Card Tables and Tea Tables
Late 18th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak
Early 1800s American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
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
Early 19th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Naugahyde, Rosewood
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birch, Rubber
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Early 20th Century American Federal Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Federal Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
Early 20th Century American Federal Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
Early 19th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birch, Mahogany, Rosewood
1980s American Federal Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Late 18th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Fruitwood
Early 19th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 19th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
19th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass, Ormolu
Early 19th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
19th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
1810s American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Anglo-Japanese Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
20th Century Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome, Steel
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
19th Century French Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ormolu
20th Century American Queen Anne Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1930s Scottish Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Pine
1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birch
1830s American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1970s American Federal Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 18th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Holly
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Pine
1980s American Federal Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 19th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birdseye Maple, Mahogany
1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birch, Mahogany
19th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
Early 19th Century Unknown Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 18th Century Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birdseye Maple, Boxwood, Mahogany
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Naugahyde, 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.