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.
Antique French Gothic Server Sideboard Console Table 2-Tier Walnut Marble Top
Located in Tyler, TX
HIGHLY CARVED Antique French RENAISSANCE REVIVAL Marble Top Highly Carved Walnut Console, Sofa Table, Sideboard or Server~~c. 1890s Original "rouge" marble top, two drawers with key...
Walnut
$680Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Gustav Stickley Tobey School Oak Gothic Cut Out Taboret Stand C1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Gustav Stickley Tobey School Oak Gothic Cut Out Taboret Stand C1900 Measures - 18"H x 12"W x 12"D This oak taboret stand, in the manner of Gustav Stickley Tobey, features a G...
Oak
A Medieval Revival Entrance/ Accent Table
Located in Pomona, CA
A Medieval Revival Entrance/ Accent Table. Beautifully carved pedestal legs with faces on 3 sides of each leg. Below the faces are carved Acanthus leaf decoration. The multi-arched s...
Walnut
Obsidian Seraphim – Hand-carved Modern Gothic Rococo Console w/ Bezel Set Stone
By Realm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Drawing influence from baroque and rococo design, the Obsidian Seraphim console table takes Ezekiel’s description of the seraphim and twists it into a biomorphic sculpture that undul...
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
21th Century Italian Table, Chess Board, Chess Game Gold /Silver plated brass
Located in VALENZA, IT
Chess table and chess game in bronze and brass made with the ancient casting technique. After the casting, the finishing was chiseled and subsequently silvered and finished with 24-k...
Brass, Bronze
19th Century Farmhouse Gothic Oak Refectory Table This is a large piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Farmhouse Gothic Oak Refectory Table This is a large piece, made in solid Oak, the table has hefty 6” bulbous carved oak legs and a solid Oak top, it will seat 8 din...
Oak
Celtic Gothic Oak Clover Leaf Table Elizabethan-Style Celtic Gothic Oak
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Celtic Gothic Oak Clover Leaf Table Elizabethan-Style Celtic Gothic Oak Clover Top Table, an enchanting piece Made in solid Oak in sound attractive...
Oak
Spanish Drinks Table / Side Table / Gueridon in Wrought Iron, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Elegant Gothic style hand-hammered iron round gueridon table standing on a tripod base. Spain, 1940s. This wrought iron black painted table has twisted details at the steam and the t...
Iron, Wrought Iron
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 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
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...
Wood, Oak
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
Oxalis Cocktail Stand – Modern Gothic Handcrafted Pedestal Base Side Table
By Realm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Drawing influence from gothic architecture and design, the Oxalis collection encapsulates the studio's concept of medieval modern design. Likening our current era to the feudal dark ...
Copper
Rustic Antique Double Pedestal Banquet Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Rustic Antique Double Pedestal Banquet Table was literally designed to last for centuries! Utilizing thick planks and beams of solid old-growth elm wood, the artisans who crafted it...
Elm
Important Burr & Burl Gothic Antique Dressing Table with Polished Brass Fittings
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare and important, Museum quality, Gothic style Antique Burr & Burl Walnut Dressing table with...
Mirror, Walnut
Celtic Carved Oak Occasional Table, 19th Century Gothic Antique
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Celtic Carved Oak Occasional Table A charming Carved Oak Occasional Table, it has a carved border along the top edge with a carved apron to the front and more carving to the main f...
Oak
Small Drinks Table / Side Table / Martini Table in Wrought Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Side Table, Wrought Iron Small Spanish Gilt Iron Drinks Table Gueridon, End or Side Table. Manufactured in Spain, 1940s. This pedestal table has a wavy edged top heavily decored by the Hammer work. It stands on a tripod base with scroll ended feet and a beatiful twisting decorative detail at the central part of the stem. Terrific aged patina with rusty accents. Its eclectic design mixing Gothic and Brutalist accents marks the difference. Use it as small side table, candle stand, cocktails table, smokers table or occasional table for parties around the sofa and display it with other Martini tables in different sizes to create a set. Measures: 45 cm H x 27,7 cm W x 25 cm D Diameter of the top: 20,5 cm We have other drinks tables in this style in case that you need a pair or a set. Spanish Wrought Iron Table...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Gothic Revival Oak Side Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
Gothic Style, Carved Oak Table, rectangular shaped top with decorative gadroon edge. Single fitted drawer to one side. Four barley twist turned legs with barley twist center stretc...
