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.
1970s Unknown Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Metal
1970s Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Brass
1970s American Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Brass
1970s Spanish Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Brass
1970s Chilean Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Teak
1970s Spanish Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Oak
1970s Mexican Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Mercury Glass
Late 20th Century Moroccan Spanish Colonial Furniture
Metal
1960s American Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Brass
1970s American Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Brass
Late 19th Century English Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture
Brass
1970s American Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Spanish Colonial Furniture
Marble, Brass
1950s American Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Mahogany
20th Century American Spanish Colonial Furniture
Brass
1980s American Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Brass
1960s Norwegian Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Oak
Mid-18th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Furniture
Brass, Bronze
1950s Italian Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Brass
1970s Spanish Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Gold Leaf
1970s Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Ceramic
1970s Italian Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Iron
1970s Spanish Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Gold Leaf
1970s Spanish Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Gold Leaf
1970s European Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Wood, Oak
1970s Spanish Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Iron, Wrought Iron
1970s Unknown Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Limestone
1970s Italian Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Fabric, Linen, Wood, Maple
1970s Spanish Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Gold Leaf
1970s Mexican Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Leather, Wood
1970s Vintage Spanish Colonial Furniture
Brass