Card Tables and Tea Tables
1970s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Glass, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Chinese Card Tables and Tea Tables
Elm
1930s Belgian Art Deco Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Fabric, Wood, Lacquer
Late 20th Century French Louis XVI Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1910s Adam Style Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1950s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 20th Century English Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Travertine, Metal
1970s American Chinoiserie Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bamboo
Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
1950s European Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Oak
1980s Italian Neoclassical Revival Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Nutwood
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak
20th Century British Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
Early 20th Century Card Tables and Tea Tables
1920s Revival Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
20th Century Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wicker
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass, Chrome
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
20th Century Austrian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
20th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
Early 1900s British Queen Anne Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Baize, Walnut
Early 1900s English Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome, Steel
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Card Tables and Tea Tables
Elm
Mid-20th Century Czech Bauhaus Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
1930s Czech Bauhaus Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
1920s Queen Anne Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
20th Century Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables
1950s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1920s Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Glass, Hardwood
1840s William IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
20th Century Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble, Breccia Marble
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
1930s Czech Bauhaus Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
1970s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Glass, Teak
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
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.