Skip to main content

Tray Tables

to
109
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
560
799
388
11
615
169
1,198
867
1,052
Tray Tables For Sale
18th Century Painted Rococo Side Table with Brass Tray
18th Century Painted Rococo Side Table with Brass Tray

18th Century Painted Rococo Side Table with Brass Tray

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Beautiful Danish blue and white decorated Rococo table with a heavy brass tabletop tray.

Category

Late 18th Century Danish Rococo Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Danecastle Teak "Scooter" Adjustable Tray Table
Danecastle Teak "Scooter" Adjustable Tray Table

Danecastle Teak "Scooter" Adjustable Tray Table

By Danecastle

Located in Highland, IN

We consider this terrific Läsbord adjustable tray table by Danecastle a "scooter" table or reading table because it's ingenious design allows it to scoot up under an easy chair, sofa...

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Steel

French 1950’s Maison Baguès Brass Tray Table
French 1950’s Maison Baguès Brass Tray Table

French 1950’s Maison Baguès Brass Tray Table

Located in Southampton, GB

French Brass Tray on a Folding Stand. With original chain. Attributed to Maison Baguès. Brass finial detail and smoked glass. France, circa 1950. Height - 58 cm (to handles ) Length...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Boton Three Side Table in Conacaste Solid Wood by Labrica
Contemporary Boton Three Side Table in Conacaste Solid Wood by Labrica

Contemporary Boton Three Side Table in Conacaste Solid Wood by Labrica

By Labrica, Ricardo Velasquez

Located in Oakland Park, FL

Inspired by old brass buttons and cuff links, this series includes three different table tops each with a distinct base. The series continues to grow and each piece can be modified t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Guatemalan Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of Gilt Italian Wrought Iron Side Tables
Pair of Gilt Italian Wrought Iron Side Tables

Pair of Gilt Italian Wrought Iron Side Tables

Located in Pasadena, TX

1940s Italian wrought iron gilt side tables Solid wrought iron with gilt finish and glass top side tables. 21.75" D top 3/4" glass.  

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Hollywood Regency Tray Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Lorenzo Burchiellaro Cubic Bar Cart in Metal and Glass Italy 1970s.
Lorenzo Burchiellaro Cubic Bar Cart in Metal and Glass Italy 1970s.

Lorenzo Burchiellaro Cubic Bar Cart in Metal and Glass Italy 1970s.

By Lorenzo Burchiellaro

Located in Almelo, NL

Lorenzo Burchiellaro cubic bar cart in Metal and Glass Italy 1970s. Cubic-shaped bar cart with wheels with a frame realized in metal which presents a circular void on each side, a...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Metal

Extra Large Square Tray in White Shagreen with Bronze Patina Brass by Kifu Paris
Extra Large Square Tray in White Shagreen with Bronze Patina Brass by Kifu Paris

Extra Large Square Tray in White Shagreen with Bronze Patina Brass by Kifu Paris

By Kifu Augousti

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This extra-large square tray by Kifu Paris features a luxurious white shagreen surface framed in bronze patina brass, creating a refined contrast between texture and metal. Measuring...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Split Bamboo Tray Table
Vintage Split Bamboo Tray Table

Vintage Split Bamboo Tray Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This elegant vintage tray table is a masterclass in organic texture and functional design, perfectly capturing the relaxed luxury of mid-century resort-style living. Expertly crafted...

Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Mid-Century Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Pair of Louis XVI Faience Tray Tables with Hand-Painted Floral Decorations
Pair of Louis XVI Faience Tray Tables with Hand-Painted Floral Decorations

Pair of Louis XVI Faience Tray Tables with Hand-Painted Floral Decorations

Located in Kastrup, DK

A rare pair of elegant Louis XVI faience tray tables, crafted by Hannover-Münden circa 1780. The tables feature original hand-painted faience trays with high, profiled edges. One tra...

Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Faience, Cherry

MID CENTURY MODERN MOROCCAN BRASS TRAY TABLE WITH TEAK FOLDING BASe
MID CENTURY MODERN MOROCCAN BRASS TRAY TABLE WITH TEAK FOLDING BASe

MID CENTURY MODERN MOROCCAN BRASS TRAY TABLE WITH TEAK FOLDING BASe

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this ornately hand carved Moroccan brass tray table with teak folding base retailed through Liberty's in the...

