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.
Rare Large 16th Century Grape or Cauldron in Solid Bronze
Located in Meer, VAN
Rare Large Grape or Cauldron in Solid Bronze, Europe, 16th Century. This is a rare and large museum quality 16th century grape or cauldron or cooking pot in solid bronze. A practi...
Bronze
Antique Medieval Tuscan Mortar in Nembro Marble, Italy
Located in Roma, IT
Incredilbe apothecary Mortar in Nembro Marble, made from a single block of marble and dated back to the early 600 from Tuscany. It was used in the in apothecaries to grind herbs and spices into powder for food or medicine. Very unique and rare piece in great conditions considering the the period to which it dates. This highly sculptural and unique piece would be suitable today as a magnificent decoration on a table or mantle, or to grace the counter of an open kitchen...
Marble
Gothic Ceramic Bowl or Jardiniere by Michael Andersen & Son, 1960s
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This bowl or jardiniere, crafted by Michael Andersen & Son, is a remarkable reproduction of a baptismal font discovered in a church in Åkirkeby on Bornholm. The original font, adorne...
Stoneware
Gothic Ceramic Bowl or Jardiniere by Michael Andersen & Son, 1960s
Located in Grythyttan, SE
A remarkable 1960s ceramic bowl or jardinière by Michael Andersen & Son of Bornholm, Denmark, inspired by a celebrated 13th-century baptismal font from a church in Åkirkeby, Born...
Stoneware
$540Sale Price|20% Off
STUNNING ANTIQUE SUPER DECORATIVE HAND HAMMERED BOWL IDEAL FOR FRUiT OR BBQ
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique bowl with hand hammered finish ideally suited for fruit A super decorative and highly c...
Iron
Pair of Mid-Century Michael Andersen & Son Relief Ceramic Bowls, 1960s, Set of 2
Located in Grythyttan, SE
A remarkable pair of 1960s ceramic bowls or jardinières of different sizes by Michael Andersen & Son of Bornholm, Denmark, inspired by a celebrated 13th-century baptismal font fr...
Stoneware
Mid-19th Century French Bronze Mortar with Original Pestle
Located in Dallas, TX
This handsome antique French mortar and pestle combines a substantial form with a beautifully aged bronze surface. Crafted in France circa 1850, the cylindrical mortar is fitted with...
Bronze
Mid-19th Century French Polished Bronze Mortar with Original Pestle
Located in Dallas, TX
This handsome antique mortar and pestle combines substantial weight, sculptural form, and the practical character of traditional French culinary and apothecary wares. Crafted in Fran...
Bronze
Small Antique Bronze Cauldron, Pot or Incense Burner, Unknown
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A small sized bronze cauldron, water pot or incense burner. Chinese in style. Presumably continental. Age and precise origin unknown. Would make a grea...
Bronze
16th Antique Carved Marble Mortar
Located in Marbella, ES
A unique piece of great historical and aesthetic value, this antique Gothic mortar has been hand-carved from a single block of light marble. Its robust shape and sculpted side fins e...
Marble
$431Sale Price|20% Off
STUNNING ANTIQUE SUPER DECORATiVE HAND HAMMERED BOWL IDEAL FOR FRUIT OR PUNCH
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique bowl with hand hammered finish ideally suited for fruit or punch A super decorative an...
Iron
Bronze mortar - Italy, 16th century
Located in London, GB
Mortars are an ancient culinary tool, described as indispensable to the preparation of food and medicines in texts like the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus, dating from 1550 BC, and the writi...
Bronze
Giant Mortar and Pestle Set Black Marble Polished Italy
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Italian deep black polished marble giant mortar bowl and pestle. Mortar and pestle set has been used for thousand of years as the way to crush, grind and p...
Marble
Hammered Sterling Silver Decorative Bowl, Mexico, 1950's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous hammered .925 sterling silver bowl by unknown Mexican designer 1950's Measures approximately: Diameter: 5.5" Height: 2" Similar designers of the period include Willi...
Silver
$209Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.37 in Dm 7.87 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Pottery Plate or Vide-poche by Michael Andersen, 1960s
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A small stoneware vintage Bornholm pottery plate or Vide-poche from Denmark. Made by the talented Michael Andersen, this plate is iconic and so typical for this company, especially w...
Ceramic
A Large Solid Bronze Indian Urli Bowl, Early 20th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Large Solid Bronze Indian Urli Bowl, Early 20th Century Description: Features a shallow, round design with two side handles. Traditionally used for cook...
