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.
Zabihi Collection Animal Motif Meshed Early 20th Century Rug
Located in New York, NY
A stunning 1900s Meshed Conversational Animal Motif Statement Rug Details rug no. j5036 size 10' 1" x 13' 5" (307 x 409 cm) rug type Meshed,Pictorial
Wool
Midnight Blue Antique North West Persian Hand Knotted Clean 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...
Wool
3'7"x6'5" Brown Vintage Persian Baluch Pure Wool Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Dark Chocolate Brown, Vintage Persian Baluch, Serrated Repetitive Geometrical Medallion Design, Excellent Condition, Pure Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. Primary materials: Wool La...
Wool
3'9"x6'1" Ivory Pure Wool Hand Knotted Faded Out Worn Down Persian Vintage Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Vintage Persian Tabriz, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craftsmans...
Wool
Vivid Orange Overdyed Old Persian Tabriz Barjasta Design 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...
Wool
$5,597Sale Price|25% Off
Red Antique Persian Heriz Soft Worn Wool Hand Knotted Oriental Rug 8'3"x11'9"
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...
Wool
Blue Hand Knotted Overdyed Old Persian Tabriz Worn Down Rustic Look 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...
Wool
Red Antique Persian Karajeh Heriz Pure Wool Hand Knotted Clean Oversized 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...
Wool
$7,840Sale Price|20% Off
Barn Red Antique Persian Kashan Debir Hand Knotted Pure Wool Clean Oversized 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 makeExact Rug Size in Feet and Inches : 11'2" x 16'8"Main Rug Color : RedRug Border Color : Visa BlueOther Colors of the Rug : Flint, Gray Goose...
Wool
Barn Red Antique Persian Feraghan Sarouk Evenly Worn Hand Knotted Wool Clean 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 make exact rug size in feet and inches : 9'0" x 12'0" main rug color : redrug border color : red other colors of the rug : blue, ivory, green, yellow, orange, midnight blue rug...
Wool
9'5"X12'10" Blue Pure Wool Hand Knotted Vintage Persian Kerman Distressed Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Vintage Zoroastrian Karman, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving crafts...
Wool
Red Antique Persian Serapi Heriz Wool Hand Knotted Even Wear Rug 11'3"x15'3"
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...
Wool
11'x14'7" Red Antique Persian Heriz Even Wear Wool Hand Knotted Oversized Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Terracotta Red, Larger Antique Persian Heriz in Good Condition, Even Wear, 100% Wool, Professionally Cleaned, Sides and Ends Secured, Hand Knotted, Oversized, Oriental Rug Primary ma...
Wool
Rich Red Vintage Persian Kashan Rare XL Squarish Size 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...
Wool
8'3"x11'5" Brown Antique Persian Fish Tabriz Herat Design Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Biscotti Brown, Antique Persian with Fish Tabriz All Over Herat Design, Pure Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tradit...
Wool
7'10"x7'10" Gray Persian Design Hand Knotted Broken Wool and Silk Round Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Trout Gray, Persian Design, Soft to Touch, Denser Weave, Hand Knotted, Broken Wool and Silk, Round Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Sty...
Silk
Chili Red Antique Persian Heriz Soft and Full Pile 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 makeExact Rug Size in Feet and Inches : 8'10" x 11'8"Main Rug Color : RedRug Border Color : Umber BrownOther Colors of the Rug : Pearl White, Bone, Deep Coffee, Denim Blue, Little Boy Blue...
Wool
Yale Blue Vintage Persian Kerman Pure Wool Hand Knotted Even Wear Oversized 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...
Wool
7'8"x10'1" Brown Overdyed Persian Design Hunting Scene All Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Mocha Brown, Overdyed Persian Design with Hunting Scene, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Distressed, Zero Pile, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Styl...
Wool
$330Sale Price|25% Off
2'4"x2'4" Yale Blue Vintage Persian Bidjar Wool Hand Knotted 300 KPSI Square Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Yale Blue, Vintage Persian Bidjar, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Excellent Condition, 300 KPSI, Mat, Square, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style...
