Like France’s Empire style, Regency-style furniture was rooted in neoclassicism; the characteristics of its bedroom furniture, armchairs, dining room tables and other items include clean lines, angular shapes and elegant details.
Dating roughly from the 1790s to 1830s, antique Regency-style furniture gets its name from Prince George of Wales — formally King George IV — who became Prince Regent in 1811 after his father, George III, was declared unfit to rule. England’s Regency style is one of the styles represented in Georgian furniture.
George IV’s arts patronage significantly influenced the development of the Regency style, such as the architectural projects under John Nash, which included the renovation of Buckingham House into the formidable Buckingham Palace with a grand neoclassical facade. Celebrated designers of the period include Thomas Sheraton, Henry Holland and Thomas Hope. Like Nash, Hope instilled his work with classical influences, such as saber-legged chairs based on the ancient Greek klismos. He is credited with introducing the term “interior decoration” to English with the 1807 publishing of Household Furniture and Interior Decoration.
Although more subdued than previous styles like Rococo and Baroque, Regency interiors incorporated copious use of chintz fabrics and wallpaper adorned in chinoiserie-style art. Its furniture featured fine materials and luxurious embellishments. Furniture maker George Bullock, for instance, regularly used detailed wood marquetry and metal ornaments on his pieces.
Archaeological discoveries in Egypt and Greece informed Regency-era details, such as carved scrollwork, sphinxes and palmettes, as well as the shape of furniture. A Roman marble cinerary chest, for example, would be reinterpreted into a wooden cabinet. The Napoleonic Wars also inspired furniture, with martial designs like tented beds and camp-style chairs becoming popular. While the reddish-brown mahogany was prominent in this range of pieces, imported woods like zebrawood and ebony were increasingly in demand.
Find a collection of antique Regency tables, seating, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Spanish Writing Slope Box in Walnut and Leather
Located in Barcelona, ES
Elegant hand crafted walnut writing slope with marquetry stripe details Leather writing surface on op Above the slope there is a compartment for storage writing implenments and two i...
Wood, Walnut, Leather
Antique Regency Campaign Writing Slope Brass Mounts, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
An elegant Regency brass mounted Gonçalo Alves campaign writing slope, circa 1820 in date. The beautifully polished goncalo alves case has a ...
Wood
Fine Regency Period Rosewood and Brass Desk Set
Located in Harrodsburg, KY
A superb quality desk set in rosewood with brass trim. The brass handles is an ornate design with acanthus motif and is flanked by crystal inkwells which sit into shallow recesses. T...
Crystal, Brass
$2,690Sale Price / set|48% Off
A Regency Hand Crafted Rosewood Writing Slope With Secret Compartments
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Stunning Regency Era Rosewood Hand-Crafted Writing Slope. With Purple Velvet Interior, Secret Compartments. Befit With The Original Brass Topped Square Glass Inkwells. Decorated ...
Brass
Antique Writing Slope, English, Walnut, Correspondence Box, Regency, Circa 1825
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique writing slope. An English, walnut and brass correspondence box, dating to the Regency period, circa 1820. A charming slope, with fascinating concealed drawers an...
Brass
Antique Admiral's Writing Station, English, Walnut, Stationery Case, Regency
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique admiral's writing station. An English, walnut and brass desktop correspondence or stationery case, dating to the Regency period, circa 1820. Superb craftsmanship ...
Brass
A Regency tortoiseshell and ivory desk set
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Regency tortoiseshell and ivory desk set, of shaped rectangular form with two glass inkwells, an ivory pot and two ivory pen holders above a curved pen tra...
Ivory, Tortoise Shell
Antique Chinese Japanese Bronze Inkwell Male Bust Pair French Ormolu Desk Set
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Very stylish patinated bronze desk inkwell modelled as a bust of a Chinese or Japanese figure wearing a straw hat, together with a pair French or...
Ormolu, Bronze
Antique Chinese Japanese Bronze Inkwell Male Bust Pair French Ormolu Desk Set
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Very stylish patinated bronze desk inkwell modelled as a bust of a Chinese or Japanese figure wearing a straw hat, together with a pair French ormolu Inkwells. Both items are late 19...
