Mexico has been known as for its furniture-making for quite some time now. It all started in 1519, when the Spanish Conquistador Hernan Cortez gifted the Aztec Emperor Moctezuma with what we know today as a "folding chair". Furniture-making was elevated to a new height during the time of the viceroyalty with the importing from Europe of sturdier woods such as cedar, pines, cypresses and holm oak. With the use of metal and iron tools, also imported from Europe, the art of carpentry and furniture-making would never be the same again.

In 1568, the Crown put out its first Ordnances for carpenters, fitters and assemblers which enabled these individuals to create household goods such as chairs and stools. They then graduated to making tables, beds and chests, with chests of drawers and closets last. Though only the Spaniard artisans were the only ones allowed to work the wood, little by little the local Indians watched and learned and, by the of the 16th Century, they were working side-by-side with the Spanish. It is during the latter part of this same century that paint and inlays of shell, bone, silver and tortoise appeared on the Mexican furniture-making scene, originating from pieces of furniture on the galleons from the Far East.

In the 17th Century furniture starts to occupy an important place in the New World society with closets competing with chests of drawers, the appearance of the writing desk and the dining room hutch. Not only did the household goods furniture evolve but, also those used for religious purposes. Also, during this time furniture making for churches - especially, the vestries, became very popular. Pieces such as pulpits, choir chairs, confessionals, armoires, tables, and desk lecterns became very popular. The most popular piece of furniture being manufactured at this time was the bench, which remains with us to this day.

Today, furniture-making in Mexico has two objectives - the continual search for modern alternatives and, at the same time, the preservation of traditions. It is also considered a craft in that country. Although the production of furniture is semi-industrialized, no matter what region of Mexico the furniture is being manufactured in, the process is still controlled by individual and specialized artisans. The cultural traditions of each region of the country, as well as the different materials found in such, continue to play a very important role in furniture-making.

The piece of Mexican furniture that has survived the ages and continues to be very popular today is the "equipal" (pronounced ai-kee-PAL), which is a stool with a back which is manufactured most widely in the State of Jalisco. The individual components of this particular piece of furniture include reed, rosewood, parts of the agave plant (from which tequila is made) amongst other natural fibers. Even the glue that is used is organic. The "equipal" is considered to have historically evolved to become the piece of furniture which is perfectly designed and identified by a cultural group.

During the XVIII Century, the technique of inlaying different materials into and or over the Mexican furniture became very popular. Some of the materials used woods of different textures and colors as well as bone and shell. Due to the painstaking detail involved these types of furniture are considered high-end in pricing. During colonial times, the purchasers of these pieces were mainly the clergy. The style, which differed from the European with floral designs, consisted of geometrical designs. These pieces had their heyday in the XIX Century but, today only small pieces such as cigarette holders and small cases are manufactured due to the costliness of production. In Michoacan you can still obtain pieces of furniture with inlays.

Furniture factories abound throughout all of Mexico. The style of Mexican furniture you are looking for will be dictated by the location of the pertinent factory. In the cities of Patzcuaro, Cuernavaca and Tenancingo the specialty are chairs, rocking chairs and arm chairs made with palm seating and wooden backs or both made of palm. In San Miguel de Allende, San Luis Potosi and in Toluca you will find furniture decorated with floral motifs. Furniture made from white pine will be found in Patzcuaro and Cuanajo, with elaborate and beautifully hand-carved angels, flowers and birds which you will find in bedroom, living room and dining room sets. In Paracho, the furniture is similar but, made with red pine. The city of Pahuatlan is known for its its furniture made of fern or bracken. The factories in San Pedro Totoltepec are famous for the seating design of their furniture, which are considered very special for they are in the form of animals. Sinaloa and Tule are known for their leather-seating chairs.

Mexico's furniture industry has been around for a long time and it's only going to get better. With the diversity of products and styles available, you will be able to decorate your home for much less than you would expect to originally spend with conventional-looking furniture. The result - a decor with flair composed of different textures providing you with years of comfort.

Mexican furniture can be added directly to your kitchen as well. The hand carved tables, chairs and racks are exotic and beautiful.

Finding these tiles to add that hint of Mexico to your home is fairly difficult, but it's best to start online as there you will find the greatest variety of choices. Also, check out local flea markets or eBay for what you may need.

A few other design tidbits that may give you what you want is to use hammered copper accessories. For example: a hammered copper sink (which is uniquely anti-bacterial) or a hood that hangs over the oven. Another tip is to add a cluster of chili peppers, or woven baskets.