Louis Xv Revival Card And Game Table
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Amboyna
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Satinwood
People Also Browsed
Antique 19th Century British Campaign Desk Sets
Brass
Vintage 1910s European Edwardian Desks and Writing Tables
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Decorative Boxes
Walnut
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Desk Sets
Rosewood
Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Porcelain
Porcelain
Antique Late 19th Century English Campaign Desks
Brass
Antique 1870s English Victorian Desks
Sterling Silver
Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Furniture
Brass
Early 20th Century North American Art Nouveau Side Tables
Oak
Antique Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Desk Sets
Leather, Walnut
Antique 19th Century English George IV Center Tables
Giltwood, Amboyna
Antique 19th Century British Desk Accessories
Brass
Antique 1880s English Victorian Decorative Boxes
Wood
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Pottery
Pottery
Antique Late 19th Century European Neoclassical Side Tables
Walnut
Antique Early 19th Century English William IV Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Recent Sales
20th Century Louis XV Game Tables
Bronze
Antique 1880s French Louis XV Game Tables
Ormolu
Antique 1870s French Louis XV Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ormolu
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Card Tables and Tea Tables
Kingwood
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Satinwood
Finding the Right card-tables-tea-tables for You
Today, the phrase “card tables” might evoke the image of common plastic tables covered in felt, but historically these tables were statement pieces that invited merriment and were made of mahogany, walnut or other fine woods. Today, antique and vintage card tables and tea tables can enliven a space and encourage spirited competition in your home.
Card tables originated in England in the late 17th century, and during this time, as well as the 18th century, game tables in general became quite popular. We refer to early versions of card tables as antique Regency card tables because the Prince of Wales ruled England during the period and his official title was Regent. Back then, these furnishings were typically small, rectangular tables outfitted with hinged tops so that they could be opened to reveal a playing surface. Ornamental flourishes of the era might have included an integration of fine velvet or needlepoint as lining for the table’s surface. For furniture makers, wide adoption of a dense woven green material called baize for table covering — similar to felt but stronger — occurred during the early 1700s.
Tea became widely affordable during the early 1800s in England, and tea time exploded in popularity and involved large tea sets — especially during the Victorian era — as well as small, well-crafted tea tables. Your beverage was paired with petite baked goods, and the tea table would be home to teacups, saucers, a milk pot and other items. While tea tables are similar in design to card tables, the focus is more on presentation. Georgian card tables and tea tables — furniture made during the reign of England’s three Georges — were especially ornate. Some featured intricately carved design elements on each side and stood on elegantly curved legs. After all, tea time became a sacred ritual that society women dressed up for. It was a time to pause, reflect and sip a comforting beverage.
When no guests were visiting to enjoy tea or play games, owners could fold down both card tables and tea tables to their smaller size and tuck them away into a corner of the room.
Antique and vintage card tables and tea tables can make a lovely addition to any living room, entertainment room or game room. Find yours on 1stDibs.
Read More
The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
Riotous Shapes and Colors Have Made Uchronia’s Designs the Toast of Paris
Julien Sebban’s energetic design collective is radically reshaping the look of 21st-century European furniture and interiors.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Inspired by the Cosmos, Sandra Nunnerley’s Nova Table Has a Futuristic Feel
The designer’s innovative use of an unexpected material gives this console a lift.
This 19th-Century Gilded Desk Displays a Fanciful Kingdom in Marquetry
The stately piece brings both gravitas and whimsy to any work space.
In Guadalajara, These Luscious Side Tables Are Chiseled from Volcanic Rock
Use them as tables or stools, indoors or out.
How to Arrange Furniture + Layout Ideas
Here, we give design advice and show layout examples to help you create the perfect living room setup.
Why Hollywood A-Listers Can’t Get Enough of James De Wulf’s Concrete Furniture
Starting with a 900-pound Ping-Pong table, the Los Angeles designer has built a sturdy furniture-making career out of concrete.