Card Tables and Tea Tables
19th Century Irish William IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 19th Century English William IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Baize, Rosewood
21st Century and Contemporary American Moorish Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood, Lacquer
1950s Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Iron
1990s Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary French Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze, Pewter
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Goatskin, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Chrome
1890s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Laminate, Teak
20th Century Moroccan Moorish Card Tables and Tea Tables
Copper
Late 20th Century French Chinese Chippendale Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood, Paint
19th Century Austrian Baroque Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood, Maple, Oak, Walnut
1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Birdseye Maple, Walnut
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
Late 20th Century American Empire Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Metal
1930s Italian Industrial Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Iron
Late 20th Century American Empire Card Tables and Tea Tables
Fruitwood
1950s Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Early 20th Century English George II Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
20th Century French Card Tables and Tea Tables
Lacquer, Pine
1960s American Louis XVI Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1930s English Neoclassical Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American George III Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
Early 18th Century English George II Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Queen Anne Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Czech Bauhaus Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome
Early 18th Century English Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak, Mahogany
Early 19th Century Irish George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Satinwood
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Travertine, Chrome
1930s Czech Bauhaus Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Chrome
1890s Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Bronze
1830s English William IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
1980s American Chippendale Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Early 20th Century American Federal Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Satinwood
1810s English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1860s Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American George III Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Late 18th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Mid-20th Century European Neoclassical Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wrought Iron
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
Mid-18th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood, Mahogany
Late 18th Century Queen Anne Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Hardwood
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Beech
19th Century English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal, Brass
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
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.