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 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
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
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
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
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 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
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 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
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
St Joseph Late Medieval Orphrey Panel, Circa 1480, Embroidery Textile
Located in Doha, QA
An extraordinarily rare and important late medieval English orphrey panel, dating to circa 1480, executed in sumptuous sacred embroidery and remarkably preserved in untouched conditi...
Metallic Thread
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
Bobyrug’s Nice French Aubusson Style Medieval Design Jaquar 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
$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
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
John Taylor Arms Old Rouen Etching 1927 Gothic Street Scene Signed
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A finely executed original etching titled Old Rouen by acclaimed American master etcher John Taylor Arms, dated 1927 and signed in pencil beneath the plate. This evocative compositi...
Paper
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Gothic Oak & Brass Communion Shelf 19thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Gothic Oak and Scrolled Brass Communion Shelf 19thC Measures- 35.5''H x 24.25''W x 15.25''D This antique Gothic-style communion shelf from the 19th century is crafted from oa...
Brass
18th Century Polychrome Armorial Panel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
back to top An 18th Century Polychrome Armorial Panel. This hand carved and polychrome decorated coat of arms panel is dated to circa 1790. The gilded crest is a large shield desi...
Oak
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
Nice vintage French Aubusson Style Jacquard tapestry "landscape with herons"
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Mid-Century French Jacquard Tapestry – Herons in a Landscaped Garden Beautiful mid-20th-century French decorative tapestry, Jacquard woven in a blend of wool and cotton, depicting a...
Wool, Cotton
Nice vintage medieval French Aubusson Style Jacquard tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Mid-Century French Jacquard Tapestry – Life of the Seigneurial Court A charming mid-20th-century French woven tapestry, produced on a Jacquard loom in wool and cotton, depicting an ...
Cotton, Wool
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
Nice vintage French Aubusson style screen printed tapestry medieval design
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Mid-Century 20th Century Tapestry – Serigraphic Print on Wool & Cotton Beautiful mid-20th-century decorative tapestry, featuring a charming serigraphic (screen-printed) medieval des...
Wool, Cotton, Acrylic
Nice French Aubusson Style screen printed by hand tapestry "the dance"
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Immerse yourself in the allure of this mid-20th-century French silk screen printed tapestry, showcasing a design inspired by a 15th century masterpiece Louvre museum tapestry. Beaut...
Cotton, Linen
19th Century French Armorial Coat Of Arms
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century French armorial coat of arms dated to circa 1850. Hand carved onto oak boards, this polychrome and gilt panel incorporates various heraldic elements. Typically refer...
Oak
Set of 5 Antique Gothic Style Openwork Tracery Decorations
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of 5 matching antique gothic style openwork tracery decorations, all fitted with hooks to the back ready for hanging on an interior wall. Reminiscent of the archways and stone...
Oak
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
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
$2,303Sale Price|20% Off
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
Oil on Canvas Portrait of a Medieval Man Signed Costello
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Oil painting of a medieval man with drop earing, signed on lower corner Costello. Original caved wood Frame. Circa 1950's. Framed 17.5 tall, 15.5 wide...
Canvas, Hardwood
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
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
Set of Three Vintage Paintings with People in Rococo Costumes
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Three Vintage Paintings with People in Rococo Costumes A set of three paintings depicting two noble ladies and a noble man in Rococo costumes. Handpainted with enamel paint o...
Wood
Blandford Fletcher (1858 – 1936) “Beauchamp of Holt & His Lady” Oil on Canvas
By Blandford Fletcher
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Blandford Fletcher (1858 – 1936) “Beauchamp of Holt & His Lady” Oil on Canvas. Presented in a guilt frame, this gothic scene is captured in the North Aisle of Worcestershire Cathedr...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
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
Pair of Early 20th Century Italian Painted Wood Heraldic Shield Wall Panels
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant pair of antique painted wood heraldic shield panels was crafted in Italy circa 1920 and was intended as decorative wall hangings or architectural accents for a palazzo o...
Wood
An Impressive 18th Century Painted Parchment Armorial
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
An Impressive 18th Century Painted Parchment Armorial Height: 260cm Width: 185cm Provenance: Private Melbourne collection.
