Card Tables and Tea Tables
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Glass, Suede, Wood
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
2010s American Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Walnut
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1930s Syrian Moorish Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 18th Century English Sheraton Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Mahogany
1930s Argentine Art Deco Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
20th Century English Chinoiserie Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood, Paint
1980s Philippine Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stone
Early 20th Century Moorish Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mother-of-Pearl, Softwood
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Naugahyde, Rosewood
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birch, Rubber
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary American Moorish Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood, Lacquer
18th Century French Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stone, Limestone
1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Laminate, Teak
Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bamboo, Rattan, Wood
1980s Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1980s American Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1970s American Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak, Walnut
2010s American Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Walnut
2010s North American Shaker Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stainless Steel
Early 20th Century Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
2010s American French Provincial Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete
19th Century Swedish Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Pine
Mid-18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Cherry
19th Century English Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
2010s American Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete
18th Century English Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Card Tables and Tea Tables
Travertine, Steel
1940s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
20th Century American Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rattan
20th Century Chinese Country Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 2000s American Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Granite, Metal
18th Century Qing Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
2010s American Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete
Early 20th Century French Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Wood
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
18th Century Danish Baroque Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1820s Dutch Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
18th Century and Earlier English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Card Tables and Tea Tables
Lacquer
Late 19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Antique and Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
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.