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William IV Chairs

WILLIAM IV STYLE

It was unexpected that, at the age of 64, William IV was crowned king of England. He had two older brothers, yet the death of Prince Frederick put him in line for the British throne when George IV died in 1830. His reign was brief, as he died on June 20, 1837, but it was a pivotal time of change, with parliamentary reform leading to the present-day constitutional monarchy. Antique William IV–style furniture reflects this period of transition, with forms that bridged the neoclassicism of the preceding Regency style and the more extravagant Victorian style that would follow.

Inspired by ancient Greece and Rome, William IV designs were often more imposing than Regency furniture and featured decorative attributes. There were sofas balanced on lion’s feet and tables with brass fittings. But furnishings of this period were largely marked by straight lines and subdued ornamentation compared to those of the George IV era. William IV had an unassuming way about him and was much more formal, whereas the ruler who preceded him was a king of extravagance. George IV had an affinity for French decor and was heavily invested in overhauling the private residences at Windsor Castle.

Carvings on William IV four-poster beds and cabinets included scrolling shapes, lotus leaves and acanthus, while popular pieces like tilt-top tables and upholstered seating on caster legs provided flexible interiors. Richly toned woods like mahogany and rosewood were used for sideboards, bedposts boasting reeded details and dining chairs with intricate chair backs and turned front legs.

William IV left no legitimate heirs, so his young niece, Victoria, became queen. She would lead an era of taste in which the innovations of the Industrial Revolution allowed for manufacturing showier furniture to fill elaborate interiors. With its comparatively refined forms and restrained designs, William IV style was a pause before a time of radical aesthetic change.

Find a collection of authentic William IV tables, armchairs, decorative objects and other 19th-century furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.

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Style: William IV
William IV Mahogany Library Armchair
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Good Quality 19th Century, William IV Period, Mahogany Library Armchair Of Good Bold Proportions, Having Upholstered Scrolling Back And Arms With Moulded Decoration, Over Gene...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

William IV Mahogany Library Chair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine original condition Library Chair with Leather Seat. The frame with handsome wood graining, pierced splat back, and overall sinuous form and having castored front legs. With g...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Brass

Carved Oak William IV Pierced And Carved Gothic Hall Chair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A rare Carved Oak side chair in the Gothic style dating to 1830-1837 in original condition. The Chair in an overall fine and worn age patina with Classic Gothic Arch back pierced wit...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Oak

Antique Morning Room Chair, English, Silk Cotton, Side Seat, William IV, C.1835
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique morning room chair. An English, rosewood and embroidered silk cotton side seat, dating to the William IV period, circa 1835. Exquisite upholstery over a beautiful...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set William IV Dining Chairs Mahogany Upholstered Seats
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Set of 8 William IV Mahogany Dining Chairs. 19th Century These Chairs are Raised Upon Typical William IV Turned and Carved Tulip Front Legs With Sabre Back Legs. The Chairs Having a ...
Category

Early 1900s Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Antique William IV Leather & Mahogany Library Chair With Athenian Carved Wood
Located in High Wycombe, GB
An Elegant William IV Leather & Mahogany Library Chair With Athenian Carved Wood And Brass Studded Detailing Upon Brass Castors 1800's
Category

19th Century British Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Brass

Set of 6 Antique William IV Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
A stunning set of six original William IV period dining chairs. They were made in England, and date from around the 1830-1840’s. The quality is superb, they have beautifully carved ...
Category

1840s British Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Antique Restored Leather William IV Hardwood Chesterfield Captains Armchair
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely, antique, fully restored original mahogany framed circa 1830 hand dyed Chesterfield Bordeaux leather director's chair. Please note t...
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Antique English 19th Century Lacquered Mother-of-Pearl Papier Machè Chair
Located in London, GB
Antique English 19th Century Lacquered Mother-of-Pearl Papier Machè Chair William IV C.1830 Superb decorative chair, intricately inlaid with mother of pearl inlay and gilt detailin...
Category

19th Century English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Fine Antique 1830 William iv Cockfighting Brown Leather Chair Original Castors
Located in GB
We are is delighted to offer for sale this important handmade made in England circa 1830 William IV Cockfighting armchair. This really is an exquisite armchair, it is pure art furni...
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

