Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or… — William Morris · Smartyfair

Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.

William Morris1834–1896 · designer · 1800s EnglandWilliam Morris was an English textile designer, writer, and craftsman who led the Arts and Crafts movement, championing beautifully made, handcrafted goods over cheap factory production.1 quote

Source foundCreativityWisdom1800s

In plain words

Keep things that are useful, or things that are beautiful. Nothing else.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is: 88% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: William Morris, "The Beauty of Life" lecture, Birmingham, Feb 19 1880.
Work: "The Beauty of Life" (lecture)
Occasion: 1880 · Birmingham, England · Morris's lecture on design, craft, and everyday beauty
Sources checked: en.wikiquote.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 21 August 2026Sourced section citing 'The Beauty of Life' lecture, 1880

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