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.
$2,100 / set
Pair of Emperor Throne Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of throne chairs is fully embellished with carved wood, and tufted faux leather. As seen in the Hunger Game's movie, as President Snow's throne, now you can preside over yo...
Wood
Antique French Wrought Iron Viking Long Boat Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Wrought Iron Viking Long Boat Chandelier will make an eye-catching Old World statement in any room! The solid wrought iron fixture resembles a Viking Long Boat, which...
Wrought Iron
Gothic Style Free Standing Fire Basket with Decorative Back and Ash Pan
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Style Free Standing Fire Basket with Decorative Back and Ash Pan This is a useful and decorative piece, it has an arched fire back decorated with a fighting scene, the body o...
Iron
Gothic Baptistery in Stone-Spain
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Baptiphere Gothic period -Spain-Galicia (probably granite) The baptisphere was at the time attached to a wall Delivery in Belgium, France and abroad.
Granite
Antique Chamberlain & Co Fleur de Lys Encaustic Tile
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique French medieval style encaustic tile by Chamberlain and Co of Worcester. This 6-inch glazed tile is a striking decorative interior piece or a welcome addition to an enc...
Clay
Pair of Vintage Etruscan Bronze Statuette Table Lamps
Located in North Miami, FL
These outstanding solid bronze hand forged Etruscan statuettes of a male and female are mounted on metal and brass bases. These lamps are simple and heavy - custom designed base and...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
17th Century Hand Carved English Oak Floral Diamond Wall Panel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 17th century hand carved English oak floral diamond wall panel, formerly the front of a coffer or chest. Dated to the 1600s, many hours of skilled work have gone into the creation...
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 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 French Wrought Iron Candelabra with Gothic Floral Motifs
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exceptional antique French wrought iron candelabra is a dramatic and highly decorative statement piece, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of traditional European ironwor...
Wrought Iron
A Pair of Large Swan-Neck Wrought Fireplace Andirons Fire Dogs Circa 1890
Located in London, GB
A large pair of wrought-iron swan-neck andirons / fire dogs. The swan-necks are set on arch-supports with iron-rivet. A sturdy blacksmith-made pair of fire dogs suitable for burning...
Iron
$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
$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
$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
$2,090Sale 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
French Gothic Iron Wall Light, Antique Design, Circa 1900, Heavy Duty
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Superb French Gothic Iron Wall Light A very handsome Large Heavy French wall light, the light is set at a slight incline and would enhance the entrance ...
Iron
Large French Gothic Iron Andirons with Fire Grate, 19th Century, Heavy
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Very Large Heavy Iron Andirons, Fire Grate This is a very Large pair of French andirons, we have matched them with a fire grate which is much smaller than the original ones and this...
Iron
$19,850Sale Price|42% Off
American Gothic-Revival Gilt-Bronze "Dragon" Chandelier in the Manner of Tiffany
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and rare American Gothic-Revival gilt bronze "Dragon" six-light figural chandelier. The elongated body in the form of a winged dragon biting on a perch with his tail wrap...
Bronze
$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
Large pair of french Late 19 th Century candelabra
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare pair of large late 19 th century French candelabra, the patina is so much nicer in person, I believe they came from a church
Brass
$23,237Sale Price|20% Off
Gothic Canopy, France, 15th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Gothic canopy France, 15th century Alabaster, some traces of polychromy 33 x 23 x 20 cm Provenance: - Private collection Genève, Switzerland ...
Alabaster
Bleached Oak Gothic Style Extending Dining Table This is a very sturdy table
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Bleached Oak Gothic Style Extending Dining Table This is a very sturdy table both the top and the legs are solid Oak. The table extends by means of a winding mechanism that opens the...
Oak
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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$2,285Sale Price|20% Off
Red Clean Pure Wool Worn Down Vintage Vintage Zoroastrian Heris 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
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
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
$806Sale Price|20% Off
Red Vintage Zoroastrian Amadan Full Pile Exc Cond Wool 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
$11,700Sale Price|20% Off
Ivory Antique Chinese Peking with Butterflies Hand Knotted Wool Clean Soft 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
$1,170Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Antique Zoroastrian Senneh All Over Design Hand Knotted Wool Cleaned 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
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
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
$2,275Sale Price|35% Off
Royal Vienna Plaque Depicting Barbarossa's Entry into Jerusalem in 3rd Crusade
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A Royal Vienna antique hand painted porcelain plaque from depicting the triumphant entry into Jerusalem of Kaiser Friedrich I of Prussia also known as Barbarossa who headed the Third Crusade launched from Vienna in 1189. The plaque is set in a bronze frame on a mat of burgundy velvet. The whole is protected by glass. The plaque is not signed but has the Royal Vienna beehive...
Porcelain
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
Gothic Gilded Brass 5 Branch Chandelier This is a rare piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Gilded Brass 5 Branch Chandelier This is a rare piece, it has been converted to electricity from a Gas Ceiling Light it is an excellent qual...
Brass
Bronze mortar - Italy, 16th century
Located in London, GB
Mortars are an ancient culinary tool, described as indispensable to the preparation of food and medicines in texts like the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus, dating from 1550 BC, and the writi...
Bronze
Large Pair Gothic Revival Arts & Crafts Brass Table or Altar Candlesticks
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and heavy pair of altar candle sticks. These handcrafted and heavy candleholders are made around 1930 by H. v/d Heijden. With beautiful scro...
Brass
20th Century French in Enameled Sterling Silver Armor 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 19.5 cm high and depicts a 15th century French soldier with Jousting Lance and shield The wood square base is 7 cm high where there is an engraved label "Armatura Francese XV° Secolo" - "French Armour...
Sterling Silver