Square Chess Table With Lower Shelf
Antique Late 19th Century English Anglo-Japanese Game Tables
Mahogany
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Marble, Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
2010s Czech Scandinavian Modern Game Tables
Concrete
Vintage 1920s Indian Anglo-Indian Game Tables
Oak, Pine
Antique Early 19th Century Tables
Fruitwood
20th Century English Victorian Game Tables
Satinwood, Walnut
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Game Tables
Pine
Antique Late 19th Century European Art Nouveau Side Tables
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Revival Side Tables
Steel
2010s Italian End Tables
Ebony, Horn
Antique Late 19th Century European Vienna Secession Side Tables
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Regency Game Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
Early 20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern End Tables
Metal
Antique 19th Century European Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Marble, Metal
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.