After the conquest of Mexico in 1521 and the Philippines in 1565, Spain dictated a global culture. The colonization of territories in the Americas, Western Europe, Africa, Oceania and the Pacific imposed the values of Spain, including Catholicism, while the extraction of resources reinforced the empire’s wealth and power. Unlike many styles that came out of European colonialism, such as British Colonial, Spanish Colonial furniture and architecture frequently mixed local heritage with the artistic traditions of Spain.
Spanish Colonial furniture was informed by the shifting styles of Europe as well as Indigenous culture. There were Inca tapestries depicting Spanish coats of arms and Baroque chairs adorned with tropical flora. The butaca, a low easy chair popular in the Caribbean, was inspired by Rococo’s curving forms and the shape of precolonial seating. In New Mexico, Pueblo artisans carved chests with patterns reminiscent of Anasazi art.
Even within the homes of the wealthy, furniture was usually restricted to necessities like benches, desks, cupboards and chests. These were often ornately designed and especially important for storing prized goods like textiles. Spanish Colonial houses were built with adobe and clay and tended to be minimally decorated, so the style’s heavily carved wooden furniture pieces stood out against a home’s white stucco walls.
The Spanish Colonial period mostly came to an end after the territories achieved independence from Spain. However, its aesthetics continued to influence Southwestern style and Spanish Colonial Revival style after Spanish Colonial style was used extensively at San Diego’s 1915 Panama-California Exposition.
Find a collection of antique Spanish Colonial chairs, tables, bedroom furniture and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Custom Walnut Wood Barley Twist Table by Dos Gallos Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom table with beautiful barley twist legs and stretcher. Bread boards on each end. Can be made in a custom sizes and in a variety of woods, colors, finishes and range of distress...
Walnut, Oak
Custom Walnut Wood Barley Twist Table by Dos Gallos Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom table with beautiful barley twist legs and stretcher. Bread boards on each end. Can be made in a custom sizes and in a variety of woods, colors, finishes and range of distress...
Walnut
$21,000 / item
H 30 in W 144 in D 42 in
Parsons Table in Bookmatched Walnut, Custom Made by Petersen Antiques
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This parsons table is made from solid bookmatched planks of nicely figured walnut (not veneer), beautifully finished for a soft satin feel. Because each table is bench-made in our own Los Angeles workshop you can influence all aspects of design, including size, wood specie and finish. We use only traditional carpentry techniques, no nails...
Walnut
$2,750
H 29 in W 34.5 in D 24.5 in
Antique French Sofa Table Writing Desk Barley Twist Carved Renaissance Tapestry
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique French Sofa Table Writing Desk Barley Twist Carved Renaissance Tapestry. Direct from France, a highly carved antique side table or writing desk circa 1880. The table is orna...
Textile, Walnut
Unavailable|$1,038
H 27.17 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Art Deco Table Barley Twist Legs, Early 20th Century
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Round side table features barley twist legs, This table is raised on a base composed of four turned legs. They are in very good condition, End table small table, side ...
Wood
$3,800
H 29.5 in W 28 in D 28 in
19th C. Victorian Merklen Bros. Barley Twist Figural Mahogany Parlor Lamp Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful Victorian solid mahogany parlor table with barley twist legs by the Merklen Brothers. The table has very attractive angled legs, barley...
Bronze
$1,925Sale Price|50% Off
H 17 in Dm 32 in
Modern Organic Claro Walnut Burl Wood Coffee Table by Studio Flournoy
Located in San Francisco, CA
These one of a kind indiginous rugged primeval burl tables are of veritable vitality due to their naturalistic form. We retained the bark sub-strata which gives the table it's rough ...
Oak, Walnut
$2,175
H 29.5 in W 27.5 in D 27.5 in
Antique French Octagon Sofa Table Carved Oak Barley Twist Louis XIII Renaissance
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique French Octagon sofa table carved oak Barley Twist Louis XIII Renaissance. Direct from France, a fabulous antique French octagon table, with im...
Oak
Walnut Side Table, Custom Made by Petersen Antiques
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This round side table with turned legs and shelf is made of distressed walnut. It is seen here in a 28" diameter, however it can be b...
