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
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 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
1950's Two Collectible Oriental Art Deco Style Sculpted Armchairs
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
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 Syrian Style Inlaid and Upholstered Walnut Armchairs
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
Middle Eastern Moorish Walnut Savonarola Armchair
Located in Queens, NY
Middle Eastern Moorish (19th Century) carved walnut Savonarola style armchair with a spindle and ball round back panel.
Walnut
19th Century Moorish Armchair
Located in Mouscron, WHT
19th Century Moorish Armchairs , carved wood, bone inlay
Bone, 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
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
Pair of Syrian Style Inlaid and Upholstered Walnut Armchairs
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
$10,500
Moorish Inlaid Arm Chair
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
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
Moorish Anglo Indian Armchair, Brass Inlaid, Hand-Crafted, 1950, Syria
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Moorish Anglo Indian style brass inlaid armchair. Middle Eastern Syrian inlaid with a profusion of brass and copper with circular Moroccan motifs of foliage. Dimensions: H 44.5 in....
Brass
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
$7,800 / set
Pair of Moorish Walnut and Suede Armchairs
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
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
Antique 18th Century Louis XVI Giltwood Fauteuil Armchair
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 18th Century Louis XVI Giltwood Fauteuil armchair. This lovely chair is a genuine antique and feature a genuine giltwood finish. It is beautifully worn and the silk upholster...
Giltwood
$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
$11,900 / set
H 35 in W 23.5 in D 20 in
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Antique Painted Pinewood Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Swedish Gustavian pair of armchairs with a loose seat cushion, made of hand crafted painted Pinewood in good condition. The l...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Pine
Art Deco Armchair from 1930
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Art Deco armchair from 1930 Czech Republic. Every piece of furniture that leaves our workshop from the beginning to the end is subjected to manual renovation, so as to restore its...
Walnut
Pair of Louis XVI Style Painted and Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Pair of Vintage Chairs from France, Original painted finish, in a creamy tone with gold gilt and pink velvet. 24" x 24" x 36"h Arm Height 24" / Seat height 18". / Seat depth 20" Th...
Velvet, Wood
$1,408Sale Price|20% Off
H 40.16 in W 27.17 in D 28.35 in
English Victorian Walnut Armchair Lion Paws Feet, Late 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
English fauteuil, open armchairs side or desk chair in the Victorian style. Walnut and upholstery. The fabric can be change, or needs to be repared. The ornamentation of this armchai...
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
$2,471Sale Price|50% Off
H 41.34 in W 29.53 in D 29.53 in
20'th Ctr. Moroccan Ebonized Armchair, with Mother of Pearl and Bone
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Moroccan ebonized, bone and semi precious stones armchair Approx. 1900. Upholstered drop-in seat and back cushion, turned back supports and legs, lattice style carved arm panels....
Bone, Fabric, Wood
$3,440
H 46.07 in W 28.75 in D 20.87 in
Antique 18th Century Dutch Marquetry Elbow Arm Chair- Fine Quality Carver
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique 18th Century Dutch Marquetry Elbow / Desk Chair – Fine Quality Full of authentic charm and character, this fine quality 18th Century marquetry elbow arm chair is an exceptio...
Wood
1950s Chinese Corner Chair Rosewood Mother-of-Pearl Inlay
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, Chinese solid rosewood corner side chair carved mother of pearl inlay. No label. Dimensions: 32.75" H x 27" W 21" D. Seat 1...
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
$9,800 / set
H 31.89 in W 24.81 in D 26.38 in
A Pair of Fine French Art Deco Walnut Armchairs by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of fine French Art Deco upholstered walnut armchairs by Jules Leleu.
Leather, Walnut
Art Deco Armchair .
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Art Deco armchair from 1930 Czech Republic. Every piece of furniture that leaves our workshop from the beginning to the end is subjected to manual ren...
Walnut
$2,160Sale Price / set|28% Off
H 35.04 in W 24.41 in D 21.26 in
18th Century Pair of French Louis XVI Fauteuils or Armchairs
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of armchairs or fauteuils, Luis XVI, late 18th century, in walnut wood with back sculpted in guilloche, on fluted tapering legs, the interior has been reinforced and restored, u...
Walnut
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
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
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