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.
French 20th Century Large Wrought‑Iron Medieval Revival Wall Lamp with Sword
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A striking and imaginative example of mid‑20th‑century French medieval revival design, this large wall lamp transforms a wrought‑iron sword into a dramatic lighting feature. Crafted ...
Wrought Iron
Maison Baguès Red Style Crystal Flowers Sconces, Wrought Iron, circa 1900
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 2 lights each, will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the USA and certified sockets for other countries and ready to hang. Wrought iron in construction. Adorning 3 ...
Crystal, Wrought Iron
20th Century French Lantern
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant 20th-century French lantern showcases the timeless artistry of wrought iron craftsmanship. Its intricate scrollwork features delicate curves and flourishes, creating a s...
Iron
Eraly 1900 Handcrafted Gothic Art Four Arm Winged Dragon Pendant Light
Located in Lisse, NL
Good size and hand-carved Gothic Revival chandelier. This handcrafted medieval chandelier comes with four arms and on the end of each arm there is a mean looking and well carved dr...
Glass, Wood
Late 19th Century French Gilt Wrought Iron Sconces, Set of 2
Located in Barntrup, DE
Late 19th-century French gilt wrought iron two-light sconces, set of two. A beautiful pair of Medieval style sconces, France, from the late 19th century. These wrought iron wall lamp...
Wrought Iron
1930s Brass Candlestick Table Lamp with Spikes and Ball Feet at Base
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1930s Brass Candlestick Table Lamp with Spikes and Ball Feet at Base Height to finial: 24" Height to socket: 19" Two Light Socket with pull chains Ball Feet Medieval Art Deco Needs R...
Brass
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...
Bronze
$2,170Sale Price / set|30% Off
Antique Gilt Bronze Three Arm Candelabra by Cornelius & Co., 1840, USA
By Cornelius & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
An exquisite, period pair of antique Cornelius and Company gilt bronze three arm candlesticks, Philadelphia, circa 1840, having been electrified ...
Bronze
Antique Gothic Revival Gold Bronze Figural Candelabra Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gothic Revival Gold Bronze Figural Candelabra Table Lamps - a Pair. Item features wooden decorative candles, twin light sockets, pierced decorated frames, very nice antique p...
Brass, Bronze
Restored Gothic Black Wrought Iron Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Gothic style chandelier made of hand forged wrought iron. It features an openwork crown finial, a heavy central ring band decorated with cutout tracery panels, and stylized foliate a...
Wrought Iron
$2,367Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Wrought Iron wall lanterns Patinated in a Green Color and Gilded
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and unique pair of wall lanterns is made of wrought iron patinated in a green color and gilded. This is a French work. Circa 1940
Wrought Iron
A Superb 7 Arm Gothic Bronze Wall Sconce A very handsome piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Superb 7 Arm Gothic Bronze Wall Sconce A very handsome piece, the wall candelabra is made in bronze and is very Gothic in design. The lamp has 7 branches and a shield back plate ...
Bronze
$19,850Sale Price|42% Off
American Gothic-Revival Gilt-Bronze "Dragon" Chandelier in the Manner of Tiffany
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and rare American Gothic-Revival gilt bronze "Dragon" six-light figural chandelier. The elongated body in the form of a winged dragon biting on a perch with his tail wrap...
Bronze
19th Century French Carved Limestone Gothic Architectural Fragment Table Lamp
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
19th Century French architectural table lamp formed from a carved limestone Gothic fragment. The tapering element carved in relief with stylised foliate crockets/leafwork, later dr...
Limestone
Large Wrought Iron Wall Sconce, French, circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This decorative single large wall light is made of wrought iron. This is a French work, circa 1950.
Wrought Iron
Gothic Style Brass Table Lamps with Belgium Linen Shade
Located in Sheffield, MA
Pair of antique French Gothic Revival style brass table lamps with Belgium, linen shades. Great original condition with patina. Measures: Height from bottom to top of shade 26" Dia...
Brass
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 ...
Wrought Iron
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...
Wrought Iron
Antique French Gothic Revival Figural Bronze Candlestick Table Lamp by Leandri
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gothic French Renaissance Figural Bronze Tall Candlestick Table Lamp by "Leandri". Item features the original French foundry mark, stunning cast bronze figures of winged grif...
