Card Tables and Tea Tables
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stone, Metal
1820s Russian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Limestone, Brass
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood, Oak
Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Card Tables and Tea Tables
Glass, Wood
18th Century George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Granite
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stone, Brass
1970s American American Colonial Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1970s American Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Faux Leather, Wood
20th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Hardwood
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stone
Mid-18th Century Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
19th Century Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Late 18th Century English Sheraton Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Early 20th Century Swedish Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 20th Century English Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Walnut
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bamboo, Rattan
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Laminate, Walnut
18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 20th Century American Empire Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
18th Century American Queen Anne Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
19th Century European Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 20th Century American Empire Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Giltwood
18th Century Irish George II Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bamboo, Rattan
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Louis XVI Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1770s English Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Fabric, Resin
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Altuglas
2010s North American Shaker Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Mid-20th Century English Chippendale Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1790s English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Satinwood, Paint
19th Century French Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ormolu
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 18th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Elm
1890s English Arts and Crafts Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Mid-19th Century British Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1950s German Art Deco Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Beech, Bentwood, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Mahogany
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
Early 1900s Syrian Moorish Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bone, Hardwood
Late 18th Century American Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Cherry
Late 19th Century Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Copper
18th Century English George II Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
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.