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.
19th Century German Genre Painting Attrib. to Johann Sperl Village Scene
Located in Miami, FL
A richly detailed and visually captivating 19th century German genre painting attributed to Johann Sperl, depicting an animated rural village scene filled with figures, animals, and ...
Canvas, Wood, Walnut, Paint
IMPORTANT TRIPTIC FLORENTINE SCHOOL (Italy) 16th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
IMPORTANT TRIPTIC FLORENTINE SCHOOL (Italy) 16th Century Oil on wood, representing the Eternal Father, Our Lady with Baby Jesus, Saint Bernadino of Siena, San León, Saint Stephen an...
Paint
Blandford Fletcher (1858 – 1936) “Beauchamp of Holt & His Lady” Oil on Canvas
By Blandford Fletcher
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Blandford Fletcher (1858 – 1936) “Beauchamp of Holt & His Lady” Oil on Canvas. Presented in a guilt frame, this gothic scene is captured in the North Aisle of Worcestershire Cathedr...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Miniature depicting a Memento Mori. Italy, late 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Miniature depicting a Vanitas Memento Mori, painted in tempera on paper. The frame, made of ebonized fruitwood and finished with black wax, is oval in shape, with an internal oval bo...
Brass
An Impressive 18th Century Painted Parchment Armorial
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
An Impressive 18th Century Painted Parchment Armorial Height: 260cm Width: 185cm Provenance: Private Melbourne collection.
Parchment Paper
Set of Three Vintage Paintings with People in Rococo Costumes
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Three Vintage Paintings with People in Rococo Costumes A set of three paintings depicting two noble ladies and a noble man in Rococo costumes. Handpainted with enamel paint o...
Wood
$127,013Sale Price|20% Off
Circle of Pietro Cavallini - St. Bartholomew - 14th century Fresco
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Circle of Pietro Cavallini (Rome, 1250–1330) St. Bartholomew Fresco transferred onto canvas Umbria, 14th century 66.5 x 40 cm Provenance: Collection of Raymond Van Marle (The Hagu...
Canvas, Plaster
Miniature painted in gouache on paper, depicting a Memento Mori, Italy 1808.
Located in Milan, IT
Miniature depicting a Memento Mori painted in gouache on paper, grisaille technique. The frame, in ebonized fruitwood and finished with wax, black in color, is oval in shape with an ...
Brass
Oil painting on iron plate depicting a Vanitas, Italy late 17th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Oil painting on iron plate, depicting a Vanitas with skull and fruit. Octagonal frame in interlocking ebonized wood with flaring to match the painting and gold profiling on lead. Ita...
Iron
Miniature painted in pencil on paper, depicting a Vanitas, Germany circa 1850.
Located in Milan, IT
Miniature depicting a Vanitas Memento Mori painted in pencil on paper. The frame, made of ebonized fruitwood and finished with black wax, is round with a circleinside, bordered by a ...
Brass
Large Triptych Painted Panel Of The Virgin Mary, 18th Century Italian
Located in Charmes, FR
painting on wood in the style of the Italian primitive, prayer choir, arched panel closing with two shutters, in a frame inscribed "ave maria", wear and small loss of paint, comes fr...
Wood
A Very Large and Unusual 19th Century KPM Porcelain Plaque by Carl Meinhelt
By Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM)
Located in New York, NY
A Very Large and Unusual 19th Century KPM Porcelain Plaque by Carl Meinhelt. This plaque was produced by the Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) in Berlin and is signed by the art...
Porcelain
Oil on Canvas Portrait of a Medieval Man Signed Costello
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Oil painting of a medieval man with drop earing, signed on lower corner Costello. Original caved wood Frame. Circa 1950's. Framed 17.5 tall, 15.5 wide...
Canvas, Hardwood
St. Jerome Religious Painting, circa 19th Century
Located in London, GB
Late 19th century painting of St. Jerome with halo and skull. A well painted canvas in original gilt frame generally in good condition. Some losses to the frame and small nic...
Canvas
Oil on board portrait of a 16th style gentleman. Very stately. In The Manner.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Oil on board portrait of a 16th style gentleman in the manner of Hans Holbein. Very stately.
Giltwood
LATE 19TH-CENTURY BICCHERNA PANEL BY ICILIO FEDERICO JONI
Located in Firenze, FI
The refined and unique "Biccherna Panel," the name given to the Chamber of Siena City Hall, features a thin tempera painting on a gold background mounted on a wooden panel, framed by a contemporary, finely carved, and gilded wooden frame. This work is a replica of the famous "Biccherna Panel," which depicts the good governance of Siena and was created by Ambrogio Lorenzetti around 1344. At the top center is an old man, the symbol of the municipality of Siena, adorned with symbols of power such as a scepter and a shield bearing eagles. At his feet lies the she-wolf, also a symbol of power, along with the young Sieno and Ascanio, sons of Remus and the mythical founders of Siena. The panel served as the cover for the municipal accounting records, to which the coats of arms and the inscription below also refer, pertaining to the families of the Gabella executors—that is, those responsible for the tax revenues of the Republic of Siena. It is now preserved in the Siena State Archives. This panel, the original of which is preserved in the Siena State Archives, is a copy made by the well-known Sienese forger Icilio Federico Joni...
