Skip to main content

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.

14
1,690
24
7
to
474
1,075
630
1,721
1,711
1,715
155,091
70,160
31,714
28,779
13,884
8,933
8,712
8,657
7,879
7,610
6,176
6,059
5,262
4,796
4,729
4,518
3,941
3,021
293
347
1,050
31
220
691
84
56
17
54
17
18
27
549
48
6
7
774
734
554
338
325
760
734
688
670
334
23
3
3
2
2
Style: Medieval
Returnable Items Only
Red Soft Wool Hand Knotted Old Persian Heriz Abrash Sides and Ends Secured 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 Vintage Persian Heriz Organic Wool Sides and Ends Cleaned 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

Airbnb Red Vintage Persian Heriz Cleaned Abrash Sides and Ends 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

Red Hand Knotted Vintage Persian Heriz Evenly Worn Pure Wool Worn Down 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

Orange Vintage Heriz Persian Design Abrash Clean 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

Red Vintage Persian Heriz Design Rustic Look Clean Abrash 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

Crimson Red Distressed Look Natural Wool Hand Knotted Vintage Persian Heriz 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

Chili Red Vintage Persian Heriz Clean Hand Knotted Pure Wool Distressed Look 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

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...
Category

1920s Indian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Red Natural Wool Vintage Persian Heriz Hand Knotted Sides and Ends 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...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Byzantine Style Large, Substantial Silver Five Fold Cross Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Byzantine style large, substantial antique silver Five-Fold cross pendant with an oval faceted garnet glass center, granulation, silver wire decoration and a circular chased bale. 19th Century The five-fold cross is symbolic of the five wounds of Christ, Christ and the four quarters of the world and Christ and the four evangelists. It is also known as Cross and Crosslets and has been the emblem and coat of arms of the Kingdom of Jerusalem since the thirteenth century. Large Byzantine style statement crosses...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Silver

Red All Wool Hand Knotted Vintage Persian Heriz Sides and Ends Secured 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

Red Hand Knotted Abrash Vintage Persian Heriz Sides and Ends Cleaned 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

A Pair of Antique Bronze Gothic Style Candlesticks
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A great pair of bronze gothic style candles. The set dates from circa 1890. Origin: France The candlesticks are in good condition with minor signs of use. One of the candles has ...
Category

1880s French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

A Matched Pair of Gold Earrings
Located in London, GB
A matched pair of gold earrings, each made of a wire elongated hoop culminating with a teardrop turquoise cabochon. The bottom half of the loop is decorated with three rows of gold b...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Gold

Antique Byzantine Style Sterling Silver Amethyst Cross Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Fine antique sterling silver Byzantine style hand crafted organically shaped cross pendant with a rectangular amethyst center framed by two rows of granulation work, the arms decorat...
Category

19th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

17th Century Antique Fireback / Backsplash Dated 1617
Located in Haarlem, Noord-Holland
Amazing French cast Iron fireback or backsplash. Showing IHS (Jezus the Savior of Humanity) or In Hoc Signo (In this sign will you win)) inside a beautiful wreath suspended by two angels, this all between two tall rounded pillars. This fireback is dated 1617. The fireback has a crack on the left side, see picture. Sold by Schermerhorn Antique Fireplaces Our vast collection of antique fireplaces and mantels...
Category

Early 17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Unique 16th Century Antique Fireback, Biblical Wine Feast
Located in Haarlem, Noord-Holland
Beautifully decorated antique fireback or "ofenplatte". This used to be one of the sides of an antique stove made from several decorated firebacks. B...
Category

16th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

A Heavy Black Wrought Iron Blacksmith made Fireplace Club Fender Brutalist Form
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A heavy form wrought iron club fender with tan leather padded seats. An incredible individual handmade piece, probably a commission piece or an estate made piece. The piece is made ...
Category

Early 20th Century European Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Maitland Smith Alligator Candle Holders
Located in Jupiter, FL
Alligator candleholders by Maitland Smith. In beautiful condition and great conversational decor.
Category

Mid-20th Century Philippine Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Set of Six Vintage Paintings with Minstrel Scenes from the Manesse Song Manuscri
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Six Vintage Paintings with Minstrel Scenes from the Manesse Song Manuscript A set of six paintings depicting minstrel scenes from the mane...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

An English Firescreen in The Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
An unusual wrought iron fireguard in the Gothic style. The arched feet surmounted by heavy chainmail mesh and finials above. English, 19th century. Could be polished if required. Ad...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Chandelier Pendant Wrought Iron Wood Gothic Style French Design 1940s
Located in Palermo, IT
Particular Gothic style chandelier made of wrought iron and wood. Made in France in the 1940s. Note: We try to offer our customers an excellent service even in shipments all over t...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

