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Medieval Furniture

MEDIEVAL STYLE

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.

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Style: Medieval
Period: Mid-20th Century
Hand Knotted, Ivory, Vintage Persian Kerman, Distressed Look, Worn 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

New Persian Karabakh with a Flower Bouquet Hand Knotted Natural 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Worn Wool, Cropped Thin, Hand Knotted, Faded Red, Vintage Persian Kerman 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Brick Red Antique Persian Sarouk Full Pile Clean and Soft, 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...
Category

1930s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Hand Knotted, Ivory, Vintage, Persian Kerman, Distressed Look, Worn 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Large Wrought Iron Wall Sconce, French, circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This decorative single large wall light is made of wrought iron. This is a French work, circa 1950.
Category

1950s French Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Vintage Blue Overdyed Skull Rug Inspired by Alexander McQueen
By Alexander McQueen, Wunderkammer Studio
Located in Dallas, TX
80431, distressed vintage Calavera Sugar Skull rug Inspired by Alexander McQueen. Drawing inspiration from Alexander McQueen, Día de los Muertos, and Disney'...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Old Gray Persian Shiraz with Triple Medallion Worn Down 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Red Persian Qashqai Cropped Thin Pile Hand Knotted Natural 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage and Worn Down Distressed Colors Persian Shiraz Hand Knotted Bohemian 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Gallery Size Overdyed Persian Malayer Worn Wool Handknotted 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage And Worn Down Distressed Colors Persian Shiraz Hand Knotted Bohemian 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Hand Knotted Vintage Yellow Persian Serab with Serrated Medallions Worn 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Sheared Low Areas of Wear Hand Knotted Clean Wool Persian Serab Red 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Red Handmade Persian Qashqai Vintage Worn Down Bohemian 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Semi Antique Brown Persian Shiraz Clean Abrash Hand Knotted Natural 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Semi Antique Beige Persian Shiraz Worn Down Clean Hand Knotted Organic 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Tan Color Old Persian Shiraz with Triple Medallion Design 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Semi Antique Deep Red Persian Shiraz 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Bohemian Red Persian Shiraz Handmade Wool Old Distressed Gallery Size 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Red Shabby Chic Old Persian Tabriz Medallion Design 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Red Shabby Chic Old Persian Tabriz Medallion Design 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

2nd Amendment Vintage Overdyed Rug
By Wunderkammer Studio, Alexander Sturm
Located in Dallas, TX
80386 2nd Amendment Vintage Overdyed Rug. Showcasing an esoteric design and artful craftsmanship, this vintage overdyed rug has been given a twist. The controversial pistol pattern and atmospheric colorway woven into this piece work together creating a truly one-of-a-kind look. A faded backdrop sets the scene cultivating a thought-provoking focal point with a multifaceted impact open to the viewer's interpretation of the 2nd amendment. Regardless if hung on the wall in a gun club or placed on the floor in a shooting range, this gun rug...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Beige Vintage and Worn Down Persian Qashqai Pure Wool Hand Knotted 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Colorful Vintage and Worn Down Persian Karabakh Hand Knotted 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Natural Colors Old and Worn Down Persian Shiraz Hand Knotted 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Natural Colors Old and Worn Down Persian Qashqai Pure 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Pendant "Cibulak", Czechoslovakia, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in the Czech Republic. Made of brass and glass. Brass shows some signs of use, such as scratch marks.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage Turkish Oushak Area Rug with Luxe Medieval Style, Wide Hallway Runner
Located in Dallas, TX
72689 vintage Turkish Oushak area rug with Luxe Medieval style, wide hallway runner. Immersed in Anatolian history, rich detail and dramatic colors, this hand-knotted wool vintage Ou...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Distressed Vintage Skull Steampunk Style Area Rug Inspired by Alexander McQueen
Located in Dallas, TX
80434 Distressed Vintage Skull Steampunk Style Area Rug Inspired by Alexander McQueen. Unconventional elements, like this hand-knotted wool distressed vi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Pair of Cast Iron Andirons Representing an Evangelist, French, circa 1940
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of cast iron andirons represents an Evangelist. They are French, circa 1940.
Category

