Card Tables and Tea Tables
20th Century Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables
19th Century North American Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 18th Century Irish Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 19th Century European Gustavian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1760s English Chinese Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 18th Century English Chinese Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Card Tables and Tea Tables
18th Century and Earlier English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
19th Century Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Felt, Wood
1780s American Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 18th Century French Rococo Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Silk, Wood
1720s French Régence Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
18th Century Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1750s English Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 19th Century French Japonisme Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze, Brass
1880s British Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1970s Slovak Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
Mid-19th Century American Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1970s American Georgian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1960s American Georgian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Austrian Belle Époque Card Tables and Tea Tables
Beech, Bentwood
Early 2000s Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
Mid-19th Century Italian Louis Philippe Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Fir
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1980s Chippendale Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1950s Italian Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Naugahyde, Rosewood
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Laminate, Wood
Mid-19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Satin, Ebony, Mahogany, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Regency Card Tables and Tea Tables
Leather, Mahogany
Mid-19th Century Austrian Baroque Revival Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Cherry, Maple, Nutwood, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary French Card Tables and Tea Tables
Pewter
Late 19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Early 18th Century English George II Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1960s Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Tin
18th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze, Gold Leaf
Late 18th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
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.