Bronze
16th Century Spanish Terracotta Vase
Located in Miami, FL
16th Century Spanish Terracotta Vase Hand made marks around the vase.
Terracotta
Brass Flower Fruit Bowl - Centerpiece Decorative Gilt Bowl - France 1970s
By Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Brass Flower Fruit Bowl - Centerpiece Decorative Gilt Bowl - France 1970s Charming flower-shaped bowl entirely made of brass. Great metalwork and beautiful patina! Perfect to add ...
Brass
$524Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.76 in W 5.91 in D 1.58 in
Antique Sterling Silver Bowl Small Fruit Basket Relief Pictori Decorative Object
Located in Wembley, GB
Antique silver bowl small fruit basket with relief, openwork decorative object hallmarked sterling silver oval bon bon dish bowl intricate cut out ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$491Sale Price|36% Off
H 2 in Dm 12 in
Danish Stoneware Bowl by Michael Andersen with Floral Brass Edge and Ornaments
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Rare decorative dish for fruit manufactured by Michael Andersen in Denmark, circa 1910. It has a rich and deep dark green glaze with nuances of different colors. The Perimeter is dec...
Brass
French 19th Century Grape Hod
Located in Atlanta, GA
Made in France in the nineteenth century, this grape hod is a vessel of the type used during the wine harvest to carry picked grapes. The shaped form follows its working purpose, des...
Iron
1850s Antique Marble Mortar with Turned Wooden Pestle
Located in Marbella, ES
Traditional mortar and pestle carved from a single piece of white marble with natural veining and wear reflecting its use and age. It features four sturdy side handles and a deep, ta...
Marble
Antique Chinese Chiseled Marble Kitchen Mortar, Early 20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-carved from a single block of marble, this small stone vessel is an antique Chinese mortar once used to grind herbs and spices in a kitchen or apothecary. The chiseled exterior ...
Marble
Pair of Glazed Ceramic Bowls, France, 1960s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Charming pair of French ceramic bowls dating from the 1960s, featuring a rich green glazed finish with subtle variations in tone that give each piece a distinctive handcrafted charac...
Ceramic
Postmodern Italian Green Solid Marble Mortar & Pestle
Located in San Diego, CA
Postmodern Vintage solid green marble Mortar and Pestle Hand-Turned Modernist Design, circa 1980s, showcasing the warm grain, sculptural lines, and refined utility characteristic of ...
Marble
$850
H 5.63 in W 17.25 in D 17.25 in
Roycroft Style Arts & Crafts Flower Form Hammered Copper Fruit Bowl
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period hand hammered copper large fruit bowl or center bowl In the manner of Roycroft By Utah Copper Craftsmen Co. USA, Circa Early 20th Century Measures...
Copper
Michael Andersen & Son Vase Black Green Graphic Decor, Danish Ceramic 1960s
By Michael Andersen & Son, Thomas Toft, Eva & Johannes Andersen, Ingrid Atterberg, Marianne Starck
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
This Danish Mid-century ceramic vase is a rare model with a rare decoration from the ceramic workshop Michael Andersen & Søn (MA&S). Manufactured circa 1950s to 1960s. The decoratio...
Ceramic
Sold
H 5.91 in W 35.83 in D 13.78 in
Antique wooden dough bowl trough hand carved with metal details 1900’s
Located in Delft, NL
Antique wooden dough trough in unrestored, untreated original condition. A beautiful home decoration that can be used in many different ways. Dimensions: 91cm W, 36cm D, 15cm H Perio...
Iron
Spanish Gothic Mortar in Bronze, 15th-16th Century
Located in London, GB
Mortars are an ancient culinary tool, described as indispensable to the preparation of food and medicines in texts like the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus, dating from 1550 BC, and the writi...
Bronze
Antique 15th Century Gothic Mortar in Bronze Patina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous antique mortar in bronze with excellent patina Spain, 15th Century.
Bronze
Metal Cast Silvered Platter with Turquoise Stones Inlaid
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Metal cast Silvered Platter with Turquoise stones Inlaid. Nice decorative bowl . Size:9" Diameter x 2" h.
Metal
Mid-19th Century French Patinated Bronze Mortar with Original Pestle
Located in Dallas, TX
Grind spices in your kitchen with this beautifully carved, antique mortar; crafted in France, circa 1850, and made of bronze, the bowl is round in shape with a wide mouth at the top, and decorated with engraved stripe motifs. The decorative kitchen essential...
