Card Tables and Tea Tables
1760s English Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Mid-18th Century British George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Baize, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Queen Anne Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
Late 20th Century English Georgian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Leather
18th Century and Earlier American Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century English Gothic Revival Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
19th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze
Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
1870s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
1770s English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 1800s English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1830s English William IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Mid-18th Century Irish Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
Mid-19th Century Italian Louis Philippe Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Wood
1880s French Louis XVI Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze
1890s French Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Kingwood
19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1780s British George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1810s Russian Empire Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 19th Century English Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Felt, Hardwood
Early 1900s European Edwardian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 19th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 20th Century American Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 18th Century English Hepplewhite Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
2010s French Minimalist Card Tables and Tea Tables
Beech
1790s English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Satinwood
1830s Danish Empire Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1750s English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1920s Chinese Chinese Chippendale Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Late 19th Century European Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Baize, Wood
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
Late 19th Century German Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Beech, Fruitwood, Walnut, Pine, Giltwood
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 20th Century French Baroque Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
19th Century Dutch Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Late 18th Century French Louis XV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze
1790s English Hepplewhite Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
19th Century British Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
1820s Chinese Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bone, Ebony, Rosewood
Mid-19th Century English Louis XVI Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze
1780s English Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
20th Century French Louis XV Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
18th Century and Earlier British Queen Anne Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Early 19th Century British Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 2000s French Louis XV Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ormolu
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.