Medieval Decorative Art
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.
to
1
59
10
69
Height
to
Width
to
1,560
945
376
346
329
223
189
183
113
100
93
75
57
50
44
33
28
23
6
55
8
6
1
1
1
1
46
17
7
5
4
67
50
50
6
4
69
69
69
Style: Medieval
Wall Decoration Gregorian Chant on Parchment Sheet
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large manuscript sheet with Gregorian Chant on parchment
"Sacerdos In Eternum" Gregorian Chant composition book sheet as wall decoration, Spain before XVth century...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Spanish Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Parchment Paper, Wood
Antique Spanish Carved Giltwood Heraldic Coat of Arms Shield Wall Plaque
Located in Pearland, TX
A superb antique early 20th Century Spanish carved giltwood heraldic coat of arms crest shield wall plaque. Marked "Spain" on reverse. This fine plaque is decorated with a center lio...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Giltwood, Wood
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Francis of Assisi. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Francis of Assisi
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the pap...
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Andrew. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Andrew
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Agatha. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Agatha
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of The Virgin Mary. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of The Virgin Mary
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Thomas Aquinas. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Thomas Aquinas
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Ignatius of Loyola. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Ignatius of Loyola
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the p...
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Julia of Corsica. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Julia of Corsica
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Antique 19th Century Gothic Style Decorative Oak Wall Panel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large and impressive late 19th century gothic style decorative oak wall hanging panel.
This handsome decorative wall hanging is heavily handcarved with a central arched niche flanked by carved figures, arches with foliate scrolls and cherubs beneath a pediment top.
The interesting figures include an array of characters such as gilded composition bulls heads, caryatids and male figures in Tudor dress carrying swords.
Formerly a fireplace overmantel...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Wood, Oak
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Margaret. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Margaret
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Foxing to the margin
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Thomas Becket. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Thomas Becket
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St John The Baptist. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St John The Baptist
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Ferdinand. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Ferdinand
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Ignatius of Antioch. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Ignatius of Antioch
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Genevieve. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Genevieve
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Foxing to the margin
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of Mary Magdalene. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of Mary Magdalene
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Rarest Arts & Crafts Crafted Picture Frame with Litho, Christ Carrying His Cross
Located in Lisse, NL
Exceptionally hand-crafted picture frame with station of the cross lithograph by Eugene Jouy 'Editeur'.
This handcrafted antique frame is in a style that we have never seen before a...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper, Oak, Ash
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Edward The Confessor. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Edward The Confessor
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Peter. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Peter
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Elizabeth of Hungary. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Elizabeth of Hungary
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St John Chrysostom. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St John Chrystostom
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Vincent De Paul. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Vincent De Paul
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper s...
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Dominic. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Dominic
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St George. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St George
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Joseph. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Joseph
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Matthew. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Matthew
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Anthony of Padua. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Anthony of Padua
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Foxing to the margin
Free shipping
The me...
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Matilda. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Matilda
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Teresa of Avila. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Teresa of Avila
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Gothic hand sculpted oak panel in oak, Belgium 17th century
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 17th century / wooden sculpted panel / oak / Gothic / Rustic / Antique
A panel in oak wood enriched with Gothic carvings. Hand carved in Belgium in the 17th century. This ...
Category
17th Century Belgian Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Oak
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Stanislas. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Stanislas
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Susanna of Eleutheropolis. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Susanna of Eleutheropolis
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Louis 1X. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Louis 1X
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
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
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Clotilde. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Clotilde
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Patrick. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Patrick
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Bruno of Cologne. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Bruno of Cologne
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
19th C. Italian Capriccio Ruins of Church with a Cemetery & Gravediggers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th C. Italian Capriccio Ruins of Church with a Cemetery & Gravediggers
Apparently Unsigned
Oil On Canvas: 13.5-inches high x 16- inches wide
Framed : 18-inches high x 22 - inche...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas, Giltwood
Hand-crafted Gothic 16th century panel in oak, Belgium
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 16th century / wooden sculpted panel / oak / Gothic / Rustic / Antique
A panel in oak wood enriched with Gothic graphic carvings. Hand carved in Belgium in the 16th centur...
Category
16th Century Belgian Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Oak
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Anne. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Anne
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Bernard of Clairvaux. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Bernard of Clairvaux
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Foxing to the margin
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Stephen. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Stephen
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Francis of Sales. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Francis of Sales
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Rosa of Lima. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Rosa of Lima
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Barbara. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Barbara
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Isodore of Seville. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Isodore of Seville
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of All Saints. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of All Saints
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Illuminated Print of St Scholastica. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful print of St Scholastica
Illuminated Chromolithograph
Published circa 1880
Unframed.
Free shipping
The measurement is the paper size
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
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
Category
1880s English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Gothic oak sculpted panel from the 16th century, Belgium
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 16th century / wooden sculpted panel / oak / Gothic / Rustic / Antique
A panel in oak wood enriched with Gothic graphic carvings. Hand carved in Belgium in the 16th centur...
Category
16th Century Belgian Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Oak
17th century Gothic hand sculpted oak panel from Belgium
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 17th century / wooden sculpted panel / oak / Gothic / Rustic / Antique
A panel in oak wood enriched with Gothic carvings. Hand carved in Belgium in the 17th century. This ...
Category
17th Century Belgian Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Oak
Pair of Antique English Encaustic Medieval Style Tiles
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of antique English encaustic medieval style tiles perfect for display in a period cottage or townhouse.
The set comprises of two 12cm tiles displaying a pomegranate and Tudor...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Clay
Pair of Antique Medieval Shields
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of antique 20th century medieval shields. Made from tin, this splendid pair would make for highly decorative new wall hangings in a home, or perhaps castle. Dating back to 190...
Category
Early 20th Century French Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Metal, Tin
Small Antique Stained Glass Panel of Medieval Soldier
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique stained glass panels of a medieval soldier figure.
Dating to circa 1780, this stained glass panel has stood the test of time as it showcases precision, detail and good qu...
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Stained Glass
Pair of Antique 20th Century Medieval Style Tiles
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of antique 20th century medieval style tiles.
Modelled in relief, these deeply cast 5-inch tiles display a classically dressed jousting knight on horseback in striking colourf...
Category
Early 20th Century English Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Clay
English Gothic Style Holy Water Bronze Faucet Oak Wall Plaques
Located in Queens, NY
2 English Gothic Revival style (19th Century) bronze faucets mounted on oak wall plaque. (PRICED EACH).
Category
19th Century Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Italian Painted Wall Hanging Shields with Family Crests
Located in Dallas, TX
Embellish your study or library with this elegant antique pair of wall hanging plaques. Carved in Italy, circa 1880, each plaque is oval in shape with scalloped and curved edges, and...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Decorative Art
Materials
Wood
Medieval decorative art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Medieval decorative art for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, more furniture and collectibles, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, paper and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval decorative art made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative art, popular names associated with this style include and Jindra Bernatova. 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 decorative art 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 $6,000 while the average work can sell for $1,375.