1940s French Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Gothic Chandelier Pendant Hexagon Witco Style
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Great period piece of modern Medieval lighting. Faux hewn wood in hexagon form. Metal shades supported with metal crown stantions. Center spot light for nice downlighting. Source fro...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Medieval Furniture

Materials

Metal

Vintage Bronze Gothic Style Lecturn/Music Stand By Maitland Smith
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Patinated Bronze Gothic Style Lecturn/Music Stand by Maitland Smith This vintage patinated bronze Gothic style lectern/music stand by Maitland Smith is a stunning blend of a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

9'6"x12'5" Dim Gray Overdyed Hand Knotted Vintage Persian Kerman Soft Wool 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

9'10"x13' Gray All Natural Wool Hand Knotted Overdyed Vintage Kerman Clean 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

4'x6'2" Ivory Organic Wool Evenly Worn Mint Condition Clean Persian Vintage Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Vintage Persian Tabriz, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craftsmans...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

3'9"x6'1" Ivory Pure Wool Hand Knotted Faded Out Worn Down Persian Vintage Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Vintage Persian Tabriz, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craftsmans...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

7'2"x12'5" Blue All Wool Hand Knotted Overdyed Erased Vintage Persian Kerman 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

9'8"x12'10" Blue Hand Knotted Worn Pile Pure Wool Vintage Persian Kerman 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

9'7"x13'1" Blue Worn Down Hand Knotted Wool Overdyed Vintage Persian Kerman 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

9'8"x13'3" Jet Gray Vintage Persian Kerman All 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

4'x7' Gray Faded Design Worn Wool Hand Knotted Clean Vintage Persian Kerman 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

9'3"x12'6" Gray Overdyed Worn Wool Hand Knotted Vintage Persian Kerman 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Hand Forged Iron 4 Candle Candelabra Designed in the brutalist Gothic style
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Hand Forged Iron 4 Candle Candelabra Designed in the brutalist Gothic style, the candlestick is very heavy, and stable it is 6” tall, 12” in long and 6L wide TZX143
Category

1960s Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

1960s Wrought Iron Castle Chandelier
Located in Pueblo, CO
Large wrought iron chandelier fit for your castle, hand wrought iron with beautiful hammered bronze finish, six fixture, with original medallion and 14" of chain.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

9'x19'4" Barn Red Antique Persian Sarouk Rare Gallery Size 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...
Category

1930s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

2'1"x5'9" White Wool Hand Knotted White Wash Vintage Tabriz 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

2'1"x5'9" Vista White Hand Knotted Pure Wool Vintage Persian Tabriz 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

2'6"x10' Ivory Vintage Persian Tabriz Hand Knotted Worn Pure 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

5'3"x8'6" Red Vintage Persian Bakthiar Hand Knotted Pure Wool Clean 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...
Category

1950s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

8'10"x12'4" Gray All Wool Sheared Low Vintage Hand Knotted Tabriz 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

6'3"x9'3" Vulcan Black Hand Knotted Tabriz Evenly Worn Shiny 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

9'6"x12'4" Gray Pure Wool Vintage Hand Knotted Persian Tabriz Clean 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

9'10"x12'6" Sceptre Red Pure Wool Vintage Persian Heriz 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

8'9"x10'10" Upsdell Red Soft Wool Semi Antique Nomad Art Worn Down 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

10'x12'8" Fire Brick Red With Asphalt Black Border Vintage Heriz 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

7'9"x10'9" Ruby Red Geometric Medallion Old Persian Heriz 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Medieval furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include rugs and carpets, building and garden elements, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wool and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Asia, and West Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Arval Argenti Valenza, Edward F. Caldwell & Co., and Aeterna Furniture. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $30 and tops out at $275,000 while the average work can sell for $1,886.

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