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.
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
IMPORTANT RESTORED ANTiQUE 1830 LEATHER HARDWOOD CHESTERFIELD OTTOMAN STOOL
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare Antique original, William IV Circa 1830 large, fully restored, Chesterfield cigar brown leath...
Leather, Hardwood
William IV Bookcase in Rosewood Open Front 19th Century Antique
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Stunning William IV Rosewood bookcase. 19th Century Standing on a plinth base with 2 x adjustable shelves flanked by 2 x columns with typical William IV Carvings. The superstructu...
Rosewood
Very Good Pair of William IV Cut Glass Spirit Decanters, England circa 1835
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Both ovoid glass bodies exhibiting a slight greyish hue that is consistent with the period, decorated with scalloped & diamond cut detail, rising to faceted ringed necks fitted with ...
Cut Glass
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 William IV Period Rosewood Library Table by George Simson and Son
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
Fine William IV Period Rosewood Library Table by George Simson and Son of St Paul’s Churchyard, London, c.1837. The finely shaped rectangular top with rounded corners, supported on ...
Rosewood
19th Century Mahogany Stool
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th century mahogany stool with drop in seat raised on cabriole legs with leaf and shell carving terminating on hoof feet
Mahogany
English Marble-Top Lamp Table
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Small round marble topped painted oak lamp table, 1840. Dimensions: 29 inches (74 cms) high 25 inches (64 cms) diameter.
Marble
William IV Double Fusee Skeleton Clock by A. Stewart, London
Located in Norwich, GB
A William IV Skeleton clock of fine quality with two massive scroll plates sitting on rectangular, silvered plinths and standing on a mahogany base with block feet. Eight day doubl...
Brass
$4,416Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Fold Over Parlour Card Table, English, Games, Side, William IV, C.1835
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique fold-over parlour card table. An English, mahogany games or side table, dating to the William IV period, circa 1835. Appealing William IV craftsmanship to this fi...
Mahogany
19th Century William IV Circular Mahogany Drum Table
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century William IV circular mahogany drum table with tooled green leather inset to top and drawers to frieze. With a turned pod supported by three splayed legs terminating in br...
Brass
Extending Burr Oak Dining Table circa 1845
Located in London, GB
Extending Burr Oak Dining table circa 1845. Dimensions: Width: 5'/152 cm Length: 7'6''/224 cm Height: 30''/76 cm It shuts down to a small oval 6'/182 cm
Oak, Burl
19th Century William IV Period Mahogany 4-Door Breakfront Bookcase
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
Untouched Quality 19th-century William IV Period Mahogany 4-door Library Bookcase An untouched early 19th-century William IV period flamed mahogany 4-door library bookcase. It featu...
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
William IV Wellington Chest Mahogany Chests Drawers 1860
Located in Potters Bar, GB
A handsome antique William IV mahogany Wellington chest, crafted in richly figured mahogany and displaying the bold yet refined proportions typical of the period Circa 1860 All the d...
Mahogany
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
EXQUISITE WILLIAM IV CIRCA 1830 FLAMED HARDWOOD SiDE END WORK SEWING TABLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, super decorative Antique circa 1830 William IV Flamed Mahogany sewing or work table of the fi...
Hardwood
$709Sale Price|33% Off
William IV Mahogany Needlepoint Stool
Located in Cheshire, GB
William IV mahogany stool, the needlepoint upholstered seat above molded frame raised up on four turned tapering legs. Dimensions: Height 17 inches. Width 16 inches. Dept...
Wood
William IV Amboyna and Rosewood Table/ Jardiniere
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A William IV amboyna and rosewood table / jardiniere, in two sections with a fitted circular cover above a sloping bowl enclosing a replaced brass lining, bold gadrooning to the unde...
Rosewood, Amboyna
William IV Period Sterling Silver Toast Rack - By Matthew Boulton
Located in New York, NY
William IV Period, sterling silver toast rack, Birmingham, England, year-hallmarked for 1830, Matthew Boulton - maker. Matthew Boulton's company was in business from 1762-1848. The t...
Sterling Silver
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
Early 19th Century William IV Period Mahogany Library Writing Table
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A Very Fine Early 19th-Century William IV Period Mahogany Partners Library Writing Table This exquisite writing table is constructed from solid mahogany and features a rectangular t...
Leather, Mahogany
Set of 3 William IV Period Painted Toleware Shop Tea Canisters
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A Set of Three Exceptional 19th-Century Toleware Shop Tea Canisters A superb and very decorative set of three 19th-century William IV period English toleware tea canisters, origin...
Tôle
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
Seven Miniature Furstenberg Biscuit Porcelain Busts of English Men of Letters
Located in Spencertown, NY
Seven Furstenberg miniature busts of English men of letters, early 19th century together with a William IV Amboyna two-door glazed cabinet. Including, Locke, Dryden, Garrick, Pope.
Porcelain, Amboyna, Wood
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
Regency Maplewood Lyre-End Games Table, circa 1825
Located in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
A Regency maplewood lyre-end games table. The top reverses to show either a plain surface or a chessboard and removes to reveal a backgammon board. Gallery 3/4" high. dotsend enqui...