Oak
Circa Late 17th Century Carved Oak Lectern in Original Condition
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A rare and intricately carved Oak Lectern in original condition. In a very dark black-brown stain. The separately made top with a slant front opening to compartments and with a carve...
Oak
Swiss 15th Century Chip-Carved Center Table - Cabinet
Located in Troy, NY
Unique and very rare piece with a rustic appearance and double function as table and / or cabinet, finished on all sides and can be freestanding. The front decorated with geometric c...
Walnut, Pine
Gothic James Mont Style Green Cerused Oak Pedestal Dining Table by Enkeboll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Gothic James Mont Style Green Cerused Oak Pedestal Dining Table by Enkeboll. Item features (2) leaves, green cerused oak finish, heavy reeded column form double pedestal base...
Oak
Vintage Boho 19th Century Carved Octagon Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This substantial octagonal pedestal table is a magnificent example of late 19th-century craftsmanship, displaying the complex, dramatic carving typical of the Gothic and Renaissance ...
Oak, Walnut
Massive 19th Century French Elm and Oak Trestle Table
Located in Troy, NY
Massive 19th Century French Elm and Oak Trestle Table of unusual Design, with half-round ends and a Medieval Look, probably made at the end of the 19th century. The almost 3.5 inch t...
Elm, Oak
Large Gothic Artisan Handwrought Iron and Glass Coffee Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Impressive, Gothic influenced, artisan blacksmith made, coffee table circa 1940s features a handwrought, iron x base with 3/4 inch thick glass top. The Nicos Zographos swivel chair s...
Wrought Iron
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
Gothic Carved Oak Credence Table, Celtic Design, Antique, 32\" Wide
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Carved Oak Credence Table A Charming piece known as a credence table as it has such an unusual shape with a single drawer, this and the side panels have a Celtic style carvin...
Oak
English Gothic Pedestal Column Garden Stone Table
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing a wonderful Gothic garden pedestal stand Great piece for displaying decorative pieces like urns or busts outside Can of course also be used inside in a hall or room C...
Other
Heavy Forged Bronzed Iron Base Rouge Marble Top Coffee Table Mint
By Giocometti
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Heavy Forged Bronzed Iron Base Rouge Marble Top Coffee Table Mint
Marble, Steel
19th Century Green Man Carved Oak Hall or Centre Table
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th century green man carved oak hall or centre table This is an intricately and very attractive piece, of Gothic carved oak furniture. The carvi...
19th C Sturdy Heavy Carved Oak Table This is a wonderful table
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th C Sturdy Heavy Carved Oak Table This is a wonderful table, the table base has large bulbous legs, and the apron below has a linen fold ...
Oak
Gothic Carved Country Oak Hall Table The table is made in Oak
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Carved Country Oak Hall Table The table is made in Oak, it has a carved border at the top , very attractive turned and carved legs, and a mask of the green man at the centre T...
Oak
Pair of Ornate Iron and Travertine Side Tables, Spain, circa 1920s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Lovely and heavy pair of unusual, solid iron tables with a foliate decor and twisted iron legs ending in scrolled feet. The apron runs around three si...
An Oak Joint Stool, Occasional Table, Sewing Box
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
An Oak Joint Stool, Occasional Table, Sewing Box This a good Oak Joint or Joined Stool which has a secret compartment hidden in the top, this is accessed by sliding the top to the s...
Oak
Antique Gothic Renaissance Revival Oak Figural Carved Low Cabinet Side Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gothic Renaissance Revival Oak Figural Carved Low Cabinet Pedestal Side Table. Item features relief carved figure to door, drape carved wooden sides, inset Masonite board top...
Oak
Antique Italian & Sculpture Stone Pedestals from Roman Church Altar - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Italian Marble & Sculpted Stone Pedestals from Roman Church Altar - Pair These exquisite deep red marble columns were imported from Italy and salvaged from an old Catholic ...
