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.
Italian Gothic Brass Glass Travertine Marble Drinks, Side or End Tables, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A very special and stunning pair of Italian brass or bronze, glass, and travertine marble end or side tables with detailed Italian Gothic architecture bronze/brass frame, circa mid-2...
Travertine, Marble, Brass, Bronze
Spanish Gueridon Drinks Occasional Low Side Table in Wrought Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Elegant wrought iron low round coffee table or occasional table drinks table. Spain, 1940s This drink table stands up on four scrolled legs supported on iron balls . The top is heavi...
Wrought Iron, Iron
Gothic Revival Table with Drawbridge Drawer
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
A striking medieval-style cabinet table, evocative of Gothic Revival design, combining rustic character with architectural presence. Crafted from solid oak, the piece features a paneled front door framed in iron banding and fitted with a hand-forged latch, lending an authentic, fortress-like appeal. Decorative iron chain accents on each side enhance its period-inspired aesthetic while reinforcing its robust construction. The cabinet form opens via a "drawbridge" door to reveal convenient interior storage, making it as functional as it is visually compelling. It rests on a stepped plinth base, adding weight and grounding to the overall silhouette. The warm, time-worn patina of the wood contrasts beautifully with the darkened iron hardware, emphasizing its old-world charm. Perfect as an end table, nightstand, or accent piece, this unique work brings a sense of history and craftsmanship to any interior—ideal for Tudor...
Metal
$3,050 / item
H 20 in W 12 in D 10 in
Untitled Side Table 2.0 Blackened Brass Small Round Accent, End or Drink Tray
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in matte blackened finish with recessed hex-head fasteners. The suspended lever design is a play on lightness and visual illusion in a solid metallic form. Petit...
Brass
$3,000Sale Price|37% Off
H 29 in Dm 27 in
Neoclassical Bronze and Marble Empire style Gueridon Table, Two-Tier
Located in Montreal, Quebec
A classic French bronze and black marble two-tiered round gueridon table on scrolled legs with paw feet on castors. A round black marble top is encircled by a decorative bronze band. The legs are joined by an openwork triangular bronze crosspiece, with large acorn at the centre. The legs support a second black marble shelf...
Marble, Bronze
$1,500 / item
H 20 in W 13 in D 13 in
'Diagramme' Wrought Iron and Travertine Drink Table by Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Diagramme' wrought iron and travertine drink table by Design Frères. Chic blackened wrought iron frame contrasting with cream travertine t...
Travertine, Wrought Iron
$3,300 / item
H 20 in W 12 in D 10 in
Untitled Side Table 2.0 Polished Brass Small Round Accent, End or Drink Tray
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass with recessed hex-head fasteners. The suspended lever design is a play on lightness and visual illusion in a solid metallic form. Petite sized to pull up next to...
Brass
Martini Side Table in Wrought Iron, Art Deco style, in stock
Located in Miami, FL
Martini Side Table in Wrought Iron, Art Deco style, in stock Hammered and forged iron Hand Made in France Warm black patina that gives it a timeless aesthetic. Available as pair, pr...
Wrought Iron
$1,800
H 20 in W 20 in D 20 in
Large Mid Century Italian Post Modern Travertine Marble Cube Table or End Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A simple modern cube table from Italy circa 1970's. It features thick cream colored travertine construction. Heavy slab construction.
Travertine
Pair of Brass and Glass End or Side Tables
Located in Redding, CT
Pair of Hollywood Regency Brass and Glass end tables with mirrored bottom shelves. Art deco 1980's post modern style. These...
Brass
$3,125 / item
H 20 in W 8.5 in D 12 in
Untitled Side Table Polished Unlacquered Brass Small Accent, End or Drink Stand
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined polished unlacquered brass with recessed hex-head fasteners. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change and patina for the better with time and use. P...
Brass
$2,800 / item
H 20 in W 8.5 in D 12 in
Untitled Side Table Matte Blackened Brass Small Accent, End or Drink Stand
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined matte blackened brass with recessed hex-head fasteners. "Matte Blackened Brass" is a heavily textured, roughened finish with tool markings and edge-wearing to invoke t...
