Card Tables and Tea Tables
1840s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Felt, Glass, Walnut
19th Century French Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ormolu
Mid-19th Century Scandinavian Rococo Revival Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Pine
18th Century English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Oak
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
1830s North American American Empire Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American American Colonial Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
19th Century Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
18th Century British George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century American British Colonial Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
Late 18th Century English Sheraton Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Boxwood, Satinwood, Tulipwood, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Queen Anne Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
20th Century American Queen Anne Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 19th Century Irish George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel, Chrome
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
18th Century English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
Late 20th Century American Queen Anne Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
20th Century Chinese Country Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Travertine
1810s English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Late 20th Century American French Provincial Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
2010s American Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ash
1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary British Georgian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut, Burl
1880s Swedish Other Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
19th Century British George IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak, Holly, Yew, Amboyna
19th Century Irish George II Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 1900s Swedish Jugendstil Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1740s English Queen Anne Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1940s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1910s French Art Nouveau Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Early 20th Century French Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1920s Swedish Other Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-18th Century English Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
18th Century English Sheraton Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Tulipwood
1880s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
2010s Dutch Organic Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Composition
18th Century and Earlier English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Sandstone
Late 20th Century French Louis XVI Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stainless Steel, Brass
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
19th Century Queen Anne Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
18th Century Dutch Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Maple, Walnut
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 18th Century English Sheraton Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Boxwood, Satinwood, Ebony, Rosewood
Late 18th Century English Adam Style Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 19th Century English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
20th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
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.