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.
Fine William IV Giltwood Cushion Mirror
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
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
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.
Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$1,458Sale Price|30% Off
H 43.31 in W 35.44 in D 3.55 in
Antique Large Florentine Carved Padauk Wall Mirror Overmantle
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique large quality Florentine carved hardwood (padauk) wall or overmantle mirror C1900. Could be hung in portrait or landscape. An impressive find, that would look amazing in t...
Padouk
$1,458Sale 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
Fine 19th Century Giltwood Overmantle Mirror
Located in Dublin, IE
A fine 19th Century giltwood overmantle mirror. The mirror glass plate set within a stunning hand carved giltwood, moulded an...
Glass, Giltwood
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
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
$2,915 / set
H 17.72 in W 9.06 in D 8.67 in
Antique 18th Century Double Eagle Wall Mirrors Candle Sconces Repoussé Brass
Located in Munich, DE
This pair of 18th centurty repoussé brass walls sconces has retained its original condition and patina as well as the original mirror glass. A pair...
Brass
$45,000
H 30 in W 45 in D 3 in
Chinoiserie Giltwood Overmantle Mirror 18th century English Chippendale
Located in Savannah, GA
Finely carved and gilded overmantel mirror in the manner of Thomas Chippendale crested with a stylized acanthus, supported by c and s-scrolls flanking a central plate. This outstanding gold gilt wooden overmantle mirror, features three shelves. and was purchased from the Bernard Baruch estate of Hobcaw Baroney Plantation (an original English land...
Mirror, Giltwood
$18,450
H 45.25 in W 39.13 in D 4.25 in
Fine Florentine 19th Century Baroque Style Giltwood Carved Figural Mirror Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine Italian 19th century Baroque style Florentine giltwood carved figural mirror frame, with carvings of allegorical masks on each corner, Florence, circa 1880. (Note: This mi...
Mirror, Giltwood
A William and Mary Cushion Mirror, 17th Century, England
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original William and Mary veneered laburnum cushion mirror, 17th Century, England. Wonderful character, the oyster wood frame somewhat warped, original back board. A super piec...
Mirror, Wood
$6,760Sale Price|20% Off
H 84 in W 72 in D 7 in
Monumental Gilded French Louis XV Carved Mantel Buffet Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This monumental French Louis XV gilded wall mirror is a breathtaking example of Rococo artistry and grandeur. Exquisitely carved with elaborate scrollwork, floral garlands, and acant...
Walnut
Regency Carved Giltwood Eagle Serpent Mirror
Located in Lymington, GB
A carved giltwood mirror of classic Regency design. Surmounted by a displaying eagle set upon rock work. Circa 1820. The frame surrounded with a geometric-design border with intertwining serpents and oak leaves to the base. Nb. giltwood mirrors with carved serpents...
Giltwood
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
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
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
19th Century Oval Gilt Mirror
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th century mirror with molded and gilt oval frame.
Giltwood
19th Century Large Giltwood Mirror
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century large giltwood mirror of oval form with carved ribbon and dart motif, can be hung both horizonally and vertically.
Giltwood
Classical Giltwood Landscape Mirror
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine William IV giltwood over mantel mirror having turned and ribbed columns with acanthus leaf flourishes, surrounding a beautiful and original mercury glass plate, England, ci...
William IV Style Giltwood Girandole Mirror
Located in Astoria, NY
William IV style round girandole mirror made in giltwood, with decorative foliage and a resting heraldic animal surrounding a circular flat mirror with...
Mirror, Giltwood
19th Century Irish Pair of Giltwood Mirrors
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th century Irish pair of giltwood mirrors of asymmetrical form, with scrolled acanthus leaf, floral and pierced rocaille frame, surmounted by an acanthus spray cresting, stamped to...
Mirror, Giltwood
19th Century William IV Giltwood Convex Mirror
Located in London, GB
A boldly carved William IV period giltwood convex mirror, having eagle pediment flanked by scroll and leaf carving above moulded, ball decorated frame with similar leaf and scroll ca...
Mirror, Giltwood