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.
"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
William IV Style Walnut Pedestal Dining Or Center Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A William IV style honey-tone wooden pedestal dining or center table with well figured top and frieze with round trim. The table with a slightly tapering pedestal surmounted on a tri...
Walnut
Pair Of 19th century Ormolu Swan Candlesticks After William Bateman II
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A pair of 19th century English ormolu and parcel silvered swan candlesticks after an 1834 design by William Bateman II for Rundell, Bridge and Rundell. Each leafy acanthus-form nozzl...
Bronze
A Very Rare Pair of 19th Century William IV Card Tables
Located in Dublin, IE
A very rare pair of 19th century William IV mahogany card tables attributed to Dublin maker Williams & Gibton. This fabulous pair of tur...
Brass
William IV Mahogany Dining Table, Thomas Treherne 1835-1842
Located in Hoddesdon, GB
An impressive William IV figured mahogany extending dining table dating to the 1830s . This table comes with provenance and is stamped with the makers details . The table was ori...
Mahogany
Antique Irish Silver Teapot, Dublin 1835 Patrick Laughlin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Antique Irish Silver Teapot, Dublin 1835 Patrick Laughlin. Large circular bombe form with repoussé and embossed foliage decoration on partial stippled background, rich foliage leaf c...
Sterling Silver
$1,254
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
$15,364Sale 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
$1,975Sale Price|20% Off
WIV Period 7 Drawer Fitted Tall Pedestal Cupboard
By Richard Bridgens
Located in Dereham, GB
WIV period 7 drawer fitted tall pedestal cupboard, Mahogany top 4 Inset panel sides. The front with: Single door with inset panel, working lock & key, Opens to Reveal: Fitted 7 mahogany Graduated Drawers, with brass inset ring...
Mahogany
William IV Design Polished Mahogany Armchair With Cream Damask Floral Upholstery
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant William IV Designed Polished Mahogany Armchair With Cream Damask Floral Upholstery A modern take on a beautiful antique chair, well made, comfortable with wonderful wood ton...
Damask, Mahogany
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
Silver Gilt Inkstand by William Bateman II
Located in New Orleans, LA
The unbridled boldness of William IV-period silver design is on full display in this grand silver gilt inkstand by William Bateman II. Hailing from one of the most legendary silversm...
Silver
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
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 each...
Mahogany
$1,749Sale Price|25% Off
William IV Whatnot Stand, Polished Walnut, Inlaid Decor, Circa 1800
Located in Basildon, GB
An attractive antique 3 tier Whatnot, English polished Walnut with inlaid side decorations and turned baluster's, early 19th century.
Wood, Walnut
19th Century English Mahogany Dining Table, likely by Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Richmond, VA
Impressive size and scale on this period 19th century English mahogany dining table, likely by made by Gillows in the 1st half of the 19th century. The table comes together similarly...
Mahogany
William IV Gilt Bronze Chandelier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine English gilt bronze 12-light chandelier, in the manner of Thomas Messenger of Birmingham, having chased foliate crown, over four chains supporting scrolled foliate arms, th...
Bronze
$713Sale Price|20% Off
W1v Period Mahogany Circular Adjustable Dressing Mirror
Located in Dereham, GB
W1V Period Mahogany circular adjustable Dressing Mirror William 1V period 1830-1837 Replaced mirror glass, with Circular moulded frame, carved scroll detailed surround, Brass Adjust...
Mahogany
Pair of Antique William IV Burr Walnut Side Tables
Located in London, GB
An exceptional pair of antique William IV burr walnut side tables. They were made in England, they date from around the 1830-1840 period. It is extremely rare to find a pair of this...
Walnut
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
Large Ornate Antique Sterling Silver Salver, London, 1836
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1836 by Hayne & Cater, this attractive, William IV, Antique Sterling Silver Salver, stands on three shell feet, and features a shell and scroll border, an...
Sterling Silver
William IV Maple Center Table
Located in Essex, MA
Circular hinged top with subtle gilded gadrooned edge on a circular tapered support and tripartite base with giltwood scrolled feet.
