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 William IV Giltwood Convex Mirrors of Unusual Form, Pair, circa 1830
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A rare and exceptional pair of circa 1830, English regency, late George IV, early William IV period convex mirrors having carved frames in original gilding of unusual thickly exagger...
Mirror, Giltwood, Paint
Large 19th Century Giltwood Faux Bois Overmantel Mirror with Original Mercury Gl
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Large Naturalistic Faux Bois Giltwood Overmantle Mirror. Excellent original clean mirror plate, sparkling mercury glass comes alive once it catches the light. Super statement mirror....
Giltwood
W1v Period Mahogany Circular Adjustable Dressing Mirror
Located in Dereham, GB
W1V Period Mahogany circular adjustable Dressing Mirror William 1V period 1830-1837 Replaced mirror glass, with Circular moulded frame, carved scroll detailed surround, Brass Adjust...
Mahogany
W1V Period Mahogany Cheval Mirror
Located in Dereham, GB
W1V Period Mahogany Cheval Mirror Mahogany Framed swing mirror, Pair Octagonal Mahogany supports with carved Tulip capitals, Platform base, 4 mahogany scroll carved feet with inset b...
Mahogany
William IV Overmantel Mirror
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine William IV rose and giltwood overmantel mirror of severe architectural form, the arched frame of nicely figured timber and having an ogee molded liner with original water gildin...
Rosewood
Early 19th Century William IV Large Overmantel Mirror with Gilt Frame
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Early 19th Century William IV Large Overmantel mirror with gilt frame. Featuring fluted column detail, a carved scroll and shell crest, as well as acanthus leaf motif. Circa 1840.
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
English William IV Large Carved Giltwood Over-Mantel Wall Mirror
Located in Queens, NY
English William IV large carved giltwood horizontal (over-mantel (fireplace)) wall mirror with swirl carved column border.
Giltwood
A Very Fine Early 19th Century William IV Giltwood Overmantel Mirror
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine early 19th Century William IV giltwood overmantel mirror of exceptional quality and large proportions. The mirror glass plate of rectangular form is set within an elegan...
Glass, Giltwood
Early 19th Century William IV Gilt Convex Mirror Country House Antique
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A good sized early 19th century gesso and gilt convex mirror, in unrestored original condition. With areas of loss, abrasions and scuffs. The original mirror plate has areas of oxidi...
Gesso, Mirror, Pine
A Very Rare Early 19th Century WillIam IV Giltwood Pier Mirror
Located in Dublin, IE
A very rare early 19th Century William IV giltwood pier mirror finely hand carved and of exceptional quality. The moulde...
Glass, Giltwood
Period William IV Giltwood Convex Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Period William IV bull's eye mirror, having a convex mirror with black reeded inner frame surrounded by molded giltwood decorated by four applied cartouches.
Glass, Wood
Early 19th Century William IV Giltwood and Ebonised Triptych Overmantle Mirror
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Early 19th Century William IV giltwood and ebonised triptych compartmental overmantle mirror of rectangular form, the overhanging moulded cornice with ball decoration raised over fri...
Ebony, Giltwood
19th Century William IV English Large Rectangular Mirror
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century William IV English large rectangular ornamental mirror. The sides and upper edge within half columns with lotus and acanthus carving, with interlinked acanthus leaf cres...
Mirror, Giltwood
19th Century William IV Century Cheval Mirror
Located in Long Island City, NY
19th century William IV century cheval mirror. The reeded frame flanked by candleholders.
Early 19th Century William IV Period Mahogany Cheval Dressing Mirror
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A Superb Quality and Highly Impressive Early 19th Century William IV Period Mahogany Cheval Dressing Mirror, Attributed to Gillows This outstanding country house cheval mirror is cr...
Mahogany
$984Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century William IV Giltwood Cushion Mirror, Neoclassical Design
Located in Lincoln, GB
Fine William IV Giltwood Cushion Mirror This striking wall mirror features a deep, cushion-profile frame of impressive architectural presence. The primary molding is richly decorated...
