Medieval Paintings
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.
Mid-20th Century German Medieval Paintings
Wood
Mid-20th Century German Medieval Paintings
Wood
Mid-20th Century German Medieval Paintings
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Medieval Paintings
Canvas, Paint
Mid-20th Century Italian Medieval Paintings
Fabric
Mid-20th Century North American Medieval Paintings
Canvas, Hardwood
1930s American Vintage Medieval Paintings
Masonite
1910s Austrian Vintage Medieval Paintings
Porcelain
20th Century Czech Medieval Paintings
Leather, Canvas, Wood, Paint
Mid-20th Century Unknown Medieval Paintings
Linen, Plaster, Wood, Paint, Canvas
20th Century Indian Medieval Paintings
Cotton
Early 20th Century French Medieval Paintings
Wool
1970s Ethiopian Vintage Medieval Paintings
Canvas
Mid-19th Century British Antique Medieval Paintings
Paint
1880s Austrian Antique Medieval Paintings
Feathers
Late 20th Century French Medieval Paintings
Other
Mid-20th Century Balinese Medieval Paintings
Silk
1890s French Antique Medieval Paintings
Wool
1970s Ethiopian Vintage Medieval Paintings
Canvas
1930s American Vintage Medieval Paintings
Canvas, Hardwood, Paint
2010s American Medieval Paintings
Wool, Cotton, Acrylic
Mid-20th Century Italian Medieval Paintings
Fabric
Late 20th Century English Medieval Paintings
Paint, Wood
Early 1900s Italian Antique Medieval Paintings
Canvas
1980s Vintage Medieval Paintings
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Mid-20th Century French Medieval Paintings
Copper
1970s French Vintage Medieval Paintings
Paper
Late 20th Century European Medieval Paintings
Paper
Late 20th Century European Medieval Paintings
Paper
Late 20th Century European Medieval Paintings
Early 20th Century Great Britain (UK) Medieval Paintings
Paper
Mid-20th Century French Medieval Paintings
Paint