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25 Things from Everyday Life in the Middle Ages

Have you ever wondered what everyday life was like in the Middle Ages?
From the clothes people wore to the tools they used, medieval life was
full of fascinating objects that shaped daily routines. This guide
explores 25 essential items that a medieval person relied onrCocovering personal belongings, household necessities, and work-related tools.
Whether yourCOre interested in medieval history, daily life, or historical objects, this list will give you a glimpse into how people lived during
the Middle Ages.

Personal Items in the Middle Ages
Brooches

This silver brooch was found in England and was probably made in the 9th century. Photo courtesy The Portable Antiquities Scheme / The Trustees
of the British Museum
Before the days of zippers (and even buttons, as they only started to be
used in the 13th century), people used brooches to fasten clothing
together. Often made of metal, brooches were intricately designed and decorated, resembling jewellery. They came in a variety of shapes and
styles, from simple pins to ornate disc brooches adorned with gemstones, enamel, or filigree. Viking-era brooches, for example, were large and
often paired, used to fasten cloaks or dresses. In later medieval
Europe, brooches also served as status symbols, with the wealthiest individuals commissioning gold or silver pieces inlaid with precious
stones. Some brooches even had religious inscriptions or hidden
compartments for carrying relics or charms.


Combs

This comb was made out of ivory in a Paris workshop during the early
14th century. Photo by Valerie McGlinchey / Wikimedia Commons
Grooming and beauty were important to medieval people, and a comb was an essential tool for that. They were usually made of wood or bone, but we
have many examples of those made from ivory. Some medieval combs were elaborately carved with intricate patterns, particularly those owned by nobility or religious figures. Double-sided combs were popular, with one
side featuring wide teeth for detangling hair and the other with fine
teeth for styling or removing lice. Because hygiene practices varied,
combs were also used to keep hair clean and free of pests, especially
since frequent bathing was uncommon for most people. In some cultures,
combs were even seen as symbolic objectsrCoViking burials, for example, sometimes included combs, suggesting their importance in daily life and personal care.

Hats

Four different hats as shown in this 15th-century manuscript rCo
Biblioth|?que de Gen|?ve, Ms. fr. 190/2, f. 143r
Both men and women often wore headgear, and there were many varieties
and styles. What you wore on your head was a good indication of how
wealthy or important you were. Jeffrey Singman writes, rCLOrdinary women
of the period are often shown wearing a simple wrap, probably consisting
only of a long rectangle of fabric, either tucked into itself or secured
in place with a band wrapped twice around the head.rCY Noblewomen could
have elaborate headdresses, such as the henninrCoa tall, conical hat often seen in medieval artwork. Men also wore a variety of hats, ranging from
simple woolen caps to the more refined chaperon, which featured a
distinctive draped or turban-like appearance.

Knives

A scribe holding a knife in this 15th-century manuscript rCo British
Library MS Royal 19 C XI f. 27v
A small knife was a common everyday item in the Middle Ages, used both
as an eating utensil and as a tool. They were typically carried on a personrCOs belt, making them easily accessible for a variety of tasks,
from cutting food to whittling wood or even self-defense. Unlike todayrCOs table settings, medieval people did not have forks as standard utensils,
so knives were used for most cutting and eating tasks. The wealthy might
have ornately decorated knives with engraved handles made of bone,
ivory, or silver, while common folk used simpler iron or steel blades.
Some knives were small and practical, while others, such as the
misericorde, were designed for more specific purposes, including
delivering a rCLmercy strokerCY to fallen knights on the battlefield.