Bronze
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
French Gothic Style Wrought Iron 6 Arms Rectangular Chandelier or Pendant
Located in Plainview, NY
An exceptional 19th century French gothic style chandelier or pendant. The medieval style chandelier features a rectangular shape and has 6 lights . Finely carved of wrought iron, the chandelier shows amazing and intricate scrolls and swords design. The chandelier is embellished with a green band with yellow gold diamond design surrounding the body of the piece and a round mosaic floral design on each side adding class and beauty to it. Each arm is ending with French babouche holding a candelabra light , covered in a dripped candle sleeve in red. The chandelier is suspended by its original 4 chains attached to a scrolls design crown and comes with a canopy. The French Gothic chandelier...
Wrought Iron
$650 / set
Pair of Gothic Brass Wall Sconces
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Vintage Gothic style two arm wall sconces having black and weathered gold back plates 4 w x 5.5 h. Newly rewired.
Brass
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...
Brass
Gothic Gilded Brass 5 Branch Chandelier This is a rare piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Gilded Brass 5 Branch Chandelier This is a rare piece, it has been converted to electricity from a Gas Ceiling Light it is an excellent qual...
Brass
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...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century Gothic Wrought Iron Floor Lamp in the Style of Samuel Yellin
By Samuel Yellin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early 20th century, Gothic, craftsman-made, wrought iron floor lamp with decoratively scored stem, tripod base and foliate top with three-bulb fitter in the style of Samuel Yellin. T...
Wrought Iron
French Arts and Crafts Gothic Hall Lantern Ceiling Light
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large French Arts and Crafts Gothic Hall Lantern Ceiling Light This is a very Large and Heavy Hall Lantern it is a Classic Designed and signed E...
Brass
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...
Metal
Pair of Nine-Light Crystal and Bronze Domed Chandelier Depicting Gargoyle
Located in North Bergen, NJ
Pair of Gothic nine-light crystal and bronze domed chandelier depicting gargoyle motif. Having one large centre glass bowl surrounded by six smaller glass bowls...
$2,368Sale Price / set|20% Off
"Vintage Architectural Element Lamps, Blackened Finish, Medieval Style, Pair"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Vintage architectural element lamps, black finish. Standard Single Edison Socket 25 Watts
Cement, Stone, Brass
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...
Fabric, Wood
Gothic Bronze Wall Sconce Candelabra, 5 Branch, Antique, 18th Century
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
18th century 5 Branch Wall Sconce Candelabra This is a very large antique wall candle sconce, the sconce is highly decorated in the gothic style, there are 5 heavy arms to this ver...
Bronze
Heavy French Gothic Brass Table Lamps, Pair, Decorative Design, 1900
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...
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...
Metal
Tall Arts & Crafts Cast Iron Candle Stick or Torchère
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Tall Arts & Crafts cast iron candle stick or torchère. This is a tall and very heavy Torchere, it has a pricket in the centre of the sconce and sta...
Iron
Gothic Iron and Wood Chandelier, Antique 1910 Design, 5-Branch
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Superb Gothic Iron and Wood Chandelier A very handsome piece, Large Heavy and very Gothic in design, the light has 5 wide branches and would enhance the...
Iron
$1,200Sale Price / set|54% Off
Unique Pair of Elegant Vessels in a Soft Patina Metal Finish
Located in Bronx, NY
A unique pair of elegant vessels in a soft patina metal finish with lamp application. Our lamps have the unique distinction of being comprised of vases an...
Porcelain
Gothic Carved Oak Floor Standing Standard Lamp A skilfully turned and carved p
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Carved Oak Floor Standing Standard Lamp A skilfully turned and carved piece of Oak, the lamp stands on a square 3 tiered base and is carved the complete length of the column...
Oak
Spanish Renaissance Style Gilt Metal Chandelier
Located in Sheffield, MA
The vintage four-branch gilt metal Gothic Revival style chandler is all curls and is newly re-wired for regular US use and has sockets that take regular bulbs. Measures: Chain: 63"...
Metal
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...
Metal, Wrought Iron
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...
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
Brass, Bronze
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.
Brass
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
Brass, Wrought Iron
neoclassical table lamp in golden wrought iron circa 1950
Located in Mouscron, WHT
neoclassical table lamp in golden wrought iron circa 1950
Wrought Iron
Painted Napoleon III Cast Iron Chandelier
Located in Washington, DC
Painted Napoleon III Cast Iron Chandelier from Northern France probably around Lille.
Iron
$4,500 / set
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.
Glass, Wood
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....
Glass, Beech
Heavily Turned Oak Floor Lamp, Gothic Style, Corinthian Design, 1900
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Heavily turned oak floor standing lamp This is an attractive piece in style of a Corinthian column with a stepped base and acanthus carvings at...
Oak