Card Tables and Tea Tables
1890s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
1860s Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Rosewood
1830s English William IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1810s English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 19th Century Late Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1810s English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Macassar, Rosewood
19th Century American American Empire Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Burl
1890s English Arts and Crafts Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Brass
Mid-19th Century French Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Fruitwood
19th Century European Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
19th Century English Queen Anne Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1880s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rope, Glass
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
19th Century French Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak, Lacquer
1880s Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Fruitwood
Late 19th Century Italian Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 19th Century Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Copper
1970s American Chinoiserie Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bamboo
19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut, Burl
19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
1890s English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ceramic, Fabric, Mahogany, Burl
Early 19th Century American Classical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century British Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
19th Century Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
1830s English William IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
Late 19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Satinwood
Early 19th Century Dutch George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Fruitwood, Satinwood, Walnut
19th Century Scandinavian Rococo Revival Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bentwood
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
1820s Russian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood, Satinwood, Walnut
Mid-19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1970s Swiss Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
Late 19th Century English Anglo-Japanese Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Lacquer
Early 19th Century English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Boxwood
1970s Philippine Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Gold Leaf, Iron
19th Century Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Lacquer
Early 19th Century Scottish Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 19th Century English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Rosewood, Satinwood
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 19th Century English William IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1970s American American Colonial Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1970s American Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Faux Leather, Wood
1880s English Chinoiserie Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bamboo
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.