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.
Tapestry Depicting A Falconry Scene Gothic Style - 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb and rare 19th-century stencil tapestry depicting a falconry scene in a flamboyant Gothic style typical of the early 15th century. A very beautiful and decorative subject, it f...
Wool
$3,180Sale Price|20% Off
Spanish Church Alms Box / Wall Decoration with Carved Nun Detail, 18th Century
Located in Barcelona, ES
Carved wood hand painted donation / offering ALM BOX, Spain, 18th century. Polychromed carved wood church collection offering donation money box as wall decoration. This alms box is made of pine wood painted in terracotta hues. A nun carved ornamentation decorates the top. Wall hanging collection / donation money box. Originally used to collect donations at Christian churches/chapels. Interesting to be used as key box or key cabinet or as wall decoration Rare find. Provenance: Private collection. No key avaliable. Overall Measures: 45 cm H x 26 cm W x 21 cm D Poor box...
Wood, Pine
French 16th Century Antique Aubusson Tapestry
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This 16th century Aubusson (French) tapestry is remarkably still vibrant and in wonderful antique condition. Its original border is completely intact and designed with florals, folia...
Tapestry
Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French screen-printed by hand tapestry featuring the exquisite design of a medieval museum tapestry This tapestry, a replica of the origin...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
Antique Bas-Relief 'Jesus and the Twelve Disciples' in Stone
Located in Meer, VAN
Antique Bas-Relief 'Jesus and the Twelve Disciples' in Stone, early 20th century. Presumably European origin. Beautiful antique bas relief depicting Jesus and the twelve disciples. ...
Stone
Decorative greyhound hand carved heraldic coat of arms
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Good quality gilt coloured coat of arms. Central shield with acanthus decoration, flanked either side by outward facing standing greyhounds. Gilt has been worn through to allow the ...
Pine, Giltwood
French Mediaval antique Tapestry 19th century - L135xH270 cm - N° 1589
Located in Paris, FR
No. 1589 - Medieval Tapestry 19th century - L135xH270 cm
Wool
Pretty Vintage Aubusson Style médiéval design Jacquard Tapestry « the harvest »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
very beautiful Aubusson style tapestry, with a design of a medieval tapestry That Tapestry has been created in about 1530 by B. Van Orley, creator of "Chasses de Maximilien" (acces...
Wool
$449Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Antique French Wrought Iron Door Window Grilles – Sculptural Wall Decor
Located in Valencia, VC
Pair of Antique French Wrought Iron Door Window Grilles – Rustic Medieval Design, Sculptural Wall Decor A striking pair of antique rustic wrought iron grilles, traditionally used in...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Large (46 Inch) Mid-Century Medieval Heraldic Knight Coat of Arms Wall Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Large (46 by 25 by 4 inch) mid-century (1980s to 1970s) heraldic wall sculpture in the Anglo-Saxon medieval style depicting a knight's breastplate, battle axe, sword and arrow quiver...
Composition
Vintage French Medieval Tapestry, the Promenade Tapestry
Located in Dallas, TX
77769, vintage French Medieval tapestry, the Promenade tapestry. Drawing inspiration from a combination of Pieter van Aeist and French Medieval sty...
Wool
French Tapestry, Genuine Jacquard in Medieval Style - H160xW142 cm - No. 1440
By Royal Manufacture of Aubusson, Aubusson Manufacture
Located in Paris, FR
Located a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, we are a French family business specializing in the purchase, sale, expertise, cleaning, restoration and conservation of tapes...
Wool
French Tapestry, Genuine Jacquard in Medieval Style - H 131 x W 190 cm - N 1439
By Aubusson Manufacture, Royal Manufacture of Aubusson
Located in Paris, FR
Located a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, we are a French family business specializing in the purchase, sale, expertise, cleaning, restoration and conservation of tapes...
Wool
18th Century Antique Indian Medieval Tapestry after the Battle of Karnal in 1739
Located in Dallas, TX
74417 18th Century Antique Indian Medieval Wall Tapestry after the Battle of Karnal in 1739. This beautiful antique Indian painted tapestry is done on a canvas. It features a hunting battle scene with kings, kingsmen and royalty with multiple types of animals ranging from horses, elephants, lions, birds, peacocks and leopards. This tapestry is possibly in relation to The Battle of Karnal in 1739. The Muhammed Shah fought with Nader Shah...
