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.
Red Antique Persian Serapi Heriz Wool Hand Knotted Even Wear Rug 11'3"x15'3"
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
Bobyrug’s Nice Vintage Aubusson Style Jaquar Tapestry with Medieval Museum Desig
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of French heritage with this exquisite midcentury tapestry featuring the captivating "Dame à l'orgue" (The Lady at the Organ) design from the Angers museum. Adm...
Cotton, Wool
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
Large Pair of Medieval Style Wrought Iron Candelabras - Italy, 19th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Ornate pair of wrought-iron candle holders. Lovely scrolling and patterned iron work.
9'9"x12' Blue Afghan Ersari Turkish Knot Caucasian Motif Hand Knotted Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Yale Blue, Afghan Ersari with Turkish Knot, Antique Caucasian Motif, Vegetable Dyes, Densely Woven, Hand Knotted, Soft and Velvety Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: N...
Wool
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Leo The Great. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Leo The Great Illuminated Chromolithograph Published circa 1880 Unframed. Free shipping The measurement is the paper size
Paper
Large Spanish Wrought Iron Medieval Style Gate with Transom, Single Door C. 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
Dating to circa 1900, this large Spanish wrought iron gate is a visually stunning display of Medieval-style architecture. Consisting of thre...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Antique Gothic Wrought Iron Spiral Twist 56" Fireplace Mantel Fender Surround
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gothic/Arts & Crafts Wrought Iron Spiral Twist 56" Fireplace Mantel Fender Surround. Item features twisted finials, vintage scrolling central design, very nice antique it...
Wrought Iron
$680Sale Price|45% Off
Ornate Gothic Style Gilded Mirror with Cherub and Masks
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Dramatic Gothic style aged mirror having central cherub at the top, ornate frame and two mask like faces on each side. Mirror has natural spiderwebs and mercury with fabulous moody ...
Gesso, Wood
2'10"x9' Carob Brown Vintage Northwest Persian Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Carob Brown, Vintage Northwest Persian with Animal Figurines, Worn Down and Distressed, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Runner, Oriental Ru...
Wool
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
Antique Grotesque Monk Wall Candle Head in Plaster, Italy 1900s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A small sculptural candleholder for wall mount. A medieval style inspired painted plaster head depicting a monks head. Grotesque caricature with strong evil/dark features. It was mad...
Plaster
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
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
Antique Bronze Box from Belgium Gothic Style
Located in Miami, FL
Gothic Style, very detailed crafted antique bronze box. Marked underneath, made in Belgium. In original good condition. A-444-335
Bronze
Antique Renaissance Style Italian Fresco Of The Virgin & Child After The Master
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An Antique Renaissance style Italian fresco of the Virgin & child after the Master of the Gold Brocade. An iconic image of mother and child painted in oil onto a thick terracotta pa...
Terracotta
7'8"x10'1" Brown Overdyed Persian Design Hunting Scene All Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Mocha Brown, Overdyed Persian Design with Hunting Scene, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Distressed, Zero Pile, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Styl...
Wool
Antique Rare Pair of Tuscan Antiphonal Illuminated Leaves on Vellum 15th-16th C
Located in Doha, QA
A rare and visually striking pair of large-format antiphonal manuscript leaves, dating to the late 15th- early 16th century and likely originating from Tuscany, Italy. Executed on ve...
Animal Skin
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
Antique Italian Gothic Crucifix in Bronze Casting, Sculpture from the Early 1900
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Gothic Crucifix Sculpture in Bronze Casting, Italy, Early 1900s Majestic Gothic crucifix made in bronze casting at the beginning of the 20th century i...
Bronze
19th Century French Gothic Walnut Buffet
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Gothic Walnut Buffet is a refined expression of the style which is considered one of the oldest furniture styles from France, dating back to the mid-12th century....
Bronze
Antique Gothic Carved Limestone Font
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A beautifully carved antique limestone font circa 1840, decorated in the gothic style. Ornately carved at the hand of a talented 19th century stonemason...
Stone, Limestone
Antique Extremely Rare Judaica Tzedakah Synagoge Charity Box 16th Century
Located in Doha, QA
This 16th century Tzedakah Charity Box is an incredibly rare and unique museum quality piece. It’s made out of walnut wood and has an original 16th century silk material all over it from outside as well as in the inside, bronze plug in the front and the Star of David with two lions from the left and right side of the Star. There are also two round bronze handles to lift the box from both sides. The Tzedakah Box...
Metal
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
Large 17th Century French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Large 17th century French Gothic andirons made of wrought iron. The tops of the andirons consist of bull heads, which is characteri...
Wrought Iron
19th Century Spanish Walnut Wedding Coffer or Marriage Chest
Located in Winter Park, FL
An early 19th century Spanish Baroque style carved walnut marriage chest, or wedding coffer. Fine hand-carving with architectural elements typical of 18th century Baroque or Renaissa...
Walnut, Cast Iron
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
$1,207Sale Price|25% Off
6'1"x6'1" Dense Weave Hand Made Herati Fish Design Square 175 KPSI Wool&Silk Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Dense Weave Hand Knotted Herati Fish Design Square 175 KPSI Extra Soft Wool Red Oriental Rug. It has been woven for months and months in the cen...
