Regency Ladders
REGENCY STYLE
Like France’s Empire style, Regency-style furniture was rooted in neoclassicism; the characteristics of its bedroom furniture, armchairs, dining room tables and other items include clean lines, angular shapes and elegant details.
Dating roughly from the 1790s to 1830s, antique Regency-style furniture gets its name from Prince George of Wales — formally King George IV — who became Prince Regent in 1811 after his father, George III, was declared unfit to rule. England’s Regency style is one of the styles represented in Georgian furniture.
George IV’s arts patronage significantly influenced the development of the Regency style, such as the architectural projects under John Nash, which included the renovation of Buckingham House into the formidable Buckingham Palace with a grand neoclassical facade. Celebrated designers of the period include Thomas Sheraton, Henry Holland and Thomas Hope. Like Nash, Hope instilled his work with classical influences, such as saber-legged chairs based on the ancient Greek klismos. He is credited with introducing the term “interior decoration” to English with the 1807 publishing of Household Furniture and Interior Decoration.
Although more subdued than previous styles like Rococo and Baroque, Regency interiors incorporated copious use of chintz fabrics and wallpaper adorned in chinoiserie-style art. Its furniture featured fine materials and luxurious embellishments. Furniture maker George Bullock, for instance, regularly used detailed wood marquetry and metal ornaments on his pieces.
Archaeological discoveries in Egypt and Greece informed Regency-era details, such as carved scrollwork, sphinxes and palmettes, as well as the shape of furniture. A Roman marble cinerary chest, for example, would be reinterpreted into a wooden cabinet. The Napoleonic Wars also inspired furniture, with martial designs like tented beds and camp-style chairs becoming popular. While the reddish-brown mahogany was prominent in this range of pieces, imported woods like zebrawood and ebony were increasingly in demand.
Find a collection of antique Regency tables, seating, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Regency
Spiral Library Steps
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
Two matching (one right hand, one left hand), fine Georgian design spiral design library steps with turned hand pole support, column decoration and inset leather treads.
We are curr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Regency Ladders
Materials
Leather, Wood
An English Mahogany Library Stair with 3 Leather Lined Steps and Single Drawer
Located in San Francisco, CA
An unusual and attractive set of English mahogany Regency style library stairs, each tread lined in brown gilt-tooled leather ending in an identically lined platform. The steps have ...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Regency Ladders
Materials
Brass
Superb pair Mahogany and Leather library steps England
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful pair of Library steps .solid Mahogany .comes with
leather steps with embossed gold lining . on the top step some
storage . Comes with just the right amount of patine .
Go...
Category
1930s English Vintage Regency Ladders
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage English Mahogany and Leather Library Step Ladder on Casters
Located in Dallas, TX
This Regency step-ladder was created in England, circa 1950. Built of mahogany, the three stairs cabinet sits on small, fluted and tapered legs ending with brass wheels; both sides a...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Regency Ladders
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
English Regency Metamorphic Library Ladder
Located in Queens, NY
English Regency mahogany metamorphic library table/steps with hinged top & lion finial on a scrolled base. (with registry tag for J. Brodey, Bristo...
Category
19th Century English Antique Regency Ladders
Materials
Bronze
Burr Walnut Brown Leather Regency Metamorphic Reading Armchair to Library Steps
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this pair of large and collectable Regency style metamorphic armchair which converts into Library steps after the original 18th century design by Gillows of Lancaster with Burr Walnut panels
A very good looking and well made pair, I have never seen a Regency style piece with Burr Walnut panels before, the leather seat pads have been restored by my leather polishers, they have been hand dyed six times, antiqued and sealed
The period 1800-1825 was a great one for ‘patent’ or ‘metamorphic’ furniture This chair, which transforms into a short set of steps for use with bookshelves, is close to a design for a ‘Library Chair’ published in Rudolph Ackermann’s Repository of the Arts in July 1811, which was made by the London firm of Morgan and Saunders, of Catherine Street, Strand.
They were well known for their ingenious furniture, including reading chairs with writing surfaces attached and a great variety of travelling beds...
Category
18th Century English Antique Regency Ladders
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Regency Mahogany Metamorphic Armchair
Located in Essex, MA
With horizontal tablet crestrail with scrolled ends over down scrolled arms raised on saber legs, chair folds forward to form a ladder.
Category
1810s English Antique Regency Ladders
Materials
Other
Spiral Library Steps with Turned Supports A Great set of Library Steps
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Spiral Library Steps with Turned Supports
A Great set of Library Steps, the 4 steps are in a spiral formation, they have tooled leather treads and are in good condition, very sturdy...
Category
1920s Vintage Regency Ladders
Materials
Beech
Regency Style Leather and Brass Stick Ladder
Located in Essex, MA
Folds into a stick. Wood core covered in brown leather with brass tacks. Hook latch to keep it closed. When closed its 91 inches high. Rungs are 9.25 inches wide.