Birdseye Maple
Mahogany Leather Top Pedestal Table, English c1830
Located in High Peak, GB
P071 Fine quality English antique William IV mahogany lamp or occasional table, having dark blue tooled leather to the circular top which is raised on slander turned and carved colum...
Leather, Mahogany
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
A Very Rare Early 19th Century WillIam IV Giltwood Pier Mirror
Located in Dublin, IE
A very rare early 19th Century William IV giltwood pier mirror finely hand carved and of exceptional quality. The moulde...
Glass, Giltwood
$5,950 / set
Set of Four Animal Stone Lithographs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Intriguing set of four 19th century hand colored stone lithographs depicting animal species by the prolific Swiss artist and print maker Karl Joseph Brodtmann. Presented under glass ...
Mahogany
Antique Mahogany Side Table Circa 1860
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
A handsome and versatile late William IV to early Victorian side table, crafted in solid mahogany with turned and fluted legs, dating to around 1840. This refined piece showcases the...
Mahogany
William IV Mahogany Desk Chair
Located in Essex, MA
Horseshoe back upholstered in green leather with brass tacks. Seat upholstered the same way and with circular fluted tapered legs with brass casters. Scratches to leather seat.
Leather, Mahogany
Antique Satricial Hand Colored Etching Titled Monstrosities Of 1821
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Satirical hand colored etching titled Monstrosities of 1821 depicting a promenade in one of the London parks, displaying exaggerated fashions. Print created by George Cruikshank. Pub...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Antique William IV English Figured Mahogany Pedestal Tilt Top Dining Table
Located in Suffolk, GB
An antique William IV English figured mahogany pedestal dining table of exceptional quality featuring a solid tilt top and raised on a bold central column with finely carved feet. Th...
Mahogany
$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
English Brass and Wood Barrel Nautical Spyglass James Chapman, London Circa 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
English brass and wood barrel nautical ship captain's spyglass with a single draw, polished sunshade, lense cap, and engraved focal tube by maker James Chapman St. Catherines Dock, L...
Brass
Antique English William IV Cuban Mahogany Two Door Bookcase with Writing Drawer
Located in Glasgow, GB
A super quality William IV Cuban mahogany two door bookcase / cabinet dating to c.1830. With a stepped moulded cornice above two glazed doors enclosing adjustable shelves, the base w...
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
Impressive William IV Sarcophagus Form Tea Caddy in Contrasting Exotic Woods
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Large and impressive William IV tea caddy of sarcophagus form in exotic woods. The exterior in nicely grained contrasting dark and light woods bordered with gadroon moldings and with...
Wood
An antique black fossil and Portoro marble fireplace made during the 1830's
Located in Tyrone, Northern Ireland
An antique black fossil and Portoro marble fireplace made during the William IV period (1830’s). The shelf, jambs, frieze and foot-blocks are made from black marble with subtle fossi...
Marble
William IV Burr Elm And Ebony Center Table
Located in Essex, MA
Circular tilt top with elaborate burl and ebony circular sawtooth inlay. Turned octagonal support and tripartite base with carved scroll feet.
Ebony, Elm
Early 19th Century Irish Rosewood and Satinwood Game Table with Hairy Paw Feet
Located in Atlanta, GA
A charming early 19th-century Irish game table, crafted circa 1840 in richly figured rosewood with elegant satinwood accents. The compact scale and refined proportions make it a vers...
Rosewood, Satinwood
19th century English Mahogany Library Chair
Located in Richmond, VA
Cozy 19th century upholstered English mahogany library chair. Great color and scale. Fabric ready to use as is or could easily be reupholstered.
Mahogany
$6,265Sale Price|30% Off
English Mahogany William IV Carved Mahogany Library Console Table
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Handsome hand carved Mahogany library table on casters, ,1830-1840. Fine detail carving with sturdy scrolling legs united by stretcher. Dovetailed drawers. Recently French polished. ...
Mahogany
Antique English Flip Top Campaign Desk on Stand
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Remarkable rare 19th Century gentleman's traveling desk handcrafted in mahogany with geometric inlays, featuring a flip top compartment with tooled leather writing surfaces over stor...