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...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Unknown Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

1920s French Terracotta Bust by Saint-Clément Copy of Settignanos Laughing Boy
Located in COLMAR, FR
A lovely terracotta bust of a child made by the famous french pottery producer, Saint-Clément. Undated but most likely from the 1920/30s, the bust was part of the "Terre Cuite d'Art"...
Category

1920s French Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

French 17th Century Gothic Period Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th century French gothic andirons - fire dogs made of wrought iron. They have spit hooks to grill meat or poultry.
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Alabaster high relief, Spain 14th century
Located in PARIS, FR
Alabaster plate in high relief illustrating a forgeron working on a metal object (a helmet?). A young woman is in front of him holding in her left hand an ovoid vase or reliquary tha...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Spanish Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Alabaster

Late 19th Century Wooden Door with Gothic Style Arch Detail
Located in Atlanta, GA
Late 19th Century Wooden Door with Gothic Style Arch Detail
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

An antique bronze scale model of an 18th century cannon on a hardwood base c1920
Located in Central England, GB
This superb finely detailed model of an 18th century cannon is very well engineered. It has large distinctive front spoked wheels with studded tra...
Category

Early 20th Century British Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Chainmail Head Cover (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A vintage chainmail head cover. Hat block not included. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF MANUFACTURE 20th c. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Metal. CONDITION Good. Wear co...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Medieval Furniture

Materials

Metal

HUGE Pair of 13-Light Handforged Wrought Iron Castle Chandeliers w. Gothic Crown
Located in Lisse, NL
Largest ever pair of Medieval Style chandeliers, over 5 feet tall. With 20th century lighting as one of our specialities we have seen and sold all kinds of light fixtures, but never...
Category

20th Century European Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron, Metal

Antique Victorian Oak Fireplace
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A beautifully crafted antique Victorian oak fireplace. This impressive fire surround dates from circa 1900. Its simple yet elegant design has stood the test of time, with its surface...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak

Early 19th Century French Wrought Iron Hobnail Studded Safe Dated 1838
Located in Dallas, TX
Keep your valuables and documents in this important antique hobnail safe. Manufactured by Magaud de Charf in Clermont, France, the monumental wrought iron safe is decorated with nail head motifs on all four sides and has an all-original, working mechanism. The front door is further decorated with two large hinges on the sides, and further embellished with a bronze plaque on the top which reads: "Doumaux Jeune a Clermont 1838". The inside opens to reveal an amazing lock mechanism and a large storage compartment. To open the safe, you first need to find and locate the nail which will activate and open the key latch on the right. Next, place the two large keys in each key hole one at a time and turn them in a certain order to open the safe; when opened, the inside reveals three wooden drawers over a bottom shelf which lifts up for underneath storage. (A video will be sent to the buyer if needed). The large and heavy hobnail studded safe...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique Gothic Oak & Brass Communion Shelf 19thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Gothic Oak and Scrolled Brass Communion Shelf 19thC Measures- 35.5''H x 24.25''W x 15.25''D
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of 15th Century Iron Door Straps from France
Located in Dallas, TX
Known in French as a "penture", this pair of irons date to approximately the late 15th century. They come from a lot of door and shutter hardware that...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

European Religious Bronze Sculpture Fragment on 19th Century Marble Pedestal
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Religious Bronze Fragment Sculpture on a 19th Century Column Marble Pedestal. These two object have been "married" later, meaning they were two separate items put together at a later...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique Oscar Bach Figural Bronze Gothic Renaissance Wall Mirror With Fountain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Oscar Bach Figural Bronze Gothic Renaissance Wall Mirror With Fountain. Item features a unique cast bronze figural fountain face to center of mir...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique Fully Restored Gothic Pugin Style Brown Leather Studded Console Table
By Pugin
Located in GB
We are delighted to this absolutely stunning one of a kind Gothic Pugin style hand studded brown leather console table with single drawer This...
Category

1840s English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Leather, Oak

16th Century English Carved Limestone Lion Statue
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An English hand carved limestone lion statue possibly dating from as early as the 16th century. Made at the hand of a talented artisan, the limestone is detailed with tooling and chisel marks made by the maker throughout, depicting a small lion in a 'sejant' seated position. Though weathered throughout the ages, this 400-500 year old carving has stood the test of time, with details of the lion’s mane, paws and face recognisable to this very day. An antique artefact...
Category

16th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone, Limestone

Antique Early Romanesque Gothic Architectural Tabernacle Niche Door
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce antique ecclesiastical architectural hand carved and painted wooden church - cathederal tabernacle door. 18th century or earlier, early Medieval European Romanesque Gothic style, facade with elaborate arched header atop partial quartfoil, hinged tabernacle door panel which would have opened to important religious niche...
Category

