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.
9'x11'10" Carbon Gray, Persian Medallion Design, Wool and Silk, Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Carbon Gray with Gold, Persian Medallion Design, Wool and Pure Silk, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Pure Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transit...
Silk
Orange Antique Persian Tabriz Open Some Wear Clean 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 make exact rug size in feet and inches : 8'8" x 12'0" main rug color : orange rug border color : navy blue other colors of the rug : ivory, light blue, pink, beige rug pile...
Wool
Taupe Antique Persian Camel Hair Serab Pure Wool Hand Knotted Clean 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
11'2"x18'5" Prismatic Red Antique Persian Bijar Wool Pure Weft Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Prismatic Red, Antique Persian Bijar with All Over Flower Design, Wool Weft, XL Long and Narrow, Good Condition, Thick and Plush, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted Oriental Rug Primary materia...
Wool
1'10"x2'8" Red Antique Persian Mohajaran Sarouk Mat 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...
Wool
12'x15'1" Pewter Gray Erased Persian Design Hand Knotted Wool and Silk Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Pewter Gray with Gold, Broken and Erased Persian Medallion Design with Roman Mosaic, Wool and Pure Silk, Hand Knotted, Oversized, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: N...
Silk
Brick Red Antique Persian Fereghan Sarouk Hand Knotted Wool Even Wear 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 m...
Wool
3'8"x8' Vermilion Red Vintage Persian Baluch Pure Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Vermilion Red, Vintage Persian Baluch, Repetitive Gul Motif with Peacocks Design, Pure Wool, Hand Knotted, Wide Runner Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.2...
Wool
2'5"x3'8" Savanna Brown Hand Knotted Vintage Northwest Persian 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
4'3"x12' Intellectual Gray Persian Village Soft Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Pure Wool, Hand Knotted, Persian Village Influence with Geometrical Medallions, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the c...
Wool
3'1"x5' Stone Gray Hand Knotted Persian Design Wool and Silk Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Stone Gray, Hand Knotted, Light Tone on Tone with Persian Design, Wool and Plant Based Silk, Thick and Plush, 200 KPSI, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile he...
Silk
9'x12'1" White Persian Design Hand Knotted Wool and Silk 200 KPSI Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Chiffon White, Light Tone on Tone with Persian Design with Repetitive Floral Motifs, Wool and Plant Based Silk, Thick and Plush, 200 KPSI, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary material...
Silk
Crimson Red Antique Persian Serapi Heriz Clean Even Wear 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
1910 Antique Northwest Persian Wide Runner Rug Bold and Striking
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a genuine hand knotted oriental rug. It is not hand tufted or machine made rug. Our entire inventory is made of either hand knotted or handwoven rugs. Enhance your room styl...
Wool
Echo Gray Heriz Design Wool & Silk Hand Knotted Round Oiental Rug 10'0" x 10'0"
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...
Silk
6'x6' Hand Knotted Pink Broken Persian Medallion Wool and Pure Silk Round Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Hand Knotted Pink Broken Persian Medallion Design Wool and Pure Silk Oriental Round Rug. It has been Loomed for months and months in the centuri...
Silk
6'7"x6'7" Gray Hand Knotted Broken Persian Design Wool and Pure Silk Round Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Gray, Hand Knotted Broken Persian Design, Wool and Pure Silk, Round Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Pure Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Primary c...
Silk
8'2"x11'1" Red Overdyed Vintage Persian Tabriz Design Pure Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Crimson Red, Overdyed Vintage Persian Tabriz Barjasta Design, Pure Wool Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Prim...
Wool
Stone Blue Vintage Persian Kerman Hand Knotted Pure Wool Worn Down Rug 1'9"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
Red Hand Spun Wool Hand Knotted Antiqued Fine Heriz Round Rug 10'0" x 10'0"
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
9'8"x12'8" Red Hand Knotted Soft Wool Natural Dyes Vintage Persian Kashan Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Vintage Persian Kashan, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craftsmans...
