Barcelona features a unique type of apartment, found nowhere else: the Eixample apartment with hydraulic mosaic tiles, high ceilings, and a glazed 'galeria' facing the inner courtyard. These three characteristics influence almost every furnishing decision in the city.
The Floor is Already the Pattern
The typical mosaico-hidráulico floors feature strong geometric patterns in multiple colors. They are the reason why many apartments, even with expensive furniture, can appear restless: a second pattern is added to the existing one. If you wish to preserve the floor, you should work with solid colors above it. A large, calm rug under the seating area will pacify the space without concealing the floor, and armchairs in a single color will define the zone.
The Galeria as a Separate Room
The glazed loggia facing the inner courtyard is bright, sheltered, and climatically an intermediate space: cool in winter, hot in summer. It is the best place for a reading armchair, a bench, or planters. Due to the abundant light, delicate textiles are not suitable here. Woven materials appear appropriate, see Rattan and Woven Furniture, but only as natural materials if the galeria is truly enclosed.
Humid Sea Air
Unlike Madrid, Barcelona is located by the sea, meaning humidity is high and oppressive in summer. For furniture, this implies that solid wood is more likely to swell than crack, metal parts require a proper coating, and upholstery in unventilated rooms should be aired regularly. Close to the water, salt is an additional factor that corrodes unprotected metals, see Stainless Steel.
Delivery
Eixample buildings have narrow elevators, often with folding doors, and tight stairwells with a narrow central opening. An external lift is common in Barcelona and usually the quickest solution, but it requires a street permit. In Ciutat Vella, narrow streets are an additional challenge, necessitating transshipment to smaller vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you furnish a room with a mosaic tile floor?
In solid colors. The floor already features a strong pattern. A calm, large rug under the seating area and upholstery in a single color will calm the room without covering the floor.
What is the galeria and how should it be used?
It is the glazed loggia facing the inner courtyard. It is bright and sheltered, but hot in summer. Ideal for reading armchairs, benches, and plants, but unsuitable for delicate textiles.
What role does humidity play in Barcelona?
It is high. Solid wood is more likely to swell than crack, metal parts require a good coating, and near the water, salt corrodes unprotected metals.
Consultation by an Authorized Dealer
Casa Luxury is the interior world of an established, authorized Eichholtz specialist dealer. We are listed in the brand's official dealer directory, deliver throughout Europe, and provide advice on selection, dimensions, and delivery times. Inquiries can be sent to info@casa-luxury.de.
Luxury Furniture for Barcelona: Eixample, Tiles, Sea Air: Models from the Collection
A selection from the categories discussed on this page. Each image leads to the product page.
Further in the guide: Luxury Furniture Overview · Madrid · Ibiza · Art Deco