Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mid-19th Century American American Classical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1950s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Mid-19th Century American Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American American Classical Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1980s Philippine Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stone
1960s American Neoclassical Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut, Burl
1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
1930s English Neoclassical Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 20th Century American American Classical Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Mid-20th Century European Neoclassical Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1940s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Early 19th Century American Classical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1960s American Neoclassical Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Mid-18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Cherry
1970s Swiss Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
1970s Philippine Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Gold Leaf, Iron
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood, Leather
1810s American Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1810s French Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Yew
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1950s Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze
Late 20th Century Philippine Hollywood Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Faux Bamboo, Rattan, Hardwood
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1960s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 18th Century Swedish Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Faience, Mahogany
17th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
1820s Dutch Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1960s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1830s American American Classical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
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.