Medieval furniture
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Medieval furniture is more than just seating or storage – it is a tangible piece of everyday history that instantly lends authenticity to any camp, encampment or re-enactment scene. Whether it’s a collapsible chair, a rustic wooden stool or a folding chair with a removable backrest: here you’ll find the most important pieces of furniture for everyday life in the Middle Ages – from your first visit to the market to a lavish re-enactment of a medieval camp.
What furniture was there in the Middle Ages? An overview
Medieval furniture was designed primarily for function and mobility – it can hardly be compared to modern living standards. The basic furnishings of a household included stools, benches, chests, simple tables and – depending on social status – folding chairs. Cupboards and chests of drawers as we know them today did not exist: the chest served equally as storage space and a seat.
The differences between a simple peasant household and a nobleman’s hall were considerable. Whilst the peasant made do with a rough wooden stool, the nobleman had access to folding chairs with backrests, stately seating and elaborate iron fittings. For re-enactments and displays at medieval camps, this knowledge is crucial: which piece of furniture suits which era and which social class?
Characteristics of medieval furniture: construction, material, style
Anyone wishing to buy medieval furniture should be familiar with the key construction features. Solid wood predominates throughout – oak, beech and larch were common in Central Europe, whilst mango wood is now a frequently used alternative for pieces with an authentic appearance. Mortise and tenon joints rather than screws are the defining feature: constructions that could be dismantled without tools were essential at markets and on military campaigns.
| Feature | Historical / Re-enactment | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Solid wood (oak, mango) | Historical | Stools, chairs, tables |
| Mortise and tenon joints | Historical | Slotted chairs, folding chairs |
| Iron fittings / Rivets | Historical | Chests, decorative elements |
| Untreated / oiled finish | Historical | All wooden furniture |
| Folding design (scissor chair) | Historical | Late medieval seating |
| Decorative metal elements | LARP | Bookends, wall mirrors |
The most important types of furniture for camps and re-enactments
Wooden stools
The wooden stool is the simplest and most common piece of seating furniture in everyday medieval life. Available in two heights – approx. 31 cm and approx. 45 cm – it suits almost any re-enactment from the Early Middle Ages to the Late Middle Ages. Sturdy, with no moving parts and always to hand.
Folding chair & collapsible chair
The slat chair, made from seasoned mango wood, consists of just two parts and can be assembled and dismantled without tools. Viking folding chairs with backrests complete the range for early medieval and Viking re-enactments. Both types are ideal for multi-day events.
Scissor chair & decoration
The late medieval folding chair with a removable backrest is perfect for high-end reenactments. Wooden bookends with metal elements and a wall mirror made of Soar wood add a decorative touch to the storage setup – creating a harmonious overall look in tavern or interior settings.
From the scene: What experienced re-enactors look for in furniture
At long markets and multi-day events, weight and pack size are just as important as appearance. Anyone spending a weekend at a castle festival doesn’t want to travel with bulky furniture. Hardwoods such as mango or oak are heavier than softwoods, but significantly more durable – especially with frequent transport and changing weather conditions.
When it comes to historical accuracy, wooden stools and folding chairs are suitable for virtually all periods from the Early to the Late Middle Ages, whilst the folding chair with a backrest is generally reserved for more elaborate re-enactments from the High Middle Ages onwards. In practice, the combination of a sturdy stool for quick use and a folding chair for situations where a little more seating comfort is required has proven its worth. This combination reliably covers most camp scenarios.
Prices and quality levels: What do you get for your budget?
Small wooden stools in two heights (approx. 31 cm and 45 cm) – ideal for first market visits or as a sturdy addition to your existing stall setup. No moving parts, stackable, easy to maintain.
Slotted chairs made from seasoned mango wood and Viking folding chairs with backrests – collapsible, suitable for transport and designed for frequent use at events. The right value for money for active re-enactors.
The late medieval scissor chair with removable backrest is crafted with greater attention to detail and is suitable for high-end reenactments. Seasoned wood and sturdy mortise-and-tenon joints ensure durability even with frequent transport.
Medieval furniture in context: encampments, markets and decoration
A credible camp is not created by individual pieces, but through the interplay of several elements. Seating alone is not enough – only when combined with wooden plates and bowls, cooper’s wares, furs and blankets, as well as appropriate camp equipment, does a coherent picture emerge.
Used decoratively, a wall mirror made of Soar wood or bookends with metal elements immediately lend greater depth to a camp or tavern display. It is particularly at well-attended markets that the attention to detail stands out – visitors and fellow participants are very much aware of whether a camp is thoughtfully furnished or consists merely of a few cloths and folding chairs. Medieval ceramics and cutlery sets complement the picture perfectly.
Good to know: Care and longevity of wooden furniture
Untreated or oiled wooden surfaces require little maintenance – occasional oiling with linseed oil provides reliable protection against moisture damage and keeps the wood supple. A light wipe with a dry cloth after rain is usually sufficient to protect the surface.
Joints should be checked regularly for play – if they feel slightly loose, simply re-treat with linseed oil or make a minor adjustment to the joint. With mango wood slat-back chairs, this rarely happens with proper care, as the wood retains its shape.
Solid wood furniture should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place – moisture is its greatest enemy. A sheltered storage area is also recommended: prolonged direct sunlight causes wood to crack and fade. A tarpaulin or a shady spot in a vehicle is sufficient for transport.
Disassembly and transportability: the be-all and end-all for markets and warehouses
- Snap-together chair in just two parts – no tools required
- Fits in any carry bag or boot
- Wooden stool with no moving parts: sturdy and stackable
- Ideal for beginners and frequent transport
- Historically documented from the Early to Late Middle Ages
- Folding chair with removable backrest – packs down compactly
- Also suitable for longer events lasting several days
- Viking folding chair with backrest for greater seating comfort
- Refined designs from the High Middle Ages onwards
- Historically documented folding design, suitable for formal occasions
Whether you’re looking for your first market stool or want to complete your camp setup with an authentic folding chair – browse our range of medieval furniture now and find the perfect piece for your next event.
Frequently asked questions
Medieval furnishings were designed for functionality and portability. Typical pieces included wooden stools, benches, simple tables and chests – the latter serving both as storage and seating. In more affluent households, there were also folding chairs with backs and elaborately metal-fitted seating. Cupboards or chests of drawers as we know them today did not exist.
Solid wood (oak, beech, larch) predominates, combined with iron fittings and rivets. Characteristic features include mortise and tenon joints and folding mechanisms, which allow for dismantlable and transportable constructions – ideal for markets and military campaigns. Surfaces are untreated or oiled, never varnished or polished.
For beginners, we recommend sturdy wooden stools in various heights – easy to transport and suitable for all periods. Those seeking greater comfort should opt for a mango wood slat chair or a Viking folding chair with a backrest. For more elaborate re-enactments from the High Middle Ages onwards, a scissor chair with a removable backrest is the most authentic choice.
Historically, regionally available woods such as oak, beech and larch were primarily used. Modern replicas for re-enactment and LARP often use seasoned mango wood, which has similar properties to oak: sturdy, dimensionally stable and durable. Iron fittings complement the construction both functionally and visually.
Untreated or oiled wooden surfaces can be maintained well with linseed oil – occasional oiling protects against moisture damage. Plug and folding joints should be checked for play and lightly re-oiled if necessary. Dry, well-ventilated storage is important – prolonged dampness and direct sunlight cause permanent damage to solid wood.