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.
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
8'x9'5" Wolf Gray Folk Art Willow Cypress Tree Design Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Oversized Folk Art Willow And Cypress Tree Design Peshawar Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old Persian ...
Wool
2'8"x10'8" Daisy White 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
4'1"x9'8" Echo Gray Wool Peshawar Colorful Mahal Hand Knotted Wide Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Hand Knotted Peshawar with Colorful Mahal Design, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craftsma...
Wool
6'x8'7" Denim Blue, Pure Wool Hand Knotted, Finer Peshawar Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Denim Blue, Pure Wool Hand Knotted, Finer Peshawar with Intricate Geometric Motifs Maze Design Natural Dyes, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches ...
Wool
2'8"x15'2" Ruddy Blue Finer Peshawar Wool Hand Knotted XL Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Ruddy Blue, Finer Peshawar with All Over Design, Natural Dyes, Pure Wool, Hand Knotted, XL Runner Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tran...
Wool
9'8"x13'5" Steel Blue, Pure Wool Hand Knotted, Finer Peshawar Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Steel Blue, Pure Wool Hand Knotted, Natural Dyes Finer Peshawar with Intricate Geometric Motifs, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Trans...
Wool
11'9"x14'8" Ivory, White Wash Peshawar Wool Hand Knotted Oversized Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Ivory, White Wash Peshawar with All Over Pattern Vegetable Dyes, 100% Wool Hand Knotted, Oversized Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tra...
Wool
2'9"x11'9" White Wash Peshawar with Medallions Pure Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
White Wash Peshawar with Large Medallions Natural Dyes, Pure Wool Hand Knotted, Runner Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Pr...
Wool
4'x5'9" Coin Gray, White Wash Peshawar, Natural Wool Hand Knotted, Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Coin Gray, White Wash Peshawar, Natural Wool Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving ...
Wool
4'x9'9" Cloud Gray, Soft Wool Hand Knotted, Afghan Ersari, Wide Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Cloud Gray, Soft Wool Hand Knotted, Afghan Ersari with Hutchlu Design, Soft and Lush Pile Vegetable Dyes, Wide Runner Oriental Rug. It has been ...
Wool
2'8"x14'4" Ivory, Velvety Wool Hand Knotted, White Wash Peshawar Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Ivory, Velvety Wool Hand Knotted, White Wash Peshawar with All Over Leaf Design Natural Dyes, Runner Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for month...
Wool
2'10"x9'4" Red Tribal Design Hand Knotted Afghan Khamyab Soft Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Red Tribal Design Hand Knotted Afghan Khamyab Soft Wool Runner Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craf...
Wool
2'9"x9'4" Gray, Extra Soft Wool, Anatolian Village, Hand Knotted, Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Gray, Extra Soft Wool, Anatolian Village Inspired with Criss Cross Design, Hand Knotted, Runner Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and...
Wool
4'x5'9" Gray, Afghan Kashkuli Gabbeh, Animal Figurines Hand Knotted Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Gray, Afghan Kashkuli Gabbeh Influenced by Motifs in Nature, Hand Spun Wool, Natural Dyes, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for m...
Wool
Solid Brass French Architectural Element or Planter Jardinières
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Acquired in Paris France, an architectural element that is solid brass. The piece is very detailed and architectural. A wonderful paperweight or decorative object standing alone... also could hold office supplies...
Brass
2'10"x9'9" Olive Green, Soft Wool Hand Knotted Turkeman Ersari Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Olive Green, Soft Wool Hand Knotted Turkeman Ersari with Tribal Medallions Design, Natural Dyes Densely Woven, Runner Oriental Rug. It has been ...
Wool
2'9"x15' Hand Knotted Denim Blue Washed Out Peshawar Afghan Wool XL Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Hand Knotted Denim Blue Washed Out Peshawar with Flower Medallion Design Pure Afghan Wool Oriental XL Runner Rug. It has been Knotted for months...
Wool
4'2"x10'3" Blue Horizontal Ombre Design Pure Wool Hand Made Wide Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Horizontal Ombre Design Pure Wool Blue Oceanic Hand Knotted Wide Runner Oriental Rug. It has been woven for months and months in the centuries-o...
