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.
Weathered Antique Terracotta Architectural Shield Plaque
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An early 19th century weathered terracotta architectural plaque in the shape of a shield. This is one of seven similar shield-shaped terracotta plaques we are selling, usable alone ...
Terracotta
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...
Steel
Atelier Ciani Florence Italy design prod. years 80' medieval stylish wall lamp
Located in Biella, IT
atelier Ciani design Florence Italy production years 80' medieval stylish wall lamp in brass & wrought iron
Brass, Wrought 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...
Steel
English Steel Firebasket in the Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
An English polished cast iron firegrate. The legs and front bars of architectural form sympathetic to the Gothic style throughout, the cast iron back plate...
Steel
$4,093Sale Price / set|20% Off
FOUR 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 four stunning fully restored hand dyed Whisky Brown leather, Gothic Revival Steeple bac...
Leather, Oak
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 ...
Steel
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...
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...
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,...
Stone
A large French 19th century simulated stone plaster bust of a medieval man C1860
Located in Central England, GB
This most impressive life sized characterful plaster bust dates to circa 1860. It is finely modelled and depicts a medieval gentleman wearing a simple hat and tunic top. The features...
Plaster
$3,882 / item
Pair of Antique Carved Oak Column Pedestals
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of turned and carved oak column pedestals, salvaged from a church in Portsmouth. Styled foliage and floral designs to the centre, these large scale, rich colour and appealin...
Oak
Pairs of Antique Carved Oak Column Pedestals
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of turned and carved oak column pedestals, salvaged from a church in Portsmouth. Styled foliage and floral designs to the centre, these large scale, rich colour and appealing...
Oak, Wood