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.
Nice mid century French handwoven Aubusson tapestry «medieval design»
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Vintage Aubusson Wool Tapestry – Medieval Hunting Scene, Second Half of the 20th Century Beautiful Aubusson tapestry dating from the second half of the 20th century, woven in wool a...
Cotton, Wool
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
Pretty Vintage French Aubusson style Jacquard Tapestry "Noble Amazone"
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Vintage French Jacquard Tapestry – “L’Amour Courtois” – Jules Pansu, Halluin Beautiful French decorative tapestry from the second half of the 20th century, woven in the traditional ...
Cotton, Wool, Acrylic
$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
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
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
$3,115Sale 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
French Tapestry The Lady with an Organ by Tapisseries du Lion, circa 1970s
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Tapestry The Lady with an Organ by Tapisseries du Lion, circa 1970s A colorful and beautiful vintage tapestry, wall hanging by Tapisseries du Lion, from circa the 1970s. The ...
Fabric, Cotton
Nice mid century French handwoven Aubusson tapestry «lady with a casket»
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Mid-20th-Century Aubusson Tapestry – Scènes Galantes Beautiful Aubusson tapestry woven in the mid-20th century in a tapestry manufactory in Aubusson, France, using traditional high-...
Wool, Cotton, Silk
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
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
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
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
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
Spanish Alms Box / Wall Decoration in Blue & Yellow Patina, 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. 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: 46 cm H x 31,5 cm W x 14 cm D Poor box...
Wood, Pine
Wall Decoration Gregorian Chant on Parchment Sheet
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large manuscript sheet with Gregorian Chant on parchment "Sacerdos In Eternum" Gregorian Chant composition book sheet as wall decoration, Spain before XVth century...
Parchment Paper, Wood
Bobyrug’s Wonderful Vintage French hand printed 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...
Cotton
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
17th century Gothic hand sculpted oak panel from Belgium
Located in Meulebeke, BE
This antique oak panel from 17th‑century Belgium exemplifies the expressive depth of Gothic wood sculpture. The relief depicts a seated female fi...
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
19th Century Aubusson Tapestry
Located in LYON, FR
Beautifully vivid, 1860-1870 Hand-woven Aubusson French Tapestry. Bought in St Ouen Paris. Warm fresh earthy tones, with amazing detail all in excellent condition. This piece has ha...
Wool
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry « departure to hunt »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French silk screen-printed by hand tapestry featuring the exquisite design of «Departure for falcon hunting on horseback” This tapestry, a ...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
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
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
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
Pretty Vintage French screen printed Tapestry by hand. « hunting meeting »
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 tapestry, "Rendez vous de chasse » ( hunting...
Wool, Cotton
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
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
Wonderful Vintage French screen printed by hand Tapestry « departure to hunt »
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of this mid-century French silk screen-printed by hand tapestry featuring the exquisite design of «Departure for falcon hunting on horseback” This tapestry, a ...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
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
$1,374Sale Price|50% Off
Gothic hanging oratory - 19th century
Located in Porto, PT
Neo-Gothic hanging oratory - 19th century. 19th-century English; Neo-Gothic triptych in gilded copper; with perforated plate for incense burner; with relief decoration of religious i...
Gold
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
$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
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
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
16th/17th Century Spanish Gregorian Chant Manuscript Leaf Vellum in Glazed Frame
Located in Vero Beach, FL
16th/17th Century Spanish Gregorian Chant Manuscript Leaf on Vellum in Glazed Silvergilt Frame. An authentic, framed single leaf from an liturgical manuscript gradual, dating to the ...
Other
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
Antique Renaissance Style Italian Fresco Of The Virgin & Child After The Master
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An Antique Renaissance style Italian fresco of the Virgin & child after the Master of the Gold Brocade. An iconic image of mother and child painted in oil onto a thick terracotta pa...
Terracotta