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.
19th Century William IV Irish Library Table Attributed To Williams and Gibton
Located in Dublin, IE
A fantastic early 19th Century William IV Irish well figured mahogany library table attributed to the Dublin maker 'William and Gibton', of exceptional quality and finely hand carved...
Brass
William IV Velvet Scroll Arm Library Slipper Chair In The Manner of Gillows
Located in Reading, Berkshire
William IV Scroll Arm Button Back Library Slipper Armchair With Purple Velvet Button Back Upholstery upon Porcelain & Brass Castors In The Manner of Gillows Extra dimensions Dep...
Brass
Blue & White Plate 8.25" Staffordshire “Whampoa Pattern” Transferware
Located in Huntington, NY
Staffordshire 8.25” Plate “Whampoa Pattern” Transferware
Ceramic
William IV Rosewood and Mahogany Sewing / Side Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
William IV rosewood and mahogany side / sewing table, circa 1840. With a mahogany top with rounded corners, a rosewood drawer, a fabric U shaped sewing basket that pulls out, a finel...
Textile, Mahogany, Rosewood
W1V period Golden oak 2 door cupboard 1830s
Located in Dereham, GB
William 1V period Golden oak 2 door cupboard 1830s W1v period 1830-1837 Cornice with carved scroll detail pediment, 3 pillars on front with carved tulip detail on top original lock,...
Oak
William IV Silver Gilt "Strawberry Leaf" Caddy Spoon by Joseph Willmore, 1832
Located in London, GB
A Rare William IV Silver Gilt "Strawberry Leaf" Caddy Spoon Made in Birmingham in 1832 by Joseph Willmore. This rare silver gilt Caddy Spoon is modelled as a Strawberry Leaf with se...
Silver
William IV Wine Label Made in London by Reilly & Storer, 1835
By Charles Reily & George Storer
Located in London, GB
A Very Fine William IV Wine Label Made in London in 1835 by Reilly & Storer. The Wine Label is broad rectangular in form, with an unusual rasied central domed section and raised eye...
William IV Mahogany Hall Table by Druce & Co., c. 1840-1850
By Druce & Co.
Located in High Peak, GB
K0627 Elegant English, 19th century hall table in mahogany, having figured mahogany, shaped and moulded upstand to the back, figured mahogany top and figured mahogany frieze drawer,...
Mahogany
Superb quality antique William IV large freestanding library centre table
Located in Ipswich, GB
Superb quality antique William IV large freestanding library centre table having a large figured mahogany top with a crossbanded edge, carved mahogany freestanding shaped frieze, one...
Mahogany
RARE WILLIAM IV CIRCA 1830 HARDWOOD LIBRARY FOLIO CABiNET WITH DRAWERS BOOKCASE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime highly collectable, fully restored, solid hardwood William IV Library Folio cabinet with drawers and bookc...
Leather, Hardwood
Antique William IV Quality Figured Mahogany Work Box
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique William IV quality figured mahogany work box having a quality figured mahogany work box with a lift up lid opening to reveal a fitted interior consisting of five original lid...
Mahogany
Outstanding Quality Antique William IV Mahogany Serpentine Shaped Wine Cooler
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding quality antique William IV mahogany serpentine shaped wine cooler/cellarette having a magnificent quality fiddleback mahogany serpentine shaped stepped lift up lid openin...
Other
Six Very Heavy 19th C. British Sterling Silver Table Spoons / Serving Spoons
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very handsome and exceptionally heavy set of six William IV sterling silver table spoons / serving spoons in the King's Pattern. All six...
Sterling Silver
William IV Rosewood Free-Standing End Support Table Attributed to Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A William IV rosewood free-standing end support table attributed to Gillows, the rectangular top with the original leather and an ormolu gallery on three sides, all above a single di...
Brass, Ormolu
19th Century English William IV Mahogany Table
Located in Richmond, VA
Great 19th century English mahogany table on a pedestal base with three carved feet. At 54" this table is great for a breakfast...
Rosewood
C Hindleys 134 Oxford St. London, a Quality Drop Leaf Victorian Oak Dining Table
Located in London, GB
C Hindleys 134 Oxford St. London. Superior nineteenth century Furniture Makers of London. A good quality William the IV drop leaf oak dining tabl...
Oak
19th Century English William IV Period Mahogany Games Table Sewing Stand
Located in Forney, TX
A period William IV English mahogany sewing stand work table with inlaid chessboard top. circa 1830s Combining sophisticated elegance, warmth, and functional design, this outstandin...
Iron
Blue & White Pitcher “ Whampoa Pattern “
Located in Huntington, NY
Blue & White Pitcher “ Whampoa Pattern “ HEIGHT 7.5" DEPTH 8.25 WIDTH 6.5
Ceramic
$5,069Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Metamorphic Console Table, English, 4 Seat Dining, Gaming, William IV
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique metamorphic console table. An English, mahogany fold-over 4 seat dining or bridge table, dating to the William IV period, circa 183...