Wool
2'7"x9'10" Ivory Rajasthan Wool and Silk Floral Design Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Ivory Rajasthan Half Wool and Half Silk Floral Design Thick and Plush Hand Knotted Runner Oriental Rug. It has been woven for months and months ...
Silk
6'2"x6'2" Pink Thick and Plush Pure Wool Ombre Design Hand Knotted Round Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Pink Thick and Plush Organic Wool Only Horizontal Ombre Design Hand Knotted Round Oriental Rug. It has been woven for months and months in the c...
Wool
8'1"x9'8" Yellow Hand Knotted Grass Design Wool and Silk Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Yellow Hand Knotted Grass Design Wool and Silk Oriental Rug. It has been woven for months and months in the centuries-old Persian weaving crafts...
Wool
2'6"x9'9" Anti-Flash White Unique Flower Rosettes Border Design Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Hand Knotted Shiraz Reimagined Unique Flower Rosettes Border Design, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-ol...
Wool
6'1"x9'2" Dark Grey Hand Knotted Modern Design Undyed Natural Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Modern and Contemporary, Hand Knotted, Hand Spun, Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving cr...
Wool
8'x9'10" Gray Wool & Silk THE HONEYCOMB Design Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Gray and Blue, Wool and Silk THE HONEYCOMB Award Winning Design, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the ce...
Silk
4'7"x6'8" Burgundy Red Nain Design 250 KPSI Wool Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Burgundy Red, Nain with Center Medallion Flower Design, 250 KPSI, Organic Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditio...
Wool
3'1"x5'5" Eerie Black, 250 KPSI, Organic Wool Hand Knotted, Herati Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Eerie Black, 250 KPSI Densely Woven, Organic Wool Hand Knotted, Herati with All Over Fish Mahi Design, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style:...
Wool
8'3"x10' Beige Pure Wool Hand Loomed Modern Striae Design Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Earth Tone Colors, Pure Wool, Hand Loomed, Modern Striae Design, Soft to the Touch Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Casual Primary colo...
Wool
2'7"x25'8" Gray Wool And Silk Hand Knotted Broken Persian Design XL Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Gray, Wool And Pure Silk Hand Knotted, Broken Persian Design, XL Runner Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Primary co...
Silk
3'x5' Black Willow and Cypress Tree Design Silk with Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Black and Silver, Willow and Cypress Tree Design, Silk with Textured Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months...
Silk
2'6"x18'2" Ivory Modern Design Natural Wool Hand Knotted XL Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Ivory, Modern Design, Hand Knotted, Hand Spun Undyed Natural Wool, XL Runner Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Casual Primary color: Gre...
Wool
4'2"x6' Red Herati All Over Fish Design 175 KSPI Hand Knotted Wool Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Red Herati All Over Fish Design Thick and Plush, 175 KSPI Hand Knotted Wool Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centu...
Silk
2'7"x20' Gray, Wool and Silk Broken Persian Design, Hand Knotted, XL Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Gray, Wool and Pure Silk Broken Persian Design, Hand Knotted, XL Runner Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries...
Silk
2'7"x12' Gray, Hand Knotted, Erased Persian Design, Wool and Silk, Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Silver Gray, Hand Knotted, Erased Persian Design, Wool and Silk, Runner Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries...
Silk
$3,267Sale Price|25% Off
9'1"x9'1" Cherry Red Hand Knotted Nain Flower Design 250 KPSI Wool Round Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Cherry Red, Hand Knotted Nain with All Over Flower Design, 250 KPSI Wool, Round Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the c...
Silk
2'6"x18' Brown, Hand Knotted, Transitional Sarouk, Silk with Wool XL Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Gold Brown, Hand Knotted, Transitional Sarouk, Silk with Textured Wool, XL Runner Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the...
Silk
8'10"x12' Silver Gray, Extra Soft Wool Hand Knotted, Anatolian Design Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Silver Gray, Thick and Plush Extra Soft Wool Hand Knotted, Anatolian Design Supple Collection, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and ...