Fabric
The Lovers’ Draught: Antique English Medieval Needlepoint Masterpiece of Romance
Located in Dallas, TX
78092 Rare Antique English Needlepoint Tapestry 02'04 x 03'05. Woven in the quiet hush of late-Victorian England yet echoing the soul of the Middle Ages, this extraordinary handwoven...
Wool
Late 19th Century French Aubusson Verdure Tapestry with Louis XVI Revival Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79208 Late 19th Century Antique French Aubusson Tapestry, 06'00 x 08'10. A sanctuary of woven splendor and poetic artistry, this handwoven wool and silk French Aubusson tapestry from...
Wool, Silk
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
French Vintage Tapestry The Royal Hunt by Marc Waymel, 1984
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Tapestry The Royal Hunt by Marc Waymel, created exclusively for Le Médaillier Franklin, France, ca. 1984. A colorful and beautiful vintage tapestry,...
Fabric, Cotton
Pretty Vintage Aubusson Style médiéval design Jacquard Tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
very beautiful French Aubusson style tapestry, with a design of a medieval tapestries. This tapestry has been made in the renowned “La Filandière” manufacturing Beautiful colours w...
Wool, Cotton
Antique French Aubusson Verdure Tapestry
Located in Dallas, TX
77764, antique French Verdure tapestry. This hand-woven antique French Aubusson verdure tapestry depicts a landscape scene of the French countryside. ...
Wool
Set of Antique Handcarved Oak Leaf Gilt Corbels
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of 4 antique handcarved oak leaf gilt corbels originating from Millearne House in Perthshire, Scotland (now demolished). Once an architectural feature of Millearne’s interior,...
Oak, Giltwood
Pretty Vintage French screen printed Tapestry by hand. « Sheep shearing »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French screen printed tapestry by hand featuring the exquisite design of the renowned medieval museum tapestry,I « La tonte des Moutons» ( S...
Wool, Cotton
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 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
Bobyrug’s Vintage France Aubusson Style Jaquar Tapestry, Flemish « Mille Fleur »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Introducing a stunning midcentury French Flanders tapestry from the renowned Halluin manufacturing This exquisite piece features a captivating design inspired by 16th-century museum tapestries, showcasing vibrant colors. Woven with precision by the mechanical Jacquard manufacturing technique, it elegantly combines wool and cotton. The upper section of this Flemish "Mille fleurs" masterpiece depicts villages, fortresses, and a windmill in a naive landscape, reminiscent of heraldic tapestries...
Wool, Cotton
Stunning & Large, The Golden Virgin Mary & Child Jesus Sculpture by Albert Roze
Located in Lisse, NL
Meaningful and a monumental masterpiece: “La Vierge d'Albert” piece of the golden Virgin) by ), cast by Barbedienne, 1916. Step into the poetic depths of history with this extraordi...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Fence Door Pediment / Wall Decoration in Wrought Iron, Spain 1930s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique spanish door fence pediment / crest in iron, hand forged, Spain, Early 20th century. This eye-catching wall fence was entirely made by hand in forged iron. A master work of t...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Bobyrug’s Nice Vintage Hand Painted French Tapestry with Medieval Museum Design
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the allure of the 15th-century masterpiece in your home with this exquisite midcentury French tapestry. featuring the design of a medieval tapestry “Charles of Orleans and M...
Cotton
Oil on board portrait of a 16th style gentleman. Very stately.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Oil on board portrait of a 16th style gentleman in the manner of Hans Holbein. Very stately.
Giltwood
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
Period Gothic Oak Trunk or Chest Façade from Picardie France, circa 1550
Located in Dallas, TX
Often when centuries-old trunks did not survive the passage of time, 19th-century menuisiers (French woodworkers) would salvage the surviving wood and carve new furniture such as desks and similar trunks. The facade was typically the most ornate section of these antique trunks, making intact frontages highly valued antiques. Hand-carved from oak in Picardie, France, circa 1550, this period Gothic architectural is a beautiful example of an antique trunk facade that was not incorporated into a more recent furnishing. Picardie is a former administrative region in northern France that is home to many Gothic cathedrals. The Amiens Cathedral (mid-13th century) is the largest standing cathedral in Europe and is truly a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Our trunk frontage has five vertically oriented inset panels embellished with various forms of Gothic tracery, including high-arching niches...
Metal, Iron
Nice French Aubusson Style hand printed tapestry « enchanted park »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Immerse yourself in the allure of this mid-20th-century French tapestry, showcasing a design inspired by a 15th-century woven masterpiece titled "The Enchanted Park." Adorned with ex...