Brass
$3,300 / item
H 20 in W 8.5 in D 12 in
Untitled Side Table 1.0 "Smoke" Patinated Brass Small Accent, End or Drink Stand
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in "Smoke" acid patina with recessed hex-head fasteners. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change and patina for the better with time and use....
Brass
$3,300 / item
H 20 in W 8.5 in D 12 in
Untitled Side Table 1.0 Dark Patinated Brass Small Accent, End or Drink Stand
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined brass in dark patianted brass patina with recessed hex-head fasteners. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change and patina for the better with time ...
Brass
A pair of Rene Prou Wrought iron side table
By René Prou
Located in London, GB
A rare pair of Rene Prou Wrought iron side table
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 29 in W 15.5 in D 27 in
Antique American Victorian Gothic Style Carved Walnut Parlor Side Table 27"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 19th century Victorian parlor side table. Features a rectangular form with bobbin-turned supports around a central shelf with a Gothic-cut apron. The table has four trophy-sha...
Walnut
Sold
H 24.02 in W 18.12 in D 13.98 in
Stunning Antique Hardwood Gothic Pugin Style Serpentine Fronted Side End Table
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique Gothic Pugin style side end table in mahogany A good looking well made and decorative side table...
Hardwood
Sold
H 25.5 in Dm 15.5 in
Early 20th Century French Polished Twisted Wrought Iron Martini Pedestal Table
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant, antique Gothic pedestal table was crafted in Southern France, circa 1920. The intricate martini table features a forged central pedestal stem embellished with a spun knob over turned decor, with three curved legs ending with flat feet. The serving table is topped with a flat round surface with a small lip...
Iron
Gothic Style Round Side or Occasional Table, Circa 1880
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Late 19th century Gothic style round occasional side table. Beautiful rich wood with ornately carved decorated sides, the curved legs hold this table in many settings or rooms of yo...
Oak
Sold
H 23.63 in W 13 in D 12.6 in
Unmatching Pair of Spanish Drinks Tables or Side Tables in Gilt Iron, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gothic style hand forged gilt iron Guéridon or pedestal tables standing on tripod bases, Spain, 1930s-1940s. These Martini table stand up on three-footed bases. Both handcrafted in ...
Metal, Gold Leaf, Iron
Sold
H 34 in W 28 in D 16.25 in
Antique French Carved Walnut Gothic End Sofa Table Cabinet Renaissance Marble
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique French carved walnut Gothic end sofa table cabinet Renaissance marble ~Direct from France~ ~Lovely and versatile antique French gothic cabinet...
Marble
Gilt Iron Drinks Table or End Table with Twisted Edged Top
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gothic style hand-hammered gilt iron guéridon or pedestal table with twisted edged top standing on a tripod base, Spain, 1930s. This Martini table stands on a three-footed baseand i...
Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron, Iron
Gothic Style Oval Side Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Gothic-inspired six-leg oval side table with drawers, burl wood inlays, with a stretcher base. Dimensions: 26" W x 18" D x 28" H.
Wood
Early 20th Century French Forged and Polished Iron Martini Pedestal Table
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant, antique Gothic pedestal table was crafted in Southern France, circa 1920. The intricate martini table stands on three forged legs embellished with acanthus leaves, over...
Iron
Spanish Gueridon Drinks Occassional Low Side Table in Gilt Wrought Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Elegant wrought gilt iron low round coffee table or occassional table drinks table. Spain, 1920s This drink table stands up on four scrolled legs supported on iron balls . The top i...
Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron, Iron
Early 20th Century French Forged and Polished Iron Martini Pedestal Table
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant, antique Gothic pedestal table was crafted in Southern France, circa 1920. The intricate martini table stands on three forged curved legs ending with scrolled feet, over...
Iron
Early 20th Century French Forged and Polished Iron Martini Pedestal Table
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant, antique Gothic pedestal table was crafted in Southern France, circa 1920. The intricate martini table stands on three forged legs ending with flat feet, over a central ...
Iron