisy White, Oxidized and Distressed Grass Design with Exposed Warps, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches ...
Wool
9'3"x12'1" White Moroccan Weave with Line Design Textured Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Pearl White, Moroccan Weave with Line Design, Modern, Textured Pile, Natural Undyed Wool, Shabby Chic, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25...
Wool
10'x14' White Moroccan Weave with Line Design Modern Hand Knotted All Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Papyrus White, Moroccan Weave with Line Design, Modern, Shabby Chic, Textured Pile, Natural Undyed Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0....
Wool
9'x11'10" Gray Hand Knotted Ziegler Mahal Flowers Design Pure Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Carbon Gray, Dense Weave, Hand Knotted, Ziegler Mahal Large Flowers Design, Tone on Tone, Zero Pile, 100% Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inch...
Wool
9'1"x11'10" Warm Taupe Plain Solid Design Soft Pile Hand Knotted Sari Silk Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Warm Taupe, Plain Solid Design, Soft to the Touch, Pure Sari Silk, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Sari Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Contemporary Pri...
Silk
2'6"x10'1" Moderne White Hand Knotted Modern Grass 100% Wool Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Modern Grass Design, Pure Wool, Tone on Tone, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving...
Wool
3'x12' Pastel Colors Gray Modern Design Pure Silk Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Gray with Pastel Color Shades, Modern Design, Pure Silk, Shaved Low, Hand Knotted, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitiona...
Silk
3'2"x19'4" Gold Hand Knotted Rajasthan Leaf Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Golden Yellow, Hand Knotted, Rajasthan with All Over Leaf Design, Densely Woven, 100% Wool, Thick and Plush, XL Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0...
Wool
2'6"x8'3" Brown Rajasthan with Leaf Design Hand Knotted Wool & Silk Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Desert Sand Brown, Hand Knotted, Rajasthan with All Over Leaf Design, Wool and Silk, Soft Pile, Thick and Plush, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile h...
Silk
4'x15'9" Black Rajasthan Leaf Design Hand Knotted Wool and Silk XL Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Pitch Black, Rajasthan with All Over Leaf Design, Hand Knotted, Wool and Silk, Soft Pile, Thick and Plush, XL Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile heig...
Silk
6'x8'10" Ecru Brown Half Wool and Half Silk Botanical Design Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Cornstalk Brown, Hand Knotted, Half Wool and Half Silk, Borderless Botanical Design, Densely Woven, Soft Pile, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.2...
Wool
3'x12'2" Blue Hand Knotted Rajasthan Wool and Silk All Over Design Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Hand Knotted Rajasthan Design Wool and Silk Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craftsmanship t...
Wool
2'7"x16'4" Red Hand Knotted Wool and Silk Rajasthan Leaf Design XL Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Hand Knotted Rajasthan Design Wool and Silk Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craftsmanship t...
Wool
8'x8' Cranberry Zing Red Rajasthan Wool Silk Hand Knotted Round Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Hand Knotted Rajasthan Design Wool and Silk Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craftsmanship t...
Wool
9'10"x14' Caviar Gray Hand Knotted Modern Striae Design Wool Silk Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Hand Knotted Modern Striae Design Wool and Silk Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craftsmansh...
Wool
6'x9' Black, Wool and Pure Silk Hand Knotted, Striae Design Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Black with Touches of Gray, Wool and Pure Silk Hand Knotted, Striae Design, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Primar...
Wool
8'x10'3" Gray and Black Modern Ombre Design Hand Knotted Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Gray and Black Modern Ombre Design Densely Woven Hand Knotted Pure Wool Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries...
Wool
6'1"x6'1" Taupe-Brown Wool Silk Mughal Inspired Hand-Knotted Round Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Textured Wool and Silk Mughal Inspired Medallions Design Hand-Knotted Oriental Rug.It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-ol...
Silk
7'10"x10' Blue Wool and Pure Silk Hand Knotted Jewellery Design Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Blue Wool and Pure Silk Hand Knotted Jewellery Design with Soft Colors Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for month...
Silk
4'2"x12'4" Ivory Chevron Design Textured Wool and Silk Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Ivory Chevron Design Modern Textured Wool and Pure Silk Hand Knotted Oriental Wide Runner Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Contemporary P...
Silk
3'1"x10' Spanish Gray Washed Out Peshawar Wool Hand Knotted Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Washed Out Peshawar, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craftsmanship...
Wool
5'x6'9" Platinum Gray, White Wash Peshawar, Pure Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Platinum Gray, White Wash Peshawar with All Over Design, Natural Dyes, Pure Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transi...
Wool
3'10"x5'8" Lexicon Ivory Soft Organic Wool Hand Knotted Peshawar Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind White Wash Peshawar, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craftsmanship...
Wool
4'1"x5'8" Ivory White Wash Peshawar with Faded Colors Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Washed Out Peshawar, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craftsmanship...
Wool
2'8"x12'2" Ice Gray Vegetable Dyes Peshawar Organic Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Peshawar Washed Out Faded Design, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving ...
Wool
4'x5'7" Wool Hand Knotted Bird of Paradise Peshawar Soft 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