Category

Early 1900s Chinese Export Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Midcentury British Colonial Style Bamboo Bar Cart
Midcentury British Colonial Style Bamboo Bar Cart

Midcentury British Colonial Style Bamboo Bar Cart

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Midcentury bar cart or tea cart with a bamboo frame wrapped with reed.

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Tray Tables

Materials

Bamboo

19th Century French Adjustable Table Desk
19th Century French Adjustable Table Desk

19th Century French Adjustable Table Desk

Located in Winter Park, FL

An early 19th century French Empire mahogany adjustable height tabletop desk, made for writing or reading in bed. Beautifully crafted desktop has a green leather writing surface, wit...

Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century Handcrafted Teak Altar Tray with Mother-of-Pearl Inlays
19th Century Handcrafted Teak Altar Tray with Mother-of-Pearl Inlays

19th Century Handcrafted Teak Altar Tray with Mother-of-Pearl Inlays

Located in New York, NY

A small altar tray, hand-crafted in teak with mother-of-pearl inlays. China, late 19th Century. Rustic teak in a dark brown/red semi-gloss finish. Four stretchers connect the turn...

Category

1890s Chinese Qing Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Teak

Swedish Modern Teak Tray Side Table
Swedish Modern Teak Tray Side Table

Swedish Modern Teak Tray Side Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Gorgeous teak tray side table designed and manufactured in Sweden c. 1960's, This side table features a sculpted four-legged teak frame that supports a removable round teak tray that...

Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Teak

Regency Scarlet and Gilt Japanned Papier Mache Tray by Henry Clay
Regency Scarlet and Gilt Japanned Papier Mache Tray by Henry Clay

Regency Scarlet and Gilt Japanned Papier Mache Tray by Henry Clay

Located in Essex, MA

Depicting pagodas in an exotic landscape. Stamped Clay / London on back. With later base. Ex Christies Sale , Oct 17, 1997 lot 73.

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Lacquer, Paper

Italian Venetian Etched Glass and Bronze Vanity Tray, Style of Ercole Barovier
Italian Venetian Etched Glass and Bronze Vanity Tray, Style of Ercole Barovier

Italian Venetian Etched Glass and Bronze Vanity Tray, Style of Ercole Barovier

Located in Queens, NY

Italian Venetian (1950s) glass mirrored vanity tray in rounded rectangular form featuring an etched courtship scene with gilt bronze scroll relief handles, rope-form striped glass fr...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Baroque Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century Papier Mache' Tray on Stand
19th Century Papier Mache' Tray on Stand

19th Century Papier Mache' Tray on Stand

Located in Arundel, GB

A Victorian papier mache', scallop form tea tray with gilt floral decoration. Mounted on a later, ebonised, faux bamboo stand.

Category

1860s French Victorian Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Pair of Round Teak Tray Tables Attributed to Jens Harald Quistgaard
Pair of Round Teak Tray Tables Attributed to Jens Harald Quistgaard

Pair of Round Teak Tray Tables Attributed to Jens Harald Quistgaard

By Jens Quistgaard, Nissen

Located in Madrid, ES

Pair of round mid-century teak tray tables with reversible top that can be used as shown on photos or with the other flat side up. Danish design attributed to Jens Harald Quistgaard....

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Teak

Shagreen Tray with Blue Pen Shell and Brass Inserts by R&Y Augousti
Shagreen Tray with Blue Pen Shell and Brass Inserts by R&Y Augousti

Shagreen Tray with Blue Pen Shell and Brass Inserts by R&Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

English Georgian Mahogany Butler Tray Table
English Georgian Mahogany Butler Tray Table

English Georgian Mahogany Butler Tray Table

Located in Sheffield, MA

The circa 1800 English Georgian tray on contemporary base are made of solid mahogany. The tray is decorated with panels of fretwork. Perfect as a tea table, side table or occasional ...

