| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 21, 2019 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | WILLIAMS SONOMA INC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000719955 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 21, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-14077 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 94-2203880 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3250 Van Ness Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Francisco |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94109 |
| City Area Code | (415) |
| Local Phone Number | 421-7900 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | WSM |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
