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Medieval Furniture

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
Monumental Large Ornate Gothic Black Iron Andirons
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Truly belong in a castle, a pair of palatial, large black iron andirons adorned with curlicues and hooks for hanging cookware.  
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Antique North West Persian Runner, Dated 1876 Even Wear Red Wool Handknotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand-knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1870s Persian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Persian Kerman Old Clean Sun Faded Pink with Milk Wash Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand-knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Karajeh Full Pile Excellent Condition Ivory Wool Handknotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand-knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Red Northwest Persian Distressed Pure Wool Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand-knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

French Gothic Wrought Iron Manor House Fire Surround
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French Gothic Wrought Iron Manor House Fire Surround The stand is very large and heavy, it dates from the early 19th century and comes from a Brittany Manor House This is a very u...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Late 19th Century French Gothic Arched Giltwood Cathedral Style Mirror
Located in Birmingham, AL
A stunning late 19th century French Gothic arched giltwood mirror having a cathedral style silhouette and original mirrror glass, circa 1890s. T...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Mirror

Vintage with Even Wear Persian Shiraz Abrash Worn Down Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Red Bohemian Vintage Look Persian Tabriz Medallion Hand Knotted Pure Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Red Shabby Chic Old Persian Tabriz Medallion Design Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Pair Of Bronze Candlesticks, Late 18th/early 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Pair of bronze candlesticks on a tripod base resting on lion's paws, and at the top, the point used to fix the candle Period late 18th early 19th century Wear from use, one of the ...
Category

Late 18th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

2-Piece Victorian Gothic Iron Double Inkwell Desk Set
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian Gothic-style wrought iron double inkwell with (later) crystal wells and filigree back-rail. (with calendar stand) (PRICED AS SET).  
Category

20th Century Medieval Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Iron, Wrought Iron

Green Vintage and Worn Down Persian Heriz Hand Knotted Runner Pure Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Colorful Vintage and Worn Down Persian Karabakh Hand Knotted Runner Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous hand knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

1960s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Red Antique Persian Mahal Excellent Condition Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind red antique Persian Mahal excellent condition hand knotted oriental rug. It has been knotted for months and months in the centuries-old Persian weaving...
Category

1920s Asian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Bijar Pure Wool Exc Condition Wide Gallery Hand Knotted
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Antique Persian Bijar pure wool Exc condition wide gallery rug. It has been knotted for months and months in the centuries-old Persian weaving c...
Category

20th Century Persian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Caucasian Talesh Exc Cond Wide Runner Hand Knotted Rug, 4 0" x 9 0"
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This fabulous Hand-Knotted carpet has been created and designed for extra strength and durability. This rug has been handcrafted for weeks in the traditional method that is used to m...
Category

Early 1900s Russian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

20th Century Made in Italy Sterling Silver Jug
Located in VALENZA, IT
Fully handmade medieval style solid sterling silver jug. The body is oval and shaped embossed grooves. The base, separated from the rest of the body by a bushing, is round with the s...
Category

1990s Italian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

1910 Antique Northwest Persian Wide Runner Rug Bold and Striking
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a genuine hand knotted oriental rug. It is not hand tufted or machine made rug. Our entire inventory is made of either hand knotted or handwoven rugs. Enhance your room styl...
Category

Early 1900s Persian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

French Gothic Wrought Iron Chandelier, c. 1930
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent frosted glass chandelier combines the soft finish of molded Art Deco glass with the striking forms of a Gothic wrought iron frame. The cent...
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Very Heavy Pair of 19th Century Iron Andirons or Fire Dogs
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Very Heavy Pair of 19th Century Iron Andirons or Fire Dogs This is a Very Heavy pair of Andirons and they are made of cast iron The Andirons are 15” high, 14” long and are 8.5...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century French Gothic Wrought Iron Fireplace Tool Set with Fleur-de-Lys
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this unique antique fireplace tool set next to your mantel. Hand forged in southwest France circa 1950 in Gothic style, the "Serviteur" sits on four folded legs ending with small feet over a twisted stem. The set includes four tools including a shovel, tongs, brush and poker. The free standing...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

English Gothic Style Holy Water Bronze Faucet Oak Wall Plaques
Located in Queens, NY
2 English Gothic Revival style (19th Century) bronze faucets mounted on oak wall plaque. (PRICED EACH).  
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Marble Castle Chimneypiece Fireplace
Located in London, GB
20th Century Marble Castle Chimneypiece Fireplace. Hand Carved In Brown Tiger Like Marble. With Hand Carved Centre Hound Motif Emblem. And Prominent Turrets To The Top Of Each Firepl...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Marble

