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.
$2,145 / set
Pair of Antique William IV Period Armchairs
Located in London, GB
An outstanding pair of antique William IV period armchairs. They were made in England, they date from around the 1830-40’s. They are of superb quality and are a lovely, compact size...
Fabric, Wood
$1,035 / set
English William IV Mahogany Desk Chair
Located in Kent, Dover
An English William IV carved mahogany desk chair, with good patina, with a green wool seat.
Mahogany
$1,600Sale Price / set|40% Off
Set of Four William IV Dining Chairs
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
William IV, circa 1830-40s, set of 4 dining or side chairs, English. Shaped high upholstered backs. Robustly turned front legs, splayed back legs, mahogany. Attractively upholstered ...
Wood
Antique English 19th Century walnut Framed Needlepoint Chair C.1830
Located in London, GB
Antique English 19th Century walnut Framed Needlepoint Chair C.1830 Beautifully constructed with a carved walnut frame of a warm patination. Good solid construction with traditional ...
Wool, Walnut
Pair of Hand Carved Mahogany Armorial Hall Chairs
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Beautifully carved mahogany hall chairs with armorial backs, hand-turned legs and solid mahogany seats. The chairs with original finish which have been French polished to show a warm...
Mahogany
$6,485Sale Price|20% Off
IMPORTANT RESTORED ANTiQUE 1830 LEATHER HARDWOOD CHESTERFIELD OTTOMAN STOOL
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare Antique original, William IV Circa 1830 large, fully restored, Chesterfield cigar brown leath...
Leather, Hardwood
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...
Mahogany
William IV Mahogany Hall Chair
Located in Essex, MA
An interesting chair with carved back and central coat of arms over an oval paterae. Slightly bowed seat with reeded seat rail raised on turned legs.
Mahogany
English Mahogany Leather Wing Back Chair With Acanthus Ball & Claw Feet. C .1840
Located in Charleston, SC
English mahogany leather wing back chair with acanthus carved skirt, knee, and terminating on ball and claw feet. Mid 19th Century
Brass
$8,664Sale Price|20% Off
ANTiQUE ROBERT DAWS HARDWOOD NAPOLEONIC BLUE LEATHER RECLINING LIBRARY ARMCHAIR
By Robert Daws
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning 100% period correct, fully stamped Robert Daws, William IV circa 1830 Mahogany recl...
Hardwood
Antique Fine Quality Set of 4 William IV Carved Rosewood Dining Chairs
Located in Suffolk, GB
Finest quality set of 4 antique William IV rosewood carved dining chairs having an ornate carved shaped back and carved centre splat. Drop in seats which have been newly reupholstere...
Rosewood
$1,253 / set
Pair of Antique William IV Hall Chairs
Located in London, GB
A lovely pair of antique William IV hall chairs. They were made in England, they date from the 1830-1840 period. The quality is outstanding, they are beautifully constructed from so...
Wood
Antique Willian IV Quality Mahogany Desk Chair
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Willian IV quality mahogany desk chair having a quality mahogany shaped top and centre splat, shaped scroll open arm, newly reupholstered drop in seat in a quality fabric sta...
Other
ANTiQUE WILLIAM IV CIRCA 1830 ADJUSTABLE FLAMED HARDWOOD METAMORPHIC FOOTSTOOL
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite Metamorphic William IV Flamed Mahogany and fabric upholstered height and angle adj...
Upholstery, Hardwood
$3,106Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Restored Leather William IV Hardwood Chesterfield Captains Armchair
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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...
Leather, Hardwood
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 ...
Mahogany
$6,485Sale Price|20% Off
SUBLIME ANTiQUE RESTORED ENGLISH OAK & HAND DYED LEATHER WILLIAM MORRIS ARMCHAIR
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very unique circa 1830-1840 fully restored English oak and had dyed brown leather William Morris Librar...
Leather
$1,634Sale Price / item|33% Off
W1V Mahogany & carved leather Library Chair
By King & Sons
Located in Dereham, GB
W1V Mahogany & carved leather Library Chair William 1V period 1830-1837 Mahogany frame, with open scroll arms carved detail on front. Deep B...
Leather, Mahogany
Antique English Leather Sofa or Settee
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 19th century English sofa or settee handcrafted with a mahogany frame having classic turned and beaded front legs on brass casters, featuring lush brown button tufted leat...
