Card Tables and Tea Tables
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ceramic, Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak, Oak
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birch, Rubber
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Naugahyde, Rosewood
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birch
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel, Chrome
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birch
20th Century Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birch, Oak
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rubber, Birch
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 1900s English Sheraton Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood, Teak
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 18th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ebony, Kingwood, Mahogany, Holly
1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birch
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Pine
1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birch, Mahogany
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Naugahyde, Teak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Felt, Rosewood
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Felt, Teak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak, Oak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak, Teak
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.