After the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the eighth century, Islamic Spain became a cultural mix of influences that shaped both private homes and religious spaces. Moorish design was the name given to this style, which evolved through the 15th century with vibrant tile work, horseshoe arches and lavish ornamentation, most visible at sites such as Granada’s Alhambra and the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. Moorish furniture was often similarly ornate, and featured pieces inlaid with wood, ivory and bone.
When European designers began studying Moorish art and architecture in the early 19th century, it led to a Moorish Revival. Appropriating the style’s decorative flourishes and architectural elements, it promoted a romantic view of Islamic design. Travelers could bring home a memento of what they witnessed in the Middle East, a trend that aligned with a fad for themed interiors. Men’s smoking rooms arranged with ottomans, divans and settees and inlaid tables were especially popular, as were cafés where coffee was served amid bead curtains and colorful floor mats. (Handwoven rugs are a centerpiece of Moorish interiors.) Octagonal rooms with domed ceilings were created for wealthy homes, frequently with furnishings like pipe stands, filigree plasterwork and arched doorways. The horseshoe arch is an iconic attribute of Moorish architecture that, in addition to Spain, can be found in Sicily, Morocco and elsewhere.
Several late 19th to early 20th-century movements featured Moorish touches. The American and English Aesthetic Movement, for example, borrowed liberally from global decorating styles, as seen in furniture designed by Lockwood de Forest, a New York-born artist who mixed Eastern and Western forms. The visual vocabulary of Art Nouveau also references the elegant use of geometry in Moorish design, with Milanese Art Nouveau furniture designer Carlo Bugatti drawing inspiration from the style. The Arts and Crafts movement, which prized expressive yet simple design, incorporated Moorish influences; hand-painted furniture and tile work created by William De Morgan, a British designer and potter who made furnishings for the likes of Morris & Co., were informed by techniques from Moorish Spain.
Find a collection of Moorish lighting, decorative objects, folk art and more furniture on 1stDibs.
Moorish Style Moroccan 1900s Armchair with Mother of Pearl Geometric Inlay
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Moorish style Moroccan armchair, dating back to circa 1900, will instantly enchant the viewer with its out-curving back and arms, intricate geometric inlay, mother of pearl moti...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Moorish Armchairs, Walnut with Mother of Pearl Inlay, 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Middle Eastern Syrian-style (20th Century) armchairs in walnut with inlaid mother of pearl and ebony marquetry having emerald green tufted upholstery, with spindle and finial...
Ebony
Antique hand-carved Moorish Armchair in solid oak, Spain 19th Century
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a unique Antique hand-carved armchair done in Moorish style. The armchair is done in solid oak, with rich geometric and floral ornaments, typical for Mo...
Oak
$2,500Sale Price|28% Off
Moorish Anglo Indian Armchair, Brass Inlaid, Hand-Crafted, 1950
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Moorish Anglo Indian style brass inlaid armchair. Middle Eastern Egyptian inlaid with a profusion of brass and copper with circular Moroccan motifs of foliage. Dimensions: H 44.5 in....
Brass
$3,883Sale Price|20% Off
Antique mid 18th Century Large Spanish Pinewood Carved Arm chair or Fauteuil
Located in Casteren, NL
Presenting a magnificent antique Spanish chair, crafted from solid pine wood around 1750. This chair is a substantial piece, reflecting the high status of its original owner and indi...
Pine, Rush
Liberty & Co. A Moorish Arts & Crafts walnut armchair with original leather seat
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co. A Moorish high-back walnut armchair with elongated turned finials and triangular upper supports to each side pierced with Moorish device...
Leather, Walnut
Dr C Dresser, attributed. A Moorish style walnut armchair
Located in London, GB
Dr C Dresser attributed for the Art Furniture Alliance. A Moorish style walnut armchair with elongated turned finials and Mashrabiya panels to the back, shaped arms that unite to the...
Walnut
20th Century Syrian Walnut Armchairs with Mother of Pearl Inlay
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Middle Eastern Syrian-style (20th Century) armchairs in walnut with inlaid mother of pearl and ebony marquetry having emerald green tufted upholstery, with spindle and finial...
Wood, Mother-of-Pearl, Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
Moorish Walnut Savonarola Armchair, 19th Century Middle Eastern Style
Located in Queens, NY
Middle Eastern Moorish (19th Century) carved walnut Savonarola style armchair with a spindle and ball round back panel.
Walnut
Liberty & Co A Moorish walnut armchair with Mashrabiya turned details throughout
Located in London, GB
Liberty & Co. A Moorish walnut armchair with fretwork cut-outs to the arched top and Mashrabiya turned details throughout. The last two images from: Liberty's Furniture 1875 - 1915....
Walnut
Oriental Work. 2 chairs In Carved Wood, Bone And Mother-of-pearl Inlay 1880
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Oriental Work. 2 chairs In Carved Wood, Bone And Mother-of-pearl Inlay 1880 the price is for tne pair
Wood
Pair of Moorish Style Inlaid Throne Chairs, 20th Century
Located in El Monte, CA
This pair of striking pair of throne chairs are a stunning example of Moorish or Levantine style inlay work using mother of pearl. Intricate geometric and floral patterns, typical of...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
19th Century Moroccan Inlaid Wood Armchair with Geometric Bone Decoration
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking Moroccan wood armchair dating to the 19th century, richly decorated with geometric inlay, carved ornament and intricate turned spindle work. The tall architectural back is...
