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William IV Desks and Writing Tables

WILLIAM IV STYLE

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.

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Style: William IV
Early 19th Century Goncalo Alves partners desk
Located in Martlesham, GB
A superb quality large early 19th Century Goncalo Alves (also known as tigerwood) partners desk, the moulded edge top having a olive green coloured leather writing surface decorated ...
Category

1840s British Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Early 19th Century Goncalo Alves partners desk
Early 19th Century Goncalo Alves partners desk

Early 19th Century Goncalo Alves partners desk

$6,936
William IV Maple Writing Table
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular inset green leather with birds eye maple borders. The frieze with two drawers and two opposing false drawers all with decorated brass knobs. Trestle base with flattened b...
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

William IV Maple Writing Table
William IV Maple Writing Table

William IV Maple Writing Table

$6,800
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...
Category

Early 19th Century British Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Early 19th Century William IV Period Mahogany Library Writing Table
Early 19th Century William IV Period Mahogany Library Writing Table

Early 19th Century William IV Period Mahogany Library Writing Table

$7,567
19th Century English William IV Fruitwood Writing Table or Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome 19th century English William IV writing table or desk crafted from mixed fruitwood and oak. The table has storage drawers on each end with patinated brass pulls. The top has...
Category

19th Century English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century English William IV Fruitwood Writing Table or Desk
19th Century English William IV Fruitwood Writing Table or Desk

19th Century English William IV Fruitwood Writing Table or Desk

$2,800
19th century William IV mahogany library desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century william iv mahogany library desk circa 1835. We are pleased to offer this William IV period library table in it's original patina. Writing surface showcases the beauti...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

19th century William IV mahogany library desk
19th century William IV mahogany library desk

19th century William IV mahogany library desk

$7,700
William IV Rosewood Library Table
Located in King's Lynn, GB
William IV (1830-1837) Rosewood Library Table with a rectangular top, two frieze drawers and two dummy drawers on the reverse, raised on baluster supports on turned feet.
Category

19th Century British Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

William IV Rosewood Library Table
William IV Rosewood Library Table

William IV Rosewood Library Table

$1,681
William IV Style Writing Table or Desk of Mahogany with Leather Top from England
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English writing table or desk of mahogany from the late 19th century, in the William IV style, featuring an inset embossed green leather top over a frieze of two drawers - eac...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

William IV Style Writing Table or Desk of Mahogany with Leather Top from England
William IV Style Writing Table or Desk of Mahogany with Leather Top from England

William IV Style Writing Table or Desk of Mahogany with Leather Top from England

$6,895
William IV 19th century shaped davenport desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
William IV 19th century shaped davenport desk circa 1830. We are pleased to offer this William IV period palisander davenport desk.  Unusual shape from the normal with it's ogee sha...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

William IV 19th century shaped davenport desk
William IV 19th century shaped davenport desk

William IV 19th century shaped davenport desk

$2,235
Mahogany & carved leather top Library table circa 1830s
By King & Sons
Located in Dereham, GB
William 1V Period Mahogany leather top Library table circa 1830s Mahogany top with thumb mould edge, with: Black Leather inset top with Gold...
Category

1830s British Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Mahogany & carved leather top Library table circa 1830s
Mahogany & carved leather top Library table circa 1830s

Mahogany & carved leather top Library table circa 1830s

$1,751
William IV Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Essex, MA
With rectangular brown leather top and crossbanded edge over three drawers on one side and two on the opposing side, shaped scrolled trestle supports. Casters.
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Other

William IV Mahogany Writing Table
William IV Mahogany Writing Table

William IV Mahogany Writing Table

$4,850
Architect's Plan Table in Mahogany
Located in London, GB
A rare William IV architect's plan table in mahogany, the top inset with gilt tooled leather above a hinged false drawer front revealing three baize lined trays, on carved bun feet a...
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Architect's Plan Table in Mahogany
Architect's Plan Table in Mahogany

Architect's Plan Table in Mahogany

$5,717
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...
Category

19th Century English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Antique early 19th century Birdseye Maple writing table
Antique early 19th century Birdseye Maple writing table

Antique early 19th century Birdseye Maple writing table

$12,331
William-IV-Desk-Mahogany-Library-Table-19th-Century
Located in Potters Bar, GB
William IV Library Table or desk Circa 19th Century This Library Table is raised Upon Turned Columns with Carved Feet and Original Castors. The Table Features 2 Mahogany Lined Drawer...
Category