Wood
Vintage Electroplated and Sterling Silver Bottle Coasters
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine pair of vintage Elizabeth II electroplated silver and sterling silver bottle coasters in the William IV style; part of our electroplated si...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique English William IV Mahogany Desk, Circa 1840-1850
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English William IV mahogany desk, circa 1840-1850.
Mahogany
Antique William IV Leather Top Writing Table / Desk
Located in London, GB
A wonderful antique William IV writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1840-1850 period. This is of fantastic quality and is a very useful size, wit...
Leather, Wood
Quality Antique William IV Rosewood Card/Console Table
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality antique William IV rosewood card/side table having a quality rosewood fold over swizzle top opening to reveal a round green baize. The rosewood frieze has been beautifully sh...
Other
Large Magnificent Antique William IV Carved Mahogany Sideboard
Located in Suffolk, GB
Large magnificent antique William IV carved mahogany sideboard having a beautiful shaped and moulded back with delightful applied carvings to the centre. It has a fantastic flame mah...
Other
$4,338Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Campaign Torchere, English, Side Table, Planter Stand, William IV, 1835
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique campaign torchere. An English, rosewood side table or planter stand with Chinese taste, dating to the William IV period, circa 1835. Exceptional example of campa...
Wood
$2,497Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Octagonal Wine Table, English, Flame, Lamp, Side, William IV, Circa 1835
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique octagonal wine table. An English, flame mahogany lamp or side table, dating to the William IV period, circa 1835. Beautifully figured piece, with similarly appea...
Wood
Antique Sterling Silver Goblet by Robert Garrard II, 1834
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique William IV English sterling silver goblet made by Robert Garrard II; an addition to our collectable silverware collection. This exceptional antique William IV sterling silver goblet has a plain bell shaped form onto a cylindrical pedestal and plain circular spreading foot with a collet rim. The surface of this silver goblet is plain and unembellished, with an applied moulded border to the upper rim. The underside of the goblet bears the later engraved inscription 'Bartle Henry Arbuthnot Frere, from is Grandfather, 1938'. This antique silver goblet...
Sterling Silver
$562Sale Price|20% Off
Large Antique Reference Book, Index, Rolls of Parliament, English, William IV
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large antique reference book, Index To The Rolls of Parliament. Printed in English, a later-bound House of Commons record, dating to the William IV period, published circa...
Paper
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
William IV Occasional Table, Yew & Amboyna Wood Top, Circa 1840
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Rare 19th Century, William IV Period Occasional Table, Having Charming Octagonal Galleried Top, With Various Specimen Wood Veneers Inlaid To Unusual Pattern Design, Raised On Solid...
Yew, Amboyna
Staffordshire 8.25 Plate "Whampoa Pattern" Transferware Ceramic
Located in Huntington, NY
Staffordshire 8.25 Plate "Whampoa Pattern" Transferware Ceramic
Ceramic
William IV Hall Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Early 19th century William IV mahogany hall console table with original white marble top, the thumb molded apron over shaped sides joined by bold turned stretcher with end roundels, ...
Marble
$160Sale Price|20% Off
Staffordshire English Ceramic plate Whampoa pattern circa 1842
Located in Huntington, NY
Staffordshire English Ceramic 8.25” Plate / Whampoa pattern circa 1842
Ceramic
William IV Burr Yew Wood Card Table with Carved Lion Paw Base, c.1830 (Scottish)
By James Morison
Located in Leeds, GB
William IV Burr Yew Card Table on Carved Lion Paw Base, c.1830 A fine William IV card table of exceptional quality, crafted in beautifully figured burr yew with deep, lively grain a...
Yew
19th Century Mahogany Bottle Holder
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century English mahogany bottle holder in the Georgian style with six compartment each with shaped solid side and central handle.
Blue & White plate 8.25” Staffordshire Transferware “Whampoa Pattern”
Located in Huntington, NY
Blue & White plate 8.25” Staffordshire Transferware “Whampoa Pattern”
Ceramic
19th century William IV mahogany pedestal sideboard
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century William IV mahogany pedestal sideboard circa 1830. Good quality William IV period sideboard comprising of 3 parts. Top surface with carved gallery to the back. 4 drawer...
Mahogany
Fine Quality Mahogany William IV Breakfront Front Sideboard
Located in Benington, Herts
A fine quality William IV flame mahogany inverted breakfront sideboard of good color. English, circa 1835 The raised carved back having a central anthemion cartouche, ...
Mahogany
Mason's Ironstone Chinoiserie Mazarine Large Blue Vase
Located in Downingtown, PA
The Midnight Majesty: A Monumental Mason's Ironstone Chinoiserie Vase Staffordshire, England, circa 1835–1840 This monumental English Ironstone vase is a striking example of the Chi...