Wool, Cotton
Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry “fountain concert”
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French screen-printed by hand tapestry featuring the exquisite design of a medieval museum tapestry titled “fountain concert “ This tapestr...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
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
Impressive and Large Bronze Wall Plaque of a Suffering Christ by Sylvain Norga
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and sizeable Art Deco religious plaque. Stunning sculpture / plaque by one of the greats when it comes to religious art. This sizeable, heavy and detailed plaque depicts Jesus...
Bronze
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
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
$2,430Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Carved Oak Wall Hanging Display Cabinet, Gothic Style, 1860
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Victorian carved oak wall hanging display cabinet This is a very large piece, it has 2 individual cupboards in the one piece. The c...
Oak
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
$434Sale Price|30% Off
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
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
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
Bobyrug’s Pretty Mid Century French Aubusson Tapestry medieval design
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very pretty mid century french Aubusson tapestry with beautiful design from the painter Georges Deveche ( 1903-1974), showing a scene of a museum medieval tapestry with beautiful col...
Wool
Nice Vintage Kalamkar Ispahan
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful midcentury hand painted kalamkar with a nice design of Safavid period and beautiful colors, hand painted on cotton foundation.
Cotton
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
Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry
By J. Laurent
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French screen-printed by hand tapestry featuring the exquisite design of a medieval museum tapestry titled “Charade” This tapestry, a repli...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
Handcarved 15th Century Gothic Oak Decorative Panel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A handcarved 15th century gothic oak decorative panel affixed with hanging hook to the reverse, ready for hanging on a wall in your interior. Originating from England, this antique ...
Oak
Set of 19th Century Scottish Gilt Carved Oak Brackets
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of 3 handcarved early 19th century oak brackets or corbels with gilt finish, originating from Millearne House in Perthshire, Scotland (now demolished). Each is carved is a simi...
Oak, Giltwood
Nice French Aubusson Style Medieval Design jacquard Tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Behold this exquisite French tapestry, meticulously crafted as a museum-tapestry design replica. This tapestry captures the essence of a renowned masterpiece, featuring a captivating...
Wool, Cotton
Pretty Vintage French screen printed medieval design Tapestry «unicorn hunt»
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French Aubusson style tapestry made with wool and cotton , by screen printing method by hand, featuring the exquisite design of the renowned medieval museum tapestry, « The Unicorn is Assailed. From the Unicorn Hunt Tapestries...
Wool, Cotton
Bobyrug’s Vintage French Hand Printed Medieval Design Tapestry « Noble Amazon
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover a reproduction of the exquisite "Noble Amazone" French medieval museum tapestry, a true masterpiece of design. This captivating artwork showcases a noble lady elegantly seat...
Cotton
Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry « Maximilian's Hunt »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French hand-printed tapestry featuring the exquisite design of « The month of July or The sign of the lion or The report, from the tapestry ...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
Pair of 19th Century Scottish Carved Gilt Oak Wall Hangings
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of early 19th century handcarved gilt oak wall hangings originating from Millearne House in Perthshire, Scotland (now demolished). Once an architectural feature of Millearne’...
Oak, Giltwood
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
French Hand-Printed Tapestry in Medieval style - H 114 x L 97 cm - N° 1438
Located in Paris, FR
Located a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, we are a French family business specializing in the purchase, sale, expertise, cleaning, restoration and conservation of tapes...
Wool
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Gothic Style Huge Triptych Shadow Box/Display Of Orthodox Church Silver Icons
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Gothic style huge triptych shadow box/display of an Orthodox Church silver icons. The triptych is a large ogee shaped arc closed display made of heavy wood and glass. When you open the doors, it features some icons painted on wood and covered by an embossed and chased silver oklads with some gilt areas. They are framed by some red velvet. In the center, there are two icons who represent St.Paul and St.Peter; above them is the Almighty God...
Silver
Set of 16th and 18th Century French Carved Panels on Custom Wall Mounts
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite set of two carved walnut architectural panels from France showcases the evolution of artistic styles from the 16th to the 18th century. The 18th-century panel, adorned...
Walnut
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
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
19th Century French Carved Walnut Royal Coat-of-Arms of the City of Paris
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate an office or a study with this elegant antique "Blason" or coat of arms. Created in France circa 1870, the hand carved sculpture depicts the coat of arms of the city of Paris. The wall mounted Medieval style crest is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use and adorns a rich walnut patina. The coat of arms of the city of Paris shows a silver sailing ship...
Walnut