English Gothic Pedestal Column Garden Stone Table
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing a wonderful Gothic garden pedestal stand Great piece for displaying decorative pieces like urns or busts outside Can of course also be used inside in a hall or room C...
Category

18th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Other

Vintage Boho Twisted Wrought Iron Candelabras - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Illuminate your space with the rustic charm of this pair of vintage Boho twisted wrought iron candelabras. Each piece is a testament to unique craftsmanship, featuring elegantly twis...
Category

Early 20th Century American Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Early 20th Century 27-Light Gothic Cast Brass Floor Lamp Candelabra Torchere
Located in Germantown, MD
An exceptional Early 20th Century two tier 27 Light Gothic Cast Brass Floor Lamp Candelabra Torchere. Measures 10" in width, 10" in depth and stands 66" tall to the top of the finia...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edwardian Gothic Style Sterling Silver Café Au Lait Set
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Edwardian English sterling silver cafe´ au lait set in the Gothic style; an addition to our collectable teaware collection. This exceptional antique Edwardian sterling silver cafe´ au lait set consists of a coffee jug and hot milk jug, each crafted in the Gothic style. The coffee jug and hot milk jug have a plain hexagonal baluster shaped form onto a paneled spreading foot. The surface of each piece is embellished with a contemporary bright cut engraved crest depicting a demi-lion holding an axe. Each piece is fitted with the original hallmarked hinged cover surmounted with an impressive sterling silver paneled finial. The cover of each jug incorporates an applied incurved bracket and elevated scrolling thumbpiece. The milk jug and coffee jug retain the original handles overlaid with interwoven bamboo, strategically interlaced to produce a segmented braided design. Each jug has a plain sparrow beak spout ornamented with applied moulded decoration to the rim. Condition This antique café au lait...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Silver

Set of 2 wood and brass torcheres, Netherlands 1950s
Located in ECHT, NL
Set of 2 floor standing candle holders. Made from wood and brass. They came from a monastery in Oirschot Netherlands The bases are made ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 Furniture

Materials

Iron

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 Furniture

Materials

Iron

19th Century Cross
Located in Madrid, ES
19th Century cross. Made in olive wood and silver metal. Measures: 8x5 cm. Good condition.
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique Forged Iron Fleur-de-Lys Torchere Sconce from France, circa 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
From France, this antique forged iron torchere style sconce has a large single fleur-de-lis at the top and a thick scroll at the bottom of it. The sconce’s stem is at an angle, held to the backplate by a twisted iron bar. There is a flame style glass...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

1960s Italian Brutalist Mediavel Iron and Ceramic Floor Standing Candleholder
Located in London, England
A stunning handcrafted floor standing Brutalist Italian candleholder manufactured circa 1960s. A very heavy and well made piece with six candleholders in total. Five around the out...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique Victorian Milk Glass Pendant Lights - Set Of 4
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Victorian Milk Glass Pendant Lights - Set Of 4 Featuring 4 Chicago Church Salvaged Antique Milk Glass Pendant Lights from the 1920’s ***2 pe...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Medieval Furniture

Materials

Milk Glass

French Gothic Wrought Iron Manor House Fire Tool Companion Set
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French Gothic wrought iron manor house fire tool companion set The stand is very large and heavy, it dates from the early 19th century and comes from a Brittany Manor House Thi...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

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 Furniture

Materials

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 Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Arts and Crafts Gothic X Frame Carved Oak Chair
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts Gothic X Frame Carved Oak chair The chair has a very detailed carved and gilded frame with Lions faces on each side of the back. The chair is set on an X Frame wh...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Marble Top Walnut Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice table with inset marble. Lightly Gothic in style with bottom stretcher shelf.
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Marble

Gothic Horseshoe Coat and Tack Rack with Mirror A very fine quality piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Horseshoe Coat and Tack Rack with Mirror A very fine quality piece made and carved in Oak Beautifully made in the shape of a horseshoe with 5 turned wooden farriers nails f...
Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Pair Of 1900s French Oak Gothic-Style Building Spires
Located in High Point, NC
A striking pair of 1900s French oak Gothic-style building spires, these architectural elements capture the dramatic verticality and ornate detailing characteristic of Gothic Revival ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

A Superb French Gothic Iron Wall Light
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Superb French Gothic Iron Wall Light A very handsome Large Heavy French wall light, the light is set at a slight incline and would enhance the entrance ...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Negretti and Zambra Aneroid Barometer, 19th Century
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
19th century Negretti & Zambra aneroid barometer. Large English oak, Gothic style barometer. Free shipping within the United States and Canada.
Category

