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.
English Royal Navy Leather Gun Charge Carrier with Coat of Arms, Circa 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
English Royal navy leather gun charge carrier with a centered coat of arms depicting lion and unicorn and the original tacked leather handle, Mid-19th...
Leather, Paint
English Brass and Wood Barrel Nautical Spyglass James Chapman, London Circa 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
English brass and wood barrel nautical ship captain's spyglass with a single draw, polished sunshade, lense cap, and engraved focal tube by maker James Chapman St. Catherines Dock, L...
Brass
Fine Shaped Burl Tabletop with Compass Star Inlay
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine English early 19th Century solid burl yewwood tabletop with molded edge and scalloped sides with mahogany and sycamore compass star inlay, the who...
Yew
19th Century English Folk Art Encased Ship Diorama
Located in London, GB
19th Century Folk Art Encased Ship Diorama A delightful and highly decorated example of a late 19th century English folk art ships model diorama...
Glass, Wood
$4,079
H 16.15 in W 13.39 in D 1.19 in
ANTIQUE ROYAL HAND CARVED ENGLISH OAK ARMORIAL COAT OF ARMS CROWNS EAGLEs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques We are delighted to offer for sale this very collectable hand carved Armorial Coat of Arms Depicting a Royal crest This is an exceptionally well made and deco...
Oak
Link of British Royal Navy Chain
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid brass minesweeper chain. This is a segment of a stud link English Navy. Non-magnetic brass alloy chain. Highly polished and lacquered. Genuine piece of history and quite decora...
Brass
Framed British Coat Of Arms
Located in Essex, MA
With the inscription 'Virtus Incendit Vires' which translates to Virtues kindles strength. Hand painted in a frame. Michael Kittredge Collection.
Wood
$1,500
H 2.25 in Dm 8 in
Antique 1900's Tiffany & Co. Brass & Lead Crystal Aneroid Barometer Thermometer
Located in San Diego, CA
Fantastic antique Tiffany & Company of New York brass aneroid barometer/thermometer dating from the early 1900's. The barometer and thermometer works as it should. Marked "Tiffany & ...
Crystal, Brass
$1,060 / item
H 32.29 in W 8.67 in D 1.97 in
21st Century Skateboard Marcantonio Wood Inlay Scapin Black
By MARCANTONIO
Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT
Old Skull Board Old Skull Board/ Life After Life Board è una tavola da skateboard decorativa, disponibile in due varianti colore e con un disegno intarsiato simbolo della continui...
Plywood
Victorian English Nautical Diorama Ship Wall Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
English Country style Victorian diorama in oak case of sail/steam ship with small lighthouse.
Oak
$875
H 14.25 in Dm 14 in
19th-C. English Victorian Leather Artillery Or Cordite Bucket W/ Coat Of Arms
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a large scale English cordite bucket used to transport cordite for the Royal Navy. It has a handsome coat of arms on the front. The stra...
Leather
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
H 19.5 in W 7.25 in D 7.25 in
Vintage Large Nautical Maritime Brass Glass Ship's Hourglass Display Model Timer
Located in San Diego, CA
Very unique large maritime/nautical brass and glass hourglass. Wonderful dorm and design. Brass has a wonderful patina and can be polished if desired. H...
Bronze
Antique Italian Pietra Dura Marble Inlay Plaque of Spaniard
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - (Frame) H: 16 1/2 in W: 11 1/2 in D: 1 in (Plaque) H: 12 1/4 in W: 7 1/4 in This exquisite Antique Italian Early 20th Century Pietra Dura Inlaid Marble Plaque is a stu...
Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Marble
Hand Painted Haitian Game Board
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Haitian game board crafted in wood and hand painted with parrots, ballet dancers, and the tree of life in a rustic naive style and signed by the artist J Michel.
Paint
$18,000
H 32.25 in W 37.75 in D 4 in
English Oil on Canvas Horse Portrait in Burl Walnut Gilt Frame, Signed. C. 1866
Located in Charleston, SC
English oil on canvas horse portrait in burl walnut giltwood and beaded molded edge frame. Signed & Dated by Artist "J. Brown Coventry 1866"
Canvas, Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Caribbean Mahogany Table with Sailor's Valentine, circa 1840
Located in Downingtown, PA
Caribbean mahogany table with sailor's valentine top, circa 1840 The Victorian mahogany table with a central column with a shaped square foote...
Shell, Mahogany
English Nickel Silver and Leather Nautical Spyglass, A. Ross, Circa 1840
By Andrew Ross
Located in Charleston, SC
English nickel silver over brass nautical ship captain's spyglass with a covered leather barrel, single draw, polished sunshade, and engraved focal tube by maker Andrew Ross of Londo...
Brass, Nickel
Pair of English Painted & Giltwood Fire Buckets, Circa 1840
By Merryweather and Sons 1
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of English painted and gilt wood fire buckets with riveted iron upper and lower bands, leather carrying handles, and original tin lined fitted interior. Signed by maker, Merrywe...
Iron