Shoes

A pair of shoes from the 12th century rCo Photo by Pflege24 / Wikimedia Commons
Shoes came in many shapes and styles and could be made of cloth,
leather, or even wood (clogs). Towards the later Middle Ages, one style
of shoe popular with men featured very long pointed tips. Apparently,
they were painful to wear, as they could cause bunions. Known as rCLpoulaines,rCY these exaggerated pointed shoes were a fashion statement among the wealthy, with the length of the toe sometimes restricted by
law to prevent excessive extravagance. More practical footwear included
simple ankle boots, turnshoes (soft leather shoes sewn inside out and
then flipped), and wooden pattens, which were strapped over shoes to
keep feet dry in muddy or wet conditions. Peasants typically wore
sturdy, practical leather shoes or went barefoot, while nobles often had
their shoes dyed and embroidered as a sign of status.

Household Items in the Middle Ages
Beds

Sleeping in a bed from this 14th-century manuscript rCo Biblioth|?que nationale de France MS Latin 6749A, fol. 18r.
Medieval beds were not as soft as modern ones. They had a wooden frame
and a few layers of mattressesrCothe one on the bottom was stuffed with
straw, the next one filled with wool, and others with slightly better
material like goose feathers. The wealthiest individuals sometimes had elaborate canopy beds with heavy curtains, which provided warmth and
privacy in drafty stone buildings. Peasants, on the other hand, often
slept on simple straw pallets or wooden benches. In some households,
multiple family members or servants shared a bed, as sleeping
arrangements were dictated by both space and social status.

See also Medieval Beds: Two Examples from 1488

Candles

A priest holding up a candle in this 14th-century manuscript rCo British Library MS Royal 6 E VII f. 75v

If you needed light when indoors or at night, you would probably use a
candle. During the Middle Ages, there were two kinds of candles: tallow,
made from sheep fat, and wax, made from beeswax. Wax candles were more expensive because they burned more cleanly and did not produce as much
smoke or odor. In wealthier households, beeswax candles were used in
religious ceremonies or placed in elaborate chandeliers to illuminate
grand halls. Tallow candles, on the other hand, were common in everyday
homes but produced a smoky, unpleasant smell when burned. Because
candles were costly, many medieval people relied on rushlightsrCostrips of plant stalks dipped in animal fatrCoas a cheaper alternative.

Chairs

Sitting in a chair while writing, from a 13th-century manuscript rCo
Cambridge University Library MS O.9.34 fol. 22r
Like today, medieval chairs came in all shapes and sizes. Some were
simple stools or benches, while those used as thrones were much more
ornate, often with a high back. Large, carved wooden chairs with
armrests and decorative elements were often reserved for nobles or high-ranking officials, emphasizing their authority. The majority of
people, however, sat on wooden benches, chests, or even the floor. One
unique type of medieval chair was the faldstool, a folding seat used by traveling clergy or officials, which allowed them to sit comfortably
while on the move. In wealthier homes, chairs were sometimes cushioned
with wool-stuffed fabrics for extra comfort.

Chamber Pots

A chamber pot underneath a chair in this 15th-century manuscript rCo Biblioth|?que nationale de France MS Latin 11973, fol. 138v
If you needed to go to the washroom but didnrCOt want to leave your
bedroom, a medieval person would likely use a chamber pot, often made
from metal or ceramics. These pots were commonly placed under beds or
inside wooden furniture designed to discreetly store them. Wealthier households sometimes had chamber pots decorated with engravings or
painted designs, while those in castles or monasteries might use stone
or lead-lined versions. Chamber pots were emptied into cesspits or
thrown into the streets in many medieval towns, contributing to the
widespread issue of sanitation and unpleasant smells in urban areas. In
larger residences, dedicated servants were responsible for disposing of
waste, while monasteries and castles often had garderobesrCostone latrines built over running water for better hygiene.