18th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Polychrome Terra Cotta Architecturals or Wall Consoles, France, C. 1850
Located in Dallas, TX
Recently discovered in a secluded private chapel nestled within the enchanting Loire Valley in central France, this remarkable pair of mid-19th century polychrome terra cotta archite...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Mid-Century French Gothic Wrought Iron Six Light Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
This intricate antique iron light fixture was forged in France circa 1960. Round in shape, the Gothic chandelier features scrolled decor un...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Fine Quality Retired Swarovski Crystal Faceted Jet Hematite Skull Figurine
Located in Tustin, CA
Beautifully and expertly hand made in Austria, finest quality Swarovski Crystal Jet Hematite faceted crystal skull with ruthenium finish metal accents on the face and base. Skull fea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Early 20th Century Gilt Spelter Small Bust Jesus Christ
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A small antique bust of Jesus Christ. Made of gilded spelter (zinc alloy). On a black marble plinth. No signature. Minor wear to the gilt patina. Dimensions: 14 (h) x 6 x 6 cm Free...
Category

1920s French Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Marble, Spelter

Single Wrought Iron Medieval Style Wall Sconce
Located in Dallas, TX
Resembling a Medieval-style castle torch, this single wrought iron wall sconce blends functionality with a unique aesthetic appeal. An expansive saucer bobeche encompassed within a b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Medieval Furniture

Materials

Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron

Set of Three Vintage Paintings with People in Rococo Costumes
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Three Vintage Paintings with People in Rococo Costumes A set of three paintings depicting two noble ladies and a noble man in Rococo costumes. Handpainted in Germany ca. 1950...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century French Gothic Style Hand Carved Walnut Cabinet or Credenza
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late nineteenth century French Gothic style cabinet is constructed of solid walnut and features hand carved detailing of Gothic motifs on all of its forward facing panels, doors...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Painted Oak Gothic Medieval 4 Panel Room Divider Folding Screen 80"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage gothic / medieval four panel room divider screen. Made of red painted oak featuring reticulated turned spindle design with figural kings and noblemen plaques at the center, ...
Category

Late 20th Century Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak, Paint

A Carved English Stone Fireplace
Located in London, GB
A carved stone English fireplace in the Gothic manner. The jambs with panels carved with scrolled foliage throughout surmounted by end blocking with carved cartouche and shell. The f...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Victorian Green Man Gothic Carved Oak Hall Stand
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Victorian green man gothic carved oak hall stand This is a handsome piece, it is carved in oak, with 8 turned wooden coat hooks The upper sect...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Large Unglazed Gothic Antique Arched Door
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Standing at almost 3m tall, this huge unglazed antique gothic door dates from the early 19th century. Purportedly, it was taken from Rugby School i...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Pine

Vintage Danish Oak Stool with Lambskin, ca 1900s
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Oak Stool with Lambskin, ca 1900s. Antique stool in solid oak from Denmark early 20th century. Inspired by the medieval or viking era. Probably used as a footstool or a childrens bench...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Medieval Furniture

Materials

Lambskin, Oak

French 17th Century Solid Oak Extending Dining Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A robust, solid oak extending dining table hand-crafted in 17th century France circa 1680. Gnarled knots, beautiful grain, and an incredible range of textures give the thick tabletop...
Category

17th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak

Carved Throne Armchair in Gothic Style, France, 20th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique; Throne; Gothic Style; Medieval; 19th century; 20th century; France; Brutalist; Eclectic Design; Carved throne armchair in leather and dark wood from 20th century France. D...
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Metal

Circa 1900 Pair Of Lion Motif Andirons
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Nice pair of circa 1900's cast iron Lion motif andirons in very good original condition. They have recently been repainted.
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

A Heavy French Panelled Oak Coffer
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Heavy French Panelled Oak Coffer The chest has 2 moulded panels on the front and 1 more on each side with a carrying handle This is a very heavy piece it is made from solid Oak The top of the box has a planked and moulded edge and it has a large lidded candle box inside This good rustic piece has been waxed and is in good sound condition for its age, it has blacksmith made hinges and handles The Coffer measures 56’’ wide...
Category

Early 1800s Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Bronze Door Knocker with Gargoyle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
European solid Bronze Gargoyle Door knocker - the piece is very large at 11" tall and weighs 5 pounds. Gargoyles are symbolic of protection - this grotesque but wonderful sculptu...
Category

20th Century European Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Set of Six Wrought Iron Wall Lights in the Gothic Style. Circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This set of six wall lights is all made of wrought iron. This is a French heavy work. Circa 1950
Category

1950s French Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

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.

Recently Viewed

View All