Silk
16th Century Late Medieval Heraldic Encaustic Tile
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 445-year-old late medieval 16th century heraldic encaustic tile of Flemish origin (unmarked). Made from terracotta and glazed, this 6-inch antique tile is an excellent collector’s ...
Terracotta
Very Large and Rare Christ on the Cross ( height 130. cms ) 14th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Very large Christ on the Cross ( height 1,30 m), Painted and carved in the round in poplar wood. Some old traces of polychromy. Restorations to the fingers. but not recently. South...
Poplar
$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
3'1"x10' Beaver Brown Vintage Persian Hamadan Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Beaver Brown with Pink, Vintage Persian Hamadan with Geometric Pattern, Worn Out and Distressed, Zero Pile, Clean, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Wide Runner, Oriental Rug Primary material...
Wool
$4,672Sale Price|20% Off
8'x10'2" Brown Wool and Silk Mamluk Design with Star Medallion Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Lark Brown, Textured Wool and Silk, Mamluk Design with Star Medallion, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tradit...
Wool
17th C Style Roman Castle Giltwood Frieze Mirror By Gustav Carroll
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
17th C Style Roman Castle Giltwood Frieze Mirror By Gustav Carroll
Giltwood
Vintage Persian Serab Runner All Over Repetitive Design 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
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
Flemish 17th century Gothic carved oak table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Flemish 17th century carved oak table circa 1690. We are pleased to offer this 17th century table which was often called a rent table. Over-sailing solid oak top which has now been...
Oak
2'1"x3' Cypress Tree Design Silk With Textured Wool Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Cypress Tree Design Silk With Textured Wool Hand Knotted Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old Persian we...
Silk
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
18th Century Medieval Style Carved Oak Door or Panel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique 18th century medieval style carved oak door or panel; one of two similar for sale at UK Heritage. Previously used as a decorative panel and transformed into a door, this ...
Wood, Fruitwood, Oak, Pine
Indian Carved Sandstone Frieze of Lakshmi, Central India, 10th-11th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A large and impressive Indian carved sandstone architectural frieze featuring a central image of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi flanked by two atten...
Sandstone
17th Century French Oak Storage Trunk or linen chest with Exceptional Character
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A remarkable survivor from 17th‑century France, this oak linen chest. It embodies the strength, craftsmanship, and understated elegance of early provincial furniture. Built in an era...
Oak
$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
Pretty Vintage Aubusson Style médiéval design Jacquard Tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
very beautiful French Aubusson style tapestry, with a design of a medieval tapestries. This tapestry has been made in the renowned “La Filandière” manufacturing Beautiful colours w...
Wool, Cotton
19th Century French Gothic Forged Iron Six Candles Chandelier
Located in Paris, FR
Large decorative forged iron chandelier, late 19th century. Forged in France, circa 1890, the large chandelier can receive 6 candles (candles not provided). On wavy shapes, the chand...
Iron
c.1860–1880 Pair of Gothic Revival Bronze Church Candlesticks, France, 16.5in
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Impressive pair of 19th century bronze candlesticks executed in the Gothic Revival style, likely of French or Northern European origin. These sculptural candlesticks feature an archi...
Bronze
Rare Monumental Late Gothic Solid Wrought Iron Castle Door with Original Key
Located in Doha, QA
An extraordinary and exceptionally rare monumental solid wrought-iron castle door, hand forged during the Late Gothic period and retaining its complete original construction. Measuri...
Wrought 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
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
3'3"x9'6" Umber Brown Antique Persian Baluch Pure Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Umber Brown, Antique Persian Baluch, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Professionally Cleaned, Even Wear, Sides and Ends Secured, Wide Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No P...
Wool
$1,147 / 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
16th-17th Century German Gothic 'Religious Theme' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
16th-17th century German Gothic fireback with a religious theme. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewter. The con...
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
$800Sale Price|20% Off
An Architectural Model of a Gothic Pinnacle France
Located in Chonburi, TH
This architectural model is a stunning representation of a Gothic pinnacle from France, standing at an impressive height of 51 cm. Crafted with meticul...
Oak
Gothic Style Iron Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine Hand Hammered Iron Chandelier in the Gothic style. Extraordinary iron work. 16 lights. France, circa 1890. Dimensions: Height 51" Diameter 44" CW5203
Iron
An Impressive 18th Century Painted Parchment Armorial
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
An Impressive 18th Century Painted Parchment Armorial Height: 260cm Width: 185cm Provenance: Private Melbourne collection.
Parchment Paper
Antique Heraldic Cast Iron Fireback with Fleur-de-Lis and Lion Shields, 17th C.
Located in Haarlem, Noord-Holland
Antique Heraldic Cast Iron Fireback with Fleur-de-Lis and Lion Shields, 18th Century Antique European cast iron fireback featuring a classical pediment form with fleur-de-lis cross,...
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
$5,648Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Six Antique Italian 17th-18th Century Rocchetto Chairs
Located in Milano, IT
A rare and elegant set of six antique Italian chairs dating back to the 17th-18th centuries, crafted with exceptional artisan skill. These chairs are a magnificent example of the Roc...
Leather, Wood
Rare Late Gothic Carved Oak Bench Coffer (Stollentruhe) Ca.1480
Located in Doha, QA
A remarkable and exceptionally sculptural Late Gothic carved oak bench coffer (Stollentruhe) dating from the late 15th to the early 16th century, most likely originating from Austria...
Iron