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Medieval Garden Ornaments

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
Vintage Maitland Smith Ornate 5 Panel Wrought Iron Garden Gate
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Maitland Smith Ornate 5 Panel wrought iron garden gate Ornate vintage garden gate by Maitland Smith. Beautiful addition to a garden or ...
Category

1980s Vintage Medieval Garden Ornaments

Materials

Wrought Iron

Carved Byzantine Style Limestone Wellhead with Scrolled Ironwork
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-carved in the middle Byzantine style (which corresponds to Western Europe’s Medieval period), this highly detailed wellhead from Italy has a large, elaborate iron overthrow...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Medieval Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone, Iron

Mid 20th Century Pair of Weathered Cast Stone Garden Planters
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Mid 20th century pair of weathered cast stone garden planters A good pair of 20th century planters, they are well weathered and have a drainage hole in the centre In good sound c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Medieval Garden Ornaments

Materials

Stone

Monumental Limestone Cathedral Spires
Located in Baltimore, MD
We are offering two late 19th century monumental limestone finials, rescued from a Baltimore cathedral. Each spire is made up of fifteen individual carved stone blocks. The stones can be dry-stacked or permanently mortared together. Stonework on this scale is only rarely available for sale in the United States. This is a unique opportunity to own a grand garden folly...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Medieval Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

Gothic Baptistery in Stone-Spain
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Baptiphere Gothic period -Spain-Galicia (probably granite) The baptisphere was at the time attached to a wall Delivery in Belgium, France and abroad.    
Category

15th Century and Earlier Spanish Antique Medieval Garden Ornaments

Materials

Granite

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Gothic Architectural Church Spire or Steeple Pivoting Shrine Distressed Finish
Located in Topeka, KS
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Pair Hand Carved Stone Pillar Finials Decorative Urns Vase Rustic Jardinières Ca
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17th Century French Limestone Window
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Medieval garden ornaments for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval garden ornaments 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 garden ornaments created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval garden ornaments made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original garden ornaments, popular names associated with this style include and Maitland Smith. 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 garden ornaments differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,363 and tops out at $15,400 while the average work can sell for $4,368.

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