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.
Large chaledeliers signed Nics Frères 1925
By Nics Freres
Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR
Nics Frères Important 8-light wrought iron Gothic-style chandelier Marked on the flat of the upper crown Circa. 1925 H. 123 cm D : 98 cm Signed. Biographical Information Active at t...
Iron
$3,746Sale Price / item|25% Off
Large Vintage Gothic or Art Deco Black Wrought Iron & White Milk Glass Lights
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful large vintage gothic or Art Deco black painted wrought iron & white milk glass light fixtures. 3 total selling separately. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these a...
Wrought Iron
Antique French Renaissance Art Nouveau Iron Floral Lantern Pole Floor Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique French Renaissance Art Nouveau Iron Lea...
Wrought Iron
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...
Ceramic
Early 20th Century French Gothic Twelve-Light Iron Chandelier with Gilt Accents
Located in Dallas, TX
Illuminate a dining room or entryway with this impressive round chandelier. Crafted in France circa 1920, the hand-forged wrought iron fixture features twelve lights arranged around ...
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.
Iron
19th Century French Gothic Forged Iron Eight-Light Island Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique light fixture was forged in France, circa 1890. Rectangular in shape and almost 4 feet long, the chandelier with a flat bottom, features an intricate pierced gallery with scrolled work around the perimeter, and embellished with gilt floral rosette medallions in each recessed corner; the light has the original double chains on each side connected to a crossed bar, under the top double chain. The large chandelier has eight inside arms newly wired and each iron torch light...
Iron
$1,256Sale Price|25% Off
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
Iron, Wrought Iron
Vintage Gothic Gilt Lantern
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a dramatic architectural statement in your home with this monumental vintage Gothic Revival lantern. This commanding fixture features an open-cage design constructed from sturdy...
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...
Iron
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.
Brass
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...
Bronze
Incredible Pair of Antique French Heavy Bronze Gothic Sconces
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sensational gutsy pair of heavy antique French 3 arm sconces having gothic inspired details. Newly rewired. (Joyce)
Bronze
$2,704Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Handforged Medieval Iron Luster from a German Castle
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Handforged Medieval Iron Luster from a German Castle A very large medieval luster from a castle in South Germany. Made of handforged iron around...
Wrought Iron
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...
Steel, Brass
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.
Metal
Gothic Wrought Iron Floor Lamp, Blacksmith Made, 50\" Tall
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
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 4 feet and takes a 2” diameter wa...
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...
Iron
Set of Four Neo-Gothic Iron Sconces, France, 1940s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Large and unusual set of four Gothic inspired sconces displaying striking ironwork. Each sconce has three arms. Can be wired.
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...
Iron
Vintage Spanish Gothic Hand Wrought Iron Candlestick Short Italian Floor Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Spanish Gothic Hand Wrought Iron Distressed Candlestick Short Italian Tripod Floor Lamp, Stamped Made in Italy. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 44" H (to finial) x 38"...
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century French Gothic Revival Six-Light Iron Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique French chandelier blends Gothic Revival character with a restrained, architectural silhouette. Crafted in France circa 1940, the six-light fixture is constructed of hand...
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century French Forged Wrought Iron 5 Light Candelabra Floor Lamp
Located in Miami, FL
Early 20th century Gothic Style French forged wrought iron 5 light candelabra floor lamp. US Rewiring and each takes a regular or LED Light bulb. Has a cord switch attached to the tw...
Wrought Iron
Large French Decorated Gothic Hall Lantern Ceiling Light
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large French Decorated Gothic Hall Lantern Ceiling Light This is a Large and Very Heavy Hall Lantern it is a Classic Elaborate Gothic Design decorated with animals Caryatid and symb...
Brass
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...
Iron
Pair of 19th Century Repousse Brass Hall Lanterns in the Moorish Taste
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of late 19th Century Belgian repousse brass hall lanterns in the Moorish taste. Circa 1880.
Brass
Large 19th Century Solid Bronze Gothic Lantern, Six Lights, Circular
Located in Stamford, CT
A 19th/Early 20th Century Solid Bronze Gothic Lantern, Six Lights. Circular Having fine bronze escutcheons This large and impressive lantern is ...
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...
Iron
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 ...
Bronze
$14,500 / set
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...
Iron
Antique Gothic Silvered Bronze 12-Light Chandelier, Circa 1860.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Gothic Silvered Bronze 12-Light Chandelier, Circa 1860.
Bronze
A Large Iron Candle Stick or Torchère This is a Tall Torchere
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Large Iron Candle Stick or Torchère This is a Tall Torchere, it takes 4 candles and will give height to spread the candle light source The stand is blacksmith made and very heavy,...
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...
Iron
Gothic Iron Castle Wall Light, Antique 19th Century Electric Fixture
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...
Iron
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.
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...
Iron
$2,800 / item
Gothic Form Steel Wall Lights
Located in New York, NY
Gothic form steel wall lights, 17 available.
Steel
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...
Iron
French Gothic Iron Wall Light, Antique Design, Circa 1900, Heavy Duty
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 ...