Leather, Mahogany
$5,177Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Antique William iv circa 1830 Hardwood Chesterfield Extending Chaise Lounge
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite antique circa 1830 English hand carved Mahogany William IV extending Chaise Lounge with Chesterfield tufting. This Chaise Lounge ...
Upholstery, Hardwood
19th Century English Oak Leather Library Chair
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
A fantastic quality C19th carved oak library open arm chair of generous proportions, the shapely back with carved lappets and moulded frame leading onto scrolled arm supports with further lappets below and carved gothic quatrefoils with moulded rails, raised on carved legs with large brass buckets...
Brass
Set of 6 Antique William IV Quality Mahogany Dining Chairs
Located in Suffolk, GB
Set of 6 antique William IV quality mahogany dining chairs having a quality mahogany back with a carved splat to the centre, drop in seats standing on elegant turned tapering legs to...
Mahogany
$4,900
Leather Library Chair
Located in Greenwich, CT
A 19th century library armchair upholstered in well-worn original brown leather with an aged dark brown patina trimmed with brass nail heads, a button-tufted backrest, leather padded...
Leather, Mahogany
Fine Quality William IV Mahogany Button Back Chair
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A fine quality William IV mahogany button back chair This is a superbly comfortable arm chair, it has a curved deeply buttoned back, the chair is...
Mahogany
$10,354Sale Price|20% Off
RESTORED ANTiQUE WILLIAM IV CHESTERFIELD BROWN LEATHER ARMCHAIR + WRITING SLOPE
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning fully restored hand dyed Cigar brown leather, period William IV Chesterfield Librar...
Brass
$16,294Sale Price|20% Off
RESTORED FLAMED HARDWOOD LION CARVED ANTiQUE WILLIAM IV SOFA CUPBOARD LOCK ARMS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning original 1830 Flamed Mahogany William IV sofa with ornately hand carved arm panels depicting L...
Upholstery, Hardwood, Mahogany
19th Century William IV Mahogany Windsor Chair
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century William IV mahogany Windsor chair. This bow back desk chair has been recovered with a tan leather button upholstered crest rail and seat. The carved splat features C-Scr...
Brass
$5,286Sale Price|20% Off
HUGE ORNATELY CARVED ANTiQUE FULLY RESTORED CHESTERFIELD KING / QUEENS ARMCHAIR
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare, custom made to order, fully restored circa 1900-1920 hand dyed Chesterfield cigar b...
Leather, Oak
A Fine William IV Period Lyre Form Bergere Library Armchair with Mahogany Legs
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
The outscrolling arms of lyre outline. Usually chairs of this model have show rails which make the design inspiration easier to spot but this chair still has this clear neoclassical ...
Leather, Upholstery, Mahogany
$6,539Sale Price|20% Off
Restored William IV Reclining Library Reading Brown Leather Armchair Footstool
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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...
Leather, Hardwood
19th Century William IV Period Mahogany & Leather Library Armchair, circa 1835
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A very stylish, high-quality 19th-century William IV period library armchair in mahogany and buttoned leather. Circa 1835 and in lovely original condition. This attractive library ar...
Leather, Mahogany
19th Century Pair of Round-back Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th century pair of round-back upholstered armchairs. Dates from the transition period between square William IV lolling chairs and curvilinear Victorian; the carved embellishment t...
Mahogany
Pair of 19th Century William IV Period Mahogany Side Chairs
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A pair of 19th century William IV period fine quality solid mahogany bar back side chairs with newly upholstered seats, in excellent condition. These strong chairs are designed with ...
Upholstery, Wood
Early 19th Century French Chair and Daybed Upholstered in Belgian Linen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This versatile piece serves as both a comfortable chair and an inviting daybed, reflecting the timeless elegance of early 19th-century French design. Freshly reupholstered in flax-co...
Linen
$3,215Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Restored William iv Period circa 1830 Wingback Brown Leather Armchair
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very uniquely shaped, Circa 1830 William IV, brown leather and Mahogany Wingback armchair with ornately carved frame A simply glorious pie...
Leather, 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.
Leather, Rosewood
William IV Shaped Mahogany Library Chair
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A William lV shaped mahogany library chair of generous proportions. Reupholstered in our own workshops in distressed burgundy leather. Raised on turned legs and brass casters.
Leather, Mahogany
Antique Estate Chapel Organist's Stool, Scottish, Walnut Music Riser, William IV
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique estate chapel organist's stool. A Scottish, walnut and leather music riser stool in Gothic Revival taste, dating to the William IV period, circa 1835. Fascinating...
