Card Tables and Tea Tables
18th Century British Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1930s Belgian Art Deco Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Fabric, Wood, Lacquer
1760s American Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass, Wrought Iron
18th Century Swedish Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Fabric, Resin
2010s American Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ash
Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ormolu
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
19th Century Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Enamel, Brass
Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood, Burl
Late 18th Century Swedish Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Faience, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Fabric, Resin
Late 19th Century European Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
1920s Swedish Other Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1830s Adam Style Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ormolu
1870s Unknown Empire Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
19th Century European Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
2010s American Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Brass, Sheet Metal
Early 19th Century Irish William IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
Late 19th Century Late Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Irish Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 18th Century English Sheraton Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Boxwood, Satinwood, Ebony, Rosewood
1740s English Queen Anne Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Mid-18th Century European George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1970s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Chrome
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1860s Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
Late 18th Century English Hepplewhite Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birdseye Maple, Fruitwood, Mahogany
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Slate
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
20th Century Unknown Georgian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 20th Century Spanish Islamic Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
Late 18th Century English Hepplewhite Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Travertine, Brass
Late 19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
1820s English Regency 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
Walnut
Late 18th Century French Louis XV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1970s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 18th Century English Sheraton Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Tulipwood, Boxwood, Ebony, Satinwood
1830s English William IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 20th Century French Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique 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.