Category

Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Space Age Vintage Foldable Ivory Plastic Table Luigi Massoni Guzzini 1970s Italy
Space Age Vintage Foldable Ivory Plastic Table Luigi Massoni Guzzini 1970s Italy

Space Age Vintage Foldable Ivory Plastic Table Luigi Massoni Guzzini 1970s Italy

By Guzzini

Located in Vienna, AT

Space Age vintage ivory foldable tray or table from plastic designed by Luigi Massoni Grafico Studio Zeto for Guzzini 1970s Italy. This foldable tray table is very useful as a breakf...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Space Age Tray Tables

Materials

Plastic

HMN Mid Century Danish Teak Adjustable Tray Table
HMN Mid Century Danish Teak Adjustable Tray Table

HMN Mid Century Danish Teak Adjustable Tray Table

By HMN Denmark

Located in Franklin Park, IL

HMN Mid Century Danish Teak Adjustable Tray Table This tray table measures: 43.25 wide x 14.5 deep x 29.25 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as...

Category

1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Cosmos Tray in Coal Black Shagreen, Blue Pen Shell & Brass by R&Y Augousti
Cosmos Tray in Coal Black Shagreen, Blue Pen Shell & Brass by R&Y Augousti

Cosmos Tray in Coal Black Shagreen, Blue Pen Shell & Brass by R&Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Schonbuch Grace Salon Edition with Marble Top by Sebastian Herkner in STOCK
Schonbuch Grace Salon Edition with Marble Top by Sebastian Herkner in STOCK

Schonbuch Grace Salon Edition with Marble Top by Sebastian Herkner in STOCK

By Sebastian Herkner

Located in New York, NY

Limited edition of 100 pieces 1 of 100 Serving trolley powder-coated, fine structure .268 mahogany red, top shelf in marble Rosso Lepanto, lower shelf and wheels in lacquered MDF .34...

Category

2010s German Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Marble, Metal

English Regency Bronze Pen Tray
English Regency Bronze Pen Tray

English Regency Bronze Pen Tray

Located in Queens, NY

English Regency-style (19th Century) rectangular bronze pen tray with dolphin and floral relief edge.

Category

19th Century British Regency Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Bronze

Mid-Century Modern Two-Tier Bar or Tea Serving Cart
Mid-Century Modern Two-Tier Bar or Tea Serving Cart

Mid-Century Modern Two-Tier Bar or Tea Serving Cart

Located in Plainview, NY

An elegant Mid-Century Modern two-tier bar or tea serving cart. The cart features large carriage style wheels, two glass shelves and a free-wheeling r...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Metal

1960 Anglo-Indian Silver Wrapped Clad Folding Tray Table
1960 Anglo-Indian Silver Wrapped Clad Folding Tray Table

1960 Anglo-Indian Silver Wrapped Clad Folding Tray Table

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

1960 Anglo-Indian silver wrapped clad folding tray table. Vintage Anglo-Indian silver wrapped clad tray table. Anglo Raj side table hand-hammered with repousse silver metal work ove...

Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Tray Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage French Tray Table with Lucite Base and Brass Trim, 1980
Vintage French Tray Table with Lucite Base and Brass Trim, 1980

Vintage French Tray Table with Lucite Base and Brass Trim, 1980

Located in Austin, TX

Tray table from France featuring a Lucite x-shape base that folds out to support a Lucite tray top. The Lucite tray is framed with brass trim and features a textured pattern througho...

Category

1980s French Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

STUNNING VINTAGE CROCODILE ALLIGATOR PATiNA LEATHER FOLDING CHROME TRAY TABLE
STUNNING VINTAGE CROCODILE ALLIGATOR PATiNA LEATHER FOLDING CHROME TRAY TABLE

STUNNING VINTAGE CROCODILE ALLIGATOR PATiNA LEATHER FOLDING CHROME TRAY TABLE

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super collectable hand made Alligator Crocodile leather patina folding tray table with sculpted chrome base Please note the ...

Category

20th Century Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Chrome

Art Deco Serving Table or Bar by Jacques Adnet
Art Deco Serving Table or Bar by Jacques Adnet

Art Deco Serving Table or Bar by Jacques Adnet

By Jacques Adnet

Located in Bridgewater, CT

Adnet Jacques (1900-1984) An Art Deco bar roulant/ serving table in sycamore with chrome-plated metal frames and two removable trays with mirrored glass...

Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Chrome

20th C. Set of Three Art Deco Nickel-Mounted Tray Tables with Parquetry Inlay
20th C. Set of Three Art Deco Nickel-Mounted Tray Tables with Parquetry Inlay

20th C. Set of Three Art Deco Nickel-Mounted Tray Tables with Parquetry Inlay

Located in Morristown, NJ

Set of Three Art Deco Nickel-Mounted Tray Tables with Parquetry Inlay, 20th Century A charming and functional set of three rectangular tray tables, likely of French or American orig...

Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Metal, Nickel

Tray Table, Made in Denmark, 1950s
Tray Table, Made in Denmark, 1950s

Tray Table, Made in Denmark, 1950s

Located in Lejre, DK

Tray table in beech. Designed and made in Denmark in the 1950s. Great original condition.

Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Beech

19th century Walnut Adjustable Reading Table, 1890s
19th century Walnut Adjustable Reading Table, 1890s

19th century Walnut Adjustable Reading Table, 1890s

Located in LEGNY, FR

Very beautiful walnut lectern table dating from the end of the 19th century. The patented system allows the writing surface to be moved from left to right or vice versa, to raise or ...

Category

1890s French Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Italian Renaissance Carved Walnut Bar Folding Tray Table w Lion Paw Feet
Antique Italian Renaissance Carved Walnut Bar Folding Tray Table w Lion Paw Feet

Antique Italian Renaissance Carved Walnut Bar Folding Tray Table w Lion Paw Feet

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Italian Renaissance Style Carved Walnut Butlers Bar Folding Tray Table with Lion Paw Feet. Item features folding base paw feet, removable green leather insert, removable tray...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Renaissance Tray Tables

Materials

Leather, Walnut

19th Century Mahogany Inlaid Three-Tier Dumbwaiter / Dessert Stand
19th Century Mahogany Inlaid Three-Tier Dumbwaiter / Dessert Stand

19th Century Mahogany Inlaid Three-Tier Dumbwaiter / Dessert Stand

Located in Stamford, CT

19th Century Mahogany Inlaid Three-Tier Dumbwaiter / Dessert Stand, Collapsible A fine English dumbwaiter or desert stand. The tripod base on caster...

Category

Late 19th Century English Queen Anne Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Chinese Carved Hardwood Scholar's Tray, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century, China
Chinese Carved Hardwood Scholar's Tray, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century, China

Chinese Carved Hardwood Scholar's Tray, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century, China

Located in Austin, TX

A sophisticated Chinese carved and pierced hardwood scholar's tray, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, China. The tray of rectangular form with high sides and rounded corners. The sides...

Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Hardwood

1960s Danish UFO Side Table Catch All Aluminum + Rosewood Fruit Bowl Vintage
1960s Danish UFO Side Table Catch All Aluminum + Rosewood Fruit Bowl Vintage

1960s Danish UFO Side Table Catch All Aluminum + Rosewood Fruit Bowl Vintage

Interesting design, very good condition. Minimal wear to the bowl, but has a few scratches, and it is missing one of the four rubber nubs, but you only two to line up the bowl into t...

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Italian Painted and Gilt Tea Table. Circa 1830
Italian Painted and Gilt Tea Table. Circa 1830

Italian Painted and Gilt Tea Table. Circa 1830

Located in Charleston, SC

Italian carved wood, painted , and gilt tea table with decorative landscape under glass top. Dealers please call for trade price.

Category

19th Century Italian Antique Tray Tables

Gustav Gurschner “Symbolist Reverie” Bronze Pin Tray
Gustav Gurschner “Symbolist Reverie” Bronze Pin Tray

Gustav Gurschner “Symbolist Reverie” Bronze Pin Tray

By Gustave Gurschner

Located in New York, NY

This French Art Nouveau bronze pin tray by Gustav Gurschner titled “Symbolist Reverie” depicts the face of a sleeping maiden wearing a diadem. Her long, flowing hair swirls before he...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Tray Tables

Materials

Bronze

Swedish Rococo Tray Table, circa 1760
Swedish Rococo Tray Table, circa 1760

Swedish Rococo Tray Table, circa 1760

Located in Huntington, NY

A provincial Swedish Rococo tray table in original pale green-blue paint. Simple inlay detail on base atop cabriolet legs.

Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Kartell Multi Rectangular Tray Table by Piero Lissoni
Kartell Multi Rectangular Tray Table by Piero Lissoni

Kartell Multi Rectangular Tray Table by Piero Lissoni

By Kartell, Piero Lissoni

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This is an articulated system of table surfaces for the home or office. The construction concept of the design is based on small tables and shelf systems, with patterns and finishes ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Plastic

19th Century Red Paper Mache Tray on Custom Stand
19th Century Red Paper Mache Tray on Custom Stand

19th Century Red Paper Mache Tray on Custom Stand

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Early paper mâché tray with custom made wood stand all in a desirable deep red or ox blood color, having four faux bamboo legs and cross stretchers. Tray decorated in well worn gilt,...

Category

19th Century English Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Paper

Antique English Tole Tea Tray, Black Enamel with Bronze, Circa 1840-60
Antique English Tole Tea Tray, Black Enamel with Bronze, Circa 1840-60

Antique English Tole Tea Tray, Black Enamel with Bronze, Circa 1840-60

Located in Kenilworth, IL

Oval tole tea tray with rolled rim in black with a stenciled border decoration in bronze powder. Surfaces have been cleaned and polished. England, circa 1840-60.

Category

Mid-19th Century British Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Enamel, Tin

English Victorian Style Silver Plated Segmented Lazy Susan Serving Tray
English Victorian Style Silver Plated Segmented Lazy Susan Serving Tray

English Victorian Style Silver Plated Segmented Lazy Susan Serving Tray

Located in Queens, NY

English Victorian-style silver plated lazy susan serving tray with five sections surrounding a central bowl with ornate edging on a rotating pedestal. Heavy tarnish.

Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Chrome and Walnut Reading Stand or Over Bed Table
Art Deco Chrome and Walnut Reading Stand or Over Bed Table

Art Deco Chrome and Walnut Reading Stand or Over Bed Table

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Art Deco Chrome and Walnut Reading Stand or Over Bed Table This is a one off and very beautifully designed versatile piece, the table has an easily ad...

Category

1920s Art Deco Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Walnut

Reclaimed Waterfall Table 22"
Reclaimed Waterfall Table 22"

Reclaimed Waterfall Table 22"

By Bloom Home Inc

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

Small Waterfall Table 18" D x 22" W x 20"H 1.5" Thick Inside : 18"D x 19"W x 18.5"H A vintage reclaimed elm wood waterfall table blends organic ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tray Tables

Materials

Oak

Walnut and Black Contemporary Tray Table
Walnut and Black Contemporary Tray Table

Walnut and Black Contemporary Tray Table

Located in Geneve, CH

Walnut and black contemporary tray table Dimensions: D 52.5 x W 52.5 x H 38 cm Materials: Natural walnut, iron with powder coating, or iron with ...

Category

2010s Danish Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Iron

Vintage Maitland-Smith Hand-Painted Lacquered Bird Hunt Tray Table
Vintage Maitland-Smith Hand-Painted Lacquered Bird Hunt Tray Table

Vintage Maitland-Smith Hand-Painted Lacquered Bird Hunt Tray Table

By Maitland Smith

Located in Cookeville, TN

Vintage Maitland-Smith hand-painted lacquered tray table featuring an intricate bird hunt scene and richly detailed gilt accents. The removable tray top showcases a dark ground with ...

Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Chinoiserie Tray Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Lg. Teak Tray in the style of Danish H. Engholm & Svend Aage Sweden
Lg. Teak Tray in the style of Danish H. Engholm & Svend Aage Sweden

Lg. Teak Tray in the style of Danish H. Engholm & Svend Aage Sweden

By Hans Engholm

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A quite large very well grained molded teak wood tray with curved edges perfect for a large table center piece or as a tray for an ottoman. Retains the manufactures impressed stamp t...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Teak

Arcade Round Trolley Large by Gio Bagnara
Arcade Round Trolley Large by Gio Bagnara

Arcade Round Trolley Large by Gio Bagnara

By Stephane Parmentier

Located in New York, NY

GIOBAGNARA Renowned for its elegant creations that convey luxury without ostentation, GIOBAGNARA adheres to the highest standards of craftsmanship. By pursuing a philosophy that inco...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Metal

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.