How do I date a spanish walnut table?

Dating relies on examining the construction methods, timber thickness, joinery style and the nature of the surface patina. Seventeenth and eighteenth-century examples display hand-cut joints and dense, heavy walnut boards. Later nineteenth-century pieces and twentieth-century revivals often show mechanical tool marks or lighter underframing while following traditional Iberian design motifs.

Were these tables used for dining?

Many large formats served primarily as refectory or dining tables for communal households and estates. Smaller variations functioned as side tables, writing desks or serving surfaces. Their robust timber construction allowed them to withstand heavy daily use across centuries of domestic life.

How do I clean and care for walnut timber?

Care requires simple dusting with a soft, dry cloth and occasional application of traditional beeswax to nourish the wood. Avoid modern liquid polishes and silicone sprays that damage the historic surface. Keep the table away from direct heat sources and strong sunlight to prevent timber shrinkage and cracking.