Card Tables and Tea Tables
1890s Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Lacquer, Burl
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stainless Steel, Brass
1850s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
1870s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
2010s Egyptian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
2010s Egyptian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Travertine, Metal
1860s Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
2010s German Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
1870s Danish Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
20th Century British Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
1860s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
19th Century Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood, Wood
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 20th Century American Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Nickel
Mid-19th Century European High Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
20th Century Unknown Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Aluminum
1870s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
1860s Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
2010s Lithuanian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete
Late 19th Century English High Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1850s British Early Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
1990s Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ceramic
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
Late 19th Century English High Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
20th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Yew
Late 19th Century Late Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birdseye Maple, Walnut
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Amboyna
19th Century French Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Other
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
1860s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
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.