Giltwood
Antique English 19th Century Mahogany Freestanding Full Length Floor Mirror
Located in London, GB
Antique English William IV Mahogany Framed Freestanding Full Length Mirror C.1830 With turned columns on claw supports and marble base. Handsome example, presented in very good condi...
Mirror, Mahogany
Pair of English Brass Foliage Two Arm Mirrored Sconces, circa 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of English brass mirrored foliage sconces with two scrolled arms, medallions, graduated bell flowers, and acanthus motif. Pair have been elec...
Brass
A Fabulous Unusual Early 19th Century William IV Giltwood Compartmental Mirror
Located in Dublin, IE
A fabulous and unusual early 19th Century William IV giltwood compartmental mirror, finely hand carved, of lovely quality and low and wide proportions. The moulded and fluted giltwo...
Glass, Giltwood
Very Fine Early 19th Century Irish William IV Giltwood Overmantle Mirror
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine early 19th century Irish William IV giltwood overmantle mirror. The mirror glass plate of rectangular form is set within an elegantly shaped and moulded giltwood frame, a...
Glass, Giltwood
19th Century William IV Giltwood Occasional Mirror
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century William IV giltwood occasional mirror with original glass and a shell to frieze flanked by a pair of lion masks. With stepped cornice to top featuring a row of acorns, a...
Mirror, Giltwood
William IV Mahogany Mirror
Located in New York, NY
The beveled rectangular mirror plate within a conforming solid mahogany frame, boldly carved with dentil banding. Handsome piece.
Mirror, Mahogany
English, William IV Large Rectangular Mahogany Overmantel Mirror
Located in London, GB
This is a majestic structural mahogany William the IV mirror, 1830s. The symmetry of the mirror allows it to stand alone, over a mantel or in a landscape position. The original glass shows barely noticeable signs of foxing adding character to the overall look of the mirror. The mirror is framed with elegant carved wood monumental columns and round reliefs...
Mirror, Mahogany
19th Century Three Compartmental Overmantle Mirror
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th century three compartmental overmantle mirror. The mirror with three carved columns with detailed foliage design at the top edges.
Mirror, Giltwood
Venetian Overmantel Mirror
Located in Hudson, NY
An arched-top Venetian overmantel mirror with amber glass accents. Amber glass is more the color of that in the lighter photos. the over height is 3...
Mirror
Period William IV Giltwood Convex Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Period William IV bull's eye mirror, having a convex mirror with black reeded inner frame surrounded by molded giltwood decorated by four applied cartouches.
Glass, Wood
Very Large Antique Overmantel Mirror, Classical, circa 1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a very large antique overmantel mirror. A 230cm (7'5") x 189.5cm (6'2") English, giltwood and gesso wall mirror in the classical tast...
Gesso, Glass, Giltwood
Regency Giltwood Convex Mirror
Located in Essex, MA
All carved and gilded wood with an eagle standing on rock work over a convex glass surrounded by an ebonized band and rope carved frame. Stylised leaf and bellflower base.
Mirror, Giltwood
$956
H 28.75 in W 24.02 in D 3.55 in
Early 19th Century William IV Gilt Convex Mirror Country House Antique
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A good sized early 19th century gesso and gilt convex mirror, in unrestored original condition. With areas of loss, abrasions and scuffs. The original mirror plate has areas of oxidi...
Gesso, Mirror, Pine
$1,439Sale Price|44% Off
H 37.41 in W 28.35 in D 4.73 in
Antique Large Fine Quality Early 19th Century Gilt Overmantel or Wall Mirror
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique large fine quality early 19th century gilt overmantel or wall mirror. A very decorative statement piece, with a great look. A charming mirror, that is full of age and char...
Giltwood
A Very Fine 19th Century Giltwood Overmantel Mirror
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine 19th Century giltwood overmantel mirror of large proportions and exceptional quality. The mirror glass plate of rectangular form is set within a stunningly hand carved, ...