Stone, Marble
Iron and Marble Gueridon Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gothic style, hand forged iron gueridon table base with detached, double layered, Breccia marble top.
Marble, Iron
Gateleg Table, 160cm Diameter, Oak, 17th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Gateleg table, 6 feet, in oak. English work from the 17th century. The table has two drop leaves that open to form a large oval table; with the legs folded, it becomes a console ...
Oak
Antique Gothic Style English Oak Victorian Library Table Desk Dining Table
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale lovely gothic style antique Victorian English oak library table or desk that can be used as a four person dining table A decorative and well mad...
Oak
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 Fully Restored Gothic Pugin Style Brown Leather Studded Console Table
By Pugin
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this absolutely stunning one of a kind Gothic Pugin style hand studded brown leather console table with single drawer This...
Leather, Oak
Pair of Antique Gothic Console Tables and Mirrors from Manchester Town Hall
Located in GB
A pair of antique Gothic console tables and mirrors from Manchester Town Hall, dated 1920s. This impressive and large pair have come from The Manchester Town Hall, a Victorian, Neo-Gothic municipal building in Manchester, England. The console tables and mirrors Stand at an astonishing 10.6 feet tall (127 inches) and over 4.7 feet wide (56 inches). The tables are finely hand carved, with the knees as heads of dogs and acanthus decor and follows throughout the legs with acanthus and grape vine fruits. The Gothic style is kept throughout with beautifully crafted clover leaf centres in the legs with a large clover at the top and smaller clover at the base. The feet are carved as paws covered in acanthus design for the appearance of fur. The aprons of the consult tables are carved in floral manor and flow onto a drop leaf which stretches to the floor. The tall and stunning hand carved mirrors deliver an astonishing view from afar with floral edges and Gothic pediments on either side and offer impeccable matching design. Designed by architect Alfred Waterhouse...
Glass, Wood
Green Man Carved Golden Oak Hall Table The table is made in solid Oak
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Green Man Carved Golden Oak Hall Table The table is made in solid Oak, the carved gallery at the back of the table has a fearsome mask of the Green Man in the centre, the table has ...
Oak
Victorian Oak Writing Table This is a good solid quality piece made about 1890
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Victorian Oak Writing Table This is a good solid quality piece made about 1890, with low stretchers and standing on turned legs, the table has 5 drawers the centre one having a geo...
Oak
French Charles X Birds Eye Maple Mirrored Console Table
Located in Queens, NY
French Charles X birds eye maple and ebonized trim and inlaid Gothic design console table with platform base and mirrored back with gilt floral carved edge on top.
Gold Leaf
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
Italy 14th Century Medieval Black Wrought Cast Iron Tripode Pedestal
Located in Brescia, IT
This piece of antique Italian wrought cast iron pedestal is made with an high level of quality in consideration of the age of the realization. From a...
Wrought Iron
Vintage Crackle Glass Coffee Table on Polished Iron Base
Located in Dallas, TX
This unusual cocktail table would make an interesting addition to any living room, sitting area, office, or den. Square in shape, the elegant table stands on four cabriole legs, embe...
Wrought Iron
Elm Joint Table with Undertier This is a good Elm Joint or Joined Table
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Elm Joint Table with Undertier This is a good Elm Joint or Joined Table, it is a good solid piece with a good colour and a very attractive figuring in the wood and with a lovely pa...
Elm
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
Walnut Carved Centre Coffee Table, Gothic Style, Round, Antique, 1920
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Walnut Carved Centre Coffee Table The table is made in walnut, a superb wood for the carver, the top is round and deeply carved in some places even pierced right through, it has a...
Walnut
Cast Iron and Oak Pub Table Garden Table, 1 of 5
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Cast Iron and Oak Pub Table Garden Table, 1 of 5 This lovely table stands on a heavy iron 4 footed base, the top of the table is made with oak We have 5 of these and another 3 ver...
Iron
19th Century French Marble Top Walnut Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice table with inset marble. Lightly Gothic in style with bottom stretcher shelf.
Marble