Card Tables and Tea Tables
21st Century and Contemporary American Moorish Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood, Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Czech Bauhaus Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary American Anglo-Japanese Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
2010s Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood, Ash
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
Early 19th Century British Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1790s English Sheraton Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
Mid-18th Century American Queen Anne Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Cherry
Early 20th Century American American Classical Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Mid-20th Century Bauhaus Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel, Chrome
1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Czech Bauhaus Card Tables and Tea Tables
Steel
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.