William IV Rosewood in Original Brass Library Armchair, circa 1830
Located in Faversham, GB
Superb William IV rosewood library armchair. The crest and surrounding frame are carved with an image of the Green Man and foliate scrolling, whilst both...
Category

19th Century British Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Rosewood

Antique 1830 William IV Flamed Hardwood Metamorphic Library Armchair Steps
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this large and collectable lightly restored William IV circa 1830 Flamed Mahogany, metamorphic armchair which converts into Library steps attributed to Gillows of Lancaster and London. This is a wonderful piece of English history, I have never seen another with such elegant turned front legs, usually they are plainer and straight timber. The seat pad has been upholstered with a grey linen, the steps and raw flamed mahogany and look amazing. This chair is an important and extremely expensive looking thing that commands attention in any setting. You can see the same model made by Gillows currently viewed in the Victorian & Albert Museum, below is an extra from their listing. The period 1800-1825 was a great one for ‘patent’ or ‘metamorphic’ furniture This chair, which transforms into a short set of steps for use with bookshelves, is close to a design for a ‘Library Chair’ published in Rudolph Ackermann’s Repository of the Arts in July 1811, which was made by the London firm of Morgan and Saunders, of Catherine Street, Strand. They were well known for their ingenious furniture, including reading chairs with writing surfaces attached and a great variety of travelling beds...
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

William IV Rosewood Chaise Longue Attributed to Gillows
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A William IV rosewood chaise longue attributed to Gillows, with deeply carved scroll terminals and arms, and turned tapering legs on disguised castors.
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Unusual Antique William IV Quality Mahogany Child’s Armchair and Stand
Located in Suffolk, GB
Unusual antique William IV quality mahogany child’s armchair and stand having a quality arched shaped top rail and splat to the centre of the back, shaped scrolled open arms, newly r...
Category

19th Century European Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Other

Restored William IV Reclining Library Reading Brown Leather Armchair Footstool
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning 100% period correct William IV circa 1835 mahogany reclining library reading armchair with built in footrest This chair...
Category

1830s British Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Pair of Antique William IV Walnut Balloon Back Chairs, England, circa 1835
Located in London, GB
Pair of antique William IV walnut balloon back chairs, England, circa 1835. Presented in good antique condition commensurate of age.   
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Quality Pair of Antique William IV Carved Hardwood Side/Desk Chairs, circa 1830
Located in Suffolk, GB
A quality pair of antique William IV carved hardwood side/desk chairs. This pair has a very attractively carved top rail and centre splat. They have been tastefully reupholstered in ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

William IV Mahogany Barber's or Dentist's Chair, England, circa 1830
Located in San Francisco, CA
Mahogany barber's or dentist's chair with single back splat and two smaller side splats with heart shape cut-outs and hand woven cane seat. The sturdy scrolling arms curving around, ...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

Pair of William IV Adjustable Mahogany Library Armchairs, by George Minter
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A pair of William IV adjustable mahogany library armchairs, by George Minter, one dated 1832, each with adjustable buttoned leather-upholstered backs, seats and armrests, the seats w...
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

William IV Carved Mahogany Library Armchair with Red Velvet Upholstery
Located in London, GB
Constructed in mahogany, rising from caster shod scrolled toe cabriole legs to the front and rear, the knees carved with addorsed 'C' scrolls, dressed with pendant foliates, the seat...
Category

19th Century British Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Early 19th Century Set of Six Chippendale Gothic Style Dining Chairs
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Early 19th century set of six Chippendale Gothic style dining chairs with finely carved back splat. The seats are drop-in cream striped upho...
Category

1830s Irish Antique William IV Chairs

Early 19th Century Golden Oak Hall Chairs, from Cawston Hall Livery Room
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Early 19th century golden oak hall chairs, from Cawston Hall Livery Room. These are a delightful hall chairs, the superbly carved backs are...
Category

Early 1800s English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Oak

William IV Shaped Mahogany Library Chair
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A William IV shaped mahogany library chair of generous proportions. Reupholstered in our own workshops in distressed burgundy leather. Raised on turned legs and brass casters.
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

