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.
Small English Mahogany Sideboard
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A rare small antique English mahogany server or sideboard, William IV in style, with an uncommon form, beautiful faded mahogany and a sculpted, carved gallery depicting shells, waves...
Mahogany
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
$16,636Sale 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
English Lead Figural Fountain of Musical Pan with Flanking Plumbed Flutes C 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
English lead figural fountain of musical pan with flanking plumbed flutes standing atop a circular globe and resting on an octagonal base with flanking frogs. Mid 19th Century. Fount...
Copper, Lead
Antique Sphinx 1833 Felix Austin England Gargen Sculpture
Located in Munich, DE
This very impressive sphinx is fully signed and dated on the plinth 'Felix Austin 1833, England'. This monumental sculpture is made of artificial limestone, an invention of F. Austin. The sculpture is made for outdoors and is weather resistant. The plinth is contemporary and custom made out painted wood. Literature: John P.S. Davis, Antique Garden Ornament...
Limestone
19th Century William IV Period Rosewood Fold-Over Card Table
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
Fine Early 19th-Century Rosewood Fold-Over Card Table A very fine and elegant early 19th-century William IV period rosewood fold-over card table. The table features a beautifully fi...
Rosewood
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
Blue & White 10.5 Dinner Plate Whampoa Pattern
Located in Huntington, NY
Blue & White 10.5 Dinner Plate Whampoa Pattern
Ceramic
$1,780Sale Price|20% Off
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
Early 19th Century William IV Large Overmantel Mirror with Gilt Frame
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Early 19th Century William IV Large Overmantel mirror with gilt frame. Featuring fluted column detail, a carved scroll and shell crest, as well as acanthus leaf motif. Circa 1840.
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
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
Large Top Quality William 4th Open Library Waterfall Bookcase
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A superb quality William 4th rosewood open waterfall library bookcase, three fixed shelves and two adjustable deep shelves, scrolled supports to the top, splits into three for moving...
Rosewood
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
19th Century William IV style White Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century White William IV style Chesterfield Sofa with new upholstery on casters
Upholstery, Wood
English Burl Walnut & Figural Cherub Wedgewood Letter Box with Mounts, C. 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
English Burl walnut and figural cherub wedge-wood hinged letter box with compartmentalized fitted interior, locking mechanism with key, decorative circular rope motif, and original e...
Brass
English Regency Four-Drawer Center Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A handsome early 19th century English William IV / Late Regency four-drawer center table. The square top is crafted in richly figured wood veneer above a frieze fitted with four draw...
Brass
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 WILLIAM IV 1830 GREEN LEATHER HARDWOOD CHESTERFIELD STOOL PiANO BENCH
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare, original William IV Circa 1830, fully restored, Chesterfield Regency Green leather Piano bench...
Leather, Hardwood
$2,542Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
Restored Antique 1830 William IV Figured Hardwood Extending Dining Table Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this wonderfully restored circa 1830 William IV Figured Mahogany extending dining table after a design by Gillows This table is exquisite with a...
Hardwood
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
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
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
$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
Antique William IV Sterling Silver Soup Tureen London 1834 Serving Dish
By William Brown
Located in London, GB
An impressive Antique William IV Sterling Silver Soup Tureen with an oval form and four generously proportioned scroll and foliate feet. The Body of the Soup Serving Tureen is embell...
Sterling Silver
Fine English Mahogany Dining Table of the William IV Period
Located in Essex, MA
Fine William IV Mahogany Extension Dining Table and an Ensuite Carved Mahogany Hall Bench The hall bench holding three leaves and three pads. The hall bench, 5 ft. 5 in. x 7 ft. 3 1/...
Mahogany
ANTIQUE 1830 THOMAS CRESWICK GEORGIAN PLAYiNG CARDS WITH FIZZLE ACE OF SPADES
By Thomas Creswick
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime original 1830 Thomas Creswick Georgian complete playing cards set with rare Fizzle A...
Paper
$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
$3,115Sale Price|20% Off
Library reading chair with carved swan head detail W1V period
By King & Sons
Located in Dereham, GB
William 1V period Mahogany & leather library reading chair Recently covered in leather & coloured to chestnut, brass studded detail Fine pair Mahogany carved Swan Heads elbows Sc...
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
Antique Edward Holmes Baldock Ormolu Pier Cabinet with Blake Marquetry
By Edward Holmes Baldock, Robert Blake
Located in King's Lynn, GB
Here we have an extraordinary ormolu-mounted pier cabinet with a smoothly bevelled Vert Maurin marble top (a green marble from the French Alps), made circa 1820–1840 and formerly ret...
Marble, Ormolu
Regency William IV Cheval Mirror in original condition
Located in BEEKBERGEN, NL
Beautiful antique mahogany cheval mirror. In completely original condition. The mirror is still the original one, which means it is less clear. The mirror is tiltable. Standing on be...
Mahogany
A Very Fine Early 19th Century William IV Giltwood Overmantel Mirror
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine early 19th Century William IV giltwood overmantel mirror of exceptional quality and large proportions. The mirror glass plate of rectangular form is set within an elegan...