19th Century Great Britain (UK) Antique Medieval Furniture

Curious Pair of Andirons in Patinated Bronze and Iron, in the Gothic Style, with
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Curious pair of andirons in patinated bronze and iron, in the Gothic style, with spooky animal heads and dragons Period 19th century Measures: Height 73 cm 62 x 35cm.
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Iron

19th Century Hand Forged Spanish Blackened Iron Hearth Warmer
Located in Fort Collins, CO
Hand forged blackened hearth warmer from Spain. Blacksmith forged elements into piece that shows their creative eye, including a horse's head motif. Piece originally lived in front ...
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair of 16th Century Carved Oak Saints
Located in Basildon, GB
A Pair of 16th Century Oak Saints: One being a male depicted wearing a long hooded cloak held together with a brooch over a flowing tunic tied at the ...
Category

16th Century European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

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 Furniture

Materials

Brass

Minton Co Encaustic Neo-Medieval English Tile Depicting a Queen
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique English neo-medieval encaustic tile depicting a Queen, possibly Queen Eleanor, with a bird, attributed to Minton Co. This tile was commissioned in 1840-42 by L. N. ...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Clay

Edging Setts, Circular Fountain, Parterre Herb Garden Fire Pit
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Edging Setts, Circular Fountain, Parterre Herb Garden Fire Pit A real rarity, decorative Edging Setts forming a circle, there are 7 each of the curved and of the shell pieces The se...
Category

Mid-20th Century Medieval Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Walnut Carved Centre Coffee Table
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Walnut Carved Centre Coffee Table The table is made in walnut, a superb wood for the carver, the top is round and deeply carved in some places even pierced right through, it has a...
Category

1920s Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Vintage Etruscan Bronze Statuette Table Lamps
Located in North Miami, FL
These outstanding solid bronze hand forged Etruscan statuettes of a male and female are mounted on metal and brass bases. These lamps are simple and heavy - custom designed base and...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Medieval Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass, Bronze

A Heavy French Panelled Oak Coffer
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Heavy French Panelled Oak Coffer The chest has 2 moulded panels on the front and 1 more on each side with a carrying handle This is a very heavy piece it is made from solid Oak The top of the box has a planked and moulded edge and it has a large lidded candle box inside This good rustic piece has been waxed and is in good sound condition for its age, it has blacksmith made hinges and handles The Coffer measures 56’’ wide...
Category

Early 1800s Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Pair of French Arts and Crafts Gothic Walnut Library Chairs
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Pair of French arts and crafts gothic walnut library chairs These beautiful chairs date from around 1880, recently upholsterd, the fabric has been especially designed and chose...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Wrought Iron Andirons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of andirons is made of wrought iron with rack. This is a French work. Circa 1900
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Wrought Iron Andirons
Pair of Wrought Iron Andirons
$2,337 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique French Wrought Iron Viking Long Boat Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Wrought Iron Viking Long Boat Chandelier will make an eye-catching Old World statement in any room! The solid wrought iron fixture resembles a Viking Long Boat, which...
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair Large French Wall Sconces Gilbert Poillerat Style
Located in SAINTE-COLOMBE, FR
Pair Large French Wall Sconces Gilbert Poillerat Style   This elegant matching pair of wall sconces are styled in a gothic manner.   The main stem is in twisted wrought iron and each...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

Romanesque Telamon - Northern Italy, late 12th (Reemployed Roman marble)
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Telamon Northern Italy, late 12th - early 13th century Reemployed Roman marble H 32 x L 18 x P 17 cm « Sono coloro che hanno dimenticato che l’uomo é solo un bruco, destinato a dive...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Marble

19th Century Weathered Terracotta Architectural Shield Plaque
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An early 19th century weathered terracotta architectural plaque in the shape of a shield. This is one of seven similar shield-shaped terracotta plaques we are selling, usable alone ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Gothic Style Brass Altar Candlestick as Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
Gothic Style Brass Altar Candlestick as Lamp, with pierced floral and scalloped motif on shaped base. Overall: 44" H x 10" Diameter. Provenance: From a Fifth Avenue Collection.
Category

20th Century European Medieval Furniture

Materials

Brass

Medieval furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include rugs and carpets, building and garden elements, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wool and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Asia, and West Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Arval Argenti Valenza, Edward F. Caldwell Co., and Aeterna Furniture. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $30 and tops out at $275,000 while the average work can sell for $1,886.

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