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.
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
John Taylor Arms Old Rouen Etching 1927 Gothic Street Scene Signed
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A finely executed original etching titled Old Rouen by acclaimed American master etcher John Taylor Arms, dated 1927 and signed in pencil beneath the plate. This evocative compositi...
Paper
Andre Derain Etching signed in pencil
By Andre Darin
Located in Hudson, NY
Andre Derain was born in Chatou France in 1880. He met Matisse early in his life but was conscripted into the French army in 1901. After his service and when released Matisse convinced his parents to allow him to stop training as an engineering student to develop his artistic talents. He devoted himself full time to painting and attended the Academie Julian. He developed his early important style with close friends Maurice de Vlaminck and Henri Matisse. This became known as Fauvism and helped to usher in the other modern movements in art throughout the 20th century. The notable art dealer Ambroise Vollard sent Derain to London to work on a series of city-themed paintings that cemented his career as an important world-class artist. In 1907 his entire studios...
Paper
John Taylor Arms - Arch of the Conca, Perugia Etching, 1926
Located in Savannah, GA
John Taylor Arms (American, 1887-1953) Arch of the Conca, Perugia etching, 1926 signed, dated lower right: John Taylor Arms, 1926 sight: 15 ¼ by 11 inches frame: 20 by 15 inch...
Paper
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
H 20.63 in W 24.63 in D 1.88 in
Serpent & Galleon, Red Chalk on Paper in GiltWood Frame
Located in Huntington, NY
Serpent & Galleon, Ink on Paper, in an 18th Century GiltWood Frame.
Giltwood, Paper
$1,200
H 16 in W 8 in D 0.1 in
Signed Durham Cathedral Antique Drypoint Etching Drawing, 19th Century, England
Located in West Hartford, CT
Rare, antique drypoint etching pencil signed by the artist whose name is illegible, circa mid-19th century, England.
Paper
$890
H 30.5 in W 32.5 in D 1.5 in
“Vintage Folk Art General Store Scene, Signed M. Stevens — Naive Americana
Located in West Palm Beach, US
A delightful and vibrant vintage folk art painting depicting a bustling early-20th-century general store, signed M. Stevens on the lower right. This charming naive-style work is fil...
Fabric, Paint
$1,310
H 27.56 in W 19.69 in D 0.79 in
Charcoal Drawing on Ingrès Paper Signed Marceau Constantin Original, F113
By Marceau Constantin
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Charcoal drawing by the French artist Marceau Constantin (1918 - 2017). Drawing on ingres paper representing two characters in shades of black and grey creating a fascinating light a...
Paper
$1,700
H 13.75 in W 8.75 in D 1.5 in
Wall Decoration Art Pair Silhouettes Black Framed Antique Los Angeles Gallery
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Wall Decoration Art Pair Silhouettes Black Framed Antique Los Angeles Gallery . Pair of silhouettes portrays the 19th century Lady and Gentleman With his Hat. This pair has been well taken care of and has minor wear consistent with the age. Wall art Silhouette of a Lady and a Gentleman framed in possible hand carved pine wood or fruitwood Frame. Charming elegant profile depicts high status man at ease with himself ensured his place in hierarchy looking sharp and same goes for the Lady holding what appears to be a document. The subjects are dapperly dressed with his top hat in his hand, trimmed haircut, leather boots and the lady with a nice Hairdo and an elaborate dress. An original continental French or British silhouette in a period fruitwood light color frames and are beveled. Antique dealer Los Angeles West Hollywood La Cienega Melrose Ave. The watercolor and paper cut silhouettes...
Metal
Unavailable|$1,100
H 24.25 in W 36.25 in D 1.25 in
18th Century French Aubusson Tapestry Gouache on Paper with Frame and Glass
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wall with this colorful, antique Aubusson drawing cartoon. Created in the city of Aubusson, France circa 1780 and set in a carved frame with gilt trim and protected with g...
Giltwood, Paper
$715
H 29.53 in W 22.45 in D 1.97 in
Unknown Academy Student 19th C Drawing, Pencil on Paper, Framed, Signed
Located in Leuven , BE
Unknown academy student 19th C drawing, pencil on paper, Framed, Signed.
Paper
$2,750Sale Price|50% Off
H 14 in Dm 11 in
Antique Old Master Horse Etchings by Antonio Tempesta c. 1590 on Paper
Located in Long Island City, NY
A set of five original antique etchings depicting horses by Antonio Tempesta, Italian, 1555 to 1630. Engraved circa 1590. Antonio Tempesta, also called il Tempestino, was an Italian ...
Paper
$875
H 15.4 in W 11.5 in D 0.5 in
John F. Kennedy Portrait, Original Drawing Pencil on Paper Dated 1963, Signed
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
John F. Kennedy Portrait - original drawing in pencil and charcoal on paper, realized by Detlef Henze, hand-signed, dated December 25, 1963. Provenance. Private collection Charcoal...
Paper
Pink Seals on Ice Art Print, Hand-Crafted Wood, Nautical, 1970s
By John Lennon and Yoko Ono
Located in Port Washington, NY
John Lennon & Yoko Ono Seals Art Poster Print. Hardware for hanging. Seascape / Nautical drawing. Taken from the personal sketchbook of John Lennon.
Wood
French Framed Drawing of a Knight by Eugene Giraud
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A fantastic 19th century framed drawing of a knight by notable artist Eugene Giraud, signed in the lower right corner. The subject of the work is an armored knight dressed in chainma...
Gold
Medieval Style Illuminated Framed Latin Manuscript Page
Located in Astoria, NY
19th century Medieval Style hand-illuminated Latin manuscript page with old enhanced initial letters. The piece is framed and is in good vintage condit...
Paper
Sold
H 15.75 in W 13.39 in D 0.79 in
Four Gothic Drawings of Medieval Riders on Horseback from the 'Canterbury Tales'
Located in London, GB
Four pencil drawings with partial watercoloring of characters from the medieval period traveling on horseback. The drawings have strong resemblance to the pilgrims who journey like in Geoffrey Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales', 1387-1400. They are newly framed in black picture frames...
Paper
Sold
H 15.75 in W 13.39 in D 0.79 in
Four Gothic Drawings of Medieval Men on Horseback from the 'Canterbury tales'
Located in London, GB
Four drawings with partial watercoloring of characters from the medieval period traveling on horseback. The drawings have strong resemblance to the pilgrims who journey like in Geoffrey Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales...
Paper
Sold
H 15.75 in W 13.39 in D 0.79 in
Five Gothic Drawings of Medieval Figures on Horseback from 'Canterbury Tales'
Located in London, GB
Five pencil drawings with partial watercoloring of characters from the medieval period traveling on horseback. The drawings have strong resemblance to the pilgrims who journey like in Geoffrey Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales...
Architectural Study Artist Unknown, circa 1900
By John Ruskin
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Fabulous quality watercolor of a stone carving. Artist unknown. On paper, blind stamped ESK in bottom left corner. Presented in an antique distressed pine frame. There is...
Paper