Fireplaces

Keeping warm by a fire in this 14th-century manuscript rCo Biblioth|?que nationale de France MS Latin 10484, fol. 2v
For heat and cooking, you would often have an ongoing fire, called a
hearth. They were usually found in the middle of the room, which was the
best way to make use of all of its heat. The smoke was supposed to go up through a hole in the roof, but often a medieval room had a smoky smell.
Over time, fireplaces evolved to be built into walls with chimneys,
which significantly improved ventilation and made homes more
comfortable. In castles and wealthier homes, large stone fireplaces were
often elaborately decorated with carved mantels and family crests. In monasteries, great halls, and kitchens, enormous hearths allowed for
cooking multiple meals at once, with metal hooks and spits used for
roasting meat. Despite these advancements, many medieval homes remained
smoky and cold, with firewood being a valuable and sometimes scarce
resource.

Jars

A potter at work in this early modern manuscript rCo Stadtbibliothek N|+rnberg, Amb. 317b.2-#,
You always need containers for storing food or other goods, and pottery
was a big business throughout the medieval world. Much of the surviving
art from the Middle Ages is found on pottery, including jars, pitchers,
and decanters. Everyday jars were often made from earthenware or
stoneware, while wealthier households had glazed ceramics that were more decorative and durable. These vessels stored everything from grain and
dried herbs to liquids like oil, wine, and honey. In some regions,
potters developed highly distinctive styles, such as the green-glazed
pottery of England or the intricate blue-and-white ceramics of the
Islamic world. The production and trade of pottery were essential parts
of medieval economies, with specialized workshops and guilds controlling
the craft in many towns and cities.

Keys

A late medieval key, about 77 cm in length rCo Photo by The Portable Antiquities Scheme / The Trustees of the British Museum
To help lock a door or chest, you would need a key. Made of metal, they
were often much larger than modern keys. Keys and locks were
particularly important for securing valuables, especially in castles, monasteries, and merchant homes. The most common type of medieval lock
was a warded lock, which relied on internal obstructions (wards) that
could only be bypassed with a key of the correct shape. Wealthier
individuals often carried ornate keys as a symbol of authorityrCocastle gatekeepers, church officials, and high-ranking servants had keys that signified their control over important spaces. Some keys were small
enough to be worn as pendants or hidden in clothing, while others, such
as those for city gates or treasuries, were massive and required great
effort to turn.

Tables

A table displayed in this 15th-century manuscript rCo BAV Pal. lat. 1989
fol. 229r
The most common type of table in the Middle Ages was a trestle. They
came in pieces that you would have to set up with two or three supports
and then lay a flat board across them. This design made them easy to
dismantle and move, which was especially useful in castles and great
halls where space needed to be rearranged for feasts, meetings, or other activities. In noble households and monasteries, tables were often long
and narrow, allowing large groups to dine together, with the most
important people seated at the head. The wealthy sometimes had ornately
carved wooden tables, while peasants typically used simple wooden planks supported by logs or crates. In some places, stone tables were used in kitchens and workrooms due to their durability and resistance to fire.

Trenchers

Trenchers being used in this 15th-century dinner scene rCo Biblioth|?que de lrCOArsenal Ms-5070 r|-serve, fol. 25r
In the Middle Ages, food was often served on another piece of food. A
trencher was usually an old slice of bread, round in shape, on which
other food was placed. Once the meal was finished, the trencher might be soaked in sauce, and sometimes it was given to the poor. Trenchers were
common in both noble and peasant households, though wealthier
individuals often used fine white bread while poorer families relied on coarse, dark bread. By the late Middle Ages, wooden trenchers began to
replace bread ones, particularly in wealthier homes where tableware
became more refined. Some noble households had trenchers made of metal
or ceramic, used repeatedly rather than consumed. The practice of using
bread trenchers eventually declined as plates became more common, but
they remained a practical way to serve food during large medieval feasts.