Bone, Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Art Deco Armchairs with Hand-Carved Moorish Frame, 1950s
Located in Paris, FR
An exceptional set of two mid-century office or side armchairs that were produced for the Moroccan Royal secretary office in the 1950's. These collectible pieces are highlighted by t...
Leather, Cedar
Moorish Style Armchair, Antique Wood & Bone Inlay, 19th Century, Asia
Located in Queens, NY
Middle Eastern Moorish style arm chair with carved spindle & ball design back with pearl & inlay and ebonized trim. Antique condition. Right arm has been repaired.
Wood, Bone, Leather
19th Century Moorish Armchair
Located in Mouscron, WHT
19th Century Moorish Armchairs , carved wood, bone inlay
Bone, Wood
Oriental Work. Armchair In Carved Wood, Bone And Mother-of-pearl Inlay 1880
Located in Mouscron, WHT
19th Century Moorish Armchairs , carved wood, bone inlay missing in the central medallion
Wood
Moorish Walnut Armchairs with Suede Seats, Late 19th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Middle Eastern Moorish/Syrian walnut Armchairs (19/20th Cent) with inlaid decoration and Arab script with an arch design cut out back and brown suede seat.
Suede, Walnut
$1,720Sale Price|20% Off
H 36 in W 22 in D 24 in
19th Century Hand Carved Hepplewhite Armchair Desk Chair
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Elegant and graceful hand carved mid-19th century shield back Hepplewhite armchair. The dark mahogany frame is expertly carved all along the frame...
Mahogany
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Carved Fauteuil Arm Chair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 36 in W: 24 in D: 24 in SH: 16 in An elegant and highly desirable 18th Century French Louis XV Fauteuil Arm Chair, showcasing the graceful curves, exceptional craft...
Upholstery, Wood
Anglo-Indian Teak Armchair with Cane Seat and Sunburst Back, England
Located in Queens, NY
English Anglo-Indian teak arm chair with a cane seat and a slat sunburst carved back with fluted legs. (repair to back)
Cane, Teak
$3,200
H 39 in W 22.25 in D 22 in
Catalan, Colonial Spanish Carved Armchair with Leather, 19th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Renaissance style armchair from the Catalan region of Spain. Constructed from richly stained oak and leather, accented with wonderful nailheads.
Leather, Oak
$2,408Sale Price|20% Off
H 34.25 in W 23 in D 19 in
Pair of Period 18th Century French Louis XVI Walnut Fauteuil Arm Chairs
Located in Nashville, TN
This is a rare pair of period Louis XVI fauteuil arm chairs in solid walnut. Recently upholstered in crushed emerald green fabric. Recently waxed ...
Walnut
Antique Syrian Moorish Carved Wood Bone Inlaid Upholstered Bench
Located in Dallas, TX
Syrian carved and inlaid bench, likely dating to the late 19th or early 20th century. Constructed of dark hardwood, the bench features elaborate turned spindlework, pierced and carve...
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery
$3,900 / set
H 46.46 in W 23.82 in D 22.05 in
Louis XVI Style Spanish Pair of Carved Walnut Armchairs, 1900s
Located in Miami, FL
Louis XVI style pair of carved armchairs, Spain, 1900s. Good antique condition with some minor marks from used and age. Re-upholstered from ...
Walnut
$943Sale Price|41% Off
H 38.98 in W 23.23 in D 21.46 in
English Arts & Crafts “Quaint” Rush Seated Armchair
Located in Norwich, England
A stylish English Arts and Crafts 'quaint' beech and fruitwood rush-seated armchair, with waved and pierced design splat. Probably made in High Wycombe. Circa 1900. *Free delivery f...
Rush, Beech, Fruitwood
Solid Antique 19th Century Armchair in Louis Philippe Style
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Office chair in walnut from the second half of the 19th century.
Walnut
Arts and Crafts Slatted Armchair
Located in New York, US
Oak slatted armchair, seat cushions with button detail Arts and Crafts style, sourced in France
Fabric, Oak
$14,278
H 14.57 in W 13.78 in D 12.41 in
Arts & Crafts Vintage Oakwood Thebes Stool 1910 attr Liberty & Co United Kingdom
Located in Vienna, AT
Vintage oakwood Thebes stool handmade in Arts & Craft tradition, which was made c. 1910 attributed to Liberty & Co, UK. An earlier model of this presented stool is shown at the exhibition in the British Museum in London and was designed and manufactured circa 1400 before Christ...
Oak
$3,900 / set
H 46.07 in W 26.38 in D 27.56 in
Louis XVI Style Spanish Pair of Carved Walnut Armchairs, 1900s
Located in Miami, FL
Louis XVI style pair of carved armchairs, Spain, 1900s. Good antique condition with some minor marks from used and age. If you want we could to restore the piece for a perfect wood c...
