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Medieval Lighting

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
Rectangular wrought iron chandelier
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Rectangular wrought iron chandelier with golden twist trim details and original canopy.
Category

1940s French Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

Large Neo Gothic Style Cast Iron Two Arms Wall Sconce
Located in Plainview, NY
An exceptional Neo Gothic large size wall scone. The wall sconce has two large arms, each arm ending in a candelabra light with a custom made French style shade. The iron cast sconce...
Category

Late 20th Century Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

Pair of 19th Century Gothic Bronze Verdigris Lantern Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique Gothic style lantern sconces made of verdigris bronze and opaque textured glass. One pane is missing and will be replaced when purchased. The lights are cleaned and r...
Category

19th Century American Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Medieval Style Iron Wall Candelabra
Located in Redding, CT
Medieval style iron wall torchiere. The perfect romantic touch for your home. Fill with candles above a bath tub or use on a porch or outside barn wall....
Category

1930s Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

An Old Decorative Green Man Copper Lantern This old Hall Lantern has 6 sides
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
An Old Decorative Green Man Copper Lantern This very old Hall Lantern has 6 bevelled glass sides This very unusual Baroque light is wired for electricity, it has the mask of the gr...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Copper

Large and Heavy Gothic Iron Castle Wall Light
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large and Heavy Gothic Iron Castle Wall Light This wonderful piece is made in iron, it was originally powered by gas, it has now been converted to electricity We have added a large...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

Beautiful 1920s Gothic Wood Lantern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful Gothic lantern, the patina of the wood is beautiful, the height of the light is with out the chain.        
Category

1920s American Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Metal

Pair of 1950s Gothic Pendant Lights W/ Hexagon Shape and White Textured Glass
Located in New York, NY
1950's Gothic style pendant lights with textured white glass. This pair of hexagon shaped steel lights with brass plating have the original patina although there some wear with the b...
Category

1950s American Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Steel, Brass

Very Large Gothic Gilt Church Chandelier
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Very Large Gothic Gilt Church Chandelier This amazing piece has come from a private chapel, it is made in Iron and is decorated with oak leaves and acorns, the chandelier has 6 Arms ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Gothic Black Painted Wrought Iron Six-Light Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring a true "Old World" flair to your dining room, entryway or den with this large and imposing light fixture. Crafted in France circa 1870 and round in shape, this antique chandeli...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Gothic Wrought Iron Six-Light Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring a true "Old World" flair to your dining room or den with this large and imposing light fixture. Crafted in France circa 1870 and round in shape, this antique chandelier has a c...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

Tall Heavy Gothic Table Lamp A very decorative table lamp
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Tall Heavy Gothic Table Lamp A very decorative table lamp, the base is in age darkened brass and in the Gothic style standing on claw feet and acanthus decoration around the colu...
Category

1930s Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Brass

Very Rare Set of Twenty Large, 1940s Church Indoor or Outdoor Sconces (
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very rare set of twenty of large 1940 church sconces, the glass can be easily change, to a different color of glass, the price is for the pair they c...
Category

1940s American Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Metal

Pair of Large Twisted Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Wall Sconces
Located in Troy, NY
Large hand-forged twisted wrought iron wall sconces, timeless, bold and Stark appearance, exclusively designed for the Fortress, each sconce is individually hand-forged by local arti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

St. Marks Gothic Wall Lantern
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This wrought iron Gothic Lantern was made for a private chapel in France. We also made matching pendants that are availalble. The Bronze finish and Honey opal...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Large Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Wall Sconces
Located in Troy, NY
Large, hand-forged wrought iron wall sconces, timeless, bold and stark appearance, exclusively designed by the Fortress, each sconce is individually hand-forged by local artisans; sm...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

Pendant "Cibulak", Czechoslovakia, 1960 s
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in the Czech Republic. Made of brass and glass. Brass shows some signs of use, such as scratch marks.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Brass

