Skip to main content

William IV Desks

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.

to
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
7
3
11
666
187
171
161
153
115
109
80
75
45
43
27
26
20
16
11
10
2
9
2
2
2
11
6
3
3
2
6
6
4
11
11
11
1
Style: William IV
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...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Brass

William IV Desk Mahogany Writing Table 1820
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous William IV freestanding desk with dummy drawers on the rear Period William IV circa 1820 Leather writing surface with gilt embossed edges Clean, elegant and practical piece ...
Category

1820s Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Mahogany

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

Materials

Brass

William IV Inlaid Mahogany Desk Attributed to Gillows
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

Materials

Mahogany

William IV Writing Table Desk Mahogany 1830
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing a gorgeous William IV writing table or desk Nice period William IV antique Top finished in green tooled leather with gilt embossing Circa Date 1830 Lovely piece of an...
Category

1830s Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Wood

William IV Library Table Desk 19th Century
Located in Potters Bar, GB
William IV library table This library table stands upon turned and fluted feet Period William IV antique - 19th Century We ship to every corner of the planet - including the US - ple...
Category

1980s Vintage William IV Desks

Materials

Wood

William IV Roll Top Desk Mahogany 19th Century Cylinder Period
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Impressive William IV Mahogany Cylinder Desk. This Cylinder Desk is Raised Upon Turned and Carved William IV Legs. Period 19th Century Having an Arrangement of 5 Mahogany Lined Drawe...
Category

19th Century Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Mahogany

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

Materials

Wood

Antique Mahogany Davenport Desk by Gillows of Lancaster
Located in King s Lynn, GB
An antique solid mahogany Davenport desk, dating to circa 1820–1835, spanning the late Regency and early William IV periods, by Gillows of Lancaster, stamped “Gillows • Lancaster” to...
Category

Early 19th Century British Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

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...
Category

1980s Vintage William IV Desks

Materials

Oak

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. ...
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Related Items
Desk , Small English Knee Hole Desk with Tooled Leather Top, Serpentine Front
Located in Toronto, CA
A serpentine curved front, small English kneehole desk in classical mahogany Georgian styling. The gold(ish) brown antique looking tooled leather...
Category

20th Century English William IV Desks

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Desk , Small English Knee Hole Desk with Tooled Leather Top, Serpentine Front
Desk , Small English Knee Hole Desk with Tooled Leather Top, Serpentine Front
$2,319 Sale Price
20% Off
H 29.75 in W 21 in D 45.5 in
Scandinavian wall mounted flip top teak desk with 3 drawers Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A wall mounted teak flip-top desk with a black laminate writing surface over 3 drawers. It's in very good vintage condition without stains or major flaws. Designed and made by Arne H...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage William IV Desks

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Twin Pedestal Partner Desk with Brown Leather Top
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely handmade in England circa 1880 burr walnut and brown leather twin pedestal partner desk A good looking and well made desk, the timbe...
Category

1880s English Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Fine Mahogany Library Writing Table
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A excellent quality three drawer mahogany writing table, paw castors, original leather top, excellent overall condition. 29" high 48" wide 30" depth You are welcome to view this it...
Category

20th Century English William IV Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Fine Mahogany Library Writing Table
Fine Mahogany Library Writing Table
$2,047
H 29 in W 48 in D 30 in
19th Century Large French Oak Library Conference Table Partners Desk
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and beautifully carved large oak library table or partners desk with two drawers on each side. Quarter sawn oak with amazing grain, beautifu...
Category

1880s French Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Oak

Italian Mid-Century Modern Small Desk and Chair Attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1950s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Cute and stylish Italian midcentury modern desk, with a graceful chair, attributed to Paolo Buffa. This teakwood desk it is a splendid example of the Italian class design of 1950. B...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage William IV Desks

Materials

Brass

Fine 19th Century Gillows Parquetry and Gilt Bronze Kidney Shaped Table
Located in Benington, Herts
An extremely fine gilt bronze mounted parquetry kidney shaped writing table attributed to Gillows of Lancaster. English Circa 1865 The rosewood lozenge trellis inlaid kidney shape...
Category

1860s English Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Bronze

Very Fine George IV Mahogany and Ebony Partners Desk by Gillows
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine George IV mahogany and ebony partners desk by Gillows of Lancaster, circa 1825, the tooled double border leather top with cross banding an...
Category

1820s English Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Leather, Ebony, Mahogany

English Walnut Burl Three-Drawer Writing Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
Created for us by an English cabinetmaker with whom we have been associated for over 30 years, this walnut writing desk has Classic lines that would blend well in a modern setting. I...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British William IV Desks

Materials

Leather, Walnut, Burl

English Walnut Burl Three-Drawer Writing Table
English Walnut Burl Three-Drawer Writing Table
$9,500 / item
H 31 in W 60 in D 30 in
English Walnut Burl Two-Drawer Writing Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
This two-drawer walnut writing desk is made for us by our English cabinetmaker. Using time-honored techniques, this table is created in just the same fashion as it would have been 20...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British William IV Desks