Bronze
Mid-19th Century French Patinated Bronze Mortar with Original Pestle
Located in Dallas, TX
Grind spices in your kitchen with this beautifully carved, antique mortar; crafted in France, circa 1850, and made of bronze, the bowl is round in shape with a wide mouth at the top, and decorated with engraved floral motifs. The decorative kitchen essential is in excellent condition with rich patinated gilt finish and has the original 8 " bronze pestle...
Bronze
IKaros Hand Painted Carnations and Tulips Decorative Plate Rhodes, Greece
By Iznik Pottery
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A decorative I Karos Pottery, I Caro collector polychrome hand painted and handcrafted in Rhodes, Greece ceramic wall decorative plate with a boat in the sea and Fish Design in polychrome design. The plate is decorated with a white, blue, aqua, green, and sienna red design gilded with 24-karat gold. These are intricately, hand painted plates made in Rhodes, Greece by the famous I Caro pottery. Rhodes is famous for its kiln products, such as tiles and pottery, which are glazed and multicolored. It has a beautifully hand painted in burgundy, light and dark blue and turquoise foliage and gold. An Islamic ceramic plate in the Iznik style, painted in vivid colors. The back of the plate is signed and numbered, it has a string to the back for hanging. It is marked “Handmade in Rhodes Greece by Ikaros...
Ceramic
Sold
H 6.5 in W 36.5 in D 36.5 in
Early 19th Century Spanish Carved Walnut "Brasero" with Repousse Brass Tray Top
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant and unusual fruit wood "Brasero" on a buffet or dining room table for there ultimate Spanish look! Crafted in Spain, circa 1820, the ornate, octagonal table sits o...
Brass
Antique Bronze Tripod Cauldron, Bowl, Unknown
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A small sized bronze cauldron. Medieval in style. Presumably continental. Age and precise origin unknown. Would make a great planter, incense burner or...
Bronze
Mid-19th Century French Carved Patinated Bronze Mortar with Pestle
Located in Dallas, TX
Grind spices in your kitchen with this beautifully carved, antique mortar; crafted in France, circa 1860, and made of bronze, the decorative bowl is roun...
Bronze
Mid-19th Century French Carved Patinated Bronze Mortar with Pestle
Located in Dallas, TX
Grind spices in your kitchen with this beautifully carved, antique mortar; crafted in France, circa 1860, and made of bronze, the decorative bowl is round in shape with a wide mouth at the top. The kitchen essential is in excellent condition with rich patinated finish and has the original bronze pestle...
Bronze
Mid-19th Century French Carved Patinated Bronze Mortar with Pestle
Located in Dallas, TX
Grind spices in your kitchen with this beautifully carved, antique mortar. Crafted in France circa 1860, and made of bronze, the decorative bowl is round in shape and embellished with floral motifs in high relief. The kitchen essential...
Bronze
Mid-18th Century French Carved Patinated Bronze Mortar with Pestle
Located in Dallas, TX
Grind spices in your kitchen with this beautifully carved, antique mortar; crafted in France, circa 1760, and made of bronze, the decorative bowl is round in shape with an elongated pouring beak. The kitchen essential...
Bronze
Mid-19th Century French Carved Patinated Bronze Mortar with Pestle
Located in Dallas, TX
Grind spices in your kitchen with this beautifully carved, antique mortar. Crafted in France circa 1850, the bronze bowl is round in shape; the decorative piece features two side handles and is embellished with geometric design. The kitchen essential...
Bronze
Two IKaros Hand Painted Carnations & Tulips Decorative Plates Rhodes, Greece
By Iznik Pottery
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A decorative I Karos Pottery, I Caro collector set of two polychrome hand-painted and handcrafted in Rhodes, Greece ceramic wall decorative plate with carnations and tulip polychrome design. The plate is decorated with a white, blue, aqua, green, and sienna red design. These are intricately, hand painted plates made in Rhodes, Greece by the famous I Caro pottery. Rhodes is famous for its kiln products, such as tiles and pottery, which are glazed and multicolored. It has a beautifully hand painted carnation and tulip in burgundy, light and dark blue and turquoise foliage. An Islamic ceramic plate in the Iznik style, painted in vivid colors with decoration of tulips and carnations. The back of the plate is signed and numbered, it has a string to the back for hanging. It is marked “Hand-made in Rhodes Greece by Ikaros Pottery...
Ceramic