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.
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
Large Antique William IV Mahogany Breakfront Library Bookcase with Cupboards
Located in King's Lynn, GB
A Large William IV Mahogany Breakfront Library Bookcase, with 4 glazed doors above panelled cupboard doors.
Mahogany
Set of 10 Antique English William IV Mahogany Dining Chairs by J Proctor
Located in Glasgow, GB
A fantastic set of ten William IV mahogany dining chairs dating to circa 1830 and by J Proctor. Made from the best quality dense and finely figured mahogany these are heavier than standard chairs of this model, the waisted balloon back with a deep concave shaped toprail centred by a carved anthemion or palmette. The more desirable stuff-over type seats are covered in a woven burgundy coloured fabric edged with matching braid and are firmly filled, standing on turned and tulip carved front legs with substantial sabre shaped rear legs. Each stamped ‘J Proctor’ and ‘1063’ to the underside. In good condition with a deep rich colour to the timber and the original finish, some dents and marks consistent with age and use. There is a James Proctor recorded as a cabinetmaker in Lancaster circa 1818 and the Gillows archive lists a James Proctor listed as a journeyman in the 18th century, there is also a John...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Pair of English Barley Twist Candlesticks with Circular Faceted Bases, C. 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of English barley twist single candlesticks with flanking bobeches and circular faceted reeded bases, Mid 19th century.
Brass
William IV Console Table Mahogany Pier 19th Century
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing a gorgeous William IV Mahogany Pier Table. This Elegant Table Stands Upon Turned Feet, 19th Century Featuring Turned Columns a Mirrored Back and 1 Oak Lined drawer. T...
Mahogany
Important Antique 1830 William iv Pietra Dura Specimen Marble Centre Table
By PIETRA DURA
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this important William Iv Circa 1830 Flamed Mahogany Spiral Column base centre table with stunning Pietra Dura Speciamin...
Marble
Pair of English Brass Melon and Figural Cherub Medallion Andirons, Circa 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of English brass three-tiered andirons with fluted finials, turned bulbous centered melon columns resting on squared plinths, matching finial log stops, flanking figural cherubs...
Brass, Wrought Iron
Pair of English Brass Ball Finial and Acanthus Paw Tool Rest, Circa 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of English brass spiral ball finial tool rest with acanthus scrolled legs and terminating on stylized lions paw feet, Mid-19th century.
Brass
William IV Console Table Mahogany Side 19th Century
Located in Potters Bar, GB
William IV mahogany side table. This table is raised upon crisp ring turned legs with turned detail to the top of the legs. Circa 19th Century The table features a typical William IV...
Mahogany
Antique Flamed Hardwood Pedestal from Princess Diana's Family Home Spencer House
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal house antiques. Royal house antiques is delighted to offer for sale this sublime antique William IV circa 1830 Flamed Mahogany Pedestal stand with small coat rail from Princess Diana Spencer’s London family home Spencer House...
Hardwood
19th Century Desk in Pollard Oak
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A stunning quality 19th century knee hole desk in pollard oak. Rectangular top above three oak lined drawers, above three cupboards, all standing on eight bun feet with brass castors. Warm rich colour and patina! Exceptional quality! The dimensions are: Height: 78cm (30.7in) Width: 150cm (59.1in) Depth: 68cm (26.8in) This William IV period antique pollard oak bureau or desk remains structurally solid and sound, with the drawers running well. Overall, a clean example with lovely working space. In good antique condition throughout with minor signs of age. Our workshops inspects, repairs, and restores all our items, so you can have full confidence that what you buy from us is ready for your home! I'm Anthony from Anthony Short Antiques...
Oak
William IV Dining Table Mahogany Extending
Located in Potters Bar, GB
10 - 12 Seat William IV Mahogany Extending Dining Table. This Quality Dining Table Stands upon Faceted Legs with Original Brass Castors. 19th century The Table Extends by Way of a Pu...
Mahogany
William IV Canterbury Mahogany Magazine Music Rack Cabinet
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous William IV canterbury in mahogany An antique Canterbury refers to a piece of furniture designed to hold sheet music, magazines, or newspapers Circa 1810 on this piece Viewin...
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
Period William IV Side Cabinet Chest 19th Century
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Superb William IV side cabinet This impressive cabinet stands upon turned feet Circa 19th Century The 2 doors featuring brass grills lined with silk fabric and have typical William I...
Walnut
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
Antique English Willian IV Flamed Mahogany Wine Cooler with Lion Head Handles
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique English flamed mahogany wine cooler dates to circa 1830 and done in the period William IV style. The cabinet is done in flamed mahogany with rope motif border decoration...
