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.
William IV Mahogany Wellington Chest, Mid-19th Century, Circa 1840
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An Extremely Good Quality Mid 19th Century, William IV Period, Mahogany Wellington Chest Of Drawers, Having Well Figured Veneers Throughout, With Rectangular Top Over Concealed Friez...
Mahogany
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 English 19th Century William IV Oak Breakfront Bookcase
Located in Glasgow, GB
An impressive William IV/early Victorian four door breakfront bookcase or bookcase cabinet. Rare to find such a large bookcase in golden quarter-sawn oak which has the attractive ‘ti...
Oak
English William IV Mahogany Bookcase, Fluted Sides, Circa 1840, UK
Located in Queens, NY
English William IV (circa 1840) mahogany 3 section bookcase with fluted and carved sides and section dividers and resting on ball feet.
Mahogany
$1,361Sale Price|44% Off
Impressive W1V Period Mahogany Serving table
Located in Dereham, GB
Impressive W1V Period Mahogany Serving table Flamed Mahogany & Scroll carving on back upstand. Flamed Mahogany top, Long centre drawer, with Pair Serpentine shaped front drawers ...
Mahogany
William IV Secretaire Bookcase Cabinet Desk 1830
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Fine William IV mahogany secretaire bookcase displaying bold architectural lines and richly figured timbers Standing on a substantial plinth base with panelled lower cupboard doors T...
Mahogany
Blue & White 10.5 Dinner Plate Whampoa Pattern
Located in New York, NY
Blue & White 10.5 Dinner Plate Whampoa Pattern Chip on top left w touch up
Ceramic
Blue & White Tureen & Platter “India Temple” Pattern
Located in New York, NY
Blue & White Tureen & Platter “India Temple” Pattern
Ceramic
$8,659Sale 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
Oak Tall Case Clock with Brass and Nickel Dial
Located in Woodbury, CT
An English long case clock with swan neck pediment and column supports. The case has inlaid quarter columns, mahogany crossbanding arch door an...
Brass, Nickel
$1,901Sale Price|30% Off
Antique 19th Century Pair of Mahogany Scroll-Arm Carver Dining Chairs
Located in Wisbech, England
Antique 19th Century Pair of Mahogany Scroll-Arm Elbow Carver Dining Chairs – Fine Quality A rare decorative find, this pair of 19th-century mahogany scroll-arm carver dining chairs...
Wood, Fabric
$3,227Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Hall Table, Scottish, Console, Side, Buffet Server, William IV, C.1835
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique hall table. A Scottish, mahogany console, side table or buffet server, dating to the William IV period, circa 1835. Superb example of Scottish craftsmanship, wit...
Wood
"Worrell" by Lee Stanton English Wing Chair in Belgian Linen or Custom Fabric
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Worrell by Lee Stanton Editions is an English-style wing chair with tapered wood feet and rolled arms. Upholstered in cream-colored Belgian linen, the chair can also be upholster...
Upholstery
Blue & White Footed Bowl With Lid "Whampoa Pattern" Transferware
Located in New York, NY
Blue & White Footed Bowl With Lid "Whampoa Pattern" Transferware Ironstone
Ceramic
William IV Rosewood Card Folding Table
Located in Altrincham, GB
William IV Rosewood Card Table with Fold Over Baized Top on Baluster Column leading to Pedestal Base supported on Lion Paw Feet - 36"w x 19"d x 30"h closed (36 x 36 x 29"h open)
Baize, Rosewood
William IV Mahogany Leather Library Chair, England, Circa 1840
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A superb quality mid-19th century William IV period mahogany library armchair of bold proportions having swept and scrolling arms with superbly carved x framed supports, over large b...
Leather, Mahogany
English Brass Nautical Ship Wheel Mounted with Yacht Binnacle on Rope Base, 1870
Located in Charleston, SC
English Brass Nautical ship wheel mounted on a solid brass pedestal with an yacht binnacle having a gimballed signed compass, circular six spoke w...
Brass
William IV Burl Elm Writing Table
Located in Essex, MA
Fine quality ladies writing table most likely by Gillow of Lancaster and London. With a rectangular top with rounded ends and central leather writing surface. Raised brass gallery at...
Brass, Ormolu
William IV period sterling silver kettle made in 1831 & 1833 by Barnards
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1831 & 1833 by Edward, Edward Junior, John & William Barnard, this handsome, Antique, William IV period, Sterling Silver Kettle, is in the 'Melon' shape, and ...
Sterling Silver
Antique Anglo Indian Teak Console Table
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Refined 19th century William IV Anglo Indian console table handcrafted in teak wood featuring a top with a beaded edge and floral carved skirt sup...
