
For centuries, Florence has been celebrated as a city of art, playing a key role in the Renaissance and nurturing some of the most influential artists like Da Vinci, Botticelli, and Michelangelo.
While the art may look different now, Florence remains deeply connected to its creative roots. Today, a vibrant community of makers – hatters, leather craftsmen, printmakers, clothing designers, and more – carry on the city’s traditions in their own unique ways.
This list of the best artisan and design shops in Florence features some of my favorite discoveries. From perfumeries to handmade leather goods, these spots showcase the artistry and craftsmanship that make Florence so special.
Design Shops in Florence
Officina Profumo Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella – An 800-year-old pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world. Santa Maria Novella was originally founded by Dominican friars in 1221, when they began creating remedies and balms from medicinal herbs. In the 16th-century, Catherine de’ Medici created a perfume called “Acqua della Regina”, which they still sell today. You can visit their gorgeous shop and test their exquisite selection of perfumes and skincare products. Website
Aquaflor – Aquaflor is a lovely artisanal perfume shop with its only boutique located in Florence’s Santa Croce neighborhood. While the storefront is rather unassuming, step inside this laboratory and atelier to immerse yourself in their enchanting world of perfume. You can even book a workshop and create your own signature scent. Website
Eredi Paperone Bottega d’Arte – Owned by Francesco and run by his son Matteo, this father-son duo creates stunning marbled and hand-stamped paper. I picked up a couple of block-printed journals here that I love. They also sell cards, bookmarks, and large sheets of printed paper. Website
Alberto Cozzi Rilegatore Firenze – This family-owned stationery shop has been around since the early 1900s. They specialize in leather-bound and hardbound journals, which are harder to find in other shops. Website
Il Papiro – A well-known paper shop found in many of Italy’s major cities. I love their marbled notebooks for sketching and usually pick one up every time I’m in Florence. They offer a wide range of color options, which I always appreciate. Website
Ginori 1735 – The most beautiful porcelain. My favorite is the Oriente Italiano collection with the Castagna decoration, a popular motif also found in Faenza, another ceramics town not far from Florence. Their flagship store in Florence feels like an art gallery. Website
Lavinia Fantappié – Lavinia, the owner, is a classically trained musician turned ceramicist. She opened her atelier in 2022 after discovering her passion for ceramics in 2020. You can shop her unique pieces at her store or join one of her workshops. Website
Il Busetto Giuseppe Fanara – Handmade leather goods crafted by Giuseppe himself. When I visited the shop, I watched him making leather coin purses, which convinced me to buy one. I love it and use it all the time. I’m already planning to go back and pick up a few as gifts on my next trip to Florence. Website
Todo Modo – I love this bookshop that doubles as a café! While they have some English books, most are in Italian. My favorite part is the café in the back, surrounded by shelves of books and hanging plants – a cozy spot in the city center. Website
Giovanni Baccani – This frame shop was a delightful surprise. Founded in 1903 by Giovanni Baccani, it is now run by his grandson, also named Giovanni. Inside, the shop is packed with art frames from floor to ceiling and tables overflowing with antique prints. Website
Palazzo Gucci – Located in Piazza della Signoria, one of Florence’s main squares, Palazzo Gucci is a boutique, bookstore, and contemporary museum. I love visiting every time I’m in Florence. It’s a feast for the eyes, with sumptuous fabrics, bright colors, and stunning patterns everywhere. Every design lover should make a stop here. Website
Grazia Giachi – Elegant pajamas and loungewear made out of the softest, natural fabrics. They also sell bed linens and other homewares. Website
Off Home Design – A modern and contemporary home decor shop with a cool selection of homeware objects and other small finds. Website
La Casa Della Stampa Di Sarubbi Lorenzo – Founded by the Sarubbi family in 1973, this incredible shop reproduces antique maps and prints by hand. Website
Albrici – A lovely antique shop with a fascinating selection of clothing, books, home decor, and prints. You’ll find a bit of everything here. Website
L’Ippogrifo – Owned by artist Gianni Raffaelli for over 40 years, he specializes in art etchings that are created by hand on copper plates and then printed onto high-quality paper. A must-visit. Website
Grevi Cappelli dal 1875 – A family-owned designer hat shop with a long history. Their hats are produced just outside Florence, but you can visit their boutique in the city to try some on for yourself. Website
FAF | Female Arts in Florence – A fantastic art gallery showcasing art and other objects made by craftswomen in Florence.
La Bottega del Mosaico – This shop keeps the art of Florentine mosaics alive, creating stunning pieces that showcase this centuries-old craft. For those interested in learning more about the technique of stone inlays, a visit to the Opificio delle Pietre Dure museum is a must. Website
Il Cancello vintage e antichità – A fabulous vintage shop with everything from 1920s flapper dresses to 1950s hats, purses, and more. Website
Studioteca – A thoughtfully curated clothing and home decor shop stocked with small Italian brands. Website
Scuola del Cuoio – This leather school was started after World War II by Franciscan friars. Their goal was to give war orphans a trade they could perfect and earn a living from. Today, it continues its operations as a leather goods producer and school. It’s also one of the only places you can go in the city to watch leather craftsmen and women at work. You can book tours of their laboratory here. The guided visit lasts about an hour and shows the process with different techniques.
Loretta Caponi – Beautifully embroidered clothing and linens made with incredible attention to detail. From elegant nightwear to timeless tablecloths, everything here feels luxurious and carefully crafted. Website
Antico Setificio Fiorentino – One of the few remaining silk fabric mills. They produce gorgeous silk textiles, from reproductions of old designs to custom designs for couture houses and more. You must book a tour to visit.
Epoca Vintage – A vintage clothing shop with a great selection of one-of-a-kind pieces like leather jackets and designer pieces. Website
Melrose Vintage Ginori – A large vintage clothing shop that definitely targets a younger demographic with everything from Levi jeans to tailored coats.
Heart to Heart – I love this shop! They sell Venetian Friulane slippers, along with other bespoke pieces. Website
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