Spanish-style furniture is striking in its size and attention to detail. Influenced by the styles and designs of other European countries, Spanish-style furniture has developed a distinctive look recognized in its materials, color and use of such techniques as wood turning and inlay. Does this Spark an idea?
Identification
The two most prominent characteristics of Spanish-style furniture are scale and color. Chair legs are broad and square, and chair backs are high and wide. The lids and doors on chests and cabinetry are substantial in weight. The overall impression of Spanish-style furniture is imposing.
Carved from wood, many Spanish-style pieces are painted in bright colors, gold being a favorite. Chests and cabinets, in particular, may be painted in bold colors or covered in fine leather and decorated with metal ornamentation. Often, wrought iron is used as a decorative element.
Features
One of the favored woods for Spanish furniture is walnut. It's dark; rich color holds up well to the mass of the style. Mahogany, chestnut, cedar and oak are also used in furniture and cabinetry.
Inlays of ebony, ivory and tortoise shell are seen in tabletops and in cabinetry. The inlay may depict elements associated with bull-fighting or courtship.
Spanish-style furniture is usually well-built and solid. But the style does have a history; in rural areas, less-skilled craftsmen depended on paint or veneers to hide the use of less-desirable woods or shortcomings in their own skill.
History
During the Renaissance, Spanish furniture-makers were influenced not only by the Moorish styles that had become a part of their history since 711, but also by Italian designs. Carvings, already ornate, became more intricate and frequent. The legs of chairs became more slender and the feet out-turned.
Spanish furniture-makers were also influenced by the English style of lacquered furniture. Tables, in particular, were lacquered to a high finish in brilliant reds and golds.
But the Spanish style, in spite of these influences, still retained its own impressive appearance. Though the legs were more slender than in the Middle Ages, the Renaissance Spanish chairs sported decorative stretchers and feet. The legs and arms were almost always carved, and this characteristic is still evident in Spanish furniture.
Types
The chest, from the Middle Ages onward, has been an important part of Spanish-style furniture. Chests are sometimes used as seating. The lid may be upholstered in leather; decorative nail heads are commonly used to secure the upholstery.
Another important piece in any Spanish interior is the vargueno, or the writing desk. In its earliest form, it resembled a lap desk and was portable, its interior fitted with small compartments for letter, paper, ink and pen. Later, the vargueno became a more prominent piece and a permanent fixture in the home. The rectangular desk is like a box set on its side and propped up on legs. The front of the "box" opens to reveal a writing surface and cubicles.
The papalera is a large cabinet, designed for storing anything from silver and personal treasures to linens and correspondence. Large and ornate, the papalera has six to eight drawers flanking a middle interior cabinet. The face of this piece is highly decorated. There may be painted figures, inlays and intricate carvings. The drawer pulls are large and usually gold. The cabinet sits low to the floor and the feet are either round or pear shaped.
Significance
Spanish-style interiors are noted for their brilliance and dazzling array of colors and textures. But accomplishing the look of authentic Spanish interiors requires some precision. Each piece is designed to make a statement; a successful Spanish-style interior uses a minimum amount of furniture for a maximum amount of impact.
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