Iron
French Gothic Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces, 5 Arm, Floral Motifs
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of French Gothic stye gilt bronze 2-tier 5 arm wall sconces featuring floral and foliage motifs Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Bronze
$4,900 / item
Pair of Lime Painted Gothic Lanterns
Located in Washington, DC
A pair of very unusual pine lime painted wooden Gothic lanterns. Glass to either side and the bottom.
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...
Silver
Extra-Large Wrought Iron Chandelier, Spain, circa 1950s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very impressive medieval-style sixteen-light wrought iron chandelier, of very large proportions, ending in stylized fleur-de-lys. Each light has a large amber-colored glass shade. ...
Iron
$10,235
Nexus - one tier chandelier
Located in Firenze, FI
Single-tier chandelier from the Nexus collection, crafted in burnished brass and faceted satin glass. It blends austere lines with jewel-like details, balancing tradition and modern ...
Brass
Large Candelabra H257cm, Gothic Style, Early 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Rare Gothic-style candelabra, in bronze and painted sheet metal with a green and gold patina The arms of light are distributed over the upper part but also in the center of the sh...
Metal, Bronze
Rectangular wrought iron chandelier
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Rectangular wrought iron chandelier with golden twist trim details and original canopy.
Wrought Iron
$3,750 / item
Antique Chandelier, Gothic Style
Located in Atlanta, GA
Unusual iron French Gothic style two-light chandelier with shades, great for over kitchen island or billiard table. Four available. The fixture is 58 inches long x 48 inches wide wit...
Iron
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...
Iron, Wrought Iron, Metal
HUGE Pair of 13-Light Handforged Wrought Iron Castle Chandeliers w. Gothic Crown
Located in Lisse, NL
Largest ever pair of Medieval Style chandeliers, over 5 feet tall. With 20th century lighting as one of our specialities we have seen and sold all kinds of light fixtures, but never...
Wrought Iron, Metal
Set Of Eight Mediaeval Bronze Sconces, Great For A Wine Cellar. Priced per sconc
Located in Buchanan, MI
Set Of Eight Mediaeval Bronze Sconces, Great For A Wine Cellar. Priced per sconce. Original wirring.
Bronze
An Interesting Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze and Crystal “Grotesque” Chandelier
Located in Long Island City, NY
An Interesting Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze and Crystal Twenty Six Light “Grotesque” Chandelier A unique Gothic Style, drop crystal, basket chandelier with different “Grotesque” faces and designs. Twenty four tiered perimeter lights (including 6 lanterns) and two tiered interior lights. Artists began to give the tiny faces of the figures in grotesque decorations strange caricatured expressions, in a direct continuation of the medieval traditions of the drolleries in the border decorations or initials in illuminated manuscripts. From this the term began to be applied to larger caricatures, such as those of Leonardo da Vinci, and the modern sense began to develop. It is first recorded in English in 1646 from Sir Thomas Browne: “In nature there are no grotesques”. By extension backwards in time, the term became also used for the medieval originals, and in modern terminology medieval drolleries, half-human thumbnail vignettes drawn in the margins, and carved figures on buildings (that are not also waterspouts, and so gargoyles) are also called “grotesques”. A boom in the production of works of art in the grotesque genre, characterized the period 1920–1933 of German art. In contemporary illustration art, the “grotesque” figures, in the ordinary conversational sense, commonly appear in the genre grotesque art...
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th Century Brass Altar Candlestick Lamp and Shade
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An antique brass altar candlestick from 19th century France, that has been converted into an electrified lamp. This gorgeous fixture i...
Brass
Antique Gothic Renaissance Oscar Bach Style Bronze Paw Foot Pole Floor Lamp
By Artistic Brass & BZ Wks NYC
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique French Gothic Renaissance Oscar Bach Style Bronze Paw Foot Pole Floor Lamp by...
Bronze
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...
Silver Plate
20th Century French Iron Chandelier
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
French six-armed iron chandelier, circa 1950.The arms and central shaft feature scrolling acanthus leaves in alternating directions. This chandelier has a great composition with an i...
Iron
Nexus - wireless table lamp
Located in Firenze, FI
Compact and sculptural, this wireless lamp features a circular brass base and a curved arm that encloses a vertical satin-finish glass LED light source. A blue enamel accent punctuat...
Brass
1920's Oscar Bach Gothic style Brown Patinated Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900 Oscar Bach bronze double light sconces, brown patinated finish
Bronze
Pair of Early 1900s French Medieval Style Wrought Iron Torch Sconces
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in the early 1900s to evoke the feeling of a Medieval castle torch, this pair of French wrought iron sconces features a cylindrical enclosure around a single illumination poi...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
$1,279 / set
Pair Of Medieval-style Wrought-iron Sconces
Located in Brussels, Brussels
lovely pair of wrought iron sconces made with 17 century period elements. Superb work with lots of character. The sconces have been electrified We have made fake wax candles which g...
Wrought Iron
$1,090Sale Price|25% Off
5 Lights Wrought Iron Candlestick
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice 5 lights candlestick. is made of wrought iron. This is a French work. Circa 1950
Wrought Iron