Card Tables and Tea Tables
Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bentwood
Late 20th Century Philippine Card Tables and Tea Tables
Reed, Wood
1810s German Biedermeier Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Mid-19th Century English Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass, Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stainless Steel
2010s Egyptian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Mid-19th Century British Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Lebanese Organic Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1840s British Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
2010s Egyptian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood, Leather
Late 18th Century American Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Cherry
1760s Dutch Baroque Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Yew
20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Late 20th Century Arts and Crafts Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
2010s Egyptian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mother-of-Pearl, Oak
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 20th Century Unknown French Provincial Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary American Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ash
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
18th Century English Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
1970s Belgian Brutalist Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Travertine
1950s German Art Deco Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Beech, Bentwood, Walnut
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak
1880s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ormolu
20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut, Burl
19th Century Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1760s Dutch Baroque Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Pearwood, Walnut, Yew
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Mid-20th Century North American Queen Anne Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Card Tables and Tea Tables
Maple
1820s English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 20th Century Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1970s American Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak, Walnut
Late 20th Century American George III Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 20th Century American Country Card Tables and Tea Tables
Cherry
2010s Portuguese Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
20th Century French Louis XV Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
18th Century English Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
1880s Swedish Other Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Late 20th Century Philippine Hollywood Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Faux Bamboo, Rattan, Hardwood
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak
19th Century Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 19th Century English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
18th Century Irish Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 1800s French Directoire Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1760s American Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass, Wrought Iron
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.