Card Tables and Tea Tables
1870s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood
1850s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
1870s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
20th Century British Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
1860s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1860s Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1870s Danish Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1890s Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
19th Century Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood, Wood
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Mid-19th Century European High Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1860s Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1850s British Early Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Late 19th Century Late Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Late 19th Century English High Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Late 19th Century English High Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birdseye Maple, Walnut
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
20th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Yew
19th Century French Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Amboyna
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1860s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1860s Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut, Burl
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Satinwood
20th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Hardwood
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
1880s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1870s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut, Burl
Late 19th Century Late Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
19th Century European Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
1880s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
19th Century European Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Late 19th Century American Late Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birdseye Maple, Mahogany, Satinwood, Walnut, Burl
1850s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
19th Century Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1860s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
1860s English High Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
1880s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1880s Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Paper
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
20th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
1870s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
1880s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ormolu
Late 19th Century German Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Beech, Fruitwood, Walnut, Pine, Giltwood
1860s English High Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Abalone, Wood, Paper
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
19th Century Irish Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
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.