Gold Leaf
Vintage Medieval Knight Prints in Black Frames - Set of 4
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Celebrate the pageantry and grandeur of medieval Europe with this handsome set of four vintage knight jousting prints. Each artwork depicts a unique tournament scene, featuring armor...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Vintage Medieval Knight Prints in Black Frames - Set of 4
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This distinguished set of four vintage medieval knight prints celebrates the pageantry and symbolism of chivalric history through richly detailed illustrations and timeless presentat...
Gold Plate
18th Century Portrait
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine 18th century portrait of a lady, unsigned, circa 1750, Sweden. (reframed, oil on canvas) According to old frame painted by Johan Horner (...
Canvas
$14,850
H 48.5 in W 38.25 in D 2.75 in
August Stephan Sedlacek (Austrian, 1868-1936) Oil on Canvas Violin Presentation
By Stephan Auguste Sedlacek
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Attributed to August Stephan Sedlacek (Austrian/German, 1868-1936) "The Violin Presentation" Oil on Canvas depicting an interior 18th century scene of...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood
$282Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.04 in W 12.41 in D 1.19 in
19th-Century Framed Oil Painting on Hardboard Depicting Genre Scene
Located in Opole, PL
19th-Century Framed Oil Painting on Hardboard Depicting Genre Scene We present you a small painting from the late 19th century depicting a genre scene. The oil is on hardboard, the ...
Hardwood, Paint
$3,920
H 18.25 in W 42 in D 1.5 in
An 18th Century Italian Hand-Painted Plaque, Decorative Wall Ornament
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian hand-painted wall plaque from the 18th century. This wall decoration from Italy has a half-octagon shape with longer flat section being at bottom-side of plaque. It has been hand-painted in a motif of horns, arrows, angels, and volutes. Primary coloring is gold and green with a black frame. There is a lovely old patina; a nice reflection of its age. This 18th century Italian wall plaque...
Wood
St. Jerome Religious Painting, circa 19th Century
Located in London, GB
Late 19th century painting of St. Jerome with halo and skull. A well painted canvas in original gilt frame generally in good condition. Some losses to the frame and small nic...
Canvas
$250
H 4.25 in W 4.25 in D 0.75 in
French Portrait Miniature of Madame Victoire, Signed Gebelin, Late 19th Century
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Portrait miniature depicting Madame Victoire of France, after a portrait in the Palace of Versailles collections, executed in watercolor and gouache on a tablet and signed “Gebelin.”...
Paint
$4,813 / set
H 7.68 in W 6.5 in D 1.78 in
JAMES NORTHCOTE 1480-1517 PAiNTINGS PRINCESS BRIDGET & MARRIAGE OF SHREWSBURY
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of 16th to 17th century, miniature oil paintings which are after the originals by James Northcote (1480-1517) t...
Giltwood
$300
H 5 in W 4.25 in D 0.75 in
French Empire Revival Portrait Miniature on Ivory, Signed André, Late 19th C.
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Portrait miniature of a young woman wearing a white fichu cap and ruffled collar over a dark dress, rendered in the romanticized Directoire and early Empire manner popular in the 19t...
Ivory, Wood, Paint
$116,764
H 100.5 in W 151.25 in D 5 in
18th Century Painted Six Panelled Screen Depicting an European Landscape
Located in London, GB
A six panelled screen of the late Baroque period Oil on canvas, depicting a panoramic view of a Capriccio north European landscape, perhaps Schlesweig-Holstein, with distant views of the sea, the ruined castles, peasants, and a lady of quality mounted, within a running arched canopy...
Canvas, Paint
18th Century Italian Chinoiserie Scene Painted Panel
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely 18th century Italian painted panel featuring chinoiserie images. Vibrant colors of blue, pink, green and gold. Such an interesting piece ...
