Medieval Decorative Objects
MEDIEVAL STYLE
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.
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Style: Medieval
17th Century German Carved Oak Religious Sculpture
Located in Bradenton, FL
17th Century German hand-carved oak religious sculpture. Possibly a saint or a bishop. The bearded man is cloaked in draped fabric with only left ...
Category
17th Century German Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Gothic Virgin and Child from Flanders
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Exhibition
Museum Cantini, 1952, The art of the Middle Ages in the Marseille collections, n°101
Provenance
Former collection Louis Bresset (before 1952)
Former collection Profe...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Dutch Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
French Museum Plaster Romanesque Capital Model on Plinth
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An impressive plaster Romanesque capital model elevated by a later 20th century bespoke oak display plinth, made by the French Louvre Museum workshops in the late 19th/early 20th century (stamped).
The cast is a museum reproduction taken from the original medieval limestone capital dating back to the 12th century, circa 1125-1130.
It is just one of various carved capitals in the Louvre’s diverse artistic collection that was sourced from the Moutiers-St-Jean, a Benedictine Church in Burgundy, France. This area, famed for its wines, is reflected in the cast carving of this model, the capital displaying a vineyard scene with figures harvesting grapes to make wine.
Steeped in history, this reproduction medieval capital...
Category
Early 20th Century French Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster, Oak
Lladró Medieval Tournament Sculpture. Limited Edition
By Lladro
Located in New York City, NY
Honor and loyalty are the supreme values of medieval knights, the heroes of a fascinating, romantic era that inspired this spectacular high porcelain limited edition. The ornamental ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Model Of Nieuwerkerke, Battle Of The Duke Of Clarence, Bronze, Late 19th Century
By Count Alfred Émilien O
Hara van Nieuwerkerke
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large bronze representing the Death of the Duke of Clarence during a tournament: beautiful brown patina, the large quantity of details of precision and finesse make this sculpture li...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 19th century French Gothic-style 5-light candelabra
Located in Cantù, IT
Pair of 19th-century French Gothic-style 5-light Candelabra - Private Collection Domenico Rugiano
Category
19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
20th Century Sterling Made in Italy Silver Horse and Knight Armour
Located in VALENZA, IT
Horse in black lacquered resin with a sterling silver armor with Italian XIV Century Knight in sterling silver armor with golden and enamelled details.
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
Gothic Revival Gilded Brass Wall Candle holders 1890s Holland
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very beathiful set of Gothic revival Wall candle sconces .
Hand forced ,Gilded Brass .very nice ornate .
super rare to find a set of 4 . Comes with the hand made brackets .
All in...
Category
1890s Dutch Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
17th Century Carved Figure of a Saint
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Mid 17th century Northern European carved figure of a saint.
This striking statue depicts a saint who is dressed in robes, whilst holding his hand over his heart. This figure is freestanding and is stood within a leaning position which makes him stand out.
It has been beautifully carved from oak and has remnants of its original paintwork.
Likely to have stood within a church for many years and would have been removed due to renovation reasons.
This historical figure...
Category
17th Century German Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak, Paint
Antique French Renaissance Gothic Bronze 7 Arm Adjustable Candelabras - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Renaissance Gothic Bronze 7 Arm Adjustable Candelabras - a Pair. Arms and height are adjustable. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 20.5" H x 21" W x 6.5" D.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Saint Woman in polychrome carved wood
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
SAINT WOMAN IN POLYCHROME CARVED WOOD
ORIGIN : ITALY
PERIOD : late 13th century
Height : 103 cm
Length : 28 cm
Width : 16 cm
Remains of polychromy
...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Softwood
19th C. French Painted Bauche Fireproof Strongbox with Two Letters Combination
By Bauche
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique French safe was crafted circa 1880 in the Champagne-Ardenne region by Bauche, renowned for their patented “Système Incombustible” fireproof designs. Weighing 78 pounds, ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Iron
Rare Pair of Antique Carved Stone Lions from Italy, Circa 1600
Located in Dallas, TX
These utterly captivating, hand-carved stone lions hail from Italy and date to circa 1600, possibly even earlier. Their regal couchant (lying down) posture adds an air of majestic charm to any setting. One lion gracefully rests its forepaws on a stone ball, while the other clutches a coat of arms shield. They are carved in the same stylistic manner as many of the medieval lions...
