Discover how marquetry works, which materials are used, and see ways to bring this handcrafted technique to furniture, walls, and objects
Submitted at Sep 22, 2026, 10:00 AM
Na área de estar, os sofás com o trabalho de marchetaria na estrutura e, à esq., a lareira desenhada para o ambiente. (Jomar Bragança/Divulgação)
Marquetry is a handcrafted technique that consists of creating designs, patterns and compositions by applying different materials onto a surface. Wood is the most traditional raw material, but elements such as metals, stones, mother-of-pearl, fabrics and other materials can also be used.
(Casavee/Divulgação)
The result is similar to a kind of mosaic, but with pieces carefully cut and fitted together to form images, graphics or abstract designs. The technique can appear both in extremely detailed works and in more minimalist proposals.
Studio Schier - Casa Terroir. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2023. (Romulo Fialdini/Divulgação)
With ancient roots, marquetry has crossed different periods in the history of furniture and decorative arts. Today, it gains new interpretations by combining craftsmanship, design and even technology.
The process begins with defining the design that will be reproduced. From there, the materials are selected according to colors, textures, thicknesses and natural characteristics.
In the traditional wood version, different veneers are cut into small pieces and then fitted together. The set is fixed onto a base and receives a finish to level and protect the surface.
(Divulgação/Divulgação)
One of the most interesting characteristics lies precisely in the possibility of exploring the particularities of each material. Grains, tones and natural variations of the wood can be part of the design, making each piece visually unique.
Currently, precision cutting tools can also facilitate stages of the process, but manual work remains important in many creations.
Although similar, marquetry and intarsia are not exactly the same thing. Both techniques work with the combination of materials to create designs, but they present differences in the way they are applied.
Adriana Fontana - Pimenta Ardida por Manhattan. (Felipe Cuine/Divulgação)
In marquetry, it is common to use thin veneers on a surface, forming a decorative composition. In intarsia, the pieces can be inlaid directly into a base, creating different levels or filling in cut-out areas.
In practice, the terms can appear associated, especially when discussing traditional furniture and wall covering techniques.
One of the advantages of the technique is its versatility. It can appear on different scales and projects, functioning as a detail or as the main feature.
(Divulgação/Divulgação)
In furniture, for example, marquetry can transform doors, table tops, drawers and headboards. A geometric composition can update a traditionally designed piece, while organic shapes help create a more artistic atmosphere.
On walls and panels, the technique gains even more impact. A wood surface with geometric designs can work as a focal point in the living room, bedroom or a circulation space.
Márcia Montenegro Arquitetos Associados - Raízes by Breton. (Edgard Cesar/Divulgação)
Marquetry can also appear on doors, folding screens, floors and decorative objects, expanding the possibilities of application.
(ForMóbile Digital/Divulgação)
Table with geometric design: lines, circles and asymmetrical shapes create a tabletop that looks like a work of art.
Wooden panel: a composition of veneers in different shades can cover an entire wall or just a highlighted area.
Customized headboard: subtle designs help create a focal point in the bedroom without relying on other decorative elements.
Detailed doors: marquetry can transform a conventional door into a design element.
Furniture with organic shapes: designs inspired by leaves, waves or landscapes bring furniture closer to nature.
Decorative objects: boxes, trays and small accessories are alternatives for those who want to experiment with the technique on a smaller scale.
Contrast between materials: combining different types of wood or adding metallic details and other materials can create contemporary compositions.
More than an ornamental resource, marquetry values artisanal work and the precision of handmade craftsmanship. At the same time, it allows for experimenting with contemporary languages, customized patterns and unexpected combinations of materials.
(Studio Floral Dora Santoro/Divulgação)
At a time when design is increasingly turning to pieces with identity and processes that value craftsmanship, the technique finds its place precisely because it transforms everyday surfaces into unique compositions. Whether in a single piece of furniture or in a large panel, it adds texture, design and history to projects.
This text was developed with the assistance of CASACOR Publisher, an exclusive content agent developed by CASACOR's Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. The generated content was subsequently edited by Yeska Coelho.
