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
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 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 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 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 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
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
Vintage Winslow Health Hygiene Series Medical Scientific Insect Wall Chart Print
Located in Oakville, CT
Vintage, Winslow Health and Hygiene scientific insect series medical wall print, chart. "Edited by C.E.A Winslow Dr. P.H. Copy Right 1929. For explanation see manual. Published by De...
Metal
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 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
3 British Heraldic Crests Earl of Cranford Kelly Kinnoul Coat of Arms Prints 19"
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of three black and white prints on paper of the heraldic coats of arms of Erskine Earl of Kelly, Cranford Earl of Cranford, and Hay Earl of Kinnoul. Black and gold wood and gesso frame; purple mat. Framed by Soicher Marin...
Hardwood, 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
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
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
Jacob De Ghein Soldiers With Medieval Arms Set of Four Etchings from 1607
Located in Milano, MI
Jacob de Gheyn Portraits Of Armigers 1607 set of four Flemish etchings depicting soldiers in military uniform with medieval weapons pike, halberd and spear; they represent an importa...
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
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
The Triumph Of Maximilian, Set Of 4 Colored Engravings, 19th/20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
A set of 4 colored, framed engravings from the "Triumphal Procession of Maximilian I." The standard-bearers are depicted in their finest attire, adorned with sumptuous costumes and ...
Paper
S. MICHELSON - Miniature Engraving - Signed - Unframed - Canada - 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
S. MICHELSON - Vintage gothic style fine art miniature hand colored engraving - featuring opposing snails - signed lower right - unframed - Canada (likely) - 20th/21st century. Good...
Paint, Paper
Louis Conrad Rosenberg Etching Doorway at La Chapelle 1926
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Rare 1926 pencil-signed drypoint etching by Louis Conrad Rosenberg. Features the ornate Gothic "Doorway of the Church at La Chapelle." Excellent architectural detail.
Paper
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
The Duchy Of Luxembourg - Jacques Surhon De Mons - 1551 - édouard Kutter Edition
Located in BARSAC, FR
Engraving representing the map of the Duchy of Luxembourg in 1551, after Jacques Surhon de Mons 20th century edition from Edouard Kutter editions in Luxembourg In its luxurious o...
Paper
$94Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.67 in W 7.68 in D 0.02 in
Antique Print of African Costumes Racinet, 'circa 1880'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Africa - Afrique - Afrika'. Chromolithograph of African Costumes. This print originates from 'Le Costume Historique' by M.A. Raci...
Paper
Antique Bird Print of the Great Horned Owl, 1853
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique bird print titled 'Duc de Virginie'. Original print of the great horned owl. This print originates from 'Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux' by M. Emm. le Maout. Published 1853. ...
Paper
Antique Bible Print The great Flood by J. Luyken, 1743
Located in Langweer, NL
This print originates from ‘Biblia Sacra, dat is, de H. Schriftuer van het Oude, en het Nieuwe Testament, naer de laetste Roomsche keure der gemeine Latijnsche overzettinge, in neder...
Paper
$94Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.67 in W 7.68 in D 0.02 in
Antique Print of African Encampments Racinet, 'circa 1880'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Africa - Afrique - Afrika'. Chromolithograph of African Encampments. This print originates from 'Le Costume Historique' by M.A. Racinet. Published, circa 1880.
Paper
$141Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.63 in W 8.27 in D 0.02 in
Antique Bird Print of the Thrush and Blackbird, circa 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique bird print titled '1. Song Thrush 2. Blackbird' Old bird print depicting the Song Thrush and the Blackbird. This print originates from: 'Illustrated book of canaries and cage...
Paper
$141Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 9.85 in W 6.3 in D 0.02 in
Set of 2 Antique Botany Prints, Nicotiana Suaveolens 'c.1880'
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of two antique botany prints titled: 1) Nicotiana Suaveolens 2) Sempervivum Funcki These prints originate from various editions of 'La Belgique Horticole'.
Paper
Antique Print of the Goddess of Discord by Appleton, circa 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'The Goddess of Discord'. Set within the Garden of the Hesperides, several women are seen tending the golden apple trees. To the right, the Goddess of Discord, E...
Paper
$94Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.67 in W 7.68 in D 0.02 in
Antique Print of African Encampments Racinet, 'circa 1880'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Africa - Afrique - Afrika'. Chromolithograph of African encampments. This print originates from 'Le Costume Historique' by M.A. Racinet. Published, circa 1880.
Paper
$117Sale Price|33% Off
H 15.36 in W 10.83 in D 0.02 in
Antique Print of the Ornaments in the Great Hall of the City Hall of Amsterdam
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print depicting the ornaments in the Great Hall of the city hall of Amsterdam. This print originates from 'Architecture, peinture et sculpture de la Maison de Ville d’Amsterd...
Paper
$500Sale Price|29% Off
H 14.57 in W 21.46 in D 0 in
Antique Bird Print of the Great Cormorant or Black Shag, 1832
By John Gould
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique bird print titled 'Black Cormorant'. Old bird print depicting the great cormorant. This print originates from 'Birds of Europe' by J. Gould (1832-1837). The great cormorant ...
Paper
Antique Print of Eastern Jewelry Costumes, 'circa 1880'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'East - Orient - Aufgang'. Chromolithograph of Eastern Jewelry. This print originates from 'Le Costume Historique' by M.A. Racinet...
Paper
$172Sale Price|30% Off
H 12.68 in W 14.65 in D 0.02 in
Antique Print of the Ancient Punishment by Crucifixion 'Constantine the Great'
Located in Langweer, NL
Plate page 714: 'd'Aal-oude Kruis-straffen der Romeinen: hoedanig door Constantyn de Groot ..'. (The ancient punishment by crucifixion which was abolished by Constantine the Great in deference to the cross of Jesus...
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
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
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...
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Paper