Home Renovation Toronto

By Phoenix Delray

Spanish furniture is representative of the art and design of Spain, and has been popular for many years in the Middle East. The Spanish influence dates back to about 700 AD, when Spain had been conquered by the Moors. The Spanish used abstract designs and a new way of using shadow and light in architecture and building of furniture. Then, in the early 1500s, Spanish invaders lead by Cortes invaded and conquered the Aztecs in Mexico. In 1535, Francisco Pizarro did the same to the Incas in Peru.

The influence for Spanish furniture began with these invasions which marked the beginning of the Spanish Colonial period in the Americas. This period was set to last almost 300 years. The architecture that was reflected in Spanish furniture styles was heavily influenced by Catholicism in Spain. A large portion of the furniture and decorative art made during the early years of this time was meant to be used in monasteries and churches.

Spanish furniture that was made for wealthy landowners and government officials was fashioned according to whatever the style that was popular in Europe was. The Spanish furniture was very popular in sixteenth century Europe, and there were many craft guilds that were started to control the amount of furniture produced and the style of it all. Although the popular style was the Spanish furniture at this time, as the individual craftsmen made it, they began to add their own little personal flairs and details to them.

Some of the most popular designs and styles of the Spanish furniture are refectory tables with lyre legs made from cedar, cypress, and walnut. There was much demand for the armoires and chests that were intricately carved and detailed as well. The craftsmen who had the most skill were hired to make altarpieces for churches and furniture for the buildings of government.

In the 1820s, independence came to Mexico and the Spanish furniture guilds were torn down and dissolved. This created an opening for more lenient interpretations that were more varied and also more affordable. Lighter woods were then being used, and less lavish designs made the pieces more versatile.

The designs for Spanish furniture were not entirely abandoned, just simplified and updated, so to speak.
Some of the changes that took place were that the lyre legs of tables became more sturdy A frame legs, and ornately carved panels on doors were smoothed and simplified to flat, simple panels. The spindles on cupboards were instead now slats. Spanish furniture makers during this time tended to use whatever tools and materials they had on hand for their creations.
Because of these modifications, the simple, attractive style of Spanish furniture is popular and very sought after even today.

About The Author

For more information on Spanish furniture, please visit our website at http://www.nativa-online.com/