Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
2010s Portuguese Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
Early 19th Century Irish George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
18th Century Italian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Travertine, Marble
1880s Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut, Lacquer
1980s American Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
Late 19th Century English Anglo-Japanese Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Lacquer
1730s English Queen Anne Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble, Steel
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather
Late 19th Century Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Copper
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
Early 20th Century Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bamboo, Lacquer
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble, Steel
20th Century Colombian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Shell, Hardwood
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
2010s American Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Card Tables and Tea Tables
Travertine, Steel
Late 19th Century Chinoiserie Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Jade
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
2010s American Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Plastic
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
1980s Philippine Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stone, Chrome
1880s Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble, Brass
Late 20th Century American Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Lacquer
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
1960s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stainless Steel
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Crystal, Steel
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stainless Steel
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
2010s Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
1860s English High Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Abalone, Wood, Paper
2010s Canadian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
2010s American Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
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.