Wool
2'6"x20' Gray Hand Knotted Transitional Persian Silk with Wool XL Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Gray, Hand Knotted Transitional Persian Influence Erased Medallion Design, Silk with Textured Wool, XL Runner Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted ...
Silk
2'7"x8'2" Light Gray Hand Spun Wool Hand Knotted Modern Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Light Gray Hand Spun Undyed Natural Wool Hand Knotted Modern Runner Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old...
Wool
4'2"x10'4" Blue Hand Knotted Nain Flower Design 250 KPSI Wool Wide Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Midnight Blue, Hand Knotted Nain with Medallion Design, 250 KPSI Wool, Wide Runner Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in th...
Silk
4'x10'1" Jet Black Herati Wool 175 KPSI Hand Knotted Gallery Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Jet Black Herati with All Over Fish Design Dense Weave Wool 175 KPSI Hand Knotted Oriental Gallery Size Runner Rug. It has been Knotted for mont...
Silk
3'x5' The Honeycomb Hand Knotted Gray Wool and Silk Award Winning Design Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind The Honeycomb Hand Knotted Gray Wool and Silk Award Winning Design Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old ...
Silk
4'1"x10'1" Modern Design Undyed Natural Wool Hand Knotted Ivory Wide Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Modern Design Hand Spun Undyed Natural Wool Hand Knotted Ivory Oriental Wide Runner Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centur...
Wool
2'7"x12' Hand Spun Undyed Natural Wool Modern Hand Knotted Ivory Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Hand Spun Undyed Natural Wool Modern Hand Knotted Ivory Oriental Runner Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old Pers...
Wool
6'x6' Round Colorful Wool And Sari Silk Sarouk Mir Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Round Colorful Wool And Sari Silk Sarouk Mir Inspired With Small Boteh Design Hand Knotted Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and mont...
Silk
4'x12'5" THE INTERTWINED PASSAGE Silk with Text Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind THE INTERTWINED PASSAGE, Silk with Textured Wool Hand Knotted Wide Runner Oriental Rug. It has been woven for months and months in the centuries...
Silk
6'1"x10' New Persian Mahal with Herati Fish Design All Over Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Charcoal Black New Persian Mahal with Herati Fish Design All Over Hand Knotted Oriental Rug. It has been woven for months and months in the cent...
Wool
12'x12' THE INTERTWINED PASSAGE, Round Silk With Textured Wool Handknotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind THE INTERTWINED PASSAGE, Round Silk With Textured Wool Hand Knotted Oriental Rug. It has been woven for months and months in the centuries-old P...
Silk
3'x10' Colorful Sari Silk With Textured Wool The Lava Design Wide Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Colorful Sari Silk With Textured Wool The Lava Design Wide Runner Hand Knotted Oriental Rug. It has been woven for months and months in the cent...
Silk
3'x5'2" Light Green Pure Silk With Textured Wool Mughal Design HandKnotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Light Green Pure Silk With Textured Wool Mughal Design Hand Knotted Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old Persian ...
Silk
6'x9'3" Half Wool And Half Silk Thick and Plush Rajasthan Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Black Half Wool And Half Silk Rajasthan Hand Knotted Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old Persian weavin...
Silk
5'2"x5'2" Hand Spun Undyed Natural Wool Modern Hand Knotted Round Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Gray Hand Spun Undyed Natural Wool Modern Criss Cross Erased Design Hand Knotted Round Oriental Rug. It has been woven for months and months in ...
Wool
6'x9'2" Wool And Silk Hand Knotted Broken Persian Design Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Wool And Silk Hand Knotted Broken Persian Design Hand Knotted Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old Persian weavin...
Silk
2'6"x8' Hand Spun Undyed Natural Wool Runner Modern Oriental Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Hand Spun Undyed Natural Wool Runner Modern Oriental Hand Knotted Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old Persian we...
Wool
2'7"x9'6" Light Blue Folk Art Kashkuli Gabbeh Pure Wool Hand-Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Light Blue Folk Art Kashkuli Gabbeh Natural Wool Hand-Knotted Ethnic Runner Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old ...
Wool