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.
$3,036Sale Price|20% Off
Beige Hand Knotted Soft Shiny Wool The Sunset Rosettes Runner Rug 2'9"x15'10"
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
$3,553Sale Price|20% Off
Cape Honey Beige Hand Knotted Vibrant Colors Pure Wool Runner Rug 2'7" x 19'10"
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
$3,913Sale Price|20% Off
Daisy White Sickle Leaf Design Silk & Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug 2'7" x 25'9"
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
$3,168Sale Price|20% Off
White Sickle Leaf Hand Knotted Silk and Wool Oriental XL Runner Rug 2'7"x23'10"
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
$3,549Sale Price|20% Off
Ivory Sickle Leaf Wool and Silk Hand Knotted XL Runner Oriental Rug 2'6" x 27'7"
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
$2,936Sale Price|20% Off
Oyster White Hand Knotted Silk and Wool Sickle Leaf XL Runner Rug 2'7" x 22'1"
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...
Wool
$7,576Sale Price|20% Off
Green Soft Wool Hand Knotted Armenian Inspired Design 200 KPSI Rug 10'2" x 13'6"
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
$8,874Sale Price|20% Off
Heron White Mamluk Dynasty Hand Knotted Wool Oversized Oriental Rug 12'1"x15'4"
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
$2,801Sale Price|20% Off
Ivory Pure Undyed Wool Moroccan Hand Knotted Oversized Oriental Rug 11'9"x15'8"
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
$2,932Sale Price|20% Off
Ivory Hand Knotted Moroccan Weave Pure Wool Oversized Oriental Rug 12' x 16'2"
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
$8,958Sale Price|20% Off
Gardenia White Hand Knotted Vase Design Silk and Wool Oriental Rug 11'8" x 15'0"
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
$8,126Sale Price|20% Off
Gray Willow and Cypress Tree Design Wool and Silk Hand Knotted Rug 9'9" x 14'2"
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
$3,092Sale Price|20% Off
Space Cadet Blue Hand Knotted Nain Design 250 KPSI Pure Wool Rug 7'9" x 10'0"
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
$3,271Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Hand Knotted 250 KPSI Nain Design Pure Wool Oriental Rug 8'0" x 10'3"
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
$3,771Sale Price|20% Off
Falu Red Wool and Silk 250 KPSI Nain Design Hand Knotted Rug 7'10" x 10'3"
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
$6,394Sale Price|20% Off
Vulcan Blue Hand Knotted Nain Design 250 KPSI Wool and Silk Rug 9'8" x 14'1"
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
18th Century Gothic Oak Wainscot Chair, Hall Chair, Carved Backrest
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
18th Century Oak Wainscot Chair, Hall Chair This Handsome Chair, has carving to the back rest, a magnificent patina apart from the well used solid plank seat, the sturdy crook arms...
Oak
Vintage Gothic Renaissance Large Wrought Iron Metal Arched "Spear" Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Gothic Renaissance Style Large Wrought Iron Metal Arched Wall Mirror with Pointed Top and "Spear" Finials. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 80" H x 43" W x 1" D. Mirror ...
Wrought Iron
Antique French Cast Iron Fire Back the Fire Back is Extremely Heavy
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Antique French cast iron fire back The Fire back is extremely heavy, it is decorated with the “Armes de France” with the Crest of the House of Bourbon...
Iron
Antique French Gothic Revival Figural Bronze Candlestick Table Lamp by Leandri
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gothic French Renaissance Figural Bronze Tall Candlestick Table Lamp by "Leandri". Item features the original French foundry mark, stunning cast bronze figures of winged grif...
Bronze
Antique W. Godwin Medieval Style Encaustic Tile
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique 19th century post-medieval style encaustic 5-inch tile by English makers Godwin of Lugwardine; one of 6 similar we have available. Dating to circa 1870, this antique tile...
Clay
Vintage Medieval Knight Prints in Black Frames - Set of 4
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This distinguished set of four vintage medieval knight prints celebrates the pageantry and symbolism of chivalric history through richly detailed illustrations and timeless presentat...
Gold Plate
$953Sale Price|20% Off
6'3"x9'10" Gray Earthtone Color Vintage Afghan Balooch Hand Knotted All Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Agreeable Gray, Earthtone Color, Vintage Afghan Baluch with Bold Geometric Pattern, Natural Color, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height...
Wool
$377Sale Price|20% Off
4'x6'2" Ivory Hand Knotted Pure Wool Evenly Worn Clean Vintage Zoroastrian Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Vintage Zoroastrian Tebraz, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving crafts...
Wool
$1,888Sale Price|20% Off
2'7"x13'4" Purple Antique Zoroastrian Sarouk Wool Hand Knotted Clean Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Cardinal Purple, Antique Zoroastrian Sarouk in Good Condition, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Full Pile, Clean, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary material...
Wool
$1,972Sale Price|20% Off
9'8"x12'6" Gray Rustic Look Hand Knotted Wool Vintage Zoroastrian Karman 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
$2,046Sale Price|20% Off
9'7"x13'1" Blue Hand Knotted Worn Wool Overdyed Vintage Zoroastrian Karman 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
$2,090Sale Price|20% Off
9'8"x13'3" Jet Gray Vintage Zoroastrian Karman Wool Rustic Feel Hand Knotted 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
$1,585Sale Price|20% Off
7'4"x13'3" Gray Hand Knotted Wool Vintage Zoroastrian Karman Gallery Size 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
$452Sale Price|20% Off
4'x7' Gray Faded Design Hand Knotted Wool Clean Vintage Zoroastrian Karman 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
$27,752Sale Price|20% Off
13'5"x19'8" Ivory Antique Zoroastrian Karman Hand Knotted Pure Wool XL Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Alabaster White, Antique Zoroastrian Karman with Poetry and Animal Figurines, Birds and Tigers, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oversized Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile...