Wool
2'6"x7'9" Pink, Broken Persian Design Wool and Pure Silk Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Hot Pink, Broken Persian Design Tone on Tone, Wool and Pure Silk Hand Knotted, Runner Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in...
Silk
9'x12'1" Brunette Brown Scrolls Leaf Design Hand Knotted Silk and Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Persian Scrolls Leaf and Flower Design, Silk with Textured Wool, Hand Knotted Oriental rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the cen...
Wool
12'6"x20'1" Midnight Blue Antique Persian Bijar Wool Hand Knotted Oversized Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Midnight Blue, Antique Persian Bijar, Densley Woven with Fine Wool, Good Condition, Repetitive All Over Tribal Guls Design, Hand Knotted, Oversized, Oriental Rug Primary materials: W...
Wool
6'10"x10'1" Purple, Overdyed Persian Viss Design Soft Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Purple, Worn Down, Overdyed Erased and Obscured Persian Viss Design, Distressed, Soft Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Sty...
Wool
$294Sale Price|25% Off
4'3"x7'10" Blue Wool Handmade Overdyed Vintage Persian Tabriz Wide Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Admiral Blue, Soft Wool, Handmade, Overdyed Vintage Persian Tabriz, Wide Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Primary c...
Wool
Ivory Vintage Persian Kerman Worn Down Hand Knotted Pure Wool Mat Rug 1'7"x3'7"
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...
Wool
3'9"x9'7" Blue Vintage Persian Tabriz Pure Wool Hand Knotted Wide Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Millennium Blue, Vintage Persian Tabriz with Colorful Field Design, Clean and Good, Pure Wool, Hand Knotted, Wide Runner Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0...
Wool
8'x10'2" Linen White Persian Design Wool and Plant Based Silk Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Linen White, Light Tone on Tone with Persian Design, Wool and Plant Based Silk, Thick and Plush, 200 KPSI, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Woo...
Silk
$9,834Sale Price|20% Off
Red Hand Knotted Wool Antiqued Fine Heriz Re-Creation Oriental Rug 12'1" x 18'2"
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...
Wool
$6,645Sale Price|25% Off
10'1"x14'1" Green Broken & Erased Persian Inspired Design Hand Knotted Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Sage Green, Broken and Erased Persian Inspired with Birds Design, Distinct Abrash, Shaved Low, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0...
Wool
Nice Vintage Kalamkar Ispahan
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful midcentury hand painted kalamkar with a nice design of Safavid period and beautiful colors, hand painted on cotton foundation.
Cotton
2'9"x21'9" Gray Persian Village Inspired Design Hand Knotted All Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Medium Gray, Persian Village Inspired Geometric Elements Design, Natural Dyes, Denser Weave, Organic Wool, Hand Knotted, XL Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pil...
Wool
Midnight Blue Vintage Persian Kerman Hand Knotted Pure Wool Square Rug 1'6"x1'6"
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...
Wool
Midnight Blue Antique Afghan Beshir Geometric Design 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...
Wool
2'8"x9'10" Salsa Red Vintage Northwest Persian 100% Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Salsa Red, Vintage Northwest Persian with Serrated Leaf Design, Shaved Low, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary ma...
Wool
11'3"x14'5" Crimson Red Antique Persian Bijar Garus Clean Hand Knotted Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Crimson Red, Antique Persian Bijar Garus, Even Wear, Clean, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Hand Knotted, 100% Wool, Oversized, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No ...
Wool
Crimson Red Old Turkeman Bokara Elephant Feet Medallions Hand Knotted 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...
Wool
Maroon Red Vintage Tourkaman Bokara Gul Motif Pure Wool Hand Knotted 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...
Wool
8'9"x11'5" Yellow Antique Persian Kerman Even Wear Pure Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Lemon Chiffon Yellow, Antique Persian Kerman in Good Condition, All Over Flower Design, Even Wear, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Clean, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug...
