Card Tables and Tea Tables
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum, Bronze
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Glass, Suede, Wood
Late 20th Century European Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Travertine, Metal
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
1990s American Post-Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1970s American Georgian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Danish Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
Late 20th Century American Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Walnut
1980s Italian Neoclassical Revival Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Nutwood
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
Late 20th Century American Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Nickel
1970s French Other Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble, Brass
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
Late 20th Century American Regency Revival Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
Late 20th Century Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1980s Chippendale Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1980s American Chippendale Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American American Classical Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1990s Queen Anne Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1980s Philippine Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stone
Late 20th Century American Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
Late 20th Century American Federal Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
1990s Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ceramic
1970s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1970s American Louis XV Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Walnut
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood, Mahogany
1970s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Chrome
1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
Late 20th Century American Empire Card Tables and Tea Tables
Fruitwood
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Goatskin, Wood
Late 20th Century American George III Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
Late 20th Century American Hepplewhite Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 20th Century American Queen Anne Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Brass
1980s American Chippendale Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Empire Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rope, Glass
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
Late 20th Century American Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble, Brass
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
Late 20th Century American Georgian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1980s American Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
Late 20th Century American French Provincial Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Late 20th Century English Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze
1970s American Chinoiserie Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bamboo
Late 20th Century French Chinese Chippendale Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood, Paint
1970s Swiss Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
Late 20th Century American Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Satinwood, Giltwood
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.