Wool
Brown Sheared Low Worn Wool Hand Knotted Bohemian Vintage Persian Tabriz 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
14'x14' Lamp Room Gray Hand Knotted Wool & Silk Zoroastrian Design Square Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Hand Knotted Broken Persian Design, Wool And Silk, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craftsma...
Wool
Currant Red Antiqued Fine Heriz Re-Creation Hand Knotted Runner Rug 2'7" 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
Burnt Umber Brown Bohemian Old Persian Baluch Worn 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
9'x12' Trafalgar Gray Hand Knotted Erased Design Wool and Silk Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Transitional Persian Influence Erased Medallion Design, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-o...
Wool
4'x11'9" Hand Knotted Pink Persian Design Wool and Silk Wide Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Hand Knotted Pink Persian Erased Medallion Design Wool and Pure Silk Oriental Wide Runner Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the ...
Silk
2'8"x9'6" Overdyed Green Vintage Persian Worn Down Hand Knotted Wool Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Overdyed Green, Vintage Persian with Geometric Pattern, Worn Down, Distressed, Zero Pile, Sides and Ends Professionally Secured, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Narrow Runner, Oriental Rug ...
Wool
8'10"x12'1" Ivory Bijar Garus Spacious Persian Design Wool-Silk Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Papyrus White, Bijar Garus Spacious Persian Design with Soft Colors, Wool & Silk, Hand Knotted, Natural Dyes, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25...
Wool
8'1"x10'1" Seashell White Broken Persian Design Hand Knotted Wool and Silk Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Seashell White with Pop Of Colors, Broken Persian Design with Pop of Colors, Hand Knotted, Wool and Pure Silk, Soft to the Touch, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: N...
Wool
9'1"x12'1" White Wool and Plant Based Silk Hand Knotted 200 KPSI Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Alabaster White, Wool and Plant Based Silk, Light Tone on Tone with Persian Design, Thick and Plush, 200 KPSI, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pil...
Silk
9'10"x13'10" Ivory, Reimagined Persian Viss Design, Pure Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Ivory with Soft Tones, Reimagined Persian Viss Design, Plush and Lush Soft Pile, Pure Wool Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Styl...
Wool
$11,829Sale Price|25% Off
14'1"x14'1" Gray Hand Knotted Transitional Design Persian Silk-Wool Square Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Gray, Hand Knotted, Transitional Persian Influence Erased Medallion Design Silk with Textured Wool, Square Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for...
Silk
$2,997Sale Price|25% Off
5'3"x7' Gray Wool and Pure Silk Broken Persian Design Hand Knotted Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Wool And Pure Silk Grey Broken Persian Design Hand Knotted Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving ...
Silk
$3,960Sale Price|25% Off
8'1"x10'2" Ivory Polonaise Czartoryski Persian Design Hand Knotted Pure Wool Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Snow Ivory, Polonaise Czartoryski with PersianInspired Design Distinct Abrash, Hand Knotted, Zero Pile 100% Wool, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 I...
Wool
Berry Blue Vintage Persian Kerman Worn Down Hand Knotted Clean Pure Wool Mat 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
$4,155Sale Price|25% Off
8'1"x8'1" Gray Hand Knotted Persian Influence Erased Design Silk-Wool Square Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Gray, Hand Knotted, Transitional Persian Influence Erased Medallion Design, Silk with Textured Wool, Oriental, Square Rug. It has been Knotted f...
Silk
9'7"x12'7" Forest Green Vintage Persian Kerman Hand Knotted 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
3'10"x6' Coral Red Vintage Persian Heriz Hand Knotted Worn Down 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
Red Antiqued Heriz Re-Creation Hand Knotted Pure Wool Oversized Rug 12' x 14'10"
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
4'x6'2" Midnight Blue Antique North West Persian Even Wear Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Midnight Blue with Burnt Orange, Antique North West Persian, Clean, Even Wear, Distinct Abrash, Multiple Borders, Serrated Leaf and Large Scale Tribal Flower Design, 100% Wool, Hand ...
