Card Tables and Tea Tables
1850s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Cherry
Early 20th Century American Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
2010s Egyptian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Industrial Card Tables and Tea Tables
Concrete, Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Stainless Steel, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Art Glass, Murano Glass, Hardwood
1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Palisander
1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Marble
1880s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 19th Century British Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1860s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
20th Century American Country Card Tables and Tea Tables
Maple
2010s French Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Early 1900s English Sheraton Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 19th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century Unknown Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
19th Century Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Rosewood, Wood
1850s Louis XVI Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany, Amboyna
18th Century Irish Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century American American Classical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Late 18th Century American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Late 18th Century English Sheraton Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Teak
1950s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ormolu
1830s English George IV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Giltwood, Amboyna
Early 1800s Georgian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood, Mahogany
1870s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1860s English Victorian Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Early 20th Century British Gothic Revival Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Late 18th Century French Louis XV Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Crystal
Early 1800s English George III Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Glass, Suede, Wood
2010s Egyptian Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables
Oak
Early 18th Century English Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Card Tables and Tea Tables
