Tray Tables
2010s Belgian Post-Modern Tray Tables
Ash
2010s Belgian Post-Modern Tray Tables
Ash
Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Tray Tables
Leather, Wood
19th Century English Edwardian Antique Tray Tables
Satinwood
1980s Chippendale Vintage Tray Tables
Leather, Wood
2010s Italian Post-Modern Tray Tables
Glass
1980s Vintage Tray Tables
Metal, Brass
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables
Metal
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Glass
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Glass
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s English Post-Modern Tray Tables
Marble
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables
Walnut
2010s English Modern Tray Tables
Wood, Plywood
2010s Danish Modern Tray Tables
Steel
2010s Danish Modern Tray Tables
Steel
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Oak
1930s Danish Vintage Tray Tables
Silver, Brass
2010s Spanish Modern Tray Tables
Iron
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinoiserie Tray Tables
Brass
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables
Wood
2010s Spanish Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Spanish Modern Tray Tables
Iron
Early 20th Century Turkish Moorish Tray Tables
Copper
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Tray Tables
Wood
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables
Aluminum
Early 1900s French Antique Tray Tables
Bamboo, Wood
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables
Teak
1980s Asian Vintage Tray Tables
Leather
1920s Danish Other Vintage Tray Tables
Ceramic, Wood
1930s Austrian Modern Vintage Tray Tables
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tray Tables
Wicker, Leather
Antique and Vintage Tray Tables
The popularity of antique and vintage tray tables owes mostly to the 1950s, when the first TV dinners made their way into the freezers of American kitchens.
At a time when televisions were increasingly becoming fixtures in the living rooms of most homes in the United States, the tray table was impossibly convenient. With a deft merging of function and style, the table, positioned in front of your sofa or plush armchair, was a place to rest your Swanson-brand TV dinner, a compartmentalized supper issued on a disposable tray that required minimal preparation. The technological advances of the mid-century kitchen included programmable ovens, so TV dinners were quick and easy, particularly when home-cooked meals were out of the question.
When one had finished the last bite of this square meal, which was packed into sections that assumed various geometric shapes in their own partitioned aluminum tray, the tray table could be easily folded up and tucked away until needed again.
Eventually, designers took to exploring iterations of the widely loved tray table that would better suit household needs. Once a simple, foldable furnishing that was confined to use at mealtime, tray tables are now somewhat of a budget-friendly design staple for many households. Today, tray tables are as versatile as ever, and such a wide range has been manufactured over the years that you’re likely to find a good fit no matter what your furniture style preferences might be.
Tray tables are used as side tables, nightstands, a bar tray when your space won’t accommodate that handsome vintage bar cart you’ve been looking for and desks, particularly as many of us are working from home and especially when a modest-sized apartment won’t allow for larger tables.
Tray tables vary in style, shape and size. When looking for a tray table, you should measure accordingly and ensure that wherever it will land in your space there will be room around the table to allow for easy movement.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique and vintage tray tables that includes mid-century modern tray tables, Art Deco versions and more.