Leather, Walnut
Elegant Pair of Carved And Upholstered William IV Side Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine pair of custom upholstered William IV Side Chairs with exceptional form and fine chosen wood with excellent graining. Square saber form back legs, turned front legs with foli...
Wood
Pair of Antique Hall Chairs, English, Reception Seat, Morning Room, William IV
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of hall chairs. An English, fine mahogany morning room or reception seat, dating to the William IV period, circa 1835. Fine period seating, ideal for the reception ha...
Cotton, Mahogany
$17,500
Georgian Swivel Chair
Located in Greenwich, CT
A rare and unusual Georgian desk chair with a half round back on a swivelling base. Substantial mahogany construction with a show-wood burl arms a...
Leather, Mahogany
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 ...
Hardwood
$3,814Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Antique 1830 William iv Cockfighting Brown Leather Chair Original Castors
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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...
Leather, Hardwood
William IV Style Burl Wood and Diamond Brocade Upholstered Armchair
Located in Germantown, MD
A William IV Style Burl Wood Finish and Diamond Brocade Upholstered Armchair. Measures: 24.5" in width, 24.5" in depth and 35" in height. Seat height is 18". Arm height is 26". Seat ...
Upholstery, Burl
Labeled 19th Century London Made Reclining Mechanical Library Chair on Castors
Located in Richmond, VA
Fantastic piece of labeled 19th century London made metamorphic furniture in recently tufted leather by J. Ward, “manufacturer to the Queen and royal family”. The chair reclines (from 34” to 62” with ottoman slid in place) with leather wrapped chains from a wheel on the side. The sides open up from both sides. There is an adjustable ottoman...
Bronze
A Nineteenth Century William IV Oak and Leather Library Bergere
Located in London, GB
England, circa 1840. A William IV period oak library bergère, the scrolling top rail carved with foliate designs, surmounting ring turned spindles and scrolling arms rests carved wi...
Leather, Oak
An Overscale William IV 19th Century Library Armchair in Tan Suede
Located in London, GB
A fine mid 19th century mahogany armchair of generous scale with boldly carved frame of acanthus levels supported on tapering legs terminating in brass castors. Upholstered in beige ...
Suede, Wood
$9,754Sale Price|20% Off
ORIGINAL ANTIQUE ROBERT DAWS HARDWOOD BROWN LEATHER RECLINiNG LIBRARY ARMCHAIR
By Robert Daws
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning 100% period correct, fully stamped Robert Daws, William IV circa 1830 Rosewood recl...
Brass
$4,750 / set
Pair of Antique English Petite Side Chairs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Charming pair of English 19th century William IV side or boudoir chairs crafted in mahogany in petite form having carved floral handles on the tops over velvet upholstery with button...
Brass
Great set of 8 19th century English Saber Leg Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Richmond, VA
Great set of 8 19th century English mahogany armchairs. All 8 chairs are armchairs and sit very comfortably. Upholstered seats could be redone- currently 4 have one pattern and the o...
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...
Leather, 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...
Brass
William IV Style Mahogany Occasional Chair
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Elegant mahogany occasional chair in the William IV style Broad curved top rail displaying attractive figured grain Open back with a moulded cross rail centred by a carved flowerhead...
Mahogany
$2,427Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Wood
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, ...
Mahogany, Cane
$13,079Sale Price|20% Off
ANTIQUE WILLIAM IV CHESTERFIELD OXBLOOD LEATHER RECLINING ARMCHAiR WRITING SLOPE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning fully restored reddish brown leather, period William IV circa 1830 Chesterfield Library reclining...
Brass
Set William IV Dining Chairs Period 19th Century
Located in Potters Bar, GB
A fine set of eight William IV dining chairs of elegant proportions and excellent craftsmanship Period 19th Century antique William IV chairs We have various dining tables to match i...
Wood
$6,250
William iv library chair
Located in Augusta, GA
Large William iv library chair upholstered in leather
Mahogany
WIV Style Gillows Designed Leather Upholstered Stool
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous and very functional WIV styled Gillows designed leather stool features deep buttoned cocoa brown upholstery supported on 6 turned reeded le...
Leather, Mahogany
Pair William IV Revival Mahogany Inlaid Side Chairs
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Attractive pair of mahogany side chairs in the William IV style with decorative marquetry inlay The broad top rails feature central urn motifs flanked by delicate foliage and floral ...
Mahogany