Category
Early 20th Century English Regency Ladders
Materials
Brass
Regency Brass Inlaid Rosewood Metamorphic Bench
Located in Kittery Point, ME
The rectangular padded seat covered in brown leather, opening to reveal a set of library steps, over a solid inlaid seat-rail and ring-turned tapering legs ending in castors.
18in. high, 34 1/2in. wide and 16 1/2in. deep. Opened, 36in. high and 49in. wide.
Rooms organized during the Regency period as libraries often had floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. The upper shelves were difficult to reach, so movable library stairs were invaluable. Further, libraries were one of the most important rooms in a stately house, symbol of its owner's wealth, culture and status. As a consequence, designers, architects and cabinet or chair makers devoted much attention to its architecture and decoration. Hence, the emrgence of innovative ideas such as our bench.
Enter the Regency era metamorphic library chair/bench (chairs are more common than benches)!
The tables, chairs and stools containing library steps were patented in Great Britain by Robert Campbell in 1774 but this innovative chair-based design did not become immediately popular. Once the Regency was established, a neo-classical interpretation of Campbell’s Metamorphic Library Chair concept started to become popular in London. Any early attributions rely heavily on two contemporary sketches...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Regency Ladders
Materials
Brass
American Mahogany Serpentine Rail Library Steps, Circa 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany three-tiered upholstered library steps with serpentine rails, cross stretchers, and terminating on turned bulbous legs. Early 19th century.
Category
1810s American Antique Regency Ladders
Beckford Bed Steps
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A finely craved and decorated pair of bed steps in mahogany with leather inset treads and column supports.
We are currently working to a 30-36 week lead time.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Regency Ladders
Materials
Leather, Wood
Related Items
Antique 1830 William IV Flamed Hardwood Metamorphic Library Armchair Steps
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this large and collectable lightly restored William IV circa 1830 Flamed Mahogany, metamorphic armchair which converts into Library steps attributed to Gillows of Lancaster and London.
This is a wonderful piece of English history, I have never seen another with such elegant turned front legs, usually they are plainer and straight timber. The seat pad has been upholstered with a grey linen, the steps and raw flamed mahogany and look amazing.
This chair is an important and extremely expensive looking thing that commands attention in any setting. You can see the same model made by Gillows currently viewed in the Victorian & Albert Museum, below is an extra from their listing.
The period 1800-1825 was a great one for ‘patent’ or ‘metamorphic’ furniture This chair, which transforms into a short set of steps for use with bookshelves, is close to a design for a ‘Library Chair’ published in Rudolph Ackermann’s Repository of the Arts in July 1811, which was made by the London firm of Morgan and Saunders, of Catherine Street, Strand.
They were well known for their ingenious furniture, including reading chairs with writing surfaces attached and a great variety of travelling beds...
Category
1830s English Antique Regency Ladders
Materials
Hardwood
H 36.23 in W 21.46 in D 23.63 in
Early 20th Century Austrian Library Ladder, Antique Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Created in Austria around 1920s and standing strong and very sturdy, this is a real beauty in every House. Versatile and practical, the elegant essential is in very good used conditi...
Category
20th Century Austrian Regency Ladders
Materials
Wood
Ash Library Steps
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Beautiful ash library staircase, with many details. The steps are very stable in use due to the construction and the long handle. Perfectly suited for everyday use and multiple purpo...
Category
2010s English Regency Ladders
Materials
Ash
20th Century English Leather Library Step or Stairs / Stepladder, Victorian
Located in Berlin, DE
20th Century English leather library step or stairs / stepladder, Victorian.
Solid wood mahogany stained. English library manager / stepladder 2...
Category
20th Century English Regency Ladders
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Georgian Spiral Library steps 1950s England
By Chesterfield
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice Spiral Library steps .Mahogany .,comes with embossed Gold Leather steps .
Category
1950s English Vintage Regency Ladders
Materials
Mahogany
20th Century English Leather Library Step or Stairs / Stepladder, Victorian
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century English leather library step or stairs / stepladder, Victorian
Solid wood mahogany stained. English library manager / stepladder 20...
Category
20th Century Regency Ladders
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Antique mahogany library ladder, England, 20th century with green leather
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique mahogany library ladder, England, 20th century with green leather
Solid wood stained with mahogany. Four steps covered with leather and gold embossing. England, 20th century...
Category
20th Century Regency Ladders
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
H 43.71 in W 15.75 in D 17.72 in
Midcentury Italian Carved Walnut Wood and Leather Spiral 4-Step Library Ladder
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful Italian carved walnut wood tall circular step ladder with four stairs rolled around a turned, central post embellished with a decorative finial. Each step is upholstered with red leather and golden classic frame. Versatile and practical, the elegant library essential is in excellent condition with a rich walnut patina. Use this vintage staircase...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Regency Ladders
Materials
Leather, Wood
H 47.25 in W 16.15 in D 16.15 in
Library Ladder with Brass Top Handle
Located in Round Top, TX
Very nice library ladder with brass top handle. Rare and fun. Very cool.
