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.
Antique French 18th Century Gothic Style Oak Carved High Back Panel Settle
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1850 / settle / oak / Gothic / Antique / Mid-century A highly decorative hand carved oak settle crafted around 1850 in France. Nicely detailed carved and open worked panell...
Oak
19th Century Gothic Style Arched Oak Plank Door
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A mid-19th century gothic style arched oak plank door with original wrought iron strap hinges and hardware. Suitable for exterior use, this antique oak door features a beautiful pat...
Oak
Pair of Gothic Style Wrought Iron Wall Lights, c.1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and elegant pair of wall lights is made of wrought iron. This is a French work in the Gothic Style (Indicated height without candles). Circa 1940 Additional Information: ...
Wrought Iron
18th Century Verdure Tapestry Fragment Cushion
Located in London, GB
A fragment of 18th Century hand stitched verdure needlework made as a cushion cover. Wonderfully muted, time-softened palette that only age can produce — mossy greens, lichen, faded...
Wool, Linen
STUNNiNG PAIR OF GOTHIC REVIVAL EXTRA LARGE HAND CARVED WOODEN PLANTERS 72X60CM
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of very large Antique Gothic Revival style hand carved planters Please note the delivery...
Hardwood
Early 18th Century French Gothic Period Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Early 18th century French Gothic period andirons made of wrought iron. The andirons are in a good condition and are fit for use in the fireplace.
Wrought Iron
French Gothic Style Wrought Iron Giant Key Locksmith Trade Sign
Located in Stamford, CT
French wrought iron black painted locksmith trade sign in the form of a large and elaborate key. The trefoil top filled with interlocking Gothic style quatrefoils (like four leaf clovers), with a ladder in the center joining them and a cut metal crest...
Wrought Iron
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Elizabeth of Hungary. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Elizabeth of Hungary Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Free shipping The measurement is the paper size
Paper
French Mediaval antique Tapestry 19th century - L135xH270 cm - N° 1589
Located in Paris, FR
This magnificent tapestry has undergone a thorough cleaning, hand-lined with 100% linen fabric, and meticulous inspection by our experts in our workshop. It is now ready to adorn you...
Wool
16th Century Late Medieval Encaustic Tile with Rampant Lion
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 445-year-old late medieval 16th century encaustic tile of Flemish origin (unmarked), detailed with a rampant lion. Made from terracotta and glazed, this 6-inch antique tile is an e...
Terracotta
$434Sale Price|30% Off
3 British Heraldic Crests Earl of Cranford Kelly Kinnoul Coat of Arms Prints 19"
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of three black and white prints on paper of the heraldic coats of arms of Erskine Earl of Kelly, Cranford Earl of Cranford, and Hay Earl of Kinnoul. Black and gold wood and gesso frame; purple mat. Framed by Soicher Marin...
Hardwood, Paper
96" Blacksmith Made Iron Game Hanger, Kitchen Utensil or Pot Hanger
Located in Buffalo, NY
Blacksmith made iron game hanger, kitchen utensil or pot hanger. A great piece ..Classic design. it is a large rectangular piece it is set with 66 iron hooks,3 broken.. if you don’t...
Iron
French 19th Century Church Altar Candlesticks
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A towering pair of 19th century French brass altar candlesticks from a cathedral or church. The center of each bobeche is fitted with a spike, surrounded by a pierced brass crown of ...
Brass
Sterling Silver with Parcel Gilt Medieval Knights, Set of Three
Located in Bradenton, FL
Early 20th Century Sterling Silver with Gold Wash Historical Knight Figurines, likely German ,Set of Three. Each depicts an iconic medieval warrior . Modeled in full armor with parce...
Sterling Silver
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
Gothic Architectural fragment abstract sculpture
Located in Vosselaar, BE
We mounted this Gothic architectural fragment on a custom iron stand. In this new context it becomes a sculpture with a almost abstract f...
Sandstone
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
Gothic Country Solid Oak Welsh Dresser This is a late Victorian piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Country Solid Oak Welsh Dresser This is a late Victorian piece it is constructed in solid Oak including the panelled back boards, the dresser top has a classic styled top with...
