Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Kingwood, Tulipwood
19th Century English Louis XV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ormolu
Late 19th Century European Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Baize, Wood
Early 19th Century English William IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Mid-20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Card Tables and Tea Tables
Elm, Burl
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Mid-20th Century European Neoclassical Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
18th Century Irish George II Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bamboo, Lacquer
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Travertine, Chrome
1970s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Glass, Teak
1770s Irish Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass, Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut, Burl
Late 19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1870s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
20th Century Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1970s Philippine Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Gold Leaf, Iron
19th Century Queen Anne Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American French Provincial Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1970s American American Colonial Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
19th Century French Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
18th Century English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Dutch George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Fruitwood, Satinwood, Walnut
Late 19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
19th Century French Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Fruitwood
Late 18th Century English Adam Style Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1850s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak
1960s American Louis XVI Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century American George III Card Tables and Tea Tables
Glass, Mahogany
Late 20th Century European Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Velvet, Wood
19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1890s English Arts and Crafts Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
18th Century English Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-18th Century English George II Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
20th Century English Japonisme Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bone, Hardwood
1750s George II Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 20th Century American George III Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 19th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
18th Century and Earlier American Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
18th Century English George II Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century American American Classical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 18th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1970s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century European Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
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.