19th Century Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

William-IV-Desk-Mahogany-Library-Table-19th-Century
William-IV-Desk-Mahogany-Library-Table-19th-Century

William-IV-Desk-Mahogany-Library-Table-19th-Century

$3,152
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...
Category

1820s English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

William IV Burl Elm Writing Table
William IV Burl Elm Writing Table

William IV Burl Elm Writing Table

$6,850
William IV Rosewood Writing Table
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular top with rounded corners over a drawer flanked bu carved Vitruvian scrolls. Trestle base with stretcher and ending on melon form feet. Floor to underside 24.75.
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

William IV Rosewood Writing Table
William IV Rosewood Writing Table

William IV Rosewood Writing Table

$4,850
Antique William IV Writing Table / Desk
Located in London, GB
An outstanding antique William IV writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1830-1840 period. It is of the utmost quality, this stands on bold legs wi...
Category

1830s British Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique William IV Writing Table / Desk
Antique William IV Writing Table / Desk

Antique William IV Writing Table / Desk

$2,767
Antique William IV Leather Top Writing Table / Desk
Located in London, GB
A great looking antique William IV leather top writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from between 1830-1837. It was made by the company of renowned cabinet maker ...
Category

1830s British Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique William IV Leather Top Writing Table / Desk
Antique William IV Leather Top Writing Table / Desk

Antique William IV Leather Top Writing Table / Desk

$3,082
William IV Library Table in Coromandel
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
William IV library table Produced in England in the Mid-19th Century this is a extremely rare example produced in Coramandel having solid dra...
Category

19th Century British Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

William IV Library Table in Coromandel
William IV Library Table in Coromandel

William IV Library Table in Coromandel

$6,796
William IV Library Table Desk 19th Century
Located in Potters Bar, GB
William IV Library Table. Circa 19th Century The Top of the Table Featuring Wonderful Rio Rosewood Timbers. The Table Having 2 Working Mahogany Lined Drawers (note the fine dovetails...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

William IV Library Table Desk 19th Century
William IV Library Table Desk 19th Century

William IV Library Table Desk 19th Century

$3,433
19th Century William IV Period Mahogany Pedestal Desk with Leather Top
Located in London, GB
A William IV Mahogany Pedestal Desk Constructed from fine San Domingo mahogany, the desk raised on a plinth and two pedestal supports, each set with three drawers having brass hand...
Category

19th Century English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century William IV Period Mahogany Pedestal Desk with Leather Top
19th Century William IV Period Mahogany Pedestal Desk with Leather Top

19th Century William IV Period Mahogany Pedestal Desk with Leather Top

$63,059
19th Century William IV Rosewood Library Table
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th century William IV rosewood library table. The rectangular top with rounded corners features a red tooled inset leather writing ...
Category

1830s Irish Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

19th Century William IV Rosewood Library Table
19th Century William IV Rosewood Library Table

19th Century William IV Rosewood Library Table

$5,411
Early 19th Century British Davenport Desk in the Manner of Gillows
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING Early 19C British Rosewood Davenport Desk in the Manner of Gillows circa 1830. A Davenport is a type of writ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Early 19th Century British Davenport Desk in the Manner of Gillows
Early 19th Century British Davenport Desk in the Manner of Gillows

Early 19th Century British Davenport Desk in the Manner of Gillows

$4,600
William IV Inlaid Mahogany Desk Attributed to Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Kittery Point, ME
The rectangular cocuswood cross-banded satine top above a central frieze drawer flanked to either side with three further drawers around a recess on foliate-carved cabriole legs with...
Category

19th Century English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

William IV Inlaid Mahogany Desk Attributed to Gillows
William IV Inlaid Mahogany Desk Attributed to Gillows

William IV Inlaid Mahogany Desk Attributed to Gillows

$7,500
Antique William IV Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and very well made antique William IV writing desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1830-1850 period. It is of superb quality and is a great size. Thi...
Category

1830s British Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique William IV Writing Desk
Antique William IV Writing Desk

Antique William IV Writing Desk

$2,627
Antique English Regency Period Rosewood Writing Table, circa 1810-1820
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English William IV period rosewood writing table, Circa 1830. Galleried top with leather and on original casters.
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Antique English Regency Period Rosewood Writing Table, circa 1810-1820
Antique English Regency Period Rosewood Writing Table, circa 1810-1820

