Spanish Colonial Furniture
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.
Mid-20th Century Argentine Spanish Colonial Furniture
Silver, Sterling Silver
19th Century Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture
Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Spanish Colonial Furniture
22k Gold
18th Century Unknown Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture
Canvas
17th Century French Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture
Marble
18th Century French Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture
Stone
21st Century and Contemporary American Spanish Colonial Furniture
Sterling Silver
2010s Italian Spanish Colonial Furniture
Sterling Silver
2010s American Spanish Colonial Furniture
Sterling Silver
20th Century Spanish Colonial Furniture
Silver
1920s English Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century South American Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture
Canvas, Giltwood
20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Furniture
Gold Leaf
20th Century Central American Spanish Colonial Furniture
Metal
Mid-18th Century Mexican Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture
Bronze, Steel
1940s Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Silver
Late 18th Century Mexican Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture
Silver
Mid-19th Century Philippine Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture
Silver
Early 20th Century South American Spanish Colonial Furniture
Silver
Late 19th Century South American Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture
Silver
Mid-20th Century Peruvian Spanish Colonial Furniture
Silver
Mid-20th Century Peruvian Spanish Colonial Furniture
Silver
Early 19th Century South American Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture
Sterling Silver
18th Century Argentine Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture
Silver
Late 19th Century South American Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture
Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Bolivian Spanish Colonial Furniture
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century Central American Spanish Colonial Furniture
Stone, Silver Plate