Ceramic, Ironstone
English William IV Ormolu Brass Fireplace Grate with Dragons & Serpents
Located in Bensalem, PA
Stunning pierced and engraved brass & iron English grate with opposing dragons and serpents interspersed with foliage and centred by flowers
Brass, Iron
Gothic oak chest of drawers decorated with carved masks and columns
Located in London, GB
A mid 19th century Gothic revival pollard oak chest of drawers, with carved masks and columns, on bun feet. Four drawers. Brass patent locks stamped with WR royal cipher...
Oak
William IV Mahogany Dining Table with Lions Paw Feet, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
William IV mahogany dining table with lions paw feet, 19th century. Exceptionally well built late 19th century mahogany dining table. This ...
Mahogany
Antique William IV Leather Top Writing Table / Desk
Located in London, GB
A smart and extremely well made antique William IV writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1830-1850 period. It is of superb quality and has a usefu...
Leather, Wood
1830s 7 Pcs William IV Brass and Steel Fireplace Tools on Marble Stand Set
Located in Germantown, MD
A set William IV brass and steel Fireplace tools on marble stand, Set of 7, Circa. 1830s Set consist of a Tong, a poker, a shovel, two brass toasting forks...
Marble, Brass, Steel, Iron
William IV Center Tilt-top Table
Located in New York, NY
This elegant William IV center tilt-top table is crafted from finely grained mahogany, showcasing the refined simplicity and understated sophistication characteristic of early 19th-c...
Mahogany
William IV wood Console Table, Antique Design, Circa 1840, England
Located in Valladolid, ES
A splendid mahogany console table, a multifunctional piece that can also be used as a small bureau, William IV style. Its imposing structure is made of mahogany, a wood widely used d...
Wood
William IV Rosewood and Gilt Center Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine William IV period rosewood, faux rosewood and giltwood center/library table with leather top, the top having gadrooned edge, black gilt tooled leather top having Greek key patte...
Rosewood
Antique Irish Kilkenny Marble Fireplace Mantle
Located in London, GB
A William IV period Irish carved corbel fireplace in highly fossilised Kilkenny marble. The pilaster jambs with elegant carved corbel brackets supporting wide and generous mantle wit...
Marble
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
English 19th century needlework and hand painted silk picture, circa 1830
Located in Central England, GB
This exceptional needlework dates to the early 19th century and is a master class in the art of needlework. It incorporates many different types of thread and complicated stitches co...
Wool, Silk
Large Scottish William iv Manner Statuary Marble Fireplace Surround
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A large and elegant Scottish, lightly veined statuary marble fireplace surround in the manner of William IV. A generous top shelf with rounded corners sits above a stepped full lengt...
Statuary Marble
$15,399Sale Price / item|20% Off
A Pair of Antique William IV Hardwood Cane Bergere & Leather Library Armchairs
Located in Reading, Berkshire
An Elegant Pair of William IV Regency Hardwood Cane Bergere & Antique Brown Leather Library Armchairs With Scrolled Arms on Brass Castors Chairs are a near pair slightly differing Bu...
Brass
A Pair of 19th Century Anglo-Indian William IV Card Tables
Located in London, GB
Anglo Indian, circa 1840. A pair of William IV goncalo alves card tables, the tops opening to reveal a grey baize playing surface, the bases carved with gadrooning and oak leaves, s...
Wood
Irish Mahogany Peat Bucket
Located in Essex, MA
Possibly Dutch with brass bail handle and liner. Tapered ribbed body with brass strapping.
Brass
William IV Goncalo Alves Jewelry Box, Antique Inlays, England, 1840
Located in High Peak, GB
P0123 A stunning William IV rosewood work and jewellery box, dating to circa 1840. This exceptional piece features elegant quadrant beading alongside fine decorative inlays on both t...
Wood
19th Century Gillows Rosewood Turnover Top Card and Games Table
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Altrincham, GB
19thC Gillows rosewood turnover top games table, with green baize lined interior, with turned and carved supports, centre stretcher and downswept legs ...
Baize, Rosewood
William IV Mahogany Partners Desk
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A handsome and well proportioned William IV mahogany partners desk with unusual patent locking mechanism. Circa 1830.
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
Single Fusee Carriage Timepiece By Thomas Cole and James Cole, Retailed By Hunt
Located in Amersham, GB
A miniature carriage clock timepiece by Thomas Cole and his brother James Fergusson Cole. The eight day single fusee movement with english lever escapement. The case is decorated with the ‘Rose and Trellis’ pattern as seen on another of Coles clocks retailed by Edward Dent with the same handle and case construction ( JB Hawkins, “The Hawkins Pictorial Survey of Cole Clocks...
Brass, Steel, Ormolu
19th Century English Sutherland Drop-Leaf Table in Walnut and Kingwood Veneer
Located in Dallas, TX
A small scale 19th century English Sutherland table with lovely walnut and kingwood veneer, two drop leaves, supported by turned shaped column ends, turned swing out leg, original ca...
Kingwood, Walnut