Card Tables and Tea Tables
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Brass, Enamel
19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
1820s English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Brass
1860s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
18th Century Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 1900s English Sheraton Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1870s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut, Burl
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Maple, Walnut
1850s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
1820s Russian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
19th Century Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Card Tables and Tea Tables
1930s French Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1930s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
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.