Washtubs

A scene showing a public bath from a 15th-century manuscript rCo
Biblioth|?que de lrCOArsenal, Ms-5221 r|-serve, fol. 287r
While only wealthy people had their own washtubs, public bathhouses were common in many cities for general use. Made of wood and circular-shaped,
a medieval washtub could be large enough for two or more people to sit
in while water was brought to them. Bathing was often a social activity, especially in cities where bathhouses provided a place not just for cleanliness but also for relaxation and even business discussions.
Wealthy households sometimes had wooden tubs lined with metal or ceramic
to retain heat longer, and servants would heat water over a fire before filling the tub. However, for most peasants, full baths were infrequent
due to the labor-intensive process of hauling and heating water.
Instead, they would often wash using basins, cloths, and herbal soaps.

Click here to learn more about Bathing in the Middle Ages

Work Items in the Middle Ages
Anvils

A blacksmith uses an anvil as he works on a helmet, from this
14th-century manuscript rCo Biblioth|?que nationale de France MS Fran|oais 24364 fol. 61r
One of the instruments typically used by blacksmiths, anvils are heavy
blocks of metal. When working with iron or other metals, the blacksmith
would place the material on an anvil and use a hammer to shape it,
creating items such as armour, weapons, or tools. Anvils were often made
of iron or steel and designed with different surfaces for various
tasksrCosome had a flat top for general shaping, while others featured a
horn for bending metal. Skilled blacksmiths could use anvils to craft intricate designs, from delicate filigree work to durable horseshoes and swords.

Books

Making and reading books in this 15th-century manuscript rCo Biblioth|?que
de lrCOArsenal, Ms-5082 r|-serve, fol. 1r.
Most medieval people did not have books. Those that did included priests
and monks, the nobility, and other wealthy individuals. In the Middle
East and China (where printing was invented), books were more widely
used. Within medieval Europe, books were typically created using animal
skins that could be turned into vellum, which was then sewn together
into leather bindings. The process of making a single book was labor-intensive, often requiring months or even years of meticulous work
by scribes and illuminators. Some books contained elaborate hand-painted illustrations, known as illuminations, which depicted religious stories, historical events, or even daily life.

Musical Instruments

Musical instruments shown in this 11th-century manuscript rCo Monte
Cassino MS Casin 132
There were many kinds of musical instruments in the Middle Ages. Some of
the most popular included the lute (a string instrument similar to a
guitar) and the horn, often made from an animal horn. Flutes, recorders,
and pipe organs were also used during this period. Music played an
essential role in both religious and secular life, with minstrels and troubadours performing in courts and marketplaces. Other common
instruments included the vielle, a bowed string instrument similar to a
modern violin, and the hurdy-gurdy, which used a crank to produce
continuous sound. Drums and bells were widely used, especially in
military and religious settings, signaling anything from battle
formations to church services. Nobility often hired musicians to
entertain guests, while peasants enjoyed music during festivals and
communal gatherings.


Ploughs

A team of oxen pulling a plough in this 11th-century manuscript rCo
British Library Cotton MS Tiberius B.V. fol. 3r.
One of the most important tasks on a medieval farm was breaking the soil
so it could be planted with crops. To do so, you would need a ploughrCoa
type of blade that could be dragged through the ground, slicing it up as
it moved. Typically pulled by animals, heavier ploughs were needed to
break up tougher soils, such as those in northern Europe. The moldboard plough, introduced in the early Middle Ages, was a game-changer, as it
turned over the soil more effectively, making farming more productive. Peasants often shared ploughs within their village, as they were
expensive to produce. Oxen were the most common draft animals used for ploughing, although in wealthier regions, horses were sometimes
preferred due to their speed.

Scales

Using scales in this 14th-century manuscript rCo UBH Cod. Pal. germ. 848
Codex Manesse fol. 305r
To properly measure the weight of something, medieval people used a
scale. For example, a merchant would need to accurately weigh goods, and medieval governments often had many regulations for their use. The most
common type was the balance scale, which consisted of a beam with two
hanging pans; an item was placed in one pan, and counterweights or
standard weights in the other to determine its mass. Scales were
essential in trade, especially in bustling markets where goods such as
grain, spices, wool, and precious metals were bought and sold. In some
towns, officials known as weighmasters ensured merchants used fair and standardized measurements to prevent fraud. Larger trade hubs often had
public weighing stations, where disputes over weight and pricing could
be settled under local law.

