Card Tables and Tea Tables
1770s Irish Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass, Wrought Iron
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass, Metal
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Plywood
1760s Dutch Baroque Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Pearwood, Walnut, Yew
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
1890s French Louis XVI Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze
1980s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
Mid-20th Century American Georgian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Glass, Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
20th Century Unknown Georgian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
20th Century Italian Baroque Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1960s American Neoclassical Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut, Burl
Early 19th Century Early Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Brass
1870s English Anglo-Japanese Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Early 19th Century English William IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1720s French Régence Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1780s Irish Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1880s Italian High Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ebony
Early 1800s English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1950s American Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 19th Century American Late Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birdseye Maple, Mahogany, Satinwood, Walnut, Burl
Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Elm
Mid-20th Century English Chippendale Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century English Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
20th Century French Card Tables and Tea Tables
Serpentine, Brass, Ormolu
20th Century French Louis XV Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze
20th Century Czech Bauhaus Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
Late 20th Century American Queen Anne Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
19th Century Irish William IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
2010s American Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
Mid-20th Century European Neoclassical Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
19th Century William IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Late 20th Century American Card Tables and Tea Tables
1780s English Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1940s French French Provincial Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1830s English William IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Satinwood
2010s Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood, Mother-of-Pearl
20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Burl
19th Century Queen Anne Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Laminate, Teak
Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
19th Century French Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 20th Century American Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1870s Unknown Empire Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
1790s English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Spanish Colonial Revival Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
18th Century Dutch 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.