The Gothic era started in around 1150 and was also called the Middle Ages. During this period there was a strict distinction between the furniture for poor people and for wealthy people. The furniture that was made for the poor was crude but functional while rich people gave the preference to the classic style. Also at this time non classical theme appeared which included heavily carved and ornate motifs. People started to use the other motifs such as heraldic symbols, for example griffins, lions, and hawks and at the same time the royal fleur-de-lis.

The term “Gothic” originates from the barbarians of the north, that called themselves the Goths, and it was taken to show an uncomplimentary reference as a way to part from the classic themes of the past. As the middle class, which consisted mainly from the minor nobles, had to move from one home to another because they always had to be with the lord, there appeared the necessity in creating chests and cabinets that could be easily packed and transported. Due to this more large and solid pieces of furniture were invented such as the armoire for the clothes, the buffet which was made for storing eating utensils and the tables with drawers.

Also the furniture for the bedroom included large four poster beds with tangled backboards and posts. Various Gargoyles and other mythical creatures were carved there in order to scare away lingering evil spirits. They have taken this idea from the church from which the Gothic style came from. Oak was the most widely used material. There were also many other decorative accessories which had religious thematic and were incorporated into this style. Here belonged stained glass windows, ornate candelabras, brass and pewter.

Moreover the Gothic style involves rich tapestries and hangings which are mixed together with stone walls or paneling. Window treatments are generally made of a heavy fabric and are painted in bold colors, such as gold, rich reds, purple and black.

It should be mentioned that Gothic influence included two distinct periods between 1150 and 1500. It was resurfaced between 1840 and 1880 and was named the Gothic Revival. During the period of Gothic Revival medium to large proportions were used. The most indispensable elements contained such motifs as tracery, arches, rose windows and quatrefoils. The most widespread kinds of woods were walnut, mahogany, rosewood, cherry and also oak. The most popular features of the furniture were tall-back chairs with some that had upholstered backs.

It is not hard to get antique Gothic furniture in case if you know where to look for it. Most antique stores can have some sort of antique Gothic furniture with tangled carved designs. Also you can find reproductions of the Gothic furniture which are identical to the real furniture and can’t be recognized by the untrained eye.

If you want to improve the Gothic style of your home you should install a Gothic fireplace. An elegant Gothic fireplace can serve as a wonderful focal point and suits greatly to the other decorative elements of your room. Gothic fireplaces are mostly carved with details that include elements of Gothic architecture such as repeating patterns, delicate tracery work and recurrent pointed arches and quatrefoils and decorative flowers with four lobes. Moreover many wooden fireplaces were carved with coat of arms, mythical creatures, which were placed in the center of the mantel or on either side of the fireplace. The other fireplaces were made of stone and had less detail because carving intricate patterns in stone was more complicated than carving wood. But stone carvings were larger and coarse than the wood carvings and they included roses, diamond paterae, and other examples having more detailed carvings which are located in the spandrel (the area right above the arch) or small portions of the jambs.