Maple
Masons Ironstone Jug or Pitcher in Double Landscape ptn Rare Shape, circa 1840
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very decorative, finely hand painted, Jug or Pitcher, decorated in the Double Landscape pattern and made by Mason's Ironstone pottery, circa 1840. It has a rare shape and ...
Ironstone
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
Antique Standard Lamp, English, Floor Light, William IV Revival, Victorian, 1890
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique standard lamp. An English, mahogany lounge reading light in William IV revival taste, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1890. Timeless appeal with great ...
Cotton, Mahogany
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
Antique William IV Gilt Bronze Table Lamp, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
A large, 72cm, beautiful English William IV table lamp, circa 1835 in date. The striking lamp features the original glass receiver, classic William IV design and has been converte...
Bronze
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
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
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 Davenport Desk Slide Top 19th Century
Located in Potters Bar, GB
William IV slide Davenport This Davenport is of a rather unusual construction Period 19th Century Having an arrangement of 6 oak lined graduated drawers to the front which retain the...
Oak
$2,474Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
Stunning Antique William IV 1830 Hardwood & Green Leather Library Dining Table
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning original William IV Rosewood and gold leaf embossed green leather Library or dining table with ornately carved pedestal base and tilt top A very good looking well made and decorative piece, hand carved in rosewood, the base is very typical of the William IV era, with the original engraved brass castors and finished with a full hide green leather top that has gold leaf embossing. The table as mentioned is a tilt top, the idea being it could be used as a centre table during the day and a draft excluder...
Leather, Hardwood
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
Mahogany William IV Dining Table Extending 8 Seater 1880
Located in Potters Bar, GB
A fine William IV mahogany extending dining table, raised on classic William IV fluted and carved legs terminating in original brass castors Circa 1880 The table is circular in its c...
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
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
English, William IV Large Rectangular Mahogany Overmantel Mirror
Located in London, GB
This is a majestic structural mahogany William the IV mirror, 1830s. The symmetry of the mirror allows it to stand alone, over a mantel or in a landscape position. The original glass shows barely noticeable signs of foxing adding character to the overall look of the mirror. The mirror is framed with elegant carved wood monumental columns and round reliefs...
Mirror, Mahogany
William IV Pedestal Sideboard
Located in Hudson, NY
A very nice large-scale William IV pedestal sideboard made of choice mahogany solids and crotch mahogany veneers. The sideboard still retains many o...
Mahogany
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
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
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
William IV Cut-Glass Twelve-Light Chandelier by Perry & Co, 1840
By Perry & Co
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine William IV cut-glass twelve-light chandelier, firmly attributed to Perry & Co. This magnificent chandelier relates to examples in the collection at Chatsworth House which were acquired by the 6th Duke of Devonshire for his London residence Devonshire House in the 1840s, notably for the Green Drawing Room and grand Salon. It is likely the firm also supplied a glass handrail, newel post and scrolled wall lights for the fabled ‘crystal staircase’ at the Mansion. English, Circa 1840. Perry & Co William Perry is first recorded in partnership with William Collins at 227 The Strand, London, then from 1803 he joined William Parker, as Parker and Perry...
Cut Glass
Antique early 19th century Birdseye Maple writing table
Located in London, GB
A fine William IV period Birdseye Maple Writing Table in the manner of Holland & Son, having tan leather top with rosewood marquetry inlaid frieze enclosing 2 concealed drawers raise...
Birdseye Maple
Antique William IV Period Walnut Occasional Side Table
Located in London, GB
A superb antique William IV period walnut occasional side table. This was made in England, it dates from around 1830-1840. It is of amazing quality, the walnut octagonal top is supp...
Walnut
Early 19th Century Irish William IV Open Bookcase / Console Table
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine and most attractive Irish William IV period mahogany open bookcase/console table, of concave design, with grey marble panel above a hidden drawer set with rosettes and three open book tiers...
Marble
19th Century English Desk Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This English early 19th-century desk box exudes a refined charm with its dark wood construction and functional design, including a thin wide drawer and a set of upper compartments ac...
Wood
Antique Regency/William IV Anglo-Indian Padouk Carved Sideboard or Desk
Located in King's Lynn, GB
A early 19th century William IV / late Regency period Anglo-Indian inverted breakfront pedestal sideboard crafted in solid padouk with an excellent patina and colour. Likely made in ...
Padouk
$714Sale Price|20% Off
W1V Period Mahogany End Support Table
By Thomas King
Located in Dereham, GB
W1V Period Mahogany End Support Table, Plain Mahogany top, Inset Frieze with 4 turned finials, End Supports with carved mounts, Turned Mahogany Cross Stretcher, Sitting on Ar...
Mahogany
Early 19th Century William IV Giltwood and Ebonised Triptych Overmantle Mirror
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Early 19th Century William IV giltwood and ebonised triptych compartmental overmantle mirror of rectangular form, the overhanging moulded cornice with ball decoration raised over fri...
Ebony, Giltwood
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
William IV Mahogany Canterbury With Makers Label
Located in Essex, MA
Of unusual form made of mahogany during the reign of William IV and with an original makers label from Oundle England. Contains a drawer and slotted area for books of magazines.
Mahogany
A late William IV rosewood breakfront open bookcase, by Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A late William IV rosewood breakfront open bookcase, by Gillows, the shaped top with a turned baluster gallery above four doors with pleated silk panels behind diamond trellis grille...
Rosewood
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