Wool
$11,154Sale Price|25% Off
12'1"x15'1" Silver Gray Wool & Pure Silk Hand Knotted Erased Persian Design Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Silver Gray, Wool and Pure Silk Hand Knotted, Erased Persian Design, Oversized Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the ce...
Silk
Blue Hand Knotted Old Persian Kerman Leaf and Bird Design All Wool Rug 1'7"x1'7"
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...
Wool
Cinnamon Red Antique Caucasian Soumak Pure Wool Flat Weave 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...
Wool
$2,784Sale Price|25% Off
Pompeian Red Hand Knotted Antique Persian Hamadan Soft Wool Clean Rug 8'5"x11'3"
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...
Wool
2'7"x9'1" Red Overdyed Vintage Northwest Persian Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Ruby Red, Overdyed Vintage Northwest Persian, Distressed, Shaved Down, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materia...
Wool
5'x5' Old Lace Ivory Hand Knotted Reimagined Viss Wool Round Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Reimagined Persian Viss Design, Pure Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving cr...
Wool
Vintage Persian Gabbeh Signed Geometric Medallions 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...
Wool
Ivory Vintage Chinese Ming Dynasty Hand Knotted Full Pile XL Clean 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...
Wool
8'7"x12' Ivory, Modern, Soft and Plush Persian Wool Gabbeh Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Ivory, Modern, Thick, Soft and Plush Persian Wool Gabbeh with Large Tree Design, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transit...
Wool
4'6"x5'6" Blue Antique Persian Heriz Hand Knotted Wool Worn Down 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...
Wool
2'7"x9'3" Ajax Red Vintage Northwest Persian Hand Knotted Wool Clean Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Ajax Red, Vintage Northwest Persian with Large Medallions Design, Shaved Down, Zero Pile, Distressed, Abrash, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Runner, ...
Wool
$6,900Sale Price|25% Off
10'5"x13'8" Yellow Antique Persian Bidjar Medallion Design Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Biscotti Yellow, Antique Persian Bidjar with Medallion Design, Nice Pile Throughout, Clean and Soft, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile hei...
Wool
9'1"x12'10" Vermilion Red Vintage Overdyed Persian Hand Knotted Pure Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Vermilion Red, Vintage Overdyed Persian Patchwork Design, Handmade Hand Knotted Pure Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional...
Wool
8'1"x11'5" Blue Worn Pile Wool Hand Knotted Vintage Persian Kerman Overdyed Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Vintage Zoroastrian Karman with Open Field Design, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centu...
Wool
9'2"x12'1" Ivory Persian Isphahan Inspired Design Hand Knotted Pure Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Daisy White, Hand Knotted, Polonaise Czartoryski with Persian Isphahan Inspired Design, Distinct Abrash, Zero Pile, Pure Wool Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile he...
Wool
9'8"x12'10" Blue Hand Knotted Worn Pile Pure Wool Vintage Persian Kerman Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Vintage Zoroastrian Karman, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving crafts...
Wool
Crimson Red Antique Persian Khorsan Hand Knotted Pure Wool Clean Rug 8'9"x12'6"
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...
Wool
Blush Red Antique Persian Serapi Heriz Even Wear Hand Knotted Wool Oversized 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...
Wool
Blue Vintage Persian Kerman Worn Down All Wool Hand Knotted Square Rug 1'9"x1'9"
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...
Wool
2'1"x8'3" Coral Color Antique Turkish Oushak Wool Weft Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Coral Color, Antique Turkish Oushak, Clean, Even Wear, Wool Weft, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Runner, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Trad...
Wool
12'6"x19'6" Dark Coral Antique Persian Bakshaish Even Wear Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Dark Coral, Antique Persian Bakshaish with Geometric Anchored Medallion Design, Even Wear, Clean, Good Condition, Sides and Ends Secured, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, XL Long and Narrow,...
Wool