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.
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...
Paper
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...
Oak
St Joseph Late Medieval Orphrey Panel, Circa 1480, Embroidery Textile
Located in Doha, QA
An extraordinarily rare and important late medieval English orphrey panel, dating to circa 1480, executed in sumptuous sacred embroidery and remarkably preserved in untouched conditi...
Metallic Thread
An antique framed wood carving, 19th century
Located in View Park, CA
A stunning and unique fine artwork that features an antique wood carving - seemingly depicting a medieval knight on horseback - set against a silken silver matting and centered in an...
Linen, Wood
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
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
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...
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
Paper
19th Century German Hand Painted Porcelain Portrait Plate in Pewter Frame
Located in Dallas, TX
Add distinguished character to a study or library with this finely executed antique wall plate. Crafted in Germany circa 1880, the large round porce...
Pewter
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...
Oak
Stained Glass Triptych By Tom Spencer
Located in Petworth, GB
Stained glass trilogy Depicting Christ shining a torch after a quote from Oscar Wilde ‘Religion is like a blind man looking in a black room for a black cat that isn’t there, and fi...
Stained Glass, Giltwood
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 ...
Oak
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 ...
Oak
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...
Parchment Paper, Wood
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
Paper
Wall Hanging Arts and Crafts Copper Breast Plate Shield with Cross Swords
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Wall hanging Arts and Crafts copper breast plate shield with cross swords A Large Decorative wall piece the copper is hand beaten and has a Cross with Crown over The swords are ...
Copper
19th Century French Painted Wooden Heraldic Shield with Lions and Armor
Located in Dallas, TX
Add a noble touch to your study or library with this elegant 19th-century heraldic plaque. Crafted in France circa 1870, the antique wooden shield features a beautifully hand-painted...
Wood
Vintage Iron Heraldic Wall Plaques, Medieval Style, Spain, 1930s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Striking pair of vintage heraldic wall plaques, each featuring a blackened shield adorned with a bold, red relief crest—one with a rampant lion and the other with a double-headed eag...
Iron
Set of 3 Antique Ecclesiastical Diagonal Panels
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of 3 antique Ecclesiastical style carved panels in diagonal form. These tracery panels of Pugin style make for decorative wall art or, once glazed, elaborate windows in a perio...
Wood, Pine
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
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
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
Paper
Monumental MidCentury Brass Rubbing Of A Medieval Knight Sir John D'Aubernoun
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Monumental Brass Rubbing of Sir John D’Arbernon England, after the celebrated medieval brass at St Mary’s Church, Stoke D’Abernon, Surrey This striking monumental brass rubbing depi...
Glass, Paper
Set of 5 Antique Ecclesiastical Carved Panels
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of 5 antique Ecclesiastical style carved panels. These tracery panels of Pugin style make for decorative wall art or, once glazed, elaborate windows in a period property or mod...
Wood, Pine
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
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
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
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
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 - inches w...
Canvas, Giltwood
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
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
Paper
19th Century French Cast Iron Heraldic Wall Hanging Shield Plaque
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1870, this antique heraldic wall shield is cast in solid iron and modeled in high relief with a sporting coat of arms. The arched plaque is centered by a meda...
Iron
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
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
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
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
Paper
16th Century oak carved Gothic Panel, France
Located in Meulebeke, BE
16th century / Belgium / Letter Panel / Oak / Gothic A finely carved Gothic oak panel from 16th-century France. This architectural fragment features graceful vertical fluting framed...
Oak
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...
Glass, Wood, Paper, Oak, Ash
Wall Object Set Of Two In Sand Finish Inspired By Salerno Relief
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wall Object Set Of Two In Sand Finish Inspired By Salerno Relief This Wall Object set of two in a textured sand finish is a pair of sculptural panels that bring the grandeur of hist...
Sandstone
Wood Wall Hanging of Maesta Madonna and Christ Child after Cimabue, Italy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A fabulous pentagon wood wall hanging of the Madonna and child from Italy. This piece is created from wood, and has an applied print of Maesta, (Madonna enthroned with the Christ child by Cimabue) The edges feature a gold embossed design. The back includes metal hanging hardware. Cimabue, also known as Cenni di Pepo...
Wood, Paper
19th Century Weathered Terracotta Architectural Shield Plaque
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An early 19th century weathered terracotta architectural plaque in the shape of a shield. This is one of seven similar shield-shaped terracotta plaques we are selling, usable alone ...
Stone
Pair of French Majolica Architectural Wall Platters in High Relief
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring iconic French architecture to the wall with this decorative pair of antique majolica platters, crafted in France circa 1920. Each oval ceramic composition is modeled in high re...
Ceramic, Majolica
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).
Bronze
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...
Clay
French Plaster Head Sculpture, Medieval Style, Circa 1940, Decorative
Located in Stamford, CT
Fanciful French plaster head with pocket.
Plaster
Set of 3 Antique Ecclesiastical Panels
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of 3 antique Ecclesiastical style panels. These tracery panels of Pugin style make for decorative wall art or, once glazed, elaborate windows in a period property or modern hom...
Wood, Pine
Antique Medieval Style Oak Wall Hangings
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of antique English oak wall hangings depicting a stylised deer to one panel and a lion to the other in medieval and heraldic styles. Each of an expert quality after more than...
Wood, 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...
Clay
E. La Fontaine Hand-Painted Porcelain Charger, 19th Century France
Located in Astoria, NY
E. La Fontaine (French, XIX) Hand-Painted Porcelain Charger, late 19th century, depicting a medieval archer and a maiden on a castle rampart, signed "E. La Fontaine", ebonized molded...
Porcelain