Tray Tables
1960s Brazilian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tray Tables
Formica, Rosewood
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tray Tables
Ceramic
2010s Danish Post-Modern Tray Tables
Crystal
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables
Crystal, Brass
2010s English Modern Tray Tables
Marble, Brass, Steel
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Indian Other Tray Tables
Metal, Sheet Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Tray Tables
Leather, Wood, Parchment Paper
2010s American Other Tray Tables
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s Indian Other Tray Tables
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s American Tray Tables
Bronze, Steel
2010s European Minimalist Tray Tables
Ceramic
2010s European Minimalist Tray Tables
Concrete
2010s American Other Tray Tables
Metal, Sheet Metal
1990s Italian Classical Roman Tray Tables
Metal
20th Century American Tray Tables
Rosewood
20th Century English Tray Tables
Oak
2010s Indian Other Tray Tables
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s Indian Other Tray Tables
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s American Other Tray Tables
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s American Other Tray Tables
Metal, Sheet Metal
1960s Danish Vintage Tray Tables
Teak
2010s American Other Tray Tables
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s Indian Other Tray Tables
Metal, Sheet Metal
1920s Vintage Tray Tables
Wood
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Tray Tables
Tôle
2010s American Other Tray Tables
Metal, Sheet Metal
1950s European Vintage Tray Tables
Teak
2010s American Other Tray Tables
Metal, Sheet Metal
19th Century English Victorian Antique Tray Tables
Tin
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s American Other Tray Tables
Metal, Sheet Metal
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Tray Tables
Wood
2010s American Other Tray Tables
Metal, Brass, Sheet Metal
2010s American Other Tray Tables
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s European Minimalist Tray Tables
Concrete
2010s American Other Tray Tables
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Marble
1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tray Tables
Birch
2010s Danish Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Spanish Modern Tray Tables
Iron
1770s Swedish Rococo Antique Tray Tables
Wood, Faience
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Tray Tables
Bronze, Stainless Steel
2010s Danish Modern Tray Tables
Steel
2010s Danish Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
1960s Industrial Vintage Tray Tables
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tray Tables
Brass, Bronze, Nickel
2010s Spanish Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
20th Century Tray Tables
Brass
2010s Italian Post-Modern Tray Tables
Glass
Late 20th Century American Rustic Tray Tables
Wood
2010s English Post-Modern Tray Tables
Marble
19th Century English Edwardian Antique Tray Tables
Faux Bamboo, Wood
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables
Glass, Wood
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables
Iron
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.