6 Lights Wrought Iron Candlestick
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and delicate 6 lights candlestick is made of wrought iron. This is a French work. Circa 1950
Category

1950s French Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

1960s Wrought Iron Castle Chandelier
Located in Pueblo, CO
Large wrought iron chandelier fit for your castle, hand wrought iron with beautiful hammered bronze finish, six fixture, with original medallion and 14" of chain.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Century French Gothic Forged Iron Five-Light Floor Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a study of office with this elegant floor fixture. Crafted in southern France, circa 1860, the candelabra lamp stands on a tripod base ending with three feet. The twisted st...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Gothic Forged Iron Six Candles Chandelier
Located in Paris, FR
Large decorative forged iron chandelier, late 19th century. Forged in France, circa 1890, the large chandelier can receive 6 candles (candles not provided). On wavy shapes, the chand...
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

19th Century Blacksmith Made Gothic Wrought Iron Floor Lamp
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Blacksmith Made Gothic wrought iron floor lamp This is a very unusual Gothic Wrought Iron Floor Lamp the stand is blacksmith made, it stands on 3 feet and takes a wax candle which sits in the centre sconce...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

Vintage Boho Georgian Art Lighting Sconces - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a powerful design statement with this exceptional pair of vintage architectural sconces. Each fixture boasts a dramatic, oversized lantern form, featuring a distinctive pagoda-s...
Category

Late 20th Century American Medieval Lighting

Materials

Metal

Pair of Early 20th Century Forged Polished Iron Wall Torchere Sconces
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a powder room or an entry way with this elegant pair of antiques wall torcheres lights. Crafted in France, circa 1920, each narrow fixture made...
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

Large, Magnificent and Rare Gothic Revival Silver Plated Incense Burner
Located in London, GB
A magnificent and rare Gothic Revival, Byzantine influenced antique silver plated incense burner. The highly decorative bowl, set with many coloured glass cabochon and bearing the initials I H S a symbolic monogram of Christ, is suspended from a high domed crown on six sturdy chains. Beneath the bowl is a reversed crown terminating in a reversed ring...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Silver

Antique Gothic Silvered Bronze 12-Light Chandelier, Circa 1860.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Gothic Silvered Bronze 12-Light Chandelier, Circa 1860.
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Bronze

A Pair of Heavy French Gothic Brass Table Lamps
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Pair of Heavy French Gothic Brass Table Lamps A pair of very decorative Chateau table lamps, the bases are in the Gothic style with a wide 3 footed base and an elaborate centre...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of 19th Century Italian Medieval Style One-Arm Sconces
Located in New Orleans, LA
A pair of carved, painted and gilded sconces in the Medieval style. 19th century Italian.
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wood

Spanish Medieval Table Lamp in Gilt Wrought Iron
Located in Barcelona, ES
Medieval Style Iron Table Lamp, Spain, 1940s Gorgeous Spanish Colonial table lamp hand forged in iron with gilt patinated finsih. Tripod standing p...
Category

20th Century Spanish Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron, Metal

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 Lighting

Materials

Brass

Gothic Style Iron Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine Hand Hammered Iron Chandelier in the Gothic style. Extraordinary iron work. 16 lights. France, circa 1890. Dimensions: Height 51" Diameter 44" CW5203
Category

1890s French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

Pair of 19th Century gothic English lights
Located in London, GB
Pair of 19th Century gothic English lights Dimensions: H 10.5” x W 5.5” x D 5.5” Chain drop 20” Weight: 5kg pair Date: Late 19th Century Origin: English Material: Metal and glass ...
Category

Early 1900s British Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Metal

Palatial Silver Distressed Rustic Metal Chandelier by Schonbek
Located in Manhasset, NY
Palatial silver distressed rustic metal chandelier by Schonbek. A wonderful rustic silver metal chandelier by one of Germany's finest crystal ...
Category

