Card Tables and Tea Tables
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum, Bronze
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Travertine, Metal
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1980s Italian Neoclassical Revival Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Nutwood
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
1980s Chippendale Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1980s American Chippendale Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1980s Philippine Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stone
1940s American American Colonial Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Goatskin, Wood
1980s American Chippendale Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1980s Bohemian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1980s Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1980s American Georgian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1940s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
1980s American Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1980s American Federal Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1980s Philippine Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stone, Chrome
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Plastic
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Maple, Walnut
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1940s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Crystal, Steel
1940s Czech Bauhaus Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
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.