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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
Terracotta Vintage Persian Abadeh Block Design Pure 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

1970s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Wash and Vintage Afghan Baluch Natural Color 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

1970s Afghan Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Navy Blue Vintage Worn Down Persian Qashqai Clean Hand Knotted Natural 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

Peach Color Persian Shiraz with Brown Medallions Hand Knotted Worn Wool Old 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 Worn Down Persian Hamadan with Earth Tone Colors Clean Abrash 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

Old Hand Knotted Tan Color Northwest Persian Serrated Medallion Worn 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

Hot Pink Vintage Persian Hadaman with Abrash Village Weave 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

1970s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

16th Century Late Gothic Limestone Gargoyle
Located in Richmond, VA
A late Gothic limestone gargoyle water spout. Original iron bracket in central gutter. Stunning hairline cracking in stone due to old age. Perfect o...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Limestone

Old Worn Wool Peach Color Geometric Medallions Persian Karajeh 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

Pair of 19th Century French Bronze Candelabras
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 19th Century French Bronze Candelabras with claw feet on black marble base.
Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Bronze

English Hob Grate with Greek Key to Fret
Located in London, GB
A good quality English hob grate in the Gothic taste. The shaped front area with Greek key fret below. Half polish finish. Width At Front: 770 mm 30 ⅜"...
Category

18th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Victorian Carved Oak Stick Stand & Matching Mirror Set
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Victorian carved oak stick stand & matching mirror set Both the stand and the mirror are made in oak, they have carved decoration in the Gothic st...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Oak

Red Vintage Persian Hamadan with Flower Design Full Pile 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

1970s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Gothic Style Wrought Iron Candelabrum on Tripod Stand
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tabletop candelabrum in wrought iron supported by a tripod base, circa 1910-1920. Hammered and torch cut details throughout. Fine, vintage condition with light wear consistent with...
Category

Early 20th Century American Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Burnt Brick Color Vintage Persian Hamadan Excellent Cond 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 Bakhtiar with Triple Medallion Design Cherry Red 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

Antique Persian Serab Runner Full Pile Good Condition Pure 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

1920s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Hamadan with Triple Medallion Design Pure 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

Red Vintage Persian Bakhtiar Good Condition Abrash Pure 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

1970s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Camel Hair Organic Wool Vintage Persian Open Field Design 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

1970s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Large & Imposing English Antique Polished Steel Firegrate
Located in London, GB
A large and imposing 19th century English polished steel firegrate with a Gothic influence. The turned cylindrical feet surmounted by elegant ball finials with teardrop tops, large b...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel

Apricot Vintage Medallion Design Persian Lilahan Hand Knotted Worn 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

Box Design Vintage Persian Hamadan Red Natural 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

1970s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

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 with Camel Hair Runner Full Pile 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

1940s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Mahal Excellent Condition Persimmon Color 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

1970s Persian Vintage 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

Burnt Orange Vintage West Persian Wide Gallery Size Runner 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

1970s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Bohemian Red Persian Shiraz Handmade Wool Old Distressed Gallery Size Runner 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

Ivory Old North West Persian All Over Geometric Vase Design 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

1970s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Washed out and Vintage Afghan Baluch 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

1970s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

English Steel Firebasket in the Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
An English polished cast iron firegrate. The legs and front bars of architectural form sympathetic to the Gothic style throughout, the cast iron back plate...
Category

18th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel

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

Overdyed Vintage Persian Shiraz Red and Pink Cast Worn 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 Sheared Low Areas of Wear Hand Knotted Clean Wool Persian Serab Red 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

16th Century German Gothic Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
16th century German Gothic fireback from the early days of casting firebacks. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upo...
Category

16th Century German Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Large English Stone Fireplace in the Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
A large English stone fireplace in the Gothic manner. The arched frieze with carved spandrels, the jambs with moulding to inside edge. Finished with a light grey, rustic paint effect...
Category

19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Stone

Polished Steel Firegrate in the Neo-Gothic Style
Located in London, GB
A polished steel firegrate in the neo-Gothic style. The horseshoe feet surmounted by straight shafts and acorn finials. Decorative cast iron back behind. English, circa 1900. Measu...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel

Antique Persian Serab Camel Hair Galley Geometric Patter 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

1920s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Small Pair of Andirons in the Gothic Style
Located in London, GB
A pair of English polished wrought iron firedogs in the Gothic style. 20th century. (Back bars could be extended if required). Measures: Height: 395 mm 15 ½" Width: 230 mm 9" De...
Category

20th Century English Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Mid 19th Century Gothic Style Antique Steel Firegrate
Located in London, GB
A mid 19th century (circa 1860) Gothic style steel firegrate. The horseshoe shaped dogs with scrolls and foliage surmounted by brass enrichment and knolled shaped finials. The cast f...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel

Antique Caucasian Wide Runner High KPSI, Good Cond, Hand Knotted Brown 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

1890s Azerbaijani Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

French Gothic Andirons or Firedogs, 17th-18th Century
Located in Amerongen, NL
17th-18th century French andirons made of wrought iron. The style of the andirons is Gothic. The andirons have spit hooks to grill food. They are in a good condition.
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique Persian Kerman Runner Good Condition Multicolor Flower and Vase Design
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

1920s Persian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Bohemian Red Old Persian Shiraz Cropped Down Geometric Design Handmade 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 Winslow Health Hygiene Series Medical Scientific Insect Wall Chart Print
Located in Oakville, CT
Vintage, Winslow Health and Hygiene scientific insect series medical wall print, chart. "Edited by C.E.A Winslow Dr. P.H. Copy Right 1929. For explanation see manual. Published by De...
Category

20th Century American Medieval Furniture

Materials

Metal

Semi Antique Beige Persian Shiraz Worn Down Clean Hand Knotted Organic 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

Pair of Large 19th Century Cast Iron Andirons
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of large 19th century cast iron andirons from Normandy. Measures: 10" L x 18" W x 27.5" H.
Category

1890s European Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Cast Stone

Navy Blue Semi Antique Seraband Botteh Wide 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

1970s Asian Vintage Medieval Furniture

Materials

Wool

Bohemian Hand Knotted Washed Out Gray Pure Wool Worn Down Persian Kerman 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

Mid 19th Century Polished Cast Iron Gothic Style Firegrate
Located in London, GB
A substantial mid 19th century polished cast iron Gothic style firegrate, with twisted design to firedogs and centre bar. Width At Front: 895 mm 35 ¼" Width At Back: 510 mm ...
Category

19th Century 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

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

Very Large Pair of Polished Steel Andirons in the Gothic Manner
Located in London, GB
A very large pair of polished steel firedogs in the Gothic manner. The arched feet with scrollwork below, the shafts with dragon's heads and figure, surmounted by mulling top of crow...
Category

Late 20th Century English Medieval Furniture

Materials

Steel

Bohemian Antique Wash Ivory Persian Kerman Vintage Worn 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

Pair of Early 20th Century French Gothic Forged Iron Two-Light Candelabras
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant pair of antique Gothic candelabras from Southern France, crafted circa 1920, the forged fixtures Stand on three curved legs, they hav...
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Furniture

Materials

Iron

Saint Blaise, Carved, Polychrome and Gilded Wood, Castilian School, 14th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Sculpture "San Blas". Carved, polychrome and gilded wood. Castilian school, 14th century. The figure stands, looking straight ahead with large, expressive ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Spanish Antique Medieval Furniture

Materials

Other

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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