Teak
An exquisite and rare early 19th century Spode cabinet cup and saucer circa 1830
By Spode
Located in Central England, GB
An exquisite and rare early 19th century Spode cabinet cup and saucer. This beautiful and richly decorated Spode cabinet cup and saucer were made at this high quality English porcela...
Porcelain
Pair of John Gould Hand Colored Framed Lithographs Family of Toucans, Circa 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of John Gould hand colored framed lithographs family of toucans. "Pteroglossus Inscriptus" and " Pteroglossus Hypoglaurus" Each signed in plate. Printed by Charles Hullmandell. ...
Glass, Giltwood, Paper
$13,071Sale Price|20% Off
RESTORED WILLIAM IV CIRCA 1830 CHESTERFiELD REGENCY BLUE LEATHER HUMP BACK SOFA
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, fully restored Regency Blue, William IV hump back sofa with burr elm turned legs Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price A truly stunning antique, these sofas were staples of every sophisticated English gentleman’s library in the Georgian to Victorian era around 1780-1860, this is a very fine William IV example circa 1830 and is quite rare as it has burr elm legs which I’ve not seen before The sofa was fully restored 3-4 years ago, it had all new Regency...
Leather, Elm
William IV Sterling Silver & Glass Centerpiece, John Edward Terrey, 1831
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1831 by John Edward Terrey, this handsome William IV antique sterling silver and glass centrepiece features a grand pedestal stand supporting a large, cut-gla...
Sterling Silver
Rare Georgian Engine Turned Sewing Box
Located in Northampton, GB
Rare Engine Turned Design The Sewing Box of slight sarcophagus shape stood upon four turned ribbed feet. The Sewing Box tapers up to the convex raised lid and features scrolling fl...
Brass
$7,800 / set
Pair William IV Style Tufted Leather Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of William IV Style Tufted Leather Armchairs. The chairs have a solid walnut frame and tufted leather upholstery. The chairs have a nice ...
Leather, Walnut
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
$3,213Sale Price|20% Off
EXQUISiTE ANTIQUE WILLIAM IV CIR 1830 EXTENDING HARDWOOD CHESSBOARD GAMES TABLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely Antique William IV Circa 1830 Rosewood Chessboard games table with Penwork Chessboard Please no...
Hardwood
William IV Dining Table Extending 14 Seater 19th Century
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Wonderful 14 Seat William IV Mahogany Extending Dining Table. Here we Have an Impressive William IV 6 Legged Extending Dining Table Circa 19th Century The T...
Wood, Mahogany
William IV Mahogany Chiffonier Side Cabinet Circa 1835
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Fine English William IV chiffonier crafted from richly figured mahogany Raised gallery back with carved scrolling supports, fan motifs and central finial Pair of panelled cupboard do...
Mahogany
William IV partners writing desk
Located in BEEKBERGEN, NL
Impressive antique mahogany William IV writing table that can be used from both sides. It is in perfect, original condition. It stands on brass casters. One side has real drawers, th...
Mahogany
$2,503Sale Price|35% Off
Antique William IV Leather & Mahogany Library Chair With Athenian Carved Wood
Located in Reading, Berkshire
An Elegant William IV Antique Leather & Sapele Mahogany Library Chair With Athenian Carved Wood And Brass Studded Detailing Upon Brass Castors 1800's
Brass
English Regency Side Cabinet
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Pretty English regency bleached pine faux bamboo side cabinet. 1820. Height to worktop: 30.5-inches Code: 8965 Dimensions: W: 32" (81.3 cm) H: 34.5" (87.6 cm) D: 21" (53.3 cm)
Faux Bamboo, Pine
Blue & White Bowel “Whampoa Pattern “
Located in New York, NY
Blue & White Bowel “Whampoa Pattern “
Ceramic
A Diminutive Bracket Clock by Adams of Lombard Street
By Adams
Located in Amersham, GB
A rosewood and ormolu mounted bracket clock. With an eight day twin fusee movement, signed Adams of Lombard Street on the 5 inch silvered dial and movement back plate. Striking on a ...
Brass, Ormolu
$5,174Sale 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
$1,252 / 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
Fantastic quality Antique William IV rosewood card table
Located in Ipswich, GB
Fantastic quality Antique William IV rosewood card table with a fine quality figured rosewood top that lifts up and smiles to reveal a green baize interior, super carved frieze suppo...
Rosewood
Set of Six Irish William IV Mahogany Dining Chairs
Located in Hoddesdon, GB
A fine set of six Irish William IV mahogany dining chairs, circa 1830, with distinctive dolphin-form crest rails and carved tulip motifs, attributed by quality and design to a leadin...