Shields

This pavise was made in Austria in the second half of the 15th century rCo photo courtesy The Metropolitan Museum of Art
A medieval soldier often carried a shield. Some styles included the
circular wooden shield often associated with Vikings and the pavise,
which was large enough to cover an entire body, allowing an archer or crossbowman to crouch behind it while preparing their attacks. Shields
were typically made of wood, reinforced with leather, and sometimes
edged or covered with metal for extra durability. The kite shield,
popular in the 11th and 12th centuries, provided excellent leg
protection for cavalry, while the heater shield, which emerged later,
was more compact and favored by knights. Many shields bore coats of arms
or personal insignia, allowing warriors to be identified on the
battlefield. During sieges, larger wooden shields or mantlets were used
as mobile cover for advancing troops, demonstrating the shieldrCOs vital
role beyond individual combat.

Shovels

Using a shovel as part of farmwork in this 15th-century manuscript rCo Biblioth|?que nationale de France MS Latin 9333 fol 49
Working as a farmer in the Middle Ages meant using a few different
tools, including the shovel. They have been used since ancient times,
and they are very similar to those you can buy today. Medieval shovels
were typically made of wood with an iron-reinforced edge to help with
digging in tougher soils. They were essential for agriculture, helping
with planting, irrigation, and moving soil or compost. Shovels were also widely used in construction, particularly for digging foundations and trenches.

Spindles

Drop Spindle from Egypt, dating to between 2nd and 7th century rCo image courtesy The Metropolitan Museum of Art
In the process of making clothing, you would need to take wool, flax, or cotton and turn it into yarn. Spindles were handheld tools that, through twisting and turning, helped collect yarn. Before the spinning wheel
became widespread in the later Middle Ages, the drop spindle was the
primary tool used for spinning thread. These simple but effective tools consisted of a wooden rod (the spindle) with a weighted whorl at one end
to maintain momentum.

Swords

A sword from Scandinavia, dating to the 10th century rCo photo courtesy
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
One of the most important weapons of the Middle Ages, the sword is
essentially a long piece of iron that has been sharpened. They can be
found throughout the medieval world, coming in many different sizes and styles. Early medieval swords, such as those used by Vikings, were often broad-bladed and designed for slashing. Swords were not just weapons but
also symbols of status and chivalry; they were often richly decorated
with inscriptions, engravings, and elaborate pommels. Knights would
swear oaths upon their swords, and some blades were believed to have
mystical or religious significance.

Tools

A lady with a mirror and sculptorrCOs tools, from a 15th-century
manuscript rCo British Library MS Royal 16 G V f. 80

Many professions in the Middle Ages required a variety of tools.
Everyday items like saws, hammers, and chisels were needed for
construction or crafting. Blacksmiths used tongs and anvils to shape
metal, carpenters relied on planes and augers for woodworking, and
masons had chisels and mallets for cutting stone. Farmers used hoes,
scythes, and sickles to cultivate crops, while leatherworkers employed
knives and awls to make shoes, belts, and saddles.

Support Medievalists on Patreon
Everyday life in the Middle Ages was shaped by the tools, clothing, and objects people used daily. While some of these medieval items have
evolved into modern versions, others have disappeared entirely.
Understanding these items gives us a unique glimpse into how medieval
people lived, worked, and adapted to their world.

Further Readings:
Holmes, Urban Tigner, Daily Life in the Twelfth Century: Based on the Observations of Alexander Neckham in London and Paris (University of
Wisconsin Press, 1966)

Singman, Jeffrey L., The Middle Ages: Everyday Life in Medieval Europe (Sterling, 2013)

Tschen-Emmons, James B., Artifacts from Medieval Europe (ABC-CLIO, 2015)





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