Card Tables and Tea Tables
Early 19th Century Irish William IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak
Early 19th Century Irish Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 19th Century Irish George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
Mid-18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
18th Century Irish Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
18th Century Irish Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Irish Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1760s Irish Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
19th Century Irish William IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 19th Century Irish George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Satinwood
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birch
20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Burl
Early 20th Century Swedish Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 18th Century Irish Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
18th Century Irish George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Irish William IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
18th Century Irish George II Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak
18th Century Irish George II Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
18th Century Irish George II Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
18th Century Irish George II Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 18th Century Irish Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Baize, Mahogany
19th Century Swedish Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Pine
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak
18th Century Irish George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
18th Century Swedish Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1880s Swedish Other Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
18th Century Irish Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut, Burl
Late 18th Century Irish George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ebony, Mahogany, Walnut
1880s Swedish Other Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 1900s Swedish Jugendstil Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1920s Swedish Other Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
19th Century Irish George II Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
19th Century Irish Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1770s Irish Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass, Wrought Iron
Early 19th Century Irish George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 18th Century Swedish Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Faience, Mahogany
18th Century Irish George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-18th Century Irish Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
1780s Irish Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
19th Century Swedish Karl Johan Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Fir
18th Century and Earlier Irish Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
1750s Irish Queen Anne Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 18th Century Irish Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
18th Century Irish George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
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.