Card Tables and Tea Tables
Late 20th Century American French Provincial Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 20th Century American Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Lacquer
Late 20th Century Bohemian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bamboo, Rattan
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Wood
1910s Sheraton Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 1900s English Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
Early 1900s Swedish Jugendstil Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 20th Century French Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Late 20th Century American American Colonial Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
Late 20th Century American Queen Anne Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble, Stainless Steel
1920s Swedish Other Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
Late 20th Century French Louis XVI Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
1910s French Art Nouveau Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Late 20th Century American Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 1900s European Louis XV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Crystal, Steel
Early 1900s European Edwardian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Baroque Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass, Chrome
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1920s Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1910s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Kingwood
Early 20th Century French Streamlined Moderne Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Card Tables and Tea Tables
Early 1900s European Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Tulipwood
1920s Chinese Chinese Chippendale Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
Early 20th Century European Louis XVI Card Tables and Tea Tables
Nutwood
Late 20th Century American Card Tables and Tea Tables
1970s Slovak Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 20th Century American Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rattan, Glass
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
Late 20th Century Arts and Crafts Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
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.