Glass, Giltwood
IMPORTANT ANTIQUE GRAND TOUR PIETRA DURA BIRDS SPECiMEN MARBLE CENTRE TABLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this important William IV Circa 1830 fully restored, Flamed Mahogany centre table with stunning Pietra Dura ...
Marble
$1,502Sale Price|20% Off
Fine William 1v Period Rosewood Chiffonier
By King & Sons
Located in Dereham, GB
Fine William 1v Period Rosewood Chiffonier William 1v period dates 1830-1837 Two tier shelf back with carved tulip detail, Supported by pair Carved Swan neck shaped scroll supports,...
Rosewood
Group of Three Framed Antique Watercolors of Birds, Priced Individually
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty group of three 19th Century watercolors on paper of exotic birds including parrots and a toucan executed in a naturalist style, signed E A Roper, dated 1833 to 1845 and present...
Paint
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
English Tole Foliage Fruit Basket Five Light Chandelier w/ Orig. Shades, C. 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
English tole yellow and black paint decorated five light chandelier with central urn foliage fruit basket, acorn finial, and five scrolled arms with the original slot mounted shades....
Tin
English William IV Statuary Marble Fireplace Surround
Located in Twickenham, GB
A William IV Statuary Marble Fireplace Surround, English c.1835, the moulded shelf sits above a tiered frieze flanked each side with a trio of bull’s eye roundels, the double pilaste...
Statuary Marble
"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 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
William IV Birds Eye Maple Wellington Chest by Holland & Sons
Located in Essex, MA
With squarish top with ebony stringing over seven graduated drawers with wood knobs and swinging lock mechanism which locks all drawers, raised on a plinth base. Holland & Sons was an important maker of furniture and rival of Gillows. Commissions include Sandringham House, Balmoral Castle...
Birdseye Maple
Large Pair of Early 19th Century Bronze and Ormolu Tazzas
Located in London, GB
A large pair of early 19th century bronze and ormolu tazzas having acanthus leaf stems with double serpent handles raised on sienna marble plinth bases with ormolu borders.
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Set of Eight English Brass and Crystal Two-Arm Floral Wall Sconces, Circa 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
Set of Eight English brass and crystal two arm wall sconces with decorative floral and beading motif. Sconces were originally candle powered and have been electrified. Mid-19th century.
Crystal, Brass
William IV Sterling Silver Newstead Abbey Vinaigrette by Taylor & Perry, 1835
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1835 by Taylor & Perry this remarkable William IV sterling silver vinaigrette is of a rectangular form with a hinged lid. The 'castle top' lid is deco...
Sterling Silver
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
Early 19th Century William IV Period Upholstered High Back Wing Armchair
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A Handsome Late Georgian William IV Mahogany High-Back Wing Armchair A superb late Georgian, early William IV period high-back wing armchair in finely carved solid mahogany, very ...
Fabric, Damask, Mahogany
English Tole Floral & Butterfly Decorative Bucket with Egyptian Handles, C. 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
English tole floral and butterfly decorative painted bucket with flanking Egyptian revival gilt handles, Mid-19th century.
Brass, Tin
19th Century Mahogany Circular Dumbwaiter
Located in Martlesham, GB
19th century mahogany three tier metamorphic circular dumbwaiter with a triangular platform base terminating on bun feet, circa 1830.
Mahogany
Antique William IV Side Table
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous antique William IV side table. This was made in England, it dates from the 1830-1840 period. It is of fine quality, with a slender and elegant design. The top has an unus...
Wood
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
Antique Sterling Silver Sugar Basket by Thomas Wheatley, 1833
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine antique William IV Newcastle English sterling silver sugar basket by Thomas Wheatley; part of our silver dining collection This fine antiqu...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Fine Antique William IV Carved Mahogany Wine Cooler
Located in Suffolk, GB
Fine antique William IV carved mahogany wine cooler in a sarcophagus shape boasting fabulous quality expertly carved lift up lid, original fitted interior, beautiful carved mouldings...
Mahogany
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
$4,624Sale Price|30% Off
Rare Antique William iv circa 1830 Hardwood Chesterfield Extending Chaise Lounge
By Chesterfield
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
Grand William IV Carved Mahogany Sideboard or Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Beautiful example of William IV sideboard or desk carved in mahogany, an exotic wood of the period, featuring two central drawers with dividers, with lion's paw feet carved into the ...
Mahogany
Cornish Oak Glazed Dresser
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Stunning Cornish oak glazed dresser. All original, wonderful colour. 1830. Reference: 8268 Dimensions 68 inches (173 cms) Wide 20 inches (51 cms) Deep 80 inches (203 cms) High
Glass, Oak
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
ANTiQUE RESTORED WILLIAM IV CIRCA 1830 HARDWOOD & WALNUT WOOD CHESSBOARD TABLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely, fully restored Antique William IV Circa 1830 Mahogany & Walnut Chessboard Chess table Ple...
Hardwood, Walnut