mueble

Mueble is the term used in Spanish to refer to a piece of furniture, or any portable object used to support human activities such as seating, storage, or working surfaces. The word derives from the Latin mobilis, meaning movable, and entered Spanish through medieval usage. In legal contexts, muebles denotes movable property as opposed to bienes inmuebles, which are real estate.

Furniture encompasses a wide range of items, including chairs, tables, armoires, cabinets, beds, shelves, desks, and other fittings designed for domestic, office, or public settings.

Construction materials vary by style and purpose, but common ones include wood (various species), metal, glass, plastic, and composites. Production methods range from traditional carpentry and joinery to modern automations; finishes may be varnishes, paints, veneers, or laminates.

Furniture design reflects cultural and historical trends. Ancient and medieval pieces favored carved wood and ornate details; the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries saw mass production and the rise of styles such as Art Nouveau, Modernism, and Mid-Century. Contemporary design emphasizes user comfort, modularity, and sustainable materials.

In contemporary contexts, furniture is produced and marketed as domestic, office, or public furnishings, and the term mobiliario can also appear in phrases like mobiliario urbano. Sustainability concerns have driven FSC-certified wood, responsible finishes, and repair-oriented design to extend product lifespans.