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.
$2,797Sale Price|25% Off
Colorful Mamluk Design Sari Silk with Wool Runner Hand Knotted Rug 3'1" x 16'1"
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Silk
4'8"x7'1" Granite Gray Bijar Garus Design Turkish Knot Hand Knotted Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Granite Gray, Bijar Garus Design, Turkish Knot, Hand Knotted, Zero Pile, Sheared Low, 100% Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tradi...
Wool
$450Sale Price / item|40% Off
1960s Iridescent Glass and Twisted Iron Candle Sconce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A 1960s candle sconce. Consists of a panel of iridescent glass framed by twisted iron. Seven fluted brass heads elevate to hold taper candles. Lovely patina throughout. Pair availabl...
Brass, Iron
Important 14th Century Polychrome Limestone Virgin from Lorraine
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Provenance : - Kunsthaus Heinrich Hahn, Frankfurt am Main, sale 16, June 17, 1930, lot 16. - Sotheby's, Amsterdam, Feb. 26, 2006, lot 201. HISTORIC Located between Moselle valley and Meuse valley, framed by the Vosges Mountains on the south side and the duchy of Luxembourg on the north side, the duchy of Lorraine is the result of several partitions. It starts with the 9th century when the Carolingian empire is divided, with Lothar 1st inheriting Lotharingia. In 959 this territory was in turn divided in two; Lower and Upper Lotharingia, the latter being the forebear of the duchy of Lorraine. This duchy was under the rule of the Holy Roman Germanic Empire until 1736 when it was absorbed by the kingdom of France. All along its history the duchy of Lorraine has found itself in the midst of many conflicts. Alliances and feuds marking European history were always particularly sensible in Lorraine where instability was frequent. Because of its geographic position the duchy of Lorraine was also an artistic crossroad. Hence the duchy of Lorraine becomes from the 13th century onwards an important artistic centre where a particular type of Virgin and Child appears. According to professor J. A. Schmoll the characteristics of Lorraine sculpture burgeon around 1280-1300 in the Aube region. It presents “vigorous volumes, restrained movements, rare but solemn gestures and a strong interiorised and stern expression”. Those Virgins look similar with a wide forehead, a shield- or oval-shaped face, large neck, small lips and a cleft chin. This model is particularly in favour during the 13th century because of the revival for Marial worship and for the theme of the Virgin and Child. It bears witness to a new religious sensibility with a more intimate vision of religious practice. DESCRIPTION The important 14th century Virgin we present to you is one of the most beautiful examples of sculptural art from Eastern France, with her fascinating distant gaze. Her contrapposto posture is induced by the weight of the child she carries high on her left side. The child has a chubby face framed by blond hair with well defined curls and he wears a long red V-collared tunic from which emerge his feet. The fabric is animated by long folds. The position of the right foot turned to the back is a detail we can notice on several Virgins from Lorraine. He holds a bird that seems to be pecking his thumb. “The bird /held by the child in his hands/ has been read as a reference to an episode from Christ’s childhood when he has moulded sparrows with clay before giving them life. It appears in the apocryphal gospel of Pseudo-Matthew (ch. 27) and later in the Quran (III, 43, v. 110). However the iconography seems to be more influenced by the concept of Redemption or of Eucharist, the bird symbolising the soul of the Christian about to be redeemed or revitalised.” Mary wears a long dress with two rock crystal cabochons remaining from the original five. She is covered by a red cloak enriched with old-gold motifs draped as an apron falling in long pleats along her left hip. The relief treatment and the volume of the cloak developing a network of concentric pleats contrast with the the flat pleating of her dress. They nevertheless suggest the curve of her bent right leg. She wears a floret crown securing a short thin veil carved in very low relief. From it emerges her blond curled hair characteristic of the 13th century. The large face with almond-shaped eyes, straight nose, small lips and cleft chin casts its gaze afar in a fashion typical of 13th century Virgins. In her right hand she holds a lily flower. In a very refined manner the artist has carved a band on her right ring-finger. In the back, carefully sculpted, spreads the minutely detailed short veil. COMPARATIVE STUDIES This sculpture of great quality presents obvious similarities with Virgins from Lorraine, designated by William Forsythe...
Limestone
Antique Gothic Style Arched Panelled Oak Door
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This antique gothic style arched and panelled oak door dates back to circa 1900, sourced from a grade II listed building in Bristol’s old city. With a beautiful warm oak patina, thi...