Materials

Leather, Walnut, Burl

English Walnut Burl Two-Drawer Writing Table
English Walnut Burl Two-Drawer Writing Table
$8,750 / item
H 31 in W 48 in D 24 in
Baker Furniture Campaign Walnut Leather Top Desk
Located in Norwood, NJ
This exceptional campaign-style desk by Baker Furniture "Milling Road Collection", showcases the craftsmanship and refined design sensibilities that have long defined the brand. Constructed from beautifully grained walnut and finished with warm, natural tones and tooled brown leather top panels. The desk features classic campaign details including recessed brass drawer pulls and brass corner brackets that lend both durability and timeless character. The top is designed with three inset panels, adding elegant visual structure. A central locking drawer is flanked by two additional slim drawers, perfect for storing writing tools and essentials. Each pedestal contains three deep, well-constructed drawers, offering ample storage for documents and office necessities. File size draw in. each. With its balanced proportions, high-quality materials, and sophisticated styling, this Milling Road desk...
Category

Mid-20th Century American William IV Desks

Materials

Brass

19th Century Renaissance Revival Desk Library Table
Located in Savannah, GA
Very ornately carved Renaissance Revival rich golden oak desk or library table with leather insert, that we believe to be original. Features include a ...
Category

1870s American Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Leather, Oak

19th Century Renaissance Revival Desk Library Table
19th Century Renaissance Revival Desk Library Table
$2,295 Sale Price
58% Off
H 29.75 in W 48 in D 29.5 in
Previously Available Items
Antique English Leather Top Library or Writing Table
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 19th Century English writing or library table handcrafted in mahogany with a tooled leather top on a case with two drawers on each side and turned and carved legs with wood ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

William IV Desk Writing Table Mahogany
Located in Potters Bar, GB
William IV Mahogany Writing Table. This Writing Table Stands Upon Ring Turned and Fluted Legs. 19th Century Featuring 2 x Mahogany Lined Drawers Which Retain Their Original Turned Kn...
Category

19th Century Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Mahogany

William IV Library Table Desk Period Antique
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Quality William IV Library Table. 19th Century This Library Table Stands Upon Shaped and Carved Legs with Carved Claw Feet and Original Castors. The Supports Being of a Turned and Fl...
Category

19th Century Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Mahogany

English Writing Desk or Table of Mahogany from the 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English writing table or desk of patinated mahogany from the 19th century, featuring a moulded top with gallery back and sides over a frieze of two framed drawers, each drawer...
Category

19th Century English Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

19th Century Flame Mahogany Pedestal Desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century flame mahogany pedestal desk circa 1880. Desk of 3 sections, comprising of 2 pedestals and the writing surface. Plain writing surface using matched...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Flame Mahogany Pedestal Desk
19th Century Flame Mahogany Pedestal Desk
H 31.25 in W 58.5 in D 29 in
William IV Mahogany Leather Top Writing Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique English William IV mahogany writing table with a tooled leather top, circa 1830. With a mahogany rectangular top with rounded corners inset with tooled leather, two writing slides that pull out from each side of top, 3 flame mahogany frieze drawers with wood knobs...
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Brass

William IV Mahogany Partners Writing Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
William IV mahogany partners writing table, circa 1835. The top with a mahogany border inset with tooled leather, the frieze with 3 drawers on both front and back sides, supported on...
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Brass

William IV Mahogany Partners Writing Table
William IV Mahogany Partners Writing Table
H 31 in W 72.25 in D 44.5 in
William IV Mahogany Writing Desk with Tooled Leather Top, English, ca. 1835
By John Bowman
Located in Banner Elk, NC
William IV Mahogany writing desk, of curved rectangular form, the writing surface with tooled and gilded green leather, above a single...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Mid-19th Century English William IV Flame Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A mid-19th century English mahogany secretary bookcase, the top with two glazed doors flanked by columns and opening to adjustable shelves, the base with fitted fold-down secretary w...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Antique William IV Mahogany Glazed Bureau Bookcase, circa 1835
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique fine quality William IV mahogany glazed bureau bookcase, circa 1835, 19th century. We have a key for the bookcase and a small internal door on...
Category

1830s Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Wood

19th Century English William IV Oak Davenport Writing Table
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality William IV oak sliding top davenport. The top of the davenport has a lid that lifts to reveal a fitted interior including ample storage space for stationar...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Oak

William IV Mahogany Knee Hole Desk, English, circa 1830
Located in Banner Elk, NC
William IV mahogany knee hole desk, English, circa 1830, with hand carved dragooned edging on hand carved blind fretwork ogee bracket feet (original), raised panels and finished on a...
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Desks

Materials

Mahogany

William Iv desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique William IV desks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used William IV desks 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 differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,220 and tops out at $15,000 while the average work can sell for $6,201.

Still Thinking About These?

All Recently Viewed