Category
Early 17th Century Italian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Pair of Bronze Candlesticks, 17th Century
Located in NICE, FR
A pair of 17th-century bronze candlesticks featuring architectural details. Each piece is crafted from heavy cast bronze and displays intricate floral and geometric motifs, including...
Category
Late 17th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
$2,027 / set
French Gothic Oak Coffer Chest
Located in Queens, NY
French Gothic-style (19/20th Century) oak coffer chest on stand with tracery carved panels and a domed lid with iron strap work
Category
19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Solid Cast Brass Medieval Armored Knight on Horse Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool and well detailed solid cast brass medieval armored knight on horse sculpture, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and...
Category
20th Century American Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
$460 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Size French Wall Crucifix / Jesus Christ on the Cross with Crown of Thorns
Located in Lisse, NL
Antique large size sculpture and an impressive, religious work of art.
Looking at Christ suffering like this, the crucifix (in our view) is a symbol of what 'telling people the trut...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
19th Century French Pair of Antique Large Wrought Iron Wall Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of large antique French wall sconces, hand-forged in wrought iron and dating to the late 19th Century, in good condition. Crafted in the Medieval style, each sconce features b...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
13th Century Virgin and Child from Catalonia
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Seating on a bench-like throne the Virgin carries her child on her left knee.
She bears an important crown high on her head .The Virgin has an ovoid face with bulging eyes, straight long nose and thin lips. The hair parts in the middle and are carved as thick horizontals parallel hair strands...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Spanish Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Late 19th Century Brass Gothic Style Candlesticks
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful pair of antique brass candlesticks.
Gothic style. The candlesticks are in good condition. Beautiful color and shine. Sturdy and solid.
Estimated age and origin: France, ...
Category
1880s French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
14th Century Sculpture of the Head of an Angel from East of France or Rhineland
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This face with prominent eyes, open mouth and beautiful hairs with symetrical undulations may be the face of the Archangel Gabriel.
Category
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Antique Post Medieval Carved Stone Saint Statue
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique post medieval carved grit stone statue depicting a figure of a saint.
Dating the 16th/17th century, this English sculpture is of a small scale with a characterful time wo...
Category
17th Century English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
16th C. Polychromed Carved St. Florian, Former N. Rothschild Collection
Located in Doha, QA
From the esteemed former collection of Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild, this exquisite early 16th-century polychromed carved wood figure of St. Florian stands as a rare example of late...
Category
16th Century German Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Indian Carved Sandstone Frieze of Lakshmi, Central India, 10th-11th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A large and impressive Indian carved sandstone architectural frieze featuring a central image of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi flanked by two atten...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Indian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Sandstone
Tall Pair of Wrought Iron Candleholders, Early 19th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Elegant and rare pair of heavy wrought iron candleholders with a crown of flowers, raised on a tripod base.
Probably from Italy.
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
A granite sculpture of a young woman
s head - France - 1960
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A refined granite sculpture portraying the head of a young woman, believed to likely represent Saint Joan of Arc, crafted in France during the 1950s. It features a magnificent patina...
Category
1960s European Vintage Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Granite
$1,097 Sale Price
20% Off
Gothic Architectural fragment abstract sculpture
Located in Vosselaar, BE
We mounted this Gothic architectural fragment on a custom iron stand. In this new context it becomes a sculpture with a almost abstract f...
Category
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Sandstone
16th Century Late Medieval Heraldic Encaustic Tile
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 445-year-old late medieval 16th century heraldic encaustic tile of Flemish origin (unmarked). Made from terracotta and glazed, this 6-inch antique tile is an excellent collector’s ...
Category
16th Century Dutch Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Large pair of french Late 19 th Century candelabra
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare pair of large late 19 th century French candelabra, the patina is so much nicer in person,
I believe they came from a church
Category
1880s French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
French Gothic Style Inlaid Marble Mantel Clock Dial Signed H. Azur à Paris
Located in New York, NY
French 19 century Gothic style inlaid marble mantel clock.