Oak
Gothic Ceramic Bowl or Jardiniere by Michael Andersen & Son, 1960s
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This bowl or jardiniere, crafted by Michael Andersen & Son, is a remarkable reproduction of a baptismal font discovered in a church in Åkirkeby on Bornholm. The original font, adorne...
Stoneware
3'3"x5' Yale Blue Bijar Garus Design Aryana Grade Soft Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Yale Blue, Bijar Garus Design, Aryana Grade, Vegetable Dyes, Soft Pile, High Mountain Wool, Hand Knotted, Densely Woven, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: ...
Wool
French Gothic Oak Coffer Chest
Located in Queens, NY
French Gothic-style (19/20th Century) oak coffer chest on stand with tracery carved panels and a domed lid with iron strap work
Iron
A Seljuk Bronze Oil Lamp with Base, 12th/13th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Seljuk Bronze Oil Lamp with Base, 12th/13th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Description: A 12/13th-century Seljuk bronze oil lamp is an antique from the Seljuk...
Bronze
$396Sale Price|25% Off
3'1"x6'6" Brown Worn Out Vintage Persian Baluch Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Chocolate Brown, Vintage Persian Baluch with All Over Design, Worn Down and Distressed, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Wide Runner, Orient...
Wool
19th Century French Gothic Forged Iron Eight-Light Island Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique light fixture was forged in France, circa 1890. Rectangular in shape and almost 4 feet long, the chandelier with a flat bottom, features an intricate pierced gallery with scrolled work around the perimeter, and embellished with gilt floral rosette medallions in each recessed corner; the light has the original double chains on each side connected to a crossed bar, under the top double chain. The large chandelier has eight inside arms newly wired and each iron torch light...
Iron
A Very Large Carved Oak Green Man Sideboard A superbly Gothic piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Very Large Carved Oak Green Man Sideboard This superbly Gothic piece is decorated in a country house style, as there are many patterns to the car...
Oak
16th Century oak carved Gothic Panel, Belgium
Located in Meulebeke, BE
16th century / Belgium / Letter Panel / Oak / Gothic A finely carved Gothic oak panel from 16th-century France. This architectural fragment features graceful vertical fluting framed...
Oak
Antique Gothic Bronze Wall Hanging Altar Door Tabernacle with Chalice (A)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gothic Bronze Wall Hanging Altar Door Tabernacle with Chalice (A). Item features heavy solid brass/bronze construction, chalice and rays ...
Bronze
2'8"x5'8" Marlin Blue Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Soft Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Marlin Blue, Bijar Garus Design, Hand Knotted, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Short Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: N...
Wool
2'10"x5'10" Brown Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Khaki Brown, Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design, Hand Knotted, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool ...
Wool
Antique Pair of Bronze Medieval Revival, Former Church Candlestick Table Lamps
Located in Lisse, NL
Good size, great quality, antique bronze table lamps with an amazing patina. We are always on the lookout for antiques that have something ...
Bronze
2'8"x14'3" Blue Bijar Garus Design High Mountain Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Carolina Blue, Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Hand Knotted, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pi...
Wool
2'9"x10' Baby Blue Bijar Garus Design Wool Hand Knotted Soft Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Baby Blue, Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Hand Knotted, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile ...
Wool
19th Century Wrought Iron Screen Gate
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century wrought iron screen gate likely converted from a church screen or fireguard. Crafted circa 1820, this piece is a stunning example of traditional English blacksmithing...
Wrought Iron
2'7"x13'9" Blue Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Carolina Blue, Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Hand Knotted, Soft Pile, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pi...
Wool
17th century Spanish or Italian carved solid wood chest
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Spanish or Italian 17th century bis chest. Chest structure in solid walnut, entirely hand-carved. Exceptional craftsmanship. Very naive vintage conduction with a nice patina on the...
Walnut
Heavy Wrought Iron Medieval Fireplace Guard
Located in Greenwich, CT
A striking and substantial wrought iron fire guard showcasing exceptional hand‑forged workmanship and a dramatic presence. Constructed from thick, weighty iron, the guard features a...
Wrought Iron
Gothic Style Spanish 1940's Eight Light Chandelier
Located in Buchanan, NY
This unusual Spanish 1940s medieval style iron chandelier features a sturdy frame with eight torchiere arms suspended from an ornate hanger. The fixture has been recently wired to ac...
Iron
Bobyrug’s Vintage French Hand Printed Medieval Design Tapestry « Noble Amazon
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover a reproduction of the exquisite "Noble Amazone" French medieval museum tapestry, a true masterpiece of design. This captivating artwork showcases a noble lady elegantly seat...