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Victorian Hand Carved Hall Chair
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Victorian Hand Carved Hall Chair
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Located in London, GB
An English, William IV mahogany library chair, with fluted legs and anthemion decoration. It has been upholstered in green leather, with buff leather buttoning.
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William IV Mahogany & Leather Library Chair
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Antique Oak Chair, Gothic Heavily Carved Hall & Desk Chair, Scotland 1880, H1063
Located in Vancouver, BC
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Materials

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Antique Set 8 English William IV Barback Dining Chairs Circa 1830 19th C
Located in London, GB
This is a fantastic English set of eight antique William IV barback dining chairs, circa 1830 in date. The set comprising eight sidechairs with seats that have been reupholstered in a striking azur fabric, and raised on reeded baluster front legs. These chairs have been masterfully crafted in beautiful solid mahogany throughout and the finish and attention to detail on display are truly breathtaking. Transform the fine dining experience in your home with this set of dining chairs fit for a king. THE BOTANICAL NAME FOR THE MAHOGANY THEESE ITEMS ARE MADE OF IS SWIETENIA MACROPHYLLA AND THIS TYPE OF MAHOGANY IS NOT SUBJECT TO CITES REGULATION. Condition: In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, polished, waxed and reupholstered in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 87 x Width 47 x Depth 52 Height 48 - Seat Height Dimensions in inches: Height 2 foot, 10 inches x Width 1 foot, 6 inches x Depth 1 foot, 8 inches Height 1 foot, 7 inches - Seat Height Mahogany is probably one of the largest ‘families’ of hardwood, having many different varieties within its own species. Mahogany has been used for centuries in ship building, house building, furniture making etc and is the core structure of just about every 19th century vanity box, dressing case or jewellery box. It became more of a Victorian trend to dress Mahogany with these decorative veneers so that the actual Mahogany was almost hidden from view. Mahogany itself is a rich reddish brown wood that can range from being plain in appearance to something that is so vibrant, figured and almost three dimensional in effect. Although Mahogany was most often used in its solid form, it also provided some beautifully figured varieties of veneer like ‘Flame’ Mahogany and ‘Fiddleback’ Mahogany (named after its preferred use in the manufacture of fine musical instruments). Cuban Mahogany was so sought after, that by the late 1850′s, this particular variety became all but extinct. William IV - the brief reign of William IV (1830 – 1837) marked a period of transition between the Regency period (which had been an age of innovation based on revivalist styles such as ancient Egypt, and the Grecian designs) and the Victorian era. William IV furniture...
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1830s English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Arts and Crafts Carved Oak Spinning Chair, Hall Chair, Scotland 1910, H030
Located in Vancouver, BC
Arts and Crafts Carved Oak Spinning chair, hall chair, Scotland 1910, H030 Scotland 1910 Solid Oak Original finish Having a beautifully carved ...
Category

1910s Scottish Vintage William IV Chairs

Materials

Oak

Antique Oak Chair, Tall Carved Oak Hall and Spinning Chair, Scotland 1890, H1077
Located in Vancouver, BC
Antique Oak Chair, Tall Carved Oak Spinning Chair, Hall Chair, Antique Furniture, Scotland 1890, H1077 + Scotland 1880 + Solid Oak + Original finish + Has a lovely shaped carve...
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1890s Scottish Antique William IV Chairs

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A Pair of Antique William IV Hardwood Cane Bergere & Leather Library Armchairs
Located in High Wycombe, GB
An Elegant Pair of William IV Regency Hardwood Cane Bergere & Antique Brown Leather Library Armchairs With Scrolled Arms on Brass Castors Chairs are a near pair slightly differing B...
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19th Century British Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

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Four Gothic Revival Oak Hall Chairs
Located in London, GB
A set of four Gothic Revival oak hall chairs, (two shown) carved and pierced backs with a crest, solid seats and shaped front supports. I will sell in pairs.   
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Late 19th Century Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Oak

Carved English Oak Hall Chair
Located in Wilson, NC
Carved English oak hall chair has a plank seat carved with stylized floral arabesques on the edge. A center panel is carved with framed stylized leaves. The center cartouche has a carved lion which is framed by winged gargoyles...
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1880s English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Oak