Brass
Antique Restored William IV circa 1830 Coromandel Occasional Games Cards Table
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite, fully restored, hand made in England William IV circa 1830 Coromandel & Giltwood occasiona...
Brass
EXQUISITE ANTIQUE WILLIAM IV 1830 CHESTERFIELD TUFTED WALNUT LIBRARY ARMCHAiR
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning antique circa 1830 William IV Chesterfield tufted library armchair with ornately ca...
Upholstery, Walnut
IMPORTANT CARVED BOOKCASE CABiNET FROM THE BATE COLLECTION IN OXFORD UNIVERSITY
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite hand carved with Musical instruments, library bookcase cabinet, made for Charles T...
Glass, Oak
Early 19th Century Set of Six Chippendale Gothic Style Dining Chairs
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Early 19th century set of six Chippendale Gothic style dining chairs with finely carved back splat. The seats are drop-in cream striped upho...
Antique Restored William IV 1830 Walnut Occasional Side End Wine Lamp Table
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisitely crafted, Fully Restored, Antique circa 1830 William IV Walnut side occasional table Please...
Walnut
William IV Two Tier Mahogany Table Attribruted to Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A William IV two tier mahogany table attribruted to Gillows, with two circular shelves, the top one with a dished edge, supported on a reeded and...
Mahogany
19th Century Set Six Dining Chairs Stamped 'Johnstone & Jeanes'
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century set of six dining chairs with X-shaped mahogany frames and padded backs. Central carved rose detail to the X-frame legs j...
Mahogany, Upholstery
William IV Stretcher Table, Antique Rosewood Hall Tables
Located in Potters Bar, GB
William IV rosewood stretcher table. 19th century Featuring "Rio rosewood" to the top and frieze. Raised upon faceted columns with typical William IV carved collars and stands upo...
Rosewood
Pair of Late 18th Century Baluster Form Facetted Blue Glass Decanters
Located in London, by appointment only
A pair of late 18th century baluster form facetted blue glass decanters. The diamond cut bodies are further enhanced with swags of gilt foliate ornament suspended on ribbons. They re...
Glass
William IV Piano Stool Revolving Chair Seat Mahogany
Located in Potters Bar, GB
William IV Mahogany Revolving Piano Stool. 19th Century This Rather Elegant Piano Stool Stands upon Turned and Shaped Front Legs with Sabre Back Legs. The Recently Reupholstered Seat...
Mahogany
Early 19th Century William IV Mahogany Pedestal Card Table
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Early 19th Century William IV mahogany pedestal card table, it has four down-swept legs which terminate on original brass casters. The top is cross-banded and swivels to reveal an in...
Mahogany
19th Century William IV Brass Fire Fender of Serpentine Form
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century William IV brass fire fender of serpentine form, with central cartouche flanked by stylised foliage, scrolls and acanthus leaves.
Brass
William IV Canterbury Mahogany Magazine Stand, 19th Century
Located in Potters Bar, GB
William IV Mahogany Canterbury. 19th century This canterbury features 1 mahogany lined drawer. Having shaped and turned divisions for ones magazines and newspapers. Featuring rin...
Mahogany
19th Century William IV Fruitwood Teapoy
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th century William IV Fruitwood Teapoy with rectangular caddy top above lotus carved body on slender pod over finely carved base
Fruitwood
An Elegant William IV Gilt Bronze Mounted Cellarette
Located in Palm Desert, CA
An elegant William IV gilt bronze mounted cellarette, 2nd quarter of the 19th century.
Giltwood
19th Century Mahogany X Frame Stool
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century mahogany X frame stool with comfortable upholstered seat, scrolling supports and shaped stretchers
Mahogany
William IV Mahogany Tea Caddy in the Form of a Pedestal Sideboard
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An unusual William IV mahogany tea caddy in the form of a pedestal sideboard with a hinged lid opening to reveal a central well for a mixing bowl (now missing) flanked by two removab...
Mahogany
William IV plum-pudding mahogany cellaret of sarcophagus form
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A William IV plum-pudding mahogany cellaret of sarcophagus form with a hinged lid, surmounted by an apple and grape finial, the interior with fitted bottle compartments.
Mahogany
19th Century William IV Maple Centre Table
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Beautiful 19th century Birdseye maple centre table. The whole is supported by two decorative pedestal bases and scroll feet. Beautiful colour and aged patina, in good condition!
Maple
A fine William IV period mahogany writing table used by Gary Oldman as Churchill
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A fine William IV period mahogany writing table used by Gary Oldman as Churchill in The Darkest Hour, This fine table has an unusual, inverted breakfront outline to the front and ba...
Leather, Mahogany