1970s Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Silver

Stoneware Lamp with Gothic Face
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Ceramic lamp with a gothic face. Lamp measures 19" high from base to the bottom of socket and 10" diameter. Lamp has been professionally rewired for a 3-way light bulb. We also added...
Category

1970s American Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of 19th Century French Wrought Iron Sconces with Gilt Fleur-de-Lys Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
Add a touch of Gothic elegance to your interior with this refined pair of antique French wall sconces. Crafted circa 1880, each hand-forged iron fixture features graceful scrollwork ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

Italian antique carved wood and yellow fabric floor lamps or torch holders, 1500
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian antique carved wood and yellow fabric floor lamps or torch holders, 1500. Pair of floor lamps or torch holders with dark patina wooden structure, finely carved, and yellow fa...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Fabric, Wood

A Superb French Gothic Iron Entrance Wall Light
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Superb French Gothic Iron Entrance Wall Light A very handsome French iron wall light with a glass flame shade, the light is set at a slight incline and would enhance the entrance...
Category

1930s Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

Atelier Ciani Florence Italy design prod. years 80 medieval stylish wall lamp
Located in Biella, IT
atelier Ciani design Florence Italy production years 80' medieval stylish wall lamp in brass & wrought iron
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Wrought Iron Table Lamp with Dragon, Italy, circa 1900
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Elegant table / desk lamp in wrought iron, figuring a winged dragon holding a torch / torchiere. Beautiful metal work: subject well done, beautiful verdigris patina. Neo-Gothi...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

Atelier Ciani Florence Italy prod. years 80 medieval stylish wall lamp bronze
Located in Biella, IT
Atelier Ciani Florence Italy design production years 80' medieval stylish sconce in brass & bronze wrought
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze

19th Century Pair of Wooden Wall Chandeliers
Located in Esbeek, NL
Wall chandeliers in Gothic style.  
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wood

Rare Pair Artistic Design Hand Crafted Wrought Iron Dragon Wall Sconce Light
Located in Lisse, NL
Monumental pair of hand-forged wrought iron dragon wall sconces .. masterpiece craftsmanship. Why We Love It: Because drama meets craftsmanship in...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

Farm House Tole Hollywood Regency Chandelier with Murano Shades Italy 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Add a touch of opulence to your home with this charming Chandelier. Perfect verdigris colored parts to enhance any chic or eclectic home. We'd love to see it hanging in an entryway o...
Category

1980s German Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Metal

Early 20th Century French Gothic Forged Iron Four-Light Floor Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique floor fixture was crafted in southern France circa 1920. Forged in the Gothic tradition, the candelabra lamp features a tall iron stem with a subtle twist at the...
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

One Pair of Lime Painted Gothic Lanterns
Located in Washington, DC
One pair of very unusual pine lime painted wooden gothic lanterns glass to either side and the bottom.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Glass, Wood

Antique Giacometti Style Brass Bronze Fleur de Lis Gothic Pole Floor Lamp - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique Giacometti Style Bronze Fleur de Lis Gothic Pole Floor Lamps - a Pair. Very r...
Category

Early 20th Century Medieval Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Rare Antique Hubbell Carved Oak Figural Dolphins Library Column Floor Lamp
By Hubbell
Located in Dayton, OH
A rare and one of a kind antique figural carved oak floor lamp, circa 1920s. Meticulously carved with amazing detail throughout. Features a swiss guard with torchiere staff atop a sq...
Category

1920s Vintage Medieval Lighting

Materials

Oak

French Gothic Style Eight-Light Iron Chandelier with Hand-Painted Crests, Wired
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Gothic style eight-light iron chandelier from the 20th century with hand-painted crests. This French Gothic style chandelier from the 20th century is an exquisite example of...
Category

20th Century French Medieval Lighting

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair of Medieval Style Jeweled Lamps, France, circa 1930s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Fabulous and whimsical pair of lamps with three lights each. They are made of beechwood, painted gold, with geometric patterning, and are decorated with coloured cut-glass cabochons....
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Lighting

