Ico Parisi Ebonized walnut wood serving card 1950s
By Ico Parisi, Angelo De Baggis
Located in Den Haag, NL
Designer: Ico Parisi Manufacturer: Angelo De Baggis Design Model: 56 Ebonized walnut wood A delightful mid century Italian drinks trolley .The two tier cart is realized entirely out...
Walnut
1970's Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Teak Bar Card w/ Removable Teak Tray
By Nissen, Poul Hundevad, Jens Quistgaard, Johannes Andersen
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage original Midcentury Modern bar cart for sale. Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Nissen, and is all original. It's made of teak, and has a removable teak butcher block cutting b...
Teak
French Modern Neoclassical Louis XVI Game Table or Writing Desk by Maison Jansen
By Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
A distinguished French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical table in the Style of Louis XVI by Maison Jansen from the Midcentury featuring a parquetry top made for chess and flip top mad...
Brass
Italian Game Table with 18th C. Trompe-l'œil Scagliola TableTop and 19th C. Base
Located in Greven, DE
Scagliola games table with trompe-l'œil decoration Italy Scagliola, Cherry Table Top Early 18th Century, Table Base Mid 19th Century Dimensions: H x W x D: 79 x 113 x 67 cm Descri...
Scagliola, Cherry
Mid Century Modern Low Profile Table Chairs - Set of 4
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Low Profile Table Chairs - Set of 4 Vintage mid century modern set of 4, clean lined, low profile, flared arm, card/game-table chairs.
Faux Leather, Wood, Oak
Capodimonte, Italy. Six porcelain table card holders shaped like water lilies
Located in København, Copenhagen
Capodimonte, Italy, a set of six porcelain table card holders shaped like water lilies. Hand-decorated.
Porcelain
Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Coffee Table for Tingströms
By Tingströms
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table for Tingstroms in Sweden.
Mahogany
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.