Card Tables and Tea Tables
1810s Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1970s American American Craftsman Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Glass, Wood
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Mid-18th Century English George II Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 19th Century English Sheraton Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Maple, Walnut
Late 19th Century Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Card Tables and Tea Tables
Fruitwood, Walnut
19th Century French Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
2010s Egyptian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mother-of-Pearl, Oak
1850s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Early 18th Century Irish George I Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
18th Century English Queen Anne Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1830s English Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1720s English George I Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Mid-19th Century French Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ormolu
Late 19th Century British Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 18th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
18th Century English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
1890s French Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Kingwood
1920s Georgian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Late 19th Century French Rococo Revival Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Felt, Wood, Walnut
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Iron
Mid-20th Century English Chippendale Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American American Colonial Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1960s American French Provincial Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut, Lacquer
Late 20th Century Mexican Spanish Colonial Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
Early 20th Century American Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble, Travertine
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stone
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Glass, Wood
20th Century Austrian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Late 18th Century Irish Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1860s French Napoleon III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ormolu
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Crystal, Steel
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bentwood, Ceramic, Rattan
Mid-19th Century British Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Industrial Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Aluminum
2010s American Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ash
1940s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel, Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
Early 19th Century Irish William IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1750s Irish Queen Anne Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome, Steel
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
1820s American Sheraton Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1970s American Louis XV Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, 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.