Dial signed H. Azur à Paris. Height 21 inches, width 14 1/4 inches.
Category
19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Very Large and Rare Christ on the Cross ( height 130. cms ) 14th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Very large Christ on the Cross ( height 1,30 m),
Painted and carved in the round in poplar wood.
Some old traces of polychromy.
Restorations to the fingers. but not recently.
South...
Category
15th Century and Earlier German Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Poplar
Rare Romanesque Capital Depicting Four Africans, Apulia, 13th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Large stone capital carved on each side in strong relief. The basket is covered with two crowns of vertical acanthus leaves which sprout from the astragal and fill the space between ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
$21,942 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Church Antique Torcheres Floor Candlestick for 19 Candles
Located in Antwerp, BE
Brass and enamel multi-light standing candelabra in the Gothic style. The foot is bulbous scroll pattern with enamelled cartouches sitting on three mythical beasts. The candle holder...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Brass
Pair of English Gothic Revival Gilt Bronze Candelabras
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of English Gothic Revival-style (19th Century) gilt bronze 9 arm candelabras (PRICED AS PAIR).
Category
19th Century Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Large Gilt Bronze and Brown Patina Cassolette Vases, Charles X Period
Located in NICE, FR
Pair of Large “Cathedral” Model Cassolettes in Gilt and Patinated Bronze, Charles X Period, Early 19th Century
An elegant pair of cassolettes in mercu...
Category
1810s French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Antique 17th-18th Century Wood Italian Seated Saint Figure Fragment with Beard
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Antique 17th-18th century Italian carved wood seated saint figure fragment with beard. Possibly earlier. Remains of paint or pigments in multiple layers.
Arms and one leg missing, old damage to nose and other areas. Mounted on vintage base...
Category
17th Century Italian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$1,072 Sale Price
44% Off
19th Century Brass Wall hanging Shield A Decorative Gothic wall hanging Shield
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Brass Wall hanging Shield
A Decorative Gothic wall hanging Shield hand made in brass, the shield is decorated with mythical Warriors and beasts, there are 2 images of t...
Category
19th Century Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
American Bronze and Enameled Box/Humidor by E.F. Caldwell, New York, 1900s
Located in New York, NY
An American Gothic Revival bronze and enamelled box/humidor.
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co. Inc., New York, first quarter of 1900s.
The rectangul...
Category
1910s American Vintage Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Early Heavily Embossed Brass Box This is a large and heavy chest
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Early Heavily Embossed Brass Box
This is a large and heavy chest is made in Brass with a wooden lining, the beaten brass is embossed with decorativ...
Category
Early 1800s Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Indian carved wood spice box, late 17th century, circa 1790
Located in Central England, GB
This superb Indian spice box is of a larger scale than normally seen. It is highly decorative and original. It is made from a solid block of dense woo...
Category
Late 17th Century Indian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Wrought Iron
Bronze Skeleton Praying Hands Sculpture - Titled Eternal Hope - Signed Park
92
By Blackman Cruz, Amanda
Björn Sjöling
Located in St. Louis, MO
Cast bronze life size gothic skeleton / bone praying hands sculpture, titled on base Eternal Hope and signed Park '92. In the style of Blackman Cruz Workshop.
Category
1990s American Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 16th or 17th Century Italian Forged Iron Tripod Pricket Candlesticks
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon…
Forged in Italy during the late 1500s or early 1600s, this pair of tripod prickets once served as candlesticks. Most modern collectors will utilize th...
Category
16th Century Italian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Iron
16th Century Late Medieval Encaustic Tile with Rampant Lion
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 445-year-old late medieval 16th century encaustic tile of Flemish origin (unmarked), detailed with a rampant lion. Made from terracotta and glazed, this 6-inch antique tile is an e...
