Card Tables and Tea Tables
1920s Swedish Other Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
20th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Maple, Walnut
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Late 20th Century American Queen Anne Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum, Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
Late 20th Century English Georgian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Leather
Late 20th Century American Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 20th Century French Baroque Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 20th Century French Louis XVI Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
Early 1900s European Edwardian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble, Stainless Steel
1960s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 1900s European Louis XV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Wood
20th Century French Louis XV Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1940s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
Mid-20th Century English Gothic Revival Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1930s Czech Bauhaus Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
1930s Czech Bauhaus Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Czech Bauhaus Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Iron
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Crystal, Steel
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Glass, Cypress
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze
1940s Czech Bauhaus Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
1930s Czech Bauhaus Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Crystal
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1920s Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood, Plastic
Mid-20th Century Spanish Colonial Revival Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
1920s Chinese Chinese Chippendale Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Wood
20th Century Italian Chinese Chippendale Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Mid-20th Century European Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak, Lacquer
Early 20th Century French Streamlined Moderne Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble, Wrought Iron
20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Card Tables and Tea Tables
Lacquer
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 1900s European Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Tulipwood
Early 20th Century Card Tables and Tea Tables
1910s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Kingwood
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass, Iron
Early 20th Century European Louis XVI Card Tables and Tea Tables
Nutwood
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
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.