Walnut
Scottish Library Table with Barley Twist Legs
Located in Hudson, NY
Beautiful all-over patina and hand carvings on the apron.
$16,500 / item
H 30 in W 110 in D 42 in
Anna Dining Table in Vintage Black Walnut, Built to Order by Petersen Antiques
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This dining table made from vintage black walnut is seen here in 42" x 110", however it can be built in any size. Because each table is bench-made in our own Los Angeles workshop yo...
Walnut
Antique English Barley Twist Table
Located in Nashville, TN
Gorgeous antique English barley twist table! The table is made from oak and has a lovely dark finish and beautiful patina. The turned spiral legs a...
Wood
$19,000 / item
H 30 in W 120 in D 40 in
Expandable Barley Twist Dining Table in Vintage Walnut, By Petersen Antiques
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This custom dining table has barley twist legs made from reclaimed walnut. The base has a darker finish and the top is bleached with satin lacquer finish. The barley twist legs are masterfully hand-carved to perfect mirror image spirals. As shown, the table is 40 x 100 x 30...
Walnut
Sold|$13,780
H 28.5 in W 60.5 in D 22 in
English William and Mary Gateleg Table Barley Twist Legs, 17th–Early 18th C.
Located in Miami, FL
Important English William and Mary Period Gateleg Dining Table with Barley Twist Legs, Late 17th–Early 18th Century An important English gateleg dining table from the William and Mary period, dating to the late 17th to early 18th century. Crafted in solid oak, this table exemplifies the architectural strength, restrained elegance, and confident turning characteristic of early English domestic furniture of the period. The oval top is formed from three sections, with a fixed central panel flanked by two hinged drop leaves supported by original double gatelegs. The table stands on substantial barley-twist legs with deep, assured turning, joined by a robust box-frame stretcher base incorporating both perimeter and medial stretchers—features associated with earlier, higher-quality examples rather than later simplified forms. Hand-worked surfaces, pegged joinery, and a well-integrated original gateleg mechanism further attest to the table’s authenticity and craftsmanship. The oak displays a rich, warm patina developed over centuries, with coloration and depth that closely resemble aged walnut, lending the piece an understated sophistication. Attributed to an English workshop, William and Mary period, circa 1690–1720. The table retains strong early proportions and a compact, architectural stance typical of late 17th and early 18th century English furniture. Recently retouched using traditional French polishing techniques. The table is structurally sound and ready for use while preserving its original character and surface integrity. Well suited for use as a dining table, console, or occasional table, this piece integrates seamlessly into Country English, French Provincial, Early American, or refined rustic interiors, offering both historical presence and practical versatility. Dimensions: 53" W × 28.5" H × 22" D (closed) 60.5" L fully extended Each leaf: 21" This William and Mary period gateleg table stands out for its early construction, with substantial barley-twist legs, a robust stretcher base, and an original gateleg mechanism that give it real architectural presence. The warm, walnut-like patina of the oak and its compact, well-balanced proportions make it an easy, authentic placement for layered interiors where early pieces need to feel both grounded and usable. English William and Mary Gateleg Table...
Oak
Sold
H 30.5 in W 20.5 in D 17.5 in
Vintage Rustic Spanish-Style Dining Set - Round Dining Table with Four Chairs
Located in Elkton, MD
The round dining table features a rustic Spanish-inspired design with a rich walnut-toned finish, decorative apron, and carved leg details. The tabletop is crafted from a softer mate...
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 29.52 in W 63 in D 27.36 in
19th Century Spanish Solid Dining Chair Set, Not Includes the Table
Located in Miami, FL
19th century Spanish solid dining set. Four chairs. You can purchase 2 sets for 8 chairs.
Wood
Sold
H 30.25 in W 30.75 in D 94.5 in
Spanish Colonial Trestle Dining Table and Eight Chairs, circa 1940
Located in Evergreen, CO
This hefty oak dining set includes eight ladder back chairs with scalloped slats and aprons and a trestle table with a rustic hand gouged top. The table's ...
Iron