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.
Very Good Pair of William IV Cut Glass Spirit Decanters, England circa 1835
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Both ovoid glass bodies exhibiting a slight greyish hue that is consistent with the period, decorated with scalloped & diamond cut detail, rising to faceted ringed necks fitted with ...
Cut Glass
Pair of Late 18th Century Baluster Form Facetted Blue Glass Decanters
Located in London, by appointment only
A pair of late 18th century baluster form facetted blue glass decanters. The diamond cut bodies are further enhanced with swags of gilt foliate ornament suspended on ribbons. They re...
Glass
$1,253 / set
H 7.68 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in
Pair, Antique Sherry Decanters, English, Glass, Spirit, Liquor Flask, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of antique sherry decanters. An English, cut glass spirit or liquor flask, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Beauti...
Cut Glass
Faceted Green Glass Juice Cups, Set of 2
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A set of two faceted green juice cups, or small vases. Dimensions: 2.75" diameter 3.75" tall.
Glass
$912 / set
H 10.63 in W 5.52 in D 3.15 in
Art Deco Blue Color Bohemian Glass Decanter and 6 Glasses Set, 1930s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Art Deco blue color Bohemian glass decanter and 6 glasses set, the 1930s Beautifully colored, handmade Czech Bohemian glass set - decanter and six ...
Glass
$860
H 9.45 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
Vintage Executive Whiskey Decanter, English, Cut Crystal Glass, Spirit Vessel
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage executive whiskey decanter. An English, cut crystal glass spirit vessel, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1990. Bold form with appealing crystal finish Disp...
Cut Glass
$1,450 / set
H 9.25 in W 5 in D 5 in
Pair Asymmetrical MCM Baccarat Crystal Whiskey Decanters, 20th Century
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Unusual asymmetrical configuration Modernist style pair of Baccarat crystal decanters. Signed on the bases Excellent condition.
Crystal
$975 / set
H 12.5 in Dm 5.5 in
Fine Pair of 19th Century Shaft & Globe Cut Glass Decanters, England Circa 1880
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very handsome matched pair of 19th century cut glass decanters, both showing necks with navette & scalloped vertical cut flutes, th...
Cut Glass
$699
H 11.5 in W 4 in D 4.5 in
Art Deco Silver Overlay Clear Glass Port or Sherry Decanter with Grapes & Leaves
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This hand formed and silver overlay decorated Sherry or Port decanter is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Europe, likely Italy, in approximate...
Art Glass
Very Fine & Rare Early 19th Century Waterloo Glass Company Glass Decanter
By The Waterloo Glass Company
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The blown & moulded Prussian form body showing a base with vertical cut flutes, rising to shoulders decorated with wheel cut vesica motifs, ribbon swags & basal flutes, the neck with...
Glass, Cut Glass
Cobalt Blue Enameled Glass Liquor Set Decanter and Glasses
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cobalt blue enameled glass liquor set or aperitif service of five pieces, comprised of a decanter and four shot glasses. Mouth blown glass in a stun...
Blown Glass
Antique Georgian Cut Glass Decanter, 10 cm Diameter, England, 1920s
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
For Your bar corner or for table service: N.1) O/3232 Old English decanter bottle. Measures: Diameter cm.10; height 24 cm. € 380 N.2) O/ 6554 Old Engl...
Cut Glass
18th C Georgian Wine Drinking Glass Facet Cut Stem Hand Blown, Ca 1785
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good hand-blown, English, Georgian, wine drinking glass with a facet cut stem, dating from the 18th century, circa 1785. These glasses are very collectable. It is made from English lead glass which is relatively heavy and has a soft grey colour. The glass has the usual striations, inclusions and tiny bubbles you would expect to see in 18th century glass, which gives these glasses their unique charm. The glass has a round funnel bowl which sits on a good facet hand cut stem which extend into the base of the bowl, the stem having a central knop. The stem leads to a conical foot having a snapped off pontil mark to the underside, which has been ground smooth. There are no chips, cracks or any evidence of restoration. Nominal dimensions: Bowl rim diameter: 2.38 inches Foot diameter: 2.7 inches Height: 5.75 inches Overall a beautiful 18th Century English drinking glass...
Glass
$985
H 10.44 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
Vintage Whisky Decanter, English, Glass, Bourbon, Spirit Decanter, Mid Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage whisky decanter. An English, glass bourbon or spirit vessel, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960. Appealingly broad glass to this substantial decanter - id...
Glass