Card Tables and Tea Tables
Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bentwood
1990s Queen Anne Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 19th Century Late Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Early 2000s Islamic Card Tables and Tea Tables
Tin
1760s Irish Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Federal Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
1960s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Goatskin, Fabric, Walnut
18th Century Irish George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American George III Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1970s American Louis XV Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Walnut
Early 1900s Dutch Art Nouveau Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bamboo, Padouk
1930s English Neoclassical Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Moorish Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood, Lacquer
Late 18th Century English Hepplewhite Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birdseye Maple, Fruitwood, Mahogany
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Iron, Wrought Iron
Early 19th Century English Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Yew
21st Century and Contemporary Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
19th Century Dutch Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Organic Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Quartz, Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
Late 19th Century English High Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birch, Rubber
Late 18th Century American Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak, Leather
1890s English Arts and Crafts Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
1970s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Glass, Bamboo
Early 20th Century English Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 1900s Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Arts and Crafts Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wicker, Rattan
Late 20th Century American Empire Card Tables and Tea Tables
Fruitwood
Mid-20th Century Danish Card Tables and Tea Tables
Cane, Oak, Teak
20th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Yew
19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
1880s English Chinoiserie Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bamboo
Early 20th Century American Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
2010s Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ash, Rosewood
1860s Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
18th Century American Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1960s American Neoclassical Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut, Burl
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Laminate, Teak
19th Century American American Empire Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Burl
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Glass, Lucite
Early 19th Century Irish George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Satinwood
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Iron
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Travertine
19th Century Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
18th Century French Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stone, Limestone
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Yew
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Maple
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
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.