Category
16th Century Dutch Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
18th Century French Gothic Forged Wrought Iron Candle Holder
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1780 and forged of solid iron, the candle holder stands on four scrolled legs over a turned central shaft decorated with a few ornamental discs. The tall wrou...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Wrought Iron
A. W. N. Pugin
Bull of St Luke
6-Inch Encaustic Tile by Minton
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A superb mid-19th century 6-inch glazed encaustic tile depicting the Bull of Saint Luke, designed by A. W. N. Pugin and manufactured by Minton & Co. (stamped). Similar tile depicting...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
12th Century Italian Roman Marble Lion
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian Romanesque 12th century marble recumbent lion
12th century Italian roman marble lion
with a stylized mane and tail wrapped around its body a...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
19th Century Viennese Miniature Covered Silver and Enamel Cornucopia
Located in New York, NY
A very fine antique jeweled, silver Viennese enamel covered Cornucopia. Each panel is beautifully enameled with cupids, Angeles and Maidens with neoclassical mythological subjects, f...
Category
1850s Austrian Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Antique brass clock set with religious decoration
Located in London, GB
This three-piece brass clock set is wonderfully designed to look like a collection of Christian church bells. The mantel clock features a bell-shaped b...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Enamel
1960s Iridescent Glass and Twisted Iron Candle Sconce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A 1960s candle sconce. Consists of a panel of iridescent glass framed by twisted iron. Seven fluted brass heads elevate to hold taper candles. Lovely patina throughout. Pair availabl...
Category
1960s Vintage Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Iron
$450 Sale Price / item
40% Off
Rare English Romanesque Limestone Capital on Stand
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This weathered English Romanesque limestone capital is centuries old, dating from the Norman era of the 11th and 12th centuries. Originating from Oxf...
Category
15th Century and Earlier English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Limestone
English Arts
Crafts Mahogany and Brass Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
English Arts & Crafts (Gothic Revival-style) mahogany and brass trimmed double inkwell with glass jewels and drawer.
Category
20th Century Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
18th Century Candlesticks Bronze with Birds
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Beautiful candlesticks made around the 18th century but could also be older.
Made of bronze, they have marvelous patina.
Category
18th Century English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Neo Gothic Style Bronze Box, circa 1900
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Neo gothic style bronze box circa 1900.
Category
Early 20th Century French Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Victorian gilt inkstand desk set in the Gothic style
Located in London, GB
Victorian gilt inkstand desk set in the Gothic style
English, 19th Century
Height 19cm, width 27cm, depth 12.5cm
This wonderful inkstand is a fine piece of Victorian period design. ...
Category
19th Century English Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Late 19th Century French Gothic style Walnut Cigar cabinet
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Elegant 19th-century French cigar cabinet in the Gothic style. This beautifully crafted piece features a tambour roll-top door that opens to reveal compartments for cigars and two sm...
Category
1880s French Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Pair of Monumental 19th Century Medieval Style Brass Candelabra
Located in Troy, NY
Pair of massive Gothic style brass candelabra of impressive size. Can be electrified or used to hold large pillar candles.
Category
16th Century German Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Gothic Brass Jardiniere with Lions Mask Handles and Liner
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Brass Jardiniere with Lions Mask Handles and Liner
This is a very old piece and it has its original lead liner
The pot is oval and ...
Category
19th Century Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
18th Spanish Century Glazed Alhambra Majolica Amphora Vase
Located in Miami, FL
Spanish Mid 19th Century Glazed Alhambra Majolica Amphora Vase
Valencian medieval jug reflexes with heraldic shield.
Category
18th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Antique French Wrought Iron Candelabra with Gothic Floral Motifs
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This striking antique wrought iron candelabra beautifully captures the elegance and meticulous craftsmanship of early 20th-century Fren...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Wrought Iron
Bronze mortar - Italy, 16th century
Located in London, GB
Mortars are an ancient culinary tool, described as indispensable to the preparation of food and medicines in texts like the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus, dating from 1550 BC, and the writi...
Category
16th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Medieval decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Medieval decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Argenteria Etruria, AUGUST MAXIMILIEN DELAFONTAINE, and Bauche. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $95 and tops out at $134,141 while the average work can sell for $2,712.
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