Glass, Giltwood
Antique English Convex Mirror
Located in Nashville, TN
This all original English Regency mirror would be right at home in the interior design styles of today. Fitted with hand-carved spherical knobs in the gold giltwood frame, the mirror...
Mirror
Cheval Mirror in Mahogany, 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant cheval mirror in solid mahogany and mahogany veneer from the 19th century from England Very beautiful mirror which has its original glass which is beveled Very beautiful pa...
Mahogany
English Regency Giltwood Convex Mirror with Ebonized Ball Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English Regency giltwood convex mirror from the early 19th century, notable for its classic circular form and bold decorative detailing. The molded frame is adorned with a continu...
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
French Giltwood Sunburst Convex Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
French giltwood sunburst convex mirror. This stunning French carved gilt wood sunburst mirror has a warm aged patina and good scale. Beautiful aged convex mirror.
Giltwood, Mirror
$1,306 / item
H 37.41 in W 29.53 in D 0.71 in
Arcus Arch shaped Contemporary Overmantel Mirror with Bronze Patina Brass Frame
Located in London, London
Delightful handcrafted overmantel Arcus™ arched mirror with a bronze patina brass frame. Designed and handcrafted in London, UK. Fitted with an ingenious French cleat (split batten)...
Brass
William IV Style Mahogany Inset Partial Gilt Decorated Frame Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
A magnificent William IV Style Mahogany Inset Partial Gilt Decorated and beaded Frame Mirror. Measures 22.75" in width, 2" in depth and 33" in height.
Giltwood, Mahogany, Mirror
Antique William IV Over Mantle Mirror
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous original antique William IV over mantle mirror. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1830-1840’s. It is beautifully made, with a very thick and finely const...
Mirror, Wood
A Mahogany William IV Pier Mirror
Located in London, GB
A fine mid-19th century mahogany pier mirror with stylised paterae at the corners and deep curved borders, retaining the original mercury mirror plate.
Mercury Glass, Mirror, Mahogany
William IV Giltwood Ovemantel Mirror
Located in Kent, Dover
A finely carved and water gilded William IV overmantel mirror, with ebonised slips, mercury plate and depicting acanthus leaves.
Mirror, Giltwood
19th Century Oval Gilt Mirror
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century oval gilt mirror. The frame is carved with an egg and dart design alternating with convex fillets and an inner gilded beaded loop. At th...
Giltwood
Superb Quality Antique William IV Mahogany Cheval Mirror
Located in Suffolk, GB
Superb quality antique William IV mahogany cheval mirror having a mahogany framed adjustable cheval mirror supported by superb quality rope twist carved column supports standing on c...
Other
Antique William IV Over Mantle Mirror
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous original William IV period over mantle mirror. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1830-1850’s. It is beautifully made, w...
Mirror, Wood
Early 19th Century William IV Giltwood Pareclose Mirror in Octagonal Form
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Early 19th Century William IV giltwood pareclose mirror in octagonal form. The top and bottom cartouches are represented by stylized garlands of natural forms, trailing foliate, S an...
Mirror, Giltwood
Large 19th Century William IV Overmantle Mirror
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Very large 19th century William IV overmantle mirror of good proportion. Tall with a superbly carved top above the mirror plate set within a moulded gilt frame with scrolling motifs ...
Mirror, Giltwood
Sold
H 59.85 in W 32.29 in D 24.41 in
Antique Early 19th Century William IV Quality Mahogany Cheval Mirror
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique early 19th century William IV quality mahogany cheval mirror having the original mirror plate in a mahogany frame flanked by two quality mahogany shaped reeded scrolls suppor...
Other
Outstanding Quality Antique William IV Mahogany Cheval Mirror
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding quality antique William IV mahogany cheval mirror having the original mirror plate in a quality mahogany frame held between acorn capped turned columns with carved arched...
Mahogany
Antique William IV Wood & Gilt Mirror
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous antique William IV period over mantle mirror, dating from around the 1830-40 period. The quality is amazing, with a stunning solid wood frame embellished with a gilt in...
Wood