Brass
Original Antique 19th Century Oil Painting Portrait of an Aristocratic Lady
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Oil on canvas, portrait of an aristocratic lady. The woman is sitting in a red armchair with a quiet gaze wearing embroidered trim dress with white lace...
Giltwood, Canvas
Mahogany Extending Dining Table to Seat 10-14
Located in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
A handsome William IV mahogany extending dining table to seat 10-14 people; three original leaves and brass lever clips; good oak telescopic action.
Mahogany
$2,485 / set
Pair of William IV Carved Mahogany Hall Chairs
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very fine pair of early 19th Century William IV Mahogany Hall Chairs, hand-carved with rich patination and grain. Chairs feature scrolled and curved back with center hand-painted ...
Mahogany
Blue & White 10.5 Dinner Plate Whampoa Pattern
Located in Huntington, NY
Blue & White 10.5 Dinner Plate Whampoa Pattern Chip on top left w touch up
Ceramic
William IV period sterling silver coffee pot hallmarked in London in 1835
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1835 by Joseph & Albert Savory, this attractive, William IV period, Antique Sterling Silver Coffee Pot, is in the traditional 'Melon' shape, with chased a...
Sterling Silver
Fine English William IV Carved Birdseye Maple and Rosewood Centre Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
A fine English William IV Carved bird's-eye maple and rosewood centre table, circa 1835 Fitted with a inlaid scagliola top. measure: Height 29 in x diameter 42 in. Prov...
Wood
Pair 19th Century English Gilt Brass and Crystal Neoclassical Style Sconces
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of William IV three light sconces feature classical motifs including urn and acanthus leaf designs, and cut crystal obelisks.
Crystal, Brass
An Elaborately Cut William IV Bowl
Located in Steyning, West sussex
An elaborately cut, William IV two piece bowl with a pillar fan edge.
Cut Glass
$2,030Sale Price|20% Off
A William IV 19th Century Opaline Glass White Table or Desk Lamp
Located in London, GB
England, circa 1840 An unusual mid nineteenth century white opaline glass column lamp with gilt bronze mounts and unusual onion shaped cowl shade. Total height 57.00cm Width of ba...
Ormolu
William IV Period Marble-Top Occasional Table Stamped W&C Wilkinson
By W. & C. Wilkinson
Located in Harrodsburg, KY
An English occasional table in mahogany with a green variegated marble top. Stamped underneath the base "W & C Wilkinson 14 Ludgate Hill 8623." The two-inch thick top has a molded ed...
Marble
$1,646Sale Price|20% Off
W1V Period Cedar 2 Drawer Washstand
By King & Sons
Located in Dereham, GB
William 1V Period 1830-37 Cedar 2 Drawer Washstand 3 quarter Gallery Back Good Figured Cedar Top Two Drawers with Wood Knobs Shaped End Supports Stylized Tulips Cross Stretcher to st...
Cedar
$9,362Sale Price|30% Off
19th Specimen Marble Topped Table
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
A Lovely C19th Marble Specimen Top Table standing on a Quatrafoil Base. Stunning Pietre dure Top The Top lobed edge with radiating Specimen Marbles.
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
Early 19th Century William IV Period Carved Rosewood Marble Top Console Table
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
Stunning Quality 19th Century William IV Period Carved Rosewood Marble Top Console Table This well-proportioned early 19th-century William IV console table is a stunning example of ...
Marble
Miniature Single Fusee Bracket Clock By William Johnston, Strand, London
By Johnson
Located in Amersham, GB
An extremely small single fusee bracket clock in a scalloped mahogany case. The eight day movement having a half deadbeat escapement with a T bar pendulum with hold fast, is beautifu...
Brass, Ormolu
English Bracket Clock, 19th Century William lV Period
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
19th century William lV period English bracket clock. William IV mahogany bracket clock, L. H. Samuel and Co., Liverpool, circa 1830. 8 inch painted dial ...
$1,975Sale Price / item|20% 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 Butto...
Leather, 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 1838 ORIGINAL EARLY ViCTORIAN NEEDLEWORK SAMPLER IN THE PERIOD FRAME
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this rather stunning, 1838 dated needlework sampler made in the second year of Queen Victoria's reign I ha...
Cotton