Card Tables and Tea Tables
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Early 19th Century British Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 20th Century Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Card Tables and Tea Tables
Maple
Late 20th Century American George III Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 20th Century American Country Card Tables and Tea Tables
Cherry
19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
20th Century French Louis XV Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
18th Century English Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
2010s Portuguese Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
1820s English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 18th Century American Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Cherry
21st Century and Contemporary American Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ash
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
1870s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut, Burl
1950s Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
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
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak
Mid-20th Century American Georgian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century English Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1880s Austrian Empire Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Swedish Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 19th Century English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1950s German Art Deco Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Beech, Bentwood, Walnut
Early 20th Century Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
2010s Egyptian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mother-of-Pearl, Oak
Early 1800s French Directoire Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 1800s English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1760s American Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass, Wrought Iron
Late 18th Century English Sheraton Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Tulipwood, Boxwood, Ebony, Satinwood
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Late 19th Century American Late Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birdseye Maple, Mahogany, Satinwood, Walnut, Burl
Late 19th Century British Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century European Egyptian Revival Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Elm
18th Century English Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
20th Century Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble, Breccia Marble
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
1970s American Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak, Walnut
20th Century Southeast Asian Chinoiserie Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1880s Queen Anne Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 19th Century English George IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Mid-18th Century George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Iron
Late 20th Century American Empire Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
2010s Egyptian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mother-of-Pearl, Oak
Mid-20th Century American Louis XV Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 18th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Fruitwood
1970s Danish Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak
Mid-19th Century British Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Iron
2010s Egyptian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mother-of-Pearl, Oak
20th Century English Japonisme Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bone, 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.