Wool
Cottage Size Green Man Carved Oak Mule Chest
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Cottage Size Green Man Carved Oak Mule Chest This is a beautifully carved Mule Chest with the benefit of 2 drawers rather than the more common single long drawer, the coffer has de...
Oak
$158Sale Price|20% Off
Midnight Blue Vintage Zoroastrian Karman Hand Knotted Wool Square Rug 1'8"x1'8"
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
$472Sale Price|20% Off
Ivory Vintage Zoroastrian Balooch Wool Earth Tones Hand Knotted Rug 3'2"x6'1"
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...
Wool
$4,259Sale Price|20% Off
Ash Gray Antique Chinese Inspired Open Field Wool Hand Knotted Rug 9'1"x12'1"
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...
Wool
$3,802Sale Price|20% Off
Blush Pink Vintage Tabriz Worn Out Soft Wool Hand Knotted Rug 11'3"x15'9"
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
$942Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Red Northwest Zoroastrian Hand Knotted Worn Wool Runner Rug 3'10"x10'3"
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
20th Century German Enamelled Sterling Silver Armour on Wood Decorated Base
By Brumal
Located in VALENZA, IT
Figure realized in Sterling Silver using the lost wax process. The details are gilded and enameled. The figure is 17.5 cm high and depicts a 15th century German soldier with sword ...
Sterling Silver
Italian Venetian Style Silver Gilt Kissing Peacock Center Table
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Venetian style (19th Century) silver gilt and polychromed design carved center table with a top of 2 peacocks kissing supported on a pedestal base of faux tree branches with ...
Giltwood
18th Century Spanish Fruitwood and Brass “Brasero” Table with Barley Twist Legs
Located in Dallas, TX
Add warmth and character to any interior with this unique and richly decorated antique “Brasero” table. Crafted in Spain circa 1780, the round fruitwood table...
Brass, Copper
Antique Turkish Rug in Ivory and Gray
Located in New York, NY
An unusual Turkish rug woven in Izmir, located in western Turkey. Nice, crisp colors and durable full pile with abrash near one end of the field. Charming indeed. Measures: 4'4'' ...
Wool
Victorian Gothic Revival Console Table in Oak Hall Table c1870s
Located in High Peak, GB
J00 Victorian, Gothic Revival oak hall table, having serpentine black veined marble top above frieze drawer, all standing on turned and carved tapered legs. This antique hall table i...
Marble
Gothic Carved Golden Oak 3 Door Cupboard
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Carved Golden Oak 3 Door Cupboard This is a long carved country style Oak cupboard, the cupboard has 3 doors enclosing one long cupboard and one smaller, both cupboards are ...
Oak
$11,294Sale Price|20% Off
Midnight Blue Antique Zoroastrian Tebraz Even Wear Soft Wool Hand Knotted 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
$3,494Sale Price|20% Off
Chili Red Antique Zoroastrian Heris Small Rare Size Hand Knotted Pure 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
$4,200Sale Price|20% Off
Ivory Colorful Vintage Zoroastrian Karman 250 KPSI Clean Hand Knotted 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
$460Sale Price|20% Off
Prismatic Red Vintage Zoroastrian Clean with No Wear Hand Knotted Pure 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
$416Sale Price|20% Off
Alabama Crimson Red Vintage Bohemian Zoroastrian Amadan Wool Hand Knotted 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
$1,029Sale Price|20% Off
Gray Clean Hand Knotted Vintage Zoroastrian Evenly Worn Hand Knotted 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
$926Sale Price|20% Off
Ivory Vintage Zoroastrian Tebraz Clean Hand Knotted Even Wear Worn Down 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
$589Sale Price|20% Off
Red Hand Knotted Pure Wool Old Zoroastrian Baluch Abrash Evenly Worn Clean 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
$484Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Rustic Look Natural Wool Hand Knotted Vintage Zoroastrian Amadan Clean 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
$772Sale Price|20% Off
Brown Old Zoroastrian Pure Wool Abrash Hand Knotted Clean Runner Oriental 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
$798Sale Price|20% Off
Brown Evenly Worn Vintage Northwest Zoroastrian Hand Knotted Wool Runner 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
$804Sale Price|20% Off
Brown Old Geometric Zoroastrian Amadan Hand Knotted Wool Hand Knotted Clean 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
$618Sale Price|20% Off
Red Vintage Zoroastrian Senneh Soft Wool Distressed Look Hand Knotted Runner 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
Walnut Carved Centre Coffee Table, Gothic Style, Round, Antique, 1920
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Walnut Carved Centre Coffee Table The table is made in walnut, a superb wood for the carver, the top is round and deeply carved in some places even pierced right through, it has a...
Walnut
$3,398Sale Price|20% Off
Red Vintage Zoroastrian Heris Village Clean Hand Knotted Pure Wool Oriental 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
$2,126Sale Price|20% Off
Apple Red Abrash Pure Wool Hand Knotted Vintage Zoroastrian Heris Oriental 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
$22,588Sale Price|20% Off
Brown Antique Indo Kerman Vase Design Hand Knotted Pure Wool 250 KPSI Runner 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