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Regency Ladders
Materials
Brass
MidCentury Painted Black Walnut 4 Tier Spiral Library Book Staircase Step Ladder
Located in Casteren, NL
On offer here is a beautiful Italian turned painted walnut wood circular step ladder. The staircase offers four stairs, each with a gold leaf decorated inlay of cognac-coloured shee...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Regency Ladders
Materials
Gold Leaf
H 60.24 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
English Mahogany Three-Tiered Fitted Interior Leather Bed Steps, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
English mahogany three-tiered bed steps with tooled green leather, hinged fitted interior compartments, and terminating on turned bulbous ringed legs, Early 19th century.
Category
1820s English Antique Regency Ladders
Materials
Leather, Mahogany, Pine
H 25.75 in W 17.5 in D 27.5 in
Early 20th Century English Carved Walnut Coffee Table and Folding Step Ladder
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a library or study with this artisan-made "dual function" folding step ladder and coffee table. Crafted in Southern England circa 1920, the metamorphic table features a leat...
Category
Early 20th Century French Regency Ladders
Materials
Brass
H 17.75 in W 27.5 in D 17.25 in
Previously Available Items
Regency Mahogany And Caned Library Steps
Located in Essex, MA
Typical form but unusual with caned sides. Blue leather treads. Circular tapered legs. Lift top compartments.
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Regency Ladders
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
Fine Set of English Walnut Regency Style Library Steps on Casters
Located in San Francisco, CA
A fine and substantial set of English Regency style library steps with handrails, the 3 treads notched into the frame rising to an X shaped enclosure. The side rails are decorated wi...
Category
1850s English Antique Regency Ladders
Materials
Steel
Regency style Mahogany Library Steps or ladders
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
A sturdy solid 3 step piece. These steps make a useful and decorative piece anywhere where extra height is needed. The Steps have turned legs at the front and tall Marlborough uprig...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Regency Ladders
Materials
Mahogany
Mahogany library steps
Located in Martlesham, GB
A set of mid 20th Century mahogany library steps, consisting of four steps with each step lined with a green leather decorated with blind and gilt tooling, supported on a tall turn c...
Category
1960s British Vintage Regency Ladders
Materials
Mahogany
Mahogany library steps
Located in Martlesham, GB
A set of mid 20th Century mahogany library steps, consisting of four steps with each step lined with a green leather decorated with blind and gilt tooling, supported on a tall turn c...
Category
1960s British Vintage Regency Ladders
Materials
Mahogany
English Leather Folding Stick Ladder
Located in Essex, MA
Typical form with red leather and brass tacks. Maple rungs.
Category
20th Century English Regency Ladders
Materials
Brass
Regency Style Mahogany Library Steps
Located in Essex, MA
Typical form with green leather treads and turned tapered legs.
Category
1820s English Antique Regency Ladders
Materials
Mahogany, Leather
Oversized Regency-Style Armchair That Transforms into Library Steps
Located in New York, NY
Oversized Regency-style armchair that transforms into library steps. Solid mahogany and leather, apparently unsigned. C. 20th Century. Dimensions: (As chair) H 35.5" x W 23.5" x D 29...
Category
20th Century American Regency Ladders
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Regency Style Walnut Library Steps
Located in Clermont, FL
Regency style solid wood library steps. Beautifully carved, three steps are supported by tapered legs and a reeded column back. Finish is a medium brown walnut stain, with patina sho...
Category
19th Century British Antique Regency Ladders
Materials
Wood
Very Fine Vintage Hardwood Green Leather Side Table Metamorphic Library Steps
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this sublime Regency style metamorphic library steps into a side table with green leather top and step grips
This is an important and sophisticated piece of English Regency style furniture...
Category
Early 20th Century English Regency Ladders
Materials
Hardwood, Leather
H 17.52 in W 15.95 in D 26.78 in
English Regency Style Metamorphic Library Table with Leather Lined Steps
Located in San Francisco, CA
An English mahogany Regency style metamorphic library table with a brown tooled leather top opening to become a set of library stairs with 4 gilt-tooled leather treads supported on turned legs. This type of metamorphic furniture...
Category
Early 20th Century English Regency Ladders
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Large Metamorphic Library Chair or Library Steps
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Large Metamorphic library chair or library steps
A superb and useful piece, this roomy and comfortable Regency style chair can be flipped over and turned into a 4 step ladder...
Category
19th Century Antique Regency Ladders
Materials
Leather
Regency ladders for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Regency ladders for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage ladders created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, seating, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, animal skin and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Regency ladders 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 ladders differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,257 and tops out at $67,500 while the average work can sell for $4,837.