Spanish Style Furniture

Characterized by the use of vibrant colors and adorned by skillful wood carvings, the Spanish style of furniture is a comfortable and also a popular type of furniture. Though the Spanish style of furniture is influenced by the English and the Moorish styles, its has retained its unique look and feel.

The main features of the furniture used in Spain, are the cabinets, chests and chairs with broad legs. Importance is given to the details and size of the furniture. The difference between Spanish furniture and other furniture styles, can be marked by the wood turnings, colors and decorations used. The decorations include the depiction of courtship, bullfighting etc. The specialty of chairs of this style, is that they are more spacious, with a wide and high back for resting. The wood obtained from the walnut tree is mostly used in furniture while cedar, mahogany, chestnut and oak are also used occasionally. A good thing about the Spanish style of furniture, is the strength and durability it possesses.

Spanish Style Furniture Items

The different furniture items of the Spanish style are the chests, varguena, decorative chairs and papalera.

Chest
These are an integral part of Spanish furniture. The prominent features of designer chests are the use of leather upholstery and decorative nails. The chest is one of the oldest items of the Spanish style of furniture and has been in use right from the Middle Ages. Spanish people also use it for seating.

Varguena
It is a writing desk commonly found in Spanish homes. A useful item in the daily lives of the Spanish, it is used for storing letters, ink, pen and paper. The varguena has compartments for keeping stationery items. It is a portable furniture item and is similar to a lap desk.

Papalera
The papalera is used to store precious things like jewelery, mostly silver items. The structure of the papalera encompasses a big cabinet with 6-8 drawers on either side. It is decorated with intricate carvings. The 'pull' of the drawers are colored gold. Legs of the papalera are round in shape and short in length. The short legs make the papalera appear low and very close to the ground.

Influences During the Renaissance Period

In the renaissance period, the Spanish style of furniture was influenced by various styles including the English, Moorish and the Italian. The carvings of wood were more intricate and articulate during this period. Lacquer was used to give the furniture a shine and the colors used were mostly red or gold. The use of lacquer for styling furniture, was inherited from the English style. Another change that took place was that the legs of chairs became more slender and were carved.

Islamic Styling

After the Moorish conquered Spain in 711 AD, the Arabesque features were introduced in the original Spanish style of furniture. The motifs of the Islamic style of furniture were a feature ingrained in the Spanish style. The motifs included the representations of plants and animals as well as different types of geometric patterns.

The Spanish style of furniture has created a niche of its own and a strong customer base. The style is liked by many and has its presence in many homes the word over.