Oak
$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
Obsidian Seraphim – Hand-carved Modern Gothic Rococo Console w/ Bezel Set Stone
By Realm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Drawing influence from baroque and rococo design, the Obsidian Seraphim console table takes Ezekiel’s description of the seraphim and twists it into a biomorphic sculpture that undul...
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
$10,770Sale Price|25% Off
11'x14'7" Red Antique Persian Heriz Even Wear Wool Hand Knotted Oversized Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Terracotta Red, Larger Antique Persian Heriz in Good Condition, Even Wear, 100% Wool, Professionally Cleaned, Sides and Ends Secured, Hand Knotted, Oversized, Oriental Rug Primary ma...
Wool
Pair of 18th Century Verdure Tapestry Fragment Cushions
Located in London, GB
A fragment of 18th Century hand stitched verdure needlework made as a cushion covers. Wonderfully muted, time-softened palette that only age can produce — mossy greens, lichen, fade...
Wool, Linen
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
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
Spanish Drinks Table / Side Table / Gueridon in Wrought Iron, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Elegant Gothic style hand-hammered iron round gueridon table standing on a tripod base. Spain, 1940s. This wrought iron black painted table has twisted details at the steam and the t...
Iron, Wrought Iron
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
Nice Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry « Suzanne and the old men »
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 titled « Suzanne and the old men » The ...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
French Gothic Oak Coffer Chest with Iron Straps, Late 19th Century
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
Large Medieval inscription
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Fragment of a Germanic Funerary Epitaph Sandy limestone · Holy Roman Empire · late 16th century The inscription is carved in Roman humanist capitals — a significant choice in the Ger...
Stone
The Lovers’ Draught: Antique English Medieval Needlepoint Masterpiece of Romance
Located in Dallas, TX
78092 Rare Antique English Needlepoint Tapestry 02'04 x 03'05. Woven in the quiet hush of late-Victorian England yet echoing the soul of the Middle Ages, this extraordinary handwoven...
Wool
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
Nexus - double wall light
Located in Firenze, FI
A decorative LED wall fixture with a curved brass arm emerging from a central circular mount. The light is housed within vertical satin-finish glass tubes, radiating a soft, even glow. A blue enamel insert at the center echoes the collection's signature palette, evoking refined Art Deco accents and the elegance of a reimagined medieval torch.
Earthenware, Glass
$1,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
$9,333Sale Price|38% Off
Antique French Crystal Chandelier Ceiling Lamp Lustre Art Nouveau Lamp
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our cherished old chandelier, lovingly and professionally restored in Berlin! Its electrical wiring works seamlessly in the US, as it has been expertly re-wired and is re...
Crystal, Brass
Early 1900 Hand Carved Marble Statue / Sculpture of Mother Mary w. Cross & Book
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful antique and all handcrafted, solid Carrara marble sculpture. This rare work of religious art is entirely hand carved out of white marble. We are not certain, but we feel t...
Carrara Marble, Marble
Rare Antique German Gothic Crossbow, circa 1540, All Original
Located in Doha, QA
An exceptional early German crossbow dating to around 1540, crafted from antler, wood, and iron. This finely made piece exemplifies the late Gothic to early Renaissance period of Ger...
Iron
Quelaag's Chair – Handcrafted Carved and Upholstered Contemporary Gothic Chair
By Realm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Part of an ongoing series of Witch’s Chairs, the voluptuous forms and plush upholstery of this chair polymerize mutated forms with a sense of gorgeous monstrosity. The fusion of rabb...
Brass
A Moroccan Jewish Bridal Costume, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
The Berberisca dress, also known as the Grand Costume (el-keswa el-kbira), is an elaborate bridal costume worn by a Moroccan Jewish woman. Traditionall...
Cotton, Silk, Velvet, Ribbon
English Medieval Extremely Rare Church Pew Animal Carvings
Located in Vero Beach, FL
English Medieval Extremely Rare Church Pew Animal Carvings Pair of extraordinary animal carvings from the 15th century. A cat playing with a mouse and a dog with a bat wing in its p...
Wood
$450Sale Price|25% Off
2'4"x9' Scarlet Red Vintage Persian Karajeh Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Scarlet Red, Vintage Persian Karajeh with Geometric Medallions, Sheared Low, Zero Pile, Evenly Worn, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Clean, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Narrow Run...