Wool
Blue Pure Wool Vintage and Worn Persian Kerman Hand Knotted Mat Rug 1'6"x2'
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
5'1"x9'9" Overdyed Purple Worn Wool Handmade Vintage Persian Shiraz Oriental Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Overdyed Purple, Worn Wool Handmade, Vintage Persian Shiraz, Wide and Long Oriental Rug. Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Primary color:...
Wool
10'x13' Gray Hand Knotted All Wool Pile Overdyed 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
4'1"x5' Blue Antique Persian Afshar Clean Wool Hand Knotted Squarish Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Midnight Blue with Crimson Red, Antique Persian Afshar, Clean, Even Wear, Wool Weft, Intricate Repetitive Design, Multiple Borders, 100% Wool, Hand Knotted, Oriental, Squarish Rug Pr...
Wool
13'5"x19'8" Ivory Antique Persian Kerman Hand Knotted Pure Wool Oversized Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Alabaster White, Antique Persian Kerman with Poetry and Animal Figurines, Birds and Tigers, Hand Knotted, Pure Wool, Oversized Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool Latex: No Pile hei...
Wool
Almond Brown Antique Persian Bakshaish Clean Hand Knotted Pure Wool 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
Denim Blue Vintage Persian Shiraz Intricate 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...
Wool
Blue Vintage Persian Northeast Geometric Motifs 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
Vintage Afghan Baluch Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
77009 Vintage Afghan Baluch Rug, 02'07 x 09'08. Afghan Baluch rugs are handwoven textiles originating from the Baluch tribes in Afghanistan. These r...
Wool
11'10"x11'10" Gray Transitional Silk with Textured Wool Hand Knotted Round Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Gray, Silk with Textured Wool, Hand Knotted, Transitional Persian Influence Erased Medallion Design, Oriental, Round Rug. It has been Knotted fo...
Silk
3'x8' Gray with Gold Persian Medallion Wool and Silk Runner Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Nevada Gray with Gold, Persian Medallion Design, Wool and Pure Silk, Wide Runner, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style:...
Silk
$7,800Sale Price|25% Off
12'x15'5" Fossil Gray Erased Persian Design Silk Textured Wool Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Fossil Gray, Broken and Erased Persian Design, Silk with Textured Wool, Hand Knotted, Oversized Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches St...
Wool
2'9"x7'10" Gray, Persian Design, Pure Silk with Wool Hand Knotted Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Battleship Gray, Broken Persian Erased Medallion Design, Pure Silk with Textured Wool, Hand Knotted, Runner Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 I...
Silk
8'8"x12'1" White Persian Design with Floral Motifs Hand Knotted Wool & Silk Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Chiffon White, Persian Design with Repetitive Floral Motifs, Light Tone on Tone, Wool and Plant Based Silk, Thick and Plush, 200 KPSI, Hand Knotted, Oriental Rug Primary materials: W...
Silk
12'x18' Rustic Gray, Hand Knotted Broken Persian Design, Wool And Silk Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Rustic Gray, Hand Knotted Broken Persian Design, Wool And Silk, Oversized Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Primary ...
Wool
5'1"x7' Blue Hand Knotted Broken Persian Design Wool and Pure Silk Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Air Force Blue, Hand Knotted, Broken and Erased Persian Medallion Design, Wool and Pure Silk, Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: T...
Silk
12'x18' Gray, Erased Persian Design Wool with Silk Hand Knotted Oversized Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Cloud Gray, Broken and Erased Persian Design, Wool with Pure Silk, Hand Knotted, Oversized Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Tran...
Silk
$6,876Sale Price|25% Off
10'x10' Misty Gray Hand Knotted Broken Persian Square Wool And Silk Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
This is a truly genuine one-of-a-kind Hand Knotted Broken Persian Design, Wool And Silk, Oriental Rug. It has been Knotted for months and months in the centuries-old weaving craftsma...
Silk
2'7"x25'8" Gray Wool And Silk Hand Knotted Broken Persian Design XL Runner Rug
Located in Carlstadt, NJ
Gray, Wool And Pure Silk Hand Knotted, Broken Persian Design, XL Runner Oriental Rug Primary materials: Wool & Silk Latex: No Pile height: 0.25 Inches Style: Transitional Primary co...
Silk