Cotton
$392Sale Price|20% Off
Neo Gothic Medieval Style Carved Wood Wall Candle Holder or Torchere
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Neo Gothic Medieval Style Carved Wood Wall Candle Holder or Torchere. This imposing wooden candle holder seamlessly combines natural beauty with functionality, featuring a sturdy des...
Oak
19th Century Victorian Terracotta Model Of A Gothic Font
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century Victorian terracotta model of a gothic font. An English architectural model of a font in the ecclesiastical style dated to circa 1850. The octagonal design has a repeating trefoil design on all sides. A pleasing object modelled after an unknown church font...
Terracotta
2'8"x16' Blue Bijar Garus Design High Mountain Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Carolina Blue, Vegetable Dyes, Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Aryana Grade, Hand Knotted, Soft Pile, Densely Woven, XL Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No...
Wool
$1,972Sale Price|20% Off
9'5"X12'10" Blue Pure Wool Hand Knotted Vintage Persian Kerman Distressed Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Vintage Zoroastrian Karman, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving crafts...
Wool
3'x8' Red Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Coral Red, Aryana Collection, Peshawar with Bijar Garus Design, High Mountain Wool, Hand Knotted, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: N...
Wool
2'6"x14' Gray Bijar Garus Design Aryana Grade Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Spanish Gray, Bijar Garus Design, Aryana Grade, Vegetable Dyes, High Mountain Wool, Hand Knotted, Soft Pile, Densely Woven, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pil...
Wool
Brutalist Raw French Garden Fountain Element Or Trough Or Water basin
Located in Beervelde, BE
Exceptional early fountain trough. Extra raw and in hard red French stone, Reclaimed in Provence. The real deal, rare to find with unique artempo details and wear. Extra raw brutalis...
Stone
A Medieval Revival Entrance/ Accent Table
Located in Pomona, CA
A Medieval Revival Entrance/ Accent Table. Beautifully carved pedestal legs with faces on 3 sides of each leg. Below the faces are carved Acanthus leaf decoration. The multi-arched s...
Walnut
Gothic Style Arts & Crafts Carved Oak Fire Mantel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A beautiful late 19th century gothic style art and crafts period oak fireplace, handcarved with ornate decoration throughout. Finished with wax, this antique oak fireplace is a han...
Oak
Rare Pair Artistic Design Hand Crafted Wrought Iron Dragon Wall Sconce Light
Located in Lisse, NL
Monumental pair of hand-forged wrought iron dragon wall sconces .. masterpiece craftsmanship. Why We Love It: Because drama meets craftsmanship in...
Wrought Iron
Moldovan Rose Kilim • Handwoven Floral Flatweave Rug • Wall Art • Vintage, 1960s
Located in Burlingame, CA
✔ This rug feels like a romantic midnight garden, grounding a space with moody elegance, painterly florals, and soulful vintage character. Handwoven in Eastern Europe in the 1960s, ...
Wool, Cotton
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Henry 11. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Henry II Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Foxing to the margin Free shipping The measurement is the paper size
Paper
Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French screen-printed by hand tapestry featuring the exquisite design of a medieval museum tapestry This tapestry, a replica of the origin...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St John Chrysostom. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St John Chrystostom Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Free shipping The measurement is the paper size
Paper
13th century French Gothic Limestone Capital Fragment
Located in Leesburg, VA
Carved during the height of the French Gothic era, this remarkable limestone fragment—once an engaged capital—embodies the profound mastery of 13th-century masonry. Hewn from the bri...
Limestone
Rare Antique Hubbell Carved Oak Figural Dolphins Library Column Floor Lamp
By Hubbell
Located in Dayton, OH
A rare and one of a kind antique figural carved oak floor lamp, circa 1920s. Meticulously carved with amazing detail throughout. Features a swiss guard with torchiere staff atop a sq...
Oak
Gothic inscription - France, 15th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Fragment of an Inscribed Stone France, 15th century Limestone 14 × 24.5 × 5 cm This evocative limestone fragment preserves the refined vestiges of a Gothic inscription carved in ...
Limestone
Antique 15th Century Medieval Gothic Iron Money Strongbox with Original Locks
Located in Doha, QA
An exceptionally rare and important 15th century Gothic iron strongbox, weighing approximately 80 kg. This large strongbox retains its original mechanical locking system, which remai...
Iron
Antique Gothic 16th C. Wrought Iron Safe Door with Three-Key Locking System
Located in Doha, QA
An exceptional and rare 16th century Gothic wrought iron safe door, featuring an advanced three-key multipoint locking system, a testament to the high craftsmanship and security inno...