Leather, Mahogany
Blue & White 10.5 Dinner Plate Whampoa Pattern
Located in New York, NY
Blue & White 10.5 Dinner Plate Whampoa Pattern
Ceramic
William IV Armchair, Dark Mahogany & Cream Upholstery, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
Here is a armchair, its dark mahogany, saber legs, cream upholstered seat the first thing to catch the eye. It was made in France during 19th Century, a lineage that shows clearly in...
Fabric, Mahogany
$10,348Sale 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
Antique British Colonial Five Tiered Etagere
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive 19th century English etagere handcrafted in mahogany with classic turned finials at the top over five tiers with scalloped skirts, two of them with drawers, held by turned...
Brass
A 19th Century William IV Goncalo Alves Writing Table
Located in London, GB
England, circa 1830 A nineteenth century William IV Goncalo Alves writing table, the rectangular top on acanthus-capped supports, joined by a turned cross-stretcher and terminating ...
Wood
Pair of Early 19th Century English Regency Mahogany Hall Chairs
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A pair of early 19th C. English late Regency or William IV mahogany hall chairs with shaped backs and solid seats, each centered by a hand-painted family crest. The backs feature scr...
Mahogany
Fine Shaped Burl Tabletop with Compass Star Inlay
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine English early 19th Century solid burl yewwood tabletop with molded edge and scalloped sides with mahogany and sycamore compass star inlay, the who...
Yew
Blue & White plate 8.25” Staffordshire Transferware “Whampoa Pattern”
Located in New York, NY
Blue & White plate 8.25” Staffordshire Transferware “Whampoa Pattern”
Ceramic
Blue & White Dish Staffordshire Whampoa Pattern Transferware
Located in New York, NY
Blue & White Dish Staffordshire Whampoa Pattern Transferware
Ceramic
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
$4,084Sale Price|20% Off
SCULPTURAL FRAME ANTiQUE CHESTERFIELD WILLIAM IV BROWN LEATHER LIBRARY ARMCHAIR
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning Antique William IV 1830 hand carved Mahogany Framed with period castors, Brown Leat...
Leather
Pair of Antique English Tufted Red Faux Leather Club Chairs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome pair of lady and gentleman William IV English club chairs handcrafted in mahogany featuring alluring red faux leather button tufted upholstery, elegant arms, and turned fron...
Leather
William IV Mahogany Occasional Table circa 1830 with George III Mahogany Tray
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A William IV mahogany occasional table circa 1830 together with George III mahogany oval tray The table with flame mahogany rectangular top on a round tapering column and ...
Mahogany
William IV Dining Chairs Set 10 Mahogany Revival
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Set of 10 william iv style mahogany dining chairs. These chairs are raised upon ring turned and fluted front legs and sabre back legs. Circa 1920 The front rail having typical willia...
Mahogany
Antique William IV Silver Claret Jug Wine Ewer Pitcher London London 1837
Located in London, GB
A beautiful Antique Sterling Silver Claret Jug with an elegant chased design covering its exterior. The William IV Jug is embellished with stylised floral, foliate and scroll designs...
Sterling Silver
Antique Georgian Amboyna Sewing Box
By William Dobson
Located in Northampton, GB
Veneered in Amboyna Wood From our Sewing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Amboyna Sewing Box. The Sewing Box of rectangular shape veneered in Amboyna with a circular mo...
Bone, Shell, Amboyna
William IV Bookcase Library Cabinet Rosewood 1830
Located in Potters Bar, GB
An impressive William IV rosewood glazed bookcase of elegant proportions and superb decorative appeal The bookcase stands upon a shaped plinth base with bracket feet The lower sectio...
Mahogany
19th Century inlaid adjustable fire screen
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century inlaid adjustable fire screen circa 1830. Fully adjustable shield shape screen, inlaid border with a floral french silk insert. Original pole and brass threaded catch....
Silk, Mahogany
$760Sale Price|20% Off
c. 1835 English William IV Ottoman or Bench
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1835 curule form William IV ottoman or bench, English. Carved mahogany. A shield is carved at the center of the leg with whorls at the ends of each scrolled section. Well turne...
Wood
Pair of Antique English Blue and White Chinoiserie Transfer Earthenware Dishes
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Fine pair of 19th century English orientalist blue and white transfer pottery dishes by John Rogers and Sons, Staffordshire, depicting chinoiserie landscapes in floral borders. Stamp...
Earthenware
$1,224
William IV sewing table
Located in BEEKBERGEN, NL
Antique walnut sewing table in good condition. With drawer and pull-out tray for storing sewing supplies. The top can rotate and be folded open to serve as a play table. Also suitabl...
Walnut