Ormolu, Bronze
English Regency Style Bronze Pencil Cup
Located in Queens, NY
English Regency-style bronze cylindrical container with faux bamboo trim (SIGNED: M. LeVERRIER)
Bamboo
19th Century English Burl Wood & Rosewood Parkins & Gotto Inkwell Desk Letterbox
Located in Philadelphia, PA
19th Century English Burl Wood & Rosewood Parkins & Gotto Inkwell Desk Letterbox. Item features a brass ormolu, glass inkwells, bun feet, beautiful wood grain, original label, no key...
Wood
19th Century Bronze and Ormolu Oval Pen Tray
Located in London, GB
An attractive early 19th century Regency period bronze and Ormolu oval Pen Tray, with thistle, fruit and flower handles, having cut-glass inkwells, quill holders, candleholder and ce...
Bronze, Ormolu
$4,088
H 6.25 in W 10 in D 6 in
Antique English Burr Walnut & Hand Painted Porcelain Stationery Box, circa 1850
Located in Bath, GB
A quite wonderful and romantic stationery box, ready to grace the finest of desk-tops. Made from burr walnut the wedge shaped box is smothered in fine quality polished brass mount...
Brass
A Regency tortoiseshell and ivory desk set
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Regency tortoiseshell and ivory desk set, of shaped rectangular form with two glass inkwells, an ivory pot and two ivory pen holders above a curved pen tra...
Ivory, Tortoise Shell
Large Antique Campaign Brass Mounted Writing Box. English C.1850
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful solid tropical hardwood writing box or slope Fabulous colour and figure in the wood Fine brass hardware With secret drawers* Pair of original brass topped inkwells Rep...
Brass
$882Sale Price|49% Off
H 6.7 in W 17.72 in D 9.06 in
19th Century French Walnut and Brass Writing Boxe
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful walnut desktop box which opens into a writing slope. Decorated on the outside with 2 decorative inlaid tunbridge ware bands. Box opens out to a beige fabric writing slo...
Brass
Large Antique Campaign Burr Walnut Writing Box. English. C.1870
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful burr walnut writing box or slope Fabulous colour and figure in the wood Fine brass hardware and ebony stringing Working secret drawers* Replaced leather No Key Free U...
Brass
Large Antique Campaign Burr Walnut Writing Box. English. Dated 1871
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful burr walnut writing box or slope Fabulous colour and figure in the wood Fine brass hardware Expertly restored Original brass topped inkwells Working secret drawers* R...
Brass
Large Antique Campaign Brass Mounted Writing Box. English C.1840
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful solid tropical hardwood writing box or slope Fabulous colour and figure in the wood Fine brass hardware 3 secret drawers shown in the last image* Replaced leather The ...
Brass
$1,771Sale Price|29% Off
H 7 in W 18 in D 10 in
English Regency Mahogany Travelling Lap Desk Box with Secret Compartment
Located in Savannah, GA
Large size English Regency mahogany travelling sloped lap desk/ box with original brass corner mounts, hinges, pin, top mount and retractable handles. Features include a side drawer,...
Brass
Mid 19th century mahogany brass bound campaign writing slope
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century mahogany brass bound campaign writing slope circa 1860. Good quality military-campaign writing slope, with secret compartments. Rectangular shaped box with brass s...
Brass
$3,876Sale Price|35% Off
H 6.5 in W 14.57 in D 10.63 in
Antique English Victorian Bramah Leather Fold-out Stationary Writing Desk
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Beautiful & Luxurious Handcrafted Victorian Bramah Fold-out Travelling Writing Companion With Fitted Leather Interior, Ceramic Blotting Tablets. Complete with Beautifully Desi...
Brass
Regency Period Rosewood Campaign Writing Box, England
Located in Kastrup, DK
Campaign travel writing box from the Regency period, England, circa 1820. Made for a military officer. Crafted from high-quality rosewood, the bo...
Brass
$2,101Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 5.32 in W 12.01 in D 9.06 in
Victorian Military Campaign Burr Walnut Brass Bound Writing Slope With Key
Located in Reading, Berkshire
19th Century Victorian Military Campaign Burr Walnut Brass Bound Writing Slope With A Tooled Black Leather Scriver Slope will include A Single Glass Inkwell A vintage pen S moder...
