Quality Antique William IV Rosewood Card/Side Table
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality antique William IV rosewood card/side table having a splendid figured rosewood crossbanded
Other
19th Century English Tilt-Top Game Checkerboard or Card Table
Located in Stamford, CT
A 19th century English tilt-top game checkerboard or card table. This single pedestal flip top game
Wood
Leon Rosen for PACE Marble and Steel Game/ Card Table
By Pace Collection, Leon Rosen
Located in North Miami, FL
This is a rare Leon Rosen for Pace game or card table. The V shaped cutout stainless steel corners
Marble, Steel
Fine Antique George lI Irish Chippendale Quality Mahogany Card/Side Table
Located in Suffolk, GB
Fine antique 18th century George II Irish Chippendale quality mahogany card/side table having a
Other
Antique French Gold Bronze & Mahogany Folding Chess Board Card Table, Circa 1885
Located in New Orleans, LA
Rare Antique French Gold Bronze Mounted Mahogany with Inlay Folding Chess Board Card Table, Circa
Bronze
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.
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Fans of the French film star may be surprised to learn that he had a flair for furniture with sleek lines and disco-era flash.
Like other pieces in the firm’s Candy Box collection, the cheerful limited-edition design showcases French craft.
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.
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.
The designer’s innovative use of an unexpected material gives this console a lift.
The stately piece brings both gravitas and whimsy to any work space.
Use them as tables or stools, indoors or out.