The Mamluks built on the technical and stylistic achievements of their Ayyubid predecessors to develop a highly individual, recognisable style of their own. The Mamluk style places great emphasis on abstract geometrical patterns and bold calligraphic inscriptions. The former can be seen, for example, on the furnishings made for the numerous religious foundations endowed by the staunchly orthodox Mamluks. Geometric decoration was also popular for decorating Qur'anic manuscripts. Fine calligraphy was another major aspect of Mamluk art. It appeared not only in manuscripts, but also came to be used as a primary adornment for objects in all media. In particular, Mamluk metalwork is notable for its bold inscriptions, which enliven objects including candlesticks, basins and personal objects like perfume sprinklers. The inscriptions usually feature formulaic praise of the sultan or of the object's (often anonymous) patron.

In addition to metalwork, one of the most well-known genres of Mamluk art is enamelled glass. One particularly famous Mamluk glass form is the wide-bodied lamp with a flaring mouth. This type is often referred to as a mosque lamp, although it was used in other buildings as well. Mosque lamps, like other Mamluk art forms, frequently display their patron's blazon, the symbol of a Mamluk officer's rank; thus the cup-bearer to the sultan would use a cup as his blazon, while the arms-bearer used a sword.