Carved English Oak Hall Chair
Carved English Oak Hall Chair
H 44.5 in W 14.75 in D 13 in
Stunning Hand Carved Sulptural Hall Chair w. Gothic Chimera Dragon Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and remarkable workmanship chair from the 1800s. In this day and age it is very difficult to still find even one craftsman that is capable of hand carving a good quality sculpture. As you can see in our photos, in the 1800s there were still artisans that were so skilled that they could actually incorporate several unique sculptures into a chair. This particular Italian hallway chair was made to decorate and to impress. And if you look at the quality and the perfect way in which the various creatures are incorporated in this chair then you know that this certainly was and still is a statement AND a talking piece. Everything is so well balanced that this chair with its great patina truly is a joy to own and look at. In the Neoclassical Revival era creatures and elements of different styles were mixed together and this work of beauty is the perfect example. The squating Gothic chimeras...
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19th Century Italian Antique William IV Chairs

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Wood

William IV Rosewood Chaise Longue Attributed to Gillows
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A William IV rosewood chaise longue attributed to Gillows, with deeply carved scroll terminals and arms, and turned tapering legs on disguised castors.
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Previously Available Items
Set William IV Dining Chairs Mahogany
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Set of 12 (10 + 2) William IV Style Mahogany Dining Chairs. These Chairs Stand Upon Typical William IV Turned and Carved Front Legs, the Back Legs Being of a Sabre Form. The Chairs F...
Category

1920s Vintage William IV Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Rare Important Antique 1830 Carved Cockfighting Chesterfield Brown Leather Chair
Located in GB
We are elighted to offer for sale this important handmade made in England, fully restored, circa 1830-1850 Cockfighting metamorphic swivel armchair This really is an exquisite ar...
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Leather

Antique William IV Leather Desk Chair
Located in London, GB
A superb antique William IV period armchair. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1830-40 period. It is of superb quality, with a very sturdy and bold design. The fl...
Category

1840s British Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique William IV Leather Desk Chair
Antique William IV Leather Desk Chair
H 38.98 in W 25.2 in D 27.96 in
Set of 6 Antique William IV Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
A superb set of original antique William IV period dining chairs. They were made in England, and date from around the 1830-1840’s. The quality is fantastic, they have a beautiful ...
Category

1840s English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Antique English William IV Carved Mahogany Bergere Armchairs, Set of 4
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique English William IV Carved Mahogany Bergere armchairs in a striped velvet upholstery - set of 4 Beautiful set of antique English Regency William IV style carved, solid maho...
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1930s Vintage William IV Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Mahogany

English William IV Period Parcel Ebonized Oak & Leather Library Chair, ca. 1835
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having button tufted leather upholstery with brass nailhead trim, on block and turned legs and casters, with arched supports joining seat and back with iron bracing at rear splayed l...
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1830s English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Oak

Set of 6 Antique William IV Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
A fantastic set of original William IV period dining chairs. They were made in England, and date from the 1830-1840’s. The quality is outstanding, they are a beautiful designed ex...
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Mid-19th Century English Antique William IV Chairs

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Fabric, Wood

Pair of William IV Mahogany Hall Chairs with Dolphin Carved Backs
Located in Essex, MA
Unusual, each chair back with two carved dolphins and central painted coats of arms, solid wood seats raised on circular tapered legs. These chairs are part of a larger set which wou...
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1830s Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of William IV Rosewood Tub Chairs
Located in Essex, MA
Nice pair of solid rosewood chair with caning in good condition. Wood seats. Raised on circular tapered legs with casters.
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1820s English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Rosewood

William IV Thomas Chippendale Hand Dyed Brand Leather Library Reading Armchair
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer this stunning circa 1830 William IV mahogany and hand dyed brown leather library reading armchair with Thoma...
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1830s English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Antique William IV Leather & Wood Desk Chair
Located in London, GB
A fantastic and very rare antique William IV period swivel desk chair. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1840-1860’s. This has a wonderful design, with very gener...
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Mid-19th Century English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Set of Eight English Hepplewhite Mahogany Shield Back Dining Room Chairs C. 1840
Located in Hollywood, SC
Set of Eight English Hepplewhite mahogany upholstered shield back dining room chairs with decorative carved foliage and graduated bell f...
Category

1840s English Antique William IV Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

William Iv chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique William IV chairs for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, animal skin and other materials. If you’re shopping for used William IV chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original chairs, popular names associated with this style include and Chesterfield. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $721 and tops out at $35,304 while the average work can sell for $4,113.

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