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.
Set of Canape and Two Armchairs Portuguese 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of Canape and two armchairs Portuguese 19th Century in mahogany wood with carvings. Upholstery. Signs of use. Dim.: ( canapé ) 113 x 124 x 48.5 cm...
Walnut
Canape Set Two Armchairs and Four Chairs, Portuguese, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Canape set two armchairs and four chairs. Portuguese 19th century. romantic style, in rosewood wood. Seat and back in damask. Dim.: (canapé) 120 x 178 x 56 cm. Good condition.
Rosewood
$8,400
H 33 in W 44 in D 28 in
French Louis XVI Style 19th Century Giltwood Upholstered Canapé en Corbeille
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XVI style giltwood canapé en corbeille from the 19th century, with carved flowers and new upholstery. Created in France during the 1...
Upholstery, Giltwood
$5,387
H 31.5 in W 70.87 in D 32.29 in
French 19th Century Napoleon III Button-Back Salon Canapé or Settee
Located in London, GB
A French salon canapé dating from the Napoleon III period, with a curved, buttoned back and integrated arms, designed for comfort and balance within Second Empire interiors. The ful...
Textile, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood, Beech, Softwood, Pine
Fine French 18th Century Walnut Canape
Located in Rome, IT
A FINE FRENCH 18th CENTURY CARVED WALNUT CANAPE WITH A SHAPED BACK , SCROLLING ARMRESTS ON A SERPENTINE SEAT ON CABRIOLE LEGS ENDING IN SCROLL FEET. CM 165X90X65
Wood
$1,782Sale Price|55% Off
H 33.47 in W 63 in D 31.5 in
20th Century French Two-Seated Canapé Upholstered with an Antique Wool Carpet
Located in Sofia, BG
Rare and beautiful French canapé upholstered with an antique hand knotted wool carpet. The piece is standing on four curved wood legs with brass castors at the end. We may provide a ...
Wood, Wool
$4,324
H 35.04 in W 82.68 in D 42.52 in
20th Century Italian Valentino Piu Set of Canape and Two Armchairs
Located in Sofia, BG
VALENTINO PIU, Made in Italy. Sofa and pair of large armchairs in colourful striped fabric, very stable construction but the backs and armrests are quite...
Cotton
19th Century French Louis XVI Painted Canapé ~ Settee
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant 19th century Louis XVI painted canapé ~ settee from a grand salon set was discovered in a Paris apartment, and reflects the lasting beauty of French neoclassical design at it...
Fabric, Walnut, Paint
$2,650Sale Price|40% Off
H 39.38 in W 66.15 in D 24.41 in
19th Century French Walnut Hand Carved Three Seated Canapé Louis XV
Located in Sofia, BG
A fine example of Louis XV époque this French three seated canapé is made of hand carved walnut and is still wearing and original upholstery. The piece could be placed in a center of...
Walnut
Early 19th Century French Charles X Mahogany Sofa ~ Canape
Located in Dallas, TX
Graceful and sculptural, this early 19th century French sofa reflects the refined elegance of the Charles X period. Rich mahogany creates a warm architectural framework, with sweepin...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$1,092Sale Price|60% Off
H 37.01 in W 55.12 in D 20.48 in
20th Century French Two-Seat Mahogany Canapé with Cane Armrests
Located in Sofia, BG
French two-seat mahogany canapé with cane armrests and original upholstery. There are two armchairs that could match perfectly. France, circa 1920.
Mahogany
19th Century French Louis XVI Walnut Canape ~ Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Louis XVI Walnut Canape ~ Sofa represents the epitome of the neoclassic style! Lovingly hand-crafted from select, sumptuous French walnut, it features a tailored...
Fabric, Walnut
$11,520
H 45.28 in W 65.75 in D 25.01 in
A Louis XV Style Carved And Painted Salon Canapé, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Louis XV Style Carved And Painted Salon Canapé, 19th Century The frame painted in muted celadon colours with carved details picked out in gilt, lavishly upholstered in antique sty...
Wood
19th Century French Empire Style Canapé
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
An elegant carved wood upholstered canapé.
Upholstery, Wood
Set of Four Chairs and Canapé Portuguese, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of four chair and D. JOÃO V CANAPÉ. Portuguese, 18th century. in brown wood. Open backs, upholstered seats and curved legs ending in claw and ball. Two chair with seats and...
Rosewood
19th Century Portuguese Canape in Walnut Wood
Located in Madrid, ES
CANAPE 19th Century Portuguese in walnut wood. Arms rolled out, seat and back in cane. Stand on six feet. Dim.: 90 x 200 x 65 cm. Good conditions.
Walnut