Card Tables and Tea Tables
1960s Queen Anne Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Cherry
Late 19th Century British Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Brass
1970s American Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Faux Leather, Wood
Late 18th Century English Hepplewhite Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1820s Unknown Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1870s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut, Burl
19th Century American George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
1830s North American American Empire Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
2010s Egyptian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
1970s Unknown British Colonial Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bamboo, Wood
19th Century Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze
1740s Irish George II Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1760s Scottish Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
Early 20th Century American American Colonial Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Plastic
1880s English Chinoiserie Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bamboo
Late 20th Century American Queen Anne Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 1900s Italian Rustic Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
2010s Egyptian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
18th Century and Earlier American Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
20th Century Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 19th Century Swedish Rococo Revival Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birch
1950s French Romantic Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass, Metal
Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Art Glass, Murano Glass, Hardwood
Late 19th Century American Edwardian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stainless Steel
1880s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ormolu
20th Century Edwardian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Early 2000s French Louis XV Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ormolu
2010s Indian Other Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1810s English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1810s American Sheraton Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood, Tulipwood, Birch
18th Century and Earlier American Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Early 19th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birch, Mahogany, Rosewood
21st Century and Contemporary Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Mid-19th Century American American Empire Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
18th Century Irish George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 1800s Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood, Mahogany
20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
2010s American Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, 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.