Materials

Glass, Beech

Antique Gothic American Iron Hall Lantern, Circa 1900-1910
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Gothic American iron hall lantern, Circa 1900-1910.
Category

Early 20th Century American Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

Antique English Renaissance Gothic Patinated Brass Candlestick Table Lamps Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Renaissance Gothic Patinated Brass Candlestick Table Lamps with Tripod Paw Feet - a Pair. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 39" H (to finial) x 28" H (to light s...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Brass

Chandelier Pendant Wrought Iron Wood Gothic Style French Design 1940s
Located in Palermo, IT
Particular Gothic style chandelier made of wrought iron and wood. Made in France in the 1940s.Please watch the video and photos carefully, thank you. Weight: 10 Kg Bulbs: 4 E14 ligh...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

Spanish Hand Forged Iron and Wood Medieval Inspired Torch Wall Sconce, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Medieval style three-light torch wall sconce in iron and wood, Spain, 1940s This wall sconce features a wooden backplate holding three hand forged iron branches with naturalistic de...
Category

20th Century Spanish Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Pair of 12 Polychromed Plaster Angel 14-Light Candelabra / Lamps on Pedestals
By Daprato Rigali Studios
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of 12' polychromed plaster angel 14-light candelabra / lamps on pedestals Subtle and dramatic, impressive in size and well executed. Each angel sta...
Category

Early 20th Century American Medieval Lighting

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Iron Chandelier
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

Antique Gothic Revival Wrought Iron Torchiere Altar Candle Stand Floor Lamp 70"
Located in Dayton, OH
Large antique wrought / forged iron converted torchiere candle stand / candle holder floor lamp featuring Gothic / Spanish styling with scrolled accents, fleur de lis and two lights....
Category

Early 20th Century Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

Circa 1900s Silverplate Chandelier with 5 Arms
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A vintage silverplate chandelier with a broad belly, five arms with beautiful details, original canopy. The piece came from Remains Lighting. Measurements: 32 inches high x 18...
Category

20th Century English Medieval Lighting

Materials

Silver Plate

19th Century French Gothic Verdigris Flat Bottom Iron Eight-Light Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a kitchen island or breakfast room with this elegant antique flat bottom light fixture. Forged in France, circa 1920 and rectangular in shape, the large chandelier has eight...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Iron

Nautical Boat Ship Chandelier Wrought Iron Venetian Cocca Anseatica, circa 1900
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 2 lights. Will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the USA and appropriate sockets for all other countries and ready to hang. One of a kind ship. Wrought iron with in...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

Italian Wooden Church Candlesticks in the Shape of a Torch Holder
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our objects. Peculiar, rare, and antique pair of Italian altar candlesticks in the shape of a torch; they were made completely by the technique of manual turning, a special way of working that allows the objects to have a rounded shape: the piece of wood rotates with the aid of the lathe, while the craftsman uses special tools called "gouges" to shape and decorate its surface; they were then painted with a pasty gray-white varnish, which over time has taken on the craquelure effect; on the wooden structure we did not, therefore, consider doing any restoration because its veiled patina and imperfections make it truly alluring and fascinating and attest to its antiquity and authenticity; at the top of each one is a metal "bobeche" of shaped leaves made to hold large candles; when, in more recent times, they were electrified, a candle-shaped lamp holder was applied; the base is made of three lion's paws in cast bronze. They were produced in a craft workshop in the province of Lucca (Tuscany, Italy) between 1830 and 1835; the area was famous for producing liturgical furnishings of all kinds. The master craftsman was inspired by ancient medieval torch...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Medieval lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval lighting 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 lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval lighting made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original lighting, popular names associated with this style include Edward F. Caldwell Co., Maison Baguès, Oscar Bruno Bach, and Schonbek. 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 lighting differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $200 and tops out at $37,500 while the average work can sell for $2,900.

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