Wrought Iron
$461Sale Price|25% Off
2'8"x8'9" Brown Vintage Persian Bibikabad Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Mink Brown, Vintage Persian Bibikabad, Worn Down and Distressed, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wo...
Wool
Sterling Silver Vessel
Located in New York, NY
A small well-made sterling silver vessel in the Gothic design style. Piece can be just decorative or use to hold small items, etc., shown in images as a jewelry dish. Markers' mark a...
Sterling Silver
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: 12 x 6cm Good condition.
Bronze
13th Century Period Wood Carved Polychrome Sculpture of Corpus Christi
Located in Vero Beach, FL
13th Century Period Wood Carved Polychrome Sculpture of Corpus Christi Rare and beautiful sculpture of Corpus Christi. The artwork, probably German, is carved from hardwood. This f...
Hardwood, Paint
$1,197Sale Price|25% Off
Blue Hand Knotted Overdyed Old Persian Tabriz Worn Down Rustic Look Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
Bobyrug’s Nice Vintage Hand Painted French Tapestry with Medieval Museum Design
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the allure of the 15th-century masterpiece in your home with this exquisite midcentury French tapestry. featuring the design of a medieval tapestry “Charles of Orleans and M...
Cotton
Arched Gothic Oak Cathedral Door
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Sourced from a cathedral in the south west of England, this arched gothic front door dates from the mid 1800s. On the front, it features vertical oak...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Vintage Gothic Black Wrought Iron Wall Hanging Candelabra Made in Mexico
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome vintage Gothic or Spanish Revival handmade solid wrought iron black painted candelabra wall hanging made in Mexico. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage ...
Wrought Iron
Spanish 1940s Wrought Iron Lantern, Scroll and Twisting Details
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand Forged Scrollwork Wrought Iron Pendant / Lantern, Spain, 1940s. Eye-catching hand forged lantern or hanging light with scroll and twisting details thorough. The lantern hangs from an iron chain accented by rhombus shaped links and it is topped by a wrought iron flower shaped canopy. Entirely made by hand. Outstanding design in the style of gothic with spanish colonial and baroque accents. Heavily detailed hand forged work. This piece will be a great choice for any main entry, hallway or foyer. It can be a nice addition to any contemporary, classical, Spanish colonial or Spanish revival home decor. It can be placed outdoor hanging on the porch or indoor in a entry hall / hallway. Newly wired with 1 E27 bulb holder Overall measures: 72 cm H x 30 cm diameter The lantern itself without the chain is: 30 cm diameter x 33,5 cm H We are specialists in lighting: A curated selection of iron ceiling light fixtures, chandeliers, pendants and wall lights is avaliable at our 1stdibs marketplace. We invite you to join our profile and check "more from this seller". Spanish Iron Lantern...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Spanish Gilt Iron Drinks Side Table / Martini Table, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish drinks table on a tripod base, Spain, 1950s Entirely made in hand forged iron, gilt finish. It has a clean design with Gothic style acce...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Metal
16th Century oak carved Gothic Panel, Belgium
Located in Meulebeke, BE
16th century / Belgium / Letter Panel / Oak / Gothic A finely carved Gothic oak panel from 16th-century France. This architectural fragment features graceful vertical fluting framed...
Oak
$207Sale Price|58% Off
Medieval Style Iron Wall Candelabra
Located in Redding, CT
Medieval style iron wall torchiere. The perfect romantic touch for your home. Fill with candles above a bath tub or use on a porch or outside barn wall....
Iron
$3,937Sale Price|25% Off
Peach Vintage Persian Kashan No Wear Hand Knotted Soft Wool Clean Oversized Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Wool
5'7"x7' Orange Vintage Soumak 100% Wool Hand Woven Flat Weave Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Spicy Orange, Vintage Soumak, 100% Wool, Hand Woven, Flat Weave, Clean, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditional Primary color: Ora...
Wool
Heavy Bronze Bell, Tower Bell This Is a Very Heavy Piece It Is on an Oak Yoke
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Heavy Bronze Bell, Tower Bell This is a very heavy piece it is on an Oak Yoke with iron fixings including a the bracket which holds the rope For the purpose of the pictures and ...
Bronze
Vintage Stoneware Skull Mugs from The Horror Bar Le Cercueil in Brussels, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Imagine serving tomato soup or cherry tea in these fuckers... Le Cercueil in Brussels is Europes oldest horror bar and was established in 1974 or 76 in the Belgian capital. This set ...
Stoneware