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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
William IV Mahogany Library Table/Desk with Green Leather Inset Writing Surface
William IV Mahogany Library Table/Desk with Green Leather Inset Writing Surface

William IV Mahogany Library Table/Desk with Green Leather Inset Writing Surface

$5,200

William IV Mahogany Library Table/Desk with Green Leather Inset Writing Surface

Located in Charlottesville, VA

Rectangular mahogany library table fitted with two frieze drawers with turned wooden knobs, the top inset with green tooled leather with a gilt-bordered floral vine decoration. The m...

Category

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

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

A Very Fine Early 19th Century William IV Davenport after 'Strahan' of Dublin
A Very Fine Early 19th Century William IV Davenport after 'Strahan' of Dublin

A Very Fine Early 19th Century William IV Davenport after 'Strahan' of Dublin

$3,092

A Very Fine Early 19th Century William IV Davenport after 'Strahan' of Dublin

Located in Dublin, IE

A very fine early 19th Century William IV well figured walnut davenport desk of exceptional quality and in the manner of 'Strahan of Dublin'. This stunning piece is beautifully hand...

Category

19th Century Irish Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique William IV Gonçalo Alves Writing Table Desk 19th Century
Antique William IV Gonçalo Alves Writing Table Desk 19th Century

Antique William IV Gonçalo Alves Writing Table Desk 19th Century

$3,243

Antique William IV Gonçalo Alves Writing Table Desk 19th Century

Located in London, GB

A beautiful antique William IV Gonçalo Alves, writing table, circa 1830 in date. The rectangular top features an inset gilt tooled green leather writing surface above a pair of fri...

Category

Early 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 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

Early 19th Century Mahogany Library Table
Early 19th Century Mahogany Library Table

Early 19th Century Mahogany Library Table

$3,657

Early 19th Century Mahogany Library Table

Located in Folkestone, GB

A fine quality 19th century English Library Table or Desk. In great original condition and of exceptional colour. The well figured mahogany top aboove an apron with two hidden draw...

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

William IV partners writing desk
William IV partners writing desk

William IV partners writing desk

$4,258

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...

Category

1830s British Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Mid 19th century writing table with folio stand
Mid 19th century writing table with folio stand

Mid 19th century writing table with folio stand

$3,426

Mid 19th century writing table with folio stand

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Mid 19th century writing table with folio stand circa 1860. We are pleased to offer this unusual English occasional writing table. Beautifully veneered in flame mahogany, rectangul...

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

Rare Holland and Sons Furniture William IV Burl Walnut Reading Table, Ca. 1830
Rare Holland and Sons Furniture William IV Burl Walnut Reading Table, Ca. 1830

Rare Holland and Sons Furniture William IV Burl Walnut Reading Table, Ca. 1830

$5,400

Rare Holland and Sons Furniture William IV Burl Walnut Reading Table, Ca. 1830

By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Holland and Sherry

Located in Buchanan, MI

Very Rare Holland and Sons Furniture William IV Burl Walnut Reading Table, Ca. 1830, H 28.5" W 36" Depth 21", Beautiful color and patina and from a prominent mid west family.

Category

19th Century English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

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

$68,328

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

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

Architect's Plan Table in Mahogany

$5,603

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

William IV Rosewood Writing Table
William IV Rosewood Writing Table

William IV Rosewood Writing Table

$4,850

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

Circa 1825-35 Regency-William IV Period English Writing Table Desk
Circa 1825-35 Regency-William IV Period English Writing Table Desk

Circa 1825-35 Regency-William IV Period English Writing Table Desk

$4,500

Circa 1825-35 Regency-William IV Period English Writing Table Desk

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Circa 1825-35 English Writing Table Desk, Regency-William IV period. Raised on an exceptional scroll & leaf carved yew wood base. This spectacular marquetry & line inlaid sof...

Category

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

Materials

Leather, Baize, Wood, Oak, Yew

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

19th century William IV mahogany library desk

$7,585

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

William IV Writing Table
William IV Writing Table

William IV Writing Table

$3,500

William IV Writing Table

Located in Greenwich, CT

Fine William IV writing or side table of very clean architectural form, the well figured single board mahogany top over drawer and supported by trestle ends joined by turned stretche...

Category

1840s English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique William IV Walnut Partners Writing Table / Desk
Antique William IV Walnut Partners Writing Table / Desk

Antique William IV Walnut Partners Writing Table / Desk

$2,499

Antique William IV Walnut Partners Writing Table / Desk

Located in London, GB

A superb antique William IV walnut partners writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1830-1840 period. The quality is outstanding, this is as fine a ...

Category

1830s British Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

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

Antique William IV Writing Table / Desk

$1,133

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

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

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

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

William IV Burl Elm Writing Table

$6,850

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

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

Antique William IV Leather Top Writing Table / Desk

$1,716

Antique William IV Leather Top Writing Table / Desk

Located in London, GB

A smart and beautifully designed antique William IV leather top writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1830-1840 period. It is of extremely fine qu...

Category

1830s British Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

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

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

Antique William IV Writing Table / Desk

$2,712

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

Antique early 19th century Birdseye Maple writing table

$12,086

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 Victorian William IV Mahogany Tooled Leather Writing Table Desk Console
Antique Victorian William IV Mahogany Tooled Leather Writing Table Desk Console

Antique Victorian William IV Mahogany Tooled Leather Writing Table Desk Console

$1,645Sale Price|30% Off

Antique Victorian William IV Mahogany Tooled Leather Writing Table Desk Console

Located in Dayton, OH

An exceptional early 19th Century William IV Writing Table. Features a rectangular form with green tooled leather inset top over a frieze of two false drawers. Along the right side...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

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

19th Century William IV Circular Mahogany Drum Table

$13,651

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

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

$5,521

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

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

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

A 19th Century William IV Goncalo Alves Writing Table
A 19th Century William IV Goncalo Alves Writing Table

A 19th Century William IV Goncalo Alves Writing Table

$11,193

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 ...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

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 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 Mahogany Partners Desk
William IV Mahogany Partners Desk

William IV Mahogany Partners Desk

$4,779

William IV Mahogany Partners Desk

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

A handsome and well proportioned William IV mahogany partners desk with unusual patent locking mechanism. Circa 1830.

Category

19th Century English Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Antique English William IV Mahogany Desk, Circa 1840-1850
Antique English William IV Mahogany Desk, Circa 1840-1850

Antique English William IV Mahogany Desk, Circa 1840-1850

$10,500

Antique English William IV Mahogany Desk, Circa 1840-1850

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique English William IV mahogany desk, circa 1840-1850.

Category

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

Materials

Mahogany

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

Antique William IV Leather Top Writing Table / Desk

$2,094

Antique William IV Leather Top Writing Table / Desk

Located in London, GB

A wonderful antique William IV writing table / desk. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1840-1850 period. This is of fantastic quality and is a very useful size, wit...

Category

1840s British Antique William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

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

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

19th Century Desk in Pollard Oak

$9,065

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

19th Century William IV Rosewood Writing Table

$5,150

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

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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