Parchment Paper
Georgian Porphyry Marble Roundel Of Dionysus
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A Georgian porphyry marble roundel of Dionysus. Also known as Bacchus, this ornate side profile is set into a roundel of highly prized porphyry marble inside a Carrara border. Dion...
Carrara Marble
17th Century Hand Carved English Oak Sunflower Wall Panel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 17th century hand carved English oak sunflower wall panel, formerly the front of a coffer or chest. Dated to the 1600s, many hours of skilled work have gone into the creation of t...
Oak
17th Century Hand Carved English Oak Cartwheel Wall Panel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 17th century hand carved English oak cartwheel wall panel, formerly the front of a coffer or chest. Dated to the 1600s, many hours of skilled work have gone into the creation of t...
Oak
16th Century English Tapestry
Located in LYON, FR
Very rare 16th Century English tapestry. Hand made my candle light over 300 years ago. Recently professionally cleaned and in good condition. Sources in Lyon France Any questions p...
Wool
17th Century Hand Carved English Oak Wall Panel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 17th century hand carved English oak wall panel, formerly the front of a coffer or chest. Dated to the 1600s, many hours of skilled work have gone into the creation of this piece....
Oak
Pair of Antique 20th Century Medieval Style Tiles
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of antique 20th century medieval style tiles. Modelled in relief, these deeply cast 5-inch tiles display a classically dressed jousting knight on horseback in striking colourf...
Clay
Miniature painted in gouache on paper, depicting a Memento Mori, Italy 1808.
Located in Milan, IT
Miniature depicting a Memento Mori painted in gouache on paper, grisaille technique. The frame, in ebonized fruitwood and finished with wax, black in color, is oval in shape with an ...
Brass
19th Century French Carved Walnut Paris Coat of Arms Wall Plaque
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a study, library, office, or paneled hallway with this impressive antique French carved walnut wall plaque. Crafted in France circa 1870, the sculptural panel depicts the hi...
Walnut
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
Antique Decorative Wall Panel Carved with Mythical Scene
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An intricately carved 19th century antique wooden wall panel depicting a mythical or biblical scene. It details what appears to be three mythological beings, possibly witches or sorc...
Wood, Boxwood
17th Century Hand Carved English Oak Floral Wall Panel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 17th century hand carved English oak floral wall panel, formerly the front of a coffer or chest. Dated to the 1600s, many hours of skilled work ha...
Oak
Monumental MidCentury Brass Rubbing Of A Medieval Knight Sir John D'Aubernoun
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Monumental Brass Rubbing of Sir John D’Arbernon England, after the celebrated medieval brass at St Mary’s Church, Stoke D’Abernon, Surrey This striking monumental brass rubbing depi...
Glass, Paper
Set of 6 Antique Handcarved Limewood Foliage Corbels
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A set of 6 handcarved early 19th century limewood corbels or foliage brackets with an old white/cream paint finish, originating from Millearne House in Perthshire, Scotland (now demo...
Giltwood, Wood
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
English Gothic Revival Bronze Faucet on Oak Wall Plaque, 19th Century
Located in Queens, NY
2 English Gothic Revival style (19th Century) bronze faucets mounted on oak wall plaque. (PRICED EACH).
Bronze
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
Two Antique Medieval Style Carved Oak Geometric Wall Hangings
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A near pair of antique medieval style carved oak wall hangings, carved in a geometric design with male masks wearing hats to the centre and floral paterae to the top and bottom, all framed by an edge and dart edge. Though these decorative carved panels date from the first half of the 19th century, their style is earlier, reminiscent of medieval artworks...
Oak
$2,860
Armour Tapestry
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This Antique Medieval Armour Tapestry (5' x 6'7") is a striking example of European weaving, depicting a knight in full armor with exceptional detail and rich, vibrant colors. The in...
Wool, Silk
17th Century Hand Carved English Oak Wall Panel
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 17th century hand carved English oak wall panel, formerly the front of a coffer or chest. Dated to the 1600s, many hours of skilled work have gone into the creation of this piece....
Oak
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
Oil on board portrait of a 16th style gentleman. Very stately. In The Manner.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Oil on board portrait of a 16th style gentleman in the manner of Hans Holbein. Very stately.
Giltwood