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.
$6,120Sale Price|20% Off
9x11 Vintage Monumental Medieval French Tapestry Lady Unicorn Millefleur
Located in New York, NY
This vintage monumental French tapestry depicts a celebrated medieval-inspired scene in the tradition of The Lady and the Unicorn, featuring noble figures, mounted knights, heraldic ...
Wool, Cotton
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
$3,184Sale Price|20% Off
Spanish Alms Box / Wall Decoration with Carved Saints 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 shades of blue and gray with carved saint figures onamentations decorating 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: Saints Box: 33 cm H x 37 cm W x 14 cm D Poor...
Wood, Pine
Beautiful antique fine 18th century french needlepoint tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Elegant 18th-century French petit point tapestry, beautifully hand-stitched with fine detail and rich colors. This charming piece depicts a lively pastoral scene with figures in peri...
Wool, Cotton, Silk
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
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
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
16th Century French Aubusson Tapestry, Hand-Woven, Antique, Vibrant
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
Nice French Aubusson Style screen printed by hand tapestry «winged stags»
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 "Cerfs Ailés" (winged stags) at Rouen...
Cotton, Linen
Nice French Aubusson Style screen printed by hand tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Immerse yourself in the allure of this mid-20th-century French tapestry, showcasing a design inspired by a 16th century masterpiece museum tapestry. Adorned with exquisite hues of b...
Cotton, Linen
Pretty Vintage French aubusson médiéval style jacquard Tapestry "Vendanges"
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French jacquard tapestry featuring the exquisite design of the renowned medieval museum tapestry, "Les Vendanges" (grape harvest) from the C...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
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
Hand-crafted Gothic 16th century panel in oak, Belgium
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A compelling fragment of early Belgian craftsmanship, this carved oak relief panel from the 16th century captures the quiet strength and symbolic geometry of the Gothic tradition. Th...
Oak
French Medieval Tapestry – “Bathsheba Invited by King David” - N° 1656
Located in Paris, FR
No. 1656 - Medieval Tapestry – “Bathsheba Invited by King David” - 166cmW x 246cmH This magnificent tapestry has undergone a thorough cleaning and meticulous inspection by our exper...
Wool, Silk
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
Nice French Aubusson Style silk screen 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
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
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
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
Vintage Monumental Knight Brass Rubbing
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Exhibiting grand chivalric presence and fine medieval craftsmanship, this monumental vintage wall panel features a detailed engraved brass effigy of a knight mounted flush to a faux-...
Resin
Gothic oak sculpted panel from the 16th century, Belgium
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A striking relic of Northern European Gothic artistry, this carved oak panel from Belgium, circa 1500s, embodies the austere geometry and devotional symbolism of the late Middle Ages...
Oak
Pretty Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry “medieval life”
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, “falcon hunting” or (Medieva...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
Reclaimed Fragments of Religious Artworks After Matteo di Pacino
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Reclaimed Fragments of Religious Artworks After Matteo di Pacino. A pair of reclaimed fragments of religious artworks after Matteo di Pacino, originally part of a triptych. Painted ...
Wood, Paint
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
Pretty medieval Aubusson design handWoven Polish Tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful vintage Polish handwoven tapestry by wool on cotton foundation dating from the mid 20th century, This Polish tapestry clearly draws inspiration from the late medieval Fren...
Wool, Cotton
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
9x13 Vintage Large Flemish Tapestry Vinyard Scene Millefleurs 270cmx407cm
Located in New York, NY
This monumental vintage Flemish tapestry depicts an elaborate vineyard harvest scene inspired by medieval and Renaissance European tapestry traditions. The composition is filled with...
Wool, Cotton
17th Century Oak Panels Depicting Wyverns
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of 17th century oak panels depicting wyverns. These hand carved English oak panels show a pair of Wyverns, spiralling into foliage The...
Oak
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. Orig...
Oak
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
$1,854Sale Price|20% Off
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
$2,060Sale Price|20% Off
Bobyrug’s Nice Vintage Aubusson Style Jaquar Tapestry with Medieval Museum Desig
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of French heritage with this exquisite midcentury tapestry featuring the captivating "Dame à l'orgue" (The Lady at the Organ) design from the Angers museum. Adm...
Cotton, Wool
Nice Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry « Suzanne and the old men »
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 « Suzanne and the old men » The ...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
$1,498Sale Price|20% Off
Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry Vendanges museum Design
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French hand-printed tapestry featuring the exquisite design of the renowned medieval museum tapestry, "Les Vendanges" (grape harvest) from t...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
15th Century French Walnut Gothic Tracery Panels of Exceptional Rarity
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of 15th century French walnut gothic tracery panels of exceptional rarity. These rare French Walnut panels were handcrafted circa 1480–1490, featuring intricate carved gothic...
Oak
Set of 17th Century English Keys Framed
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of 17th Century English Keys Framed and ready to display. This wonderful collection of ten ancient keys were hand forged in England in the 17th/18th century. Of unknown origi...
Metal
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
Gothic hand sculpted oak panel in oak, Belgium 17th century
Located in Meulebeke, BE
This antique oak panel from 17th‑century Belgium is a remarkable example of Gothic sculptural craftsmanship, capturing a pastoral allegory in deep relief. The composition depicts a...
Oak
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
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
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
19th Century German Hand Painted Porcelain Portrait Plate in Pewter Frame
Located in Dallas, TX
Add distinguished character to a study or library with this finely executed antique wall plate. Crafted in Germany circa 1880, the large round porce...
Pewter
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
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
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
Fairies tapestry, after an old 18th century tapestry, by Robert Four, Aubusson
Located in Lyon, FR
"Fairies verdure" tapestry, replica of an ancient tapestry from the 18th century, printed to the heart of the wool by silkscreen process, on old style fabric, by the Robert Four Manu...
Fabric
Vintage Pair of Cast Stone Lion Heads, 19th Century, French Wall Art
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique pair of cast stone Gargoyle wall plaques. Featuring expressive mythical faces with intricate sculptural details. They were designed for wall mounting and make striking additi...
Cast Stone
$1,545Sale Price|20% Off
Nice French Aubusson Style screen printed by hand tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Immerse yourself in the allure of this mid-20th-century French tapestry, showcasing a design inspired by a 16th century masterpiece museum tapestry. Nice 20th-century tapestry repro...
Cotton, Linen
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
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
Medieval tapestry from the Aubusson Manufacture, 19th century - N 1622
Located in Paris, FR
No. 1622 – Medieval tapestry from the Aubusson Manufacture, 19th century – 173 W × 203 H cm Artist / Manufacturer: Aubusson Manufacture Period: 19th century Style: Medieval Conditio...
Silk, Wool
$7,199Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
Set of Four 16th Century Hand Carved Oak Panels With Animals
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of four 16th century hand carved Oak Panels With Animals. This series of panels are dated to the mid 16th century. Crafted from English oak, each panel is carved in high relie...
Oak
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
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
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
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
$7,025Sale Price|20% Off
Wonderful palace size Aubusson style jacquard Tapestry "Arming and departure"
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century Flanders jacquard tapestry featuring the exquisite design of the Arming and departure.tapestry. This tapestry was designed by Edward Burne-...
Wool, Cotton, Acrylic