Wool
Large Heavy .Brass Ring Door Knocker This is a superb heavy door knocker
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Heavy .Brass Ring Door Knocker This is a superb heavy door knocker, the outer ring lifts and lands on the circular striking back plate The door knocker is in good condition ...
Brass
19th C Sturdy Heavy Carved Oak Table This is a wonderful table
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th C Sturdy Heavy Carved Oak Table This is a wonderful table, the table base has large bulbous legs, and the apron below has a linen fold ...
Oak
$7,199Sale Price|20% Off
Antique French Aubusson Verdure Tapestry
Located in Dallas, TX
77764, antique French Verdure tapestry. This hand-woven antique French Aubusson verdure tapestry depicts a landscape scene of the French countryside. ...
Wool
Important Bronze Seal – Sigillum Comitatus Namurcensis Belgium, 19th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
"Important Bronze Seal – Sigillum Comitatus Namurcensis Belgium, 19th Century" Important bronze seal – Sigillum Comitatus Namurcensis Belgium, 19th century – Neo-Gothic historicist s...
Bronze
$3,922Sale Price|25% Off
Wrought Iron Chandelier with 12 Lights in the Gothic Style. Circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice chandelier with 12 lights is made of wrought iron. This is a French work in the Gothic style. Circa 1950
Wrought Iron
reclining lion in finely chased bronze - Italy, 15th century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Small reclining lion in finely chased bronze Italy, 15th century Traces of gilding H 4,8 x L 6 x P 2 cm Delicately worked bronze depicting a lion in repose, characteristic of early ...
Bronze
19th Century Gothic Oak Confiturier Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Gothic Oak Confiturier ~ Cabinet is a commanding example of Gothic Revival craftsmanship, carved in solid oak and presenting a strong architectural presence in a compact...
Steel
$418Sale Price|25% Off
10'x14'6" Green Flat Woven by Hand Contemporary Kilim Design 100% Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Old Moss Green, Flat Woven by Hand, Contemporary Kilim Design, 100% Wool, Flat Weave, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditional Prim...
Wool
$4,308Sale Price|25% Off
8'x10' Brown Wool and Silk Mamluk Design with Star Medallion Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Wood Brown, Hand Knotted, Mamluk Design with Star Medallion, Textured Wool and Silk, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Traditiona...
Wool
$509Sale Price|25% Off
3'x8'10" Red Vintage Northwest Persian Hand Knotted Pure Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Desire Red, Vintage Northwest Persian, Geometric Design, Sheared Low, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary material...
Wool
Gothic twisted Cloister Column with Crocket Capital - Italy, 14th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Twisted Cloister Column with Crocket Capital Italy, 14th Century 127 × 29 × 27 cm This refined white marble column is a distinguished example of Italian Gothic architectural sculp...
Marble
$1,137 / set
Large 17th Century French Andirons, Cupdogs
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
17th century andirons made of cast iron. These French andirons are called 'landiers' in France. This dates from the times the andirons were the main cooking equipment in the house. T...
Iron
Reformed Gothic Hanging Bookcase, in the style of E W Godwin
Located in London, GB
A reformed Gothic hanging bookcase, in the style of E W Godwin with a turned gallery and shelf, the door inset with a Minton 8 inch tile 'Rob Roy in Glasgow To...
Oak
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
Fence Door Pediment / Wall Decoration in Wrought Iron, Spain 1930s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique spanish door fence pediment / crest in iron, hand forged, Spain, Early 20th century. This eye-catching wall fence was entirely made by hand in forged iron. A master work of t...
Iron, Wrought Iron
$2,333Sale Price|20% Off
Spanish Medieval Double Planter Jardinière, Gilt Wrought Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Hand Forged Double Floor Planter, Gold leaf, gilt iron, Spain, 1940s. Rare find. One of a kind double plant iron stand entirely made by hand. This planter features two basket planter...
Iron, Gold Leaf, Metal, Wrought Iron
$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
Gothic chest with decorated front late 18th century
Located in Diest, BE
An antique Gothic French chest with a carved wood exterior and metal hardware.
Wood
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
English Gothic Revival Walnut Prie-dieu
Located in Queens, NY
English Gothic Revival style (19th Cent) walnut Prie-dieu with fretwork design and needlepoint upholstery.