Wood
Antique Miniature French Portrait Painting, Signed 19th Century
Located in Norton, MA
19th-century Artist Signed Miniature French Portrait Painting. Dimensions: Height: 5.5 inches, Width: 4.75 inches. --
Canvas, Wood
Memento Mori Original Charcoal Skull Drawings 19th Century Art
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Original Memento Mori Charcoal Skull Drawings, France, circa 19th Century. They measure 11.5"H x 13"W, and 10.5"H x 14.25"W framed. They were purchased in France and are beli...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Sold
H 22 in W 16 in D 2 in
Saint Peter, Oil on Cradled Panel, Circle of Andrea Mantegna (1431 - 1506)
Located in Ottawa, CA
Painted in the circle of important and influential Italian renaissance artist Andrea Mantegna (1431 - 1506) in the last quarter of the 15th century, this painting of Saint Peter hold...
Walnut, Paint
C19th Italian Religious Painted Porcelain Niche Shrine
Located in London, GB
C19th Italian religious painted porcelain niche. Beautiful late C19th hand-painted Madonna and Child on porcelain plate set in a Gothic wooden frame featuring intricate carvings and...
Porcelain, Wood
Sold
H 28.35 in W 24.41 in D 2.37 in
Icon Painting of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Oil On Canvas, 19th century
Located in NICE, FR
Painting Icon Representing Notre Dame du Perpétuel Secours, Oil on Canvas, 19th Century Very beautiful representation of Our Lady of Perpetual Help after the Byzantine icon preserved in Rome dating from the 14th century and particularly rich in symbols. The letters are the first and last letters of the names of the characters represented: - To the right of the head of the Child Jesus: IC-KC = Iesous Christos - On either side of the head of the Holy Virgin: MP-OY = Mater Theou (Mother of God) - Above the angel on the left: OAM = Arkangelos Mikael - Above the angel on the right: OAG = Arkangelos Gabriel The two archangels are represented each carrying the instruments of the passion: on the left, Saint Michael carries the lance and the reed at the end of which an executioner fixed a sponge soaked in vinegar and on the right, Saint Gabriel holding the cross and 4 nails instruments of the Passion of Christ. The Blessed Virgin and the child Jesus are richly crowned and haloed; the Virgin is dressed in a red garment, the colour of royal purple, and a blue mantle that covers her head. The star on the top recalls the virginity of Mary. The child Jesus is represented as Christ the King...
Canvas
Vintage Gothic Abstract Painting on Canvas
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Gothic Painting on Canvas of Skeleton figures having a conversation. Acquired from a New York Estate.
Canvas, Paint
Magnificent Pair of 19th Century Giltwood Handpainted Icons
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Two gilt framed Gothic Angels framed and painted in the style of Fra Angelico - hand-carved in Italy . Features spiral columns and foliate spires - oil painted angels are superbly pr...
Giltwood
Important 16th Century Italian School "Christ" Oil on Table
Located in Madrid, ES
Important 16th century Italian School. "Christ" Oil on the table. Measures: width 34 - height 42cm. Good conditions. A study of the present table has not yet been done for this reas...
Paint
14th CENTURY LATE MEDIEVAL GILDED WOODEN TUSCAN PLAQUE
Located in Firenze, FI
This splendid wooden plaque with a golden Tuscan background and dating back to the Late Middle Ages is attributed to a Sienese master active around the 14th century. Painted on an engraved gold background, the plaque depicts the crucifixion of Christ, with the representation of the cross on the mount and on the sides, the Virgin Mary wrapped in a black cloak and Saint John in a red tunic. The painting technique used in the plaque is detailed and refined, highlighting the talent and mastery of the Sienese artist. It is believed that this object was part of a triptych or a small portable travel altar...
Wood
Beautiful Flemish School "Virgin and Martur", 16th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Flemish School "Virgin and Martur" 16th century Oil on table. Inscribed on the frame 'Sancta Yolenta Ora Pro Nobis - Bidt voor de ziele va s Yolete de Beuf die Sterft...' 58x46.5cm G...
Paint
Sold
H 14.57 in W 9.06 in D 1.97 in
Early 18th Century Greek Provincial Icon of the Raising of Lazarus
Located in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
An early 18th century Greek Provincial icon of The Raising of Lazarus Within a later wooden frame, 38.2cm high x 23.3cm wide. Christ followed ...
Paint
Portrait of a Young Woman, Central Italy End 16th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Portrait of a Young Woman - Central Italy end 16th century, Oil painting on canvas. 48.5x30.5cm; not framed. Small losses of color in the margin Good condition for the age.
Paint
Hispanic-Flemish School 16th Century "Mercy"
Located in Madrid, ES
Hispanic-Flemish School 16th century "Mercy" Oil on table. Framed. Attributed or Follower of Quinten Massys (1466 - 1530). Measurements: 20 x 20 cm. good condition.
Paint
Important 16th Century Italian School "Christ" Oil on Table
Located in Madrid, ES
Important 16th century Italian School. "Christ" Oil on the table. Measures: width 34 - height 42cm. Good conditions. A study of the present table has not yet been done for thi...
Paint