Brass
Sold
H 4.93 in W 14.18 in D 9.85 in
Rare English Regency Writing Slope With Decorative Brass Trim by Wells & Lambe
By John Lambe
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Beautiful Handcrafted English Antique 19th Century Hardwood Veneer Writing Slope With A Tooled Purple Leather Writing Liner. Item Featured Brass Carry Handles & Is Finished Wit...
Brass
Sold
H 6.5 in W 15.95 in D 10.04 in
Antique Gentleman’s Correspondence Case, English, Walnut, Writing Slope, Regency
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique gentleman’s correspondence case. An English, walnut and brass writing slope with leather skiver, dating to the Regency period, circa 1820. A refined, self-contained writing companion of excellent quality and enduring charm. Select walnut stocks present fine grain interest with a rich, inviting colour Lid adorned with unmarked brass shield and inlaid brass straps, lending a distinguished aesthetic Brass lock escutcheon to the fascia — in working order, with key present Opens to reveal a navy blue leather skiver, attractively tooled and embossed Skiver formed in two parts, each lifting to reveal generous document compartments beneath Front compartment secured by a pair of sliding clasps for peace of mind Reverse of the skiver dressed with delicate blue netting, ideal for loose notes or envelopes The rear compartment secured by an additional lock — key absent Pen tray with removable cover sits neatly between a pair of brass-collared, glass ink wells A charming and well-equipped Regency writing...
Brass
Sold
H 5.52 in W 14.97 in D 10.63 in
Antique Bachelor's Writing Slope, English, Correspondence Box, Regency, C.1830
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique bachelor’s writing slope. An English, coromandel and satinwood correspondence box dating to the Regency period, circa 1830. A superior example of portable desk furniture, showcasing striking casework and a fine fitted interior. Crafted from select coromandel stocks, displaying rich grain interest with flashes of warm amber Fascia appointed with a brass shield escutcheon and inset lock to front — key present Lid opens to reveal dual writing skivers, in a later dark blue embossed leather Front skiver with brass clasp, opening to a generous storage compartment Rear skiver lifts to reveal a striking satinwood interior, presenting rich saffron hues Replete with document slides, a pen tray and a pair of glass ink wells Brass recessed carry handle to the lid, set within a shaped backplate for portability Presented in good antique order, with light, sympathetic wear consistent with age This fine Regency writing slope...
Brass
Sold
H 5.71 in W 13.98 in D 9.45 in
Antique Officer's Correspondence Box, English, Writing Slope, Regency, C.1820
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique correspondence box. An English, rosewood writing slope case, dating to the Regency period, circa 1820. A quality example with fin...
Brass
Sold
H 9.5 in W 9.5 in D 7 in
Vintage Italian Regency Executive Leather Desk Blotter Pad & Letter Box - 2 Pcs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Italian Regency Executive Tooled Leather Desk Blotter Pad & Letter Box - 2 Pc Set. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: Desk Pad:...
Leather
19th Century Regency style Copper Desktop Stationery Box
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful antique letter box. The box comes from England and dates from about 1900. The box has a walnut interior with four compartments. The outsid...
Copper
Sold
H 6.3 in W 18.12 in D 9.85 in
Antique Officer's Campaign Correspondence Box, English, Writing Case, Regency
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique officer’s campaign correspondence box. An English, flame mahogany and leather writing case, dating to the Regency period, ...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 4.93 in W 14.18 in D 9.85 in
Rare English Regency Writing Desk With Decorative Brass Trim by Wells & Lambe
By John Lambe
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Beautiful Handcrafted 19th Century Hardwood Veneer Writing Slope With A Tooled Purple Leather Writing Liner. Item Featured Brass Carry Handles & Is Finished With A Decorative B...
Brass
Pair Of Regency Bronze Letter Holders
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A pair of bronze letter pockets with gothic design. Circa 1825
Bronze
English Regency Walnut Traveling Lap Desk Box with Secret Compartment
Located in Savannah, GA
19th century English Regency traveling lap writing desk with original brass corner mounts and hardware, including lock and key. Outstanding sti...
Brass
Regency Rosewood Book Carrier
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A very fine quality late regency period rosewood book stand, or book carrier, having elegant spindle turned upright supports and scrolling ends to ...
Rosewood
Vintage Modern Regency Style Gold Metal Toast Rack Letter Holder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Modern Regency Style Gold Metal Toast Rack Letter Holder. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 4.5" H x 6" W x 4.25" D.
Metal