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.
Spanish Foliage Centerpiece Basket Bowl in Gilt Iron & Wood
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern gilt iron and carved wood basket centerpiece / fruit bowl, 1950s-1960s Handcrafted in Spain at the Mid-20th century period in the style of Spanish Colonial. Eye-c...
Iron, Gold Leaf
Talavera Style Large Size Pedestal Fruit Bowl Signed "Becerra" Mexico Circa 1995
Located in Incline Village, NV
Large size beautiful Mexican fruit bowl in the Spanish Colonial Talavera influence; hand painted multi floral design in colors of green, rust...
Ceramic
Postmodern Gray Ceramic Braided Woven Abstract Centerpiece Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Stunning woven braided ceramic centerpiece bowl glazed in a wonderful shade of gray with some blue tones. Great size for a coffee table or entryway. Very unusual abstract shape, plea...
Ceramic
Large Lalique Crystal Bowl Centerpiece
By René Lalique
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautifully hand crafted Lalique centerpiece decorative bowl in a wide open "V" form shape. The bowl is embellished by engraved frosted doves and large scrolls design details. Maker'...
Crystal
$1,450
H 4.25 in Dm 7.75 in
Wonderful French Empire Gilt Doré Bronze & Cut Crystal Round Centerpiece Bowl
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French empire gilt doré bronze & cut crystal round centerpiece bowl raised on paw feet
Crystal, Bronze
Tiberius I Ceramic Fruit Bowl by Jaime Hayon
By Jaime Hayon
Located in Milan, IT
Tiberius I is a large ceramic fruit bowl with a brass stand, available in two color versions: anthracite or white. The product is part of the collection New Roman, by Jaime Hayon: i...
Brass
Oversized Blue and White Mexican Talavera Glazed Ceramic Bowl
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Authentic oversized very fine blue and white Mexican Talavera de la Reina glazed ceramic bowl. Huge blue and white Mexican Talavera pottery handcrafte...
Ceramic
XL Footed Resin Bowl Centerpiece in White and Pearl by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
An elegant XL round bowl that is supported by four half spheres that make a fun, bold and unique piece great for holding fruit, plants and specially everyone's attention. You can hav...
Resin
Ribera Handmade Large Centerpiece Bowl - Stoneware
By OWO Ceramics
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Beautiful large centerpiece bowl crafted from stoneware clay. Inspired by the vibrant marine life of the reef and the soft motion of ocean waves, this extra large fruit bowl showcases a distinctive blend of artistry and nature, capturing the tranquil beauty of the sea. Each centerpiece bowl is wheel-thrown and hand-glazed in our studio, featuring a soft, white matte finish that beautifully enhances the organic textures of the clay. The glaze has been specially formulated for this collection, reflecting the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into each piece. Ideal for keeping your weekly fruits out on the counter or as a striking standalone accent, this white centerpiece bowl...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery, Stoneware
Dresden Porcelain Figural Centrepiece Raised Fruit Bowl
Located in Montreal, QC
This highly decorative footed bowl, reticulated and painted with flowers, is raised on a charmingly decorative base modelled with dancing putti ...
Porcelain
Italian Ceramic Fruit Basket Topiary Compote Centerpiece
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Italian glazed ceramic fruit basket figure sculpture. This compote is handmade with the greatest attention to detail. We see this piece on a kitchen counter or table. The basket is m...
Ceramic
Handmade Small Fruit Bowl in Paonazzo Marble
By Fiammetta V.
Located in Carrara, IT
Small fruit bowl in Paonazzo marble, extracted and processed in Carrara, Italy. You have a 100% made in Italy product. It is ideal for fruit and to present food. Each piece is in a w...
Marble
XL Footed Resin Bowl Centerpiece in Yellow by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
An elegant XL round bowl that is supported by four half spheres that make a fun, bold and unique piece great for holding fruit, plants and specially everyone's attention. You can hav...
Resin
Brutalist Ethnic Sweet Bowl Handmade in Spain Aluminium Brass
Located in Benahavis, AN
The decorative Sweet Bowl was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. Handmade, mounted and finished in our foundry and workshop in Spain from recycled materials. Certified authentic by the Artist David Marshall with his signature. The Artist is inspired by nature and land scape...
Aluminum, Brass
Sold
H 5.5 in W 21 in D 19 in
Late 20th C. Oversized Talavera Highly Decorated Bowl. Mexico Circa. 1990
Located in Incline Village, NV
This "statement making" oversized highly decorated bowl in hand painted crisp multi colors of blue, pale yellow, white, orange, and pale blue is in excellent and all original condit...
Ceramic, Paint
Spanish Gold and Silvered Damascened Tazza Centerpiece, Possibly Zuloaga
By Placido Zuluaga
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A fine Spanish gold and silvered Damascened Tazza centerpiece, possibly by Placido Zuloaga, Spain, circa 1880. Measures: 7" high x 6" diameter. T...
Steel