Antique English Regency Period Rosewood Writing Table, circa 1810-1820

$11,900
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...
Category

19th Century British Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

19th Century Desk in Pollard Oak
19th Century Desk in Pollard Oak

19th Century Desk in Pollard Oak

$9,248
English Burl Walnut Leather Top Davenport with Acanthus Cabriole Legs Circa 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
English burl walnut Davenport desk with carved floral fret work, hinged lid revealing fitted interior with original ink wells, leather hinged writing surface with four fitted interio...
Category

1840s English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

English Burl Walnut Leather Top Davenport with Acanthus Cabriole Legs Circa 1840
English Burl Walnut Leather Top Davenport with Acanthus Cabriole Legs Circa 1840

English Burl Walnut Leather Top Davenport with Acanthus Cabriole Legs Circa 1840

$8,000
Antique William IV Leather Top Desk / Writing Table
Located in London, GB
A smart and very well made antique William IV leather top desk / writing table. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1830-1840 period. This is of wonderful quality, it...
Category

1830s British Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique William IV Leather Top Desk / Writing Table
Antique William IV Leather Top Desk / Writing Table

Antique William IV Leather Top Desk / Writing Table

$2,101
William IV Octagonal Rent / Drum Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
In a departure from the circular norm, this octagonal table has a rotating top with four functioning drawers and four dummy drawers, each with wood pulls. The three splay legs to the...
Category

19th Century British Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

William IV Octagonal Rent / Drum Table
William IV Octagonal Rent / Drum Table

William IV Octagonal Rent / Drum Table

$21,500
19th Century Late William IV Rosewood and Gilded Library or Writing Table
Located in Hudson, NY
This very fine table made in England around 1830 to 1840 is produced in rare and costly rosewood. The top shows this wood to a degree as the choice veneers are book-matched making t...
Category

19th Century British Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

19th Century Late William IV Rosewood and Gilded Library or Writing Table
19th Century Late William IV Rosewood and Gilded Library or Writing Table

19th Century Late William IV Rosewood and Gilded Library or Writing Table

$19,000
Antique William IV Writing Table / Desk
Located in London, GB
A smart and extremely well made antique William IV writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1830-1850 period. It is of superb quality and has a usefu...
Category

1830s British Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique William IV Writing Table / Desk
Antique William IV Writing Table / Desk

Antique William IV Writing Table / Desk

$1,541
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...
Category

19th Century English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century William IV Circular Mahogany Drum Table
19th Century William IV Circular Mahogany Drum Table

19th Century William IV Circular Mahogany Drum Table

$14,069
Unusual William IV Work and Writing Table
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
Sn582A Excellent and very unusual William IV sewing table in rosewood, having 3 dummy drawers to frieze and one drawer which opens to reveal writing section with black leather and pe...
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Unusual William IV Work and Writing Table
Unusual William IV Work and Writing Table

Unusual William IV Work and Writing Table

$2,073 Sale Price
20% Off
English William IV Rosewood Davenport Table
Located in Queens, NY
English William IV (circa 1835) rosewood davenport table desk with carved apron and supported on 2 pedestals connected with a stretcher and 2 drawers.
Category

19th Century British Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Rosewood

English William IV Rosewood Davenport Table
English William IV Rosewood Davenport Table

English William IV Rosewood Davenport Table

$16,500
19th Century William IV Rosewood Writing Table
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a fine quality William IV rosewood writing table, possibly Scottish, with velvet inset surface to the central ratchet action flap, the underside with remains a paper label which reads "of Callendar / Callendar House, / Falkirk". The table is in very good condition for its age, with a lovely patina. The velvet inset is original and usable but would benefit from being replaced. Callendar House is a mansion set within the grounds of Callendar Park in Falkirk, Scotland. During the 19th century, it was extensively redesigned and extended in the manner of a French Renaissance château but with hybrid elements of Scottish baronial...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century William IV Rosewood Writing Table
19th Century William IV Rosewood Writing Table

19th Century William IV Rosewood Writing Table

$5,254

William Iv desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique William IV desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks and writing tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, animal skin and other materials. If you’re shopping for used William IV desks and writing tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for desks and writing tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,011 and tops out at $28,000 while the average work can sell for $4,921.

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