Card Tables and Tea Tables
1980s American Georgian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
20th Century French Louis XV Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Fabric, Resin
2010s Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
17th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
Early 20th Century Chinese Card Tables and Tea Tables
Elm
2010s Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Petrified Wood
1760s Irish Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Cane, Cherry
1960s American Neoclassical Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
Late 19th Century German Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Beech, Fruitwood, Walnut, Pine, Giltwood
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut, Laminate
Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Elm
1980s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 1900s Japanese Art Nouveau Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 20th Century American Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Louis XV Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century American French Provincial Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
1950s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
Early 20th Century Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ceramic, Wood
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak
Early 1900s English Sheraton Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
19th Century European Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze
18th Century American Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Early 18th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
20th Century English Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
2010s Portuguese Card Tables and Tea Tables
Lacquer
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Early 1900s Swedish Jugendstil Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Danish Card Tables and Tea Tables
Cane, Oak, Teak
Early 20th Century Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1970s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Glass, Teak
1810s Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
1950s Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Cane, Rattan
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Crystal
18th Century Dutch Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bamboo, Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
19th Century French Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ormolu
1790s French Louis XVI Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
2010s Portuguese Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
19th Century British Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
1890s Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1770s English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1930s Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Mid-18th Century Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Carrara Marble
20th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Yew
1890s Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
2010s American Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
18th Century British 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.