Walnut
Pair of Anglo-Indian Hardwood and Caned Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Each with back centered by foliate-carved open backsplat; with reeded downswept armrests resting on baluster-form uprights; the caned seat with loose checked squab seat cushion; rais...
Cane, Hardwood
Walnut Fauteuil Armchair, Italian, 18th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
A large-scale carved walnut armchair with 19th century loomed tapestry upholstery. Chair is in very good condition, the upholstery is worn in areas, Italy, early to mid-18th century.
Upholstery, Walnut
$1,450
H 31.5 in W 25.5 in D 19.5 in
Vintage Middle Eastern Armchair, Mother of Pearl Inlay, Circa 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Mother of Pearl & inlaid wood Middle Eastern arm chair.
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Sold
H 41.34 in W 26.78 in D 23.63 in
Oriental Work. Armchair In Carved Wood, Bone And Mother-of-pearl Inlay 1880
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
19th Century Moorish Armchairs , carved wood, bone inlay missing in the central medallion
Wood
Sold
H 35.25 in W 26 in D 22.5 in
Pair of Walnut, Ebony & Mother of Pearl Inlaid Moorish Syrian Armchairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Syrian, early to mid 20th century. A matched pair of unique and impressively inlaid Moorish armchairs. Each chair features immense inlay to every surface of the chair - from the mot...
Hardwood, Birdseye Maple, Ebony, Walnut
Syrian Armchair With Inlay Moorish Designs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Highly decorated Syrian armchair featuring intricate marquetry hand carved detail and mother of pearl inlay with Moorish or Islamic designs. Beautiful g...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Sold
H 33 in W 22.5 in D 19 in
Moroccan Moorish Style Armchair with Mother of Pearl Inlay and Geometric Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Moroccan Moorish style armchair from the early 20th century in the manner of Carlo Bugatti, with mother of pearl inlay, geometric décor and carved base. Hand crafted in Morocco in ...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Pair of Antique Inlaid Syrian Damascus Armchairs
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of antique Syrian Damascus armchairs, dating from around the 1900-1920 period. They are of extremely high quality, with absolutely stunning inlay throughout of var...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Sold
H 41.75 in W 27 in D 23 in
Pair of Vintage Brass Inlay Savonarola Folding Chairs and Table, 3 Pcs
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning Savonarola chairs with intricate brass inlay of flowers and scrollwork on the backs, arms and legs. The chairs have metal rods to the seat which can be removed and then th...
Brass
Moorish Syrian Armchair in the Style of Carlo Bugatti, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Carlo Bugatti; Art Nouveau; chair; side chair; armchair; lounge chair; carvings; wood; Moorish; Syrian; 1950s; Design; Syria; Asia; Moroccan Fretwork; Celluloid Inlay; Moorish Syr...
Wood, Fabric
Sold
H 64.25 in W 28.5 in D 27 in
Antique Pair Monumental Moorish Parcel Gilt & Carved Oak Throne Chairs, c1910
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique pair of large tall-back Moorish style throne chairs offer oak construction with upholstered backs having carved giltwood acanthus elements, oversized upholstered seats with fringe...
Oak, Upholstery
Pair of Antique Middle Eastern Moorish Black Armchairs
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Middle Eastern Moorish style black armchairs Very rare elegant pair of large Middle Eastern, Egyptian revival armchairs, inlay with intricate Syrian mother-of-pearl shell. Black color painted and newly reupholstered with Moroccan antique velvet fabric...
Shell, Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Middle Eastern Egyptian Moorish Royal Throne Armchairs
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Middle Eastern Egyptian Moorish Royal Throne Armchairs.Large-scale set of two Moorish armchairs, Middle Eastern Arabian style, finely hand-carved.Nice mou...
Hardwood
Pair of French Vintage Moorish Style Carved Frame Leather Armchairs
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A pair of vintage smaller-scale leather armchairs, the frames carved in a North African or 'Moorish' style with intricately chip-carved details, each side with geometric carved panel...
Leather
Armchair Royal Style Camel Bone, Leather and Brass Inlay
Located in Plainview, NY
Armchair Royal style camel bone, leather and brass inlay Armchair Royal style camel bone. This armchair embodies the elite craftsmanship and nimble imagin...
Metal
20th Century Moroccan Hand Decorated Chair
Located in Houston, TX
20th century Moroccan hand decorated chair. Unusual 20th century Moroccan intricately decorated chair. Our Moroccan armchair was recently upholstered i...
Velvet, Wood
Pair of Middle Eastern Mother of Pearl Inlaid Armchairs
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Pair of middle eastern mother of pearl inlaid and carved armchairs, late 20th century.
Mother-of-Pearl, Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Middle Eastern Egyptian Moorish Armchairs
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Pair of Egyptian armchairs with faux leather seat cushion with Moorish lattice fret work on side and back with Moorish arches design in the style of Carlo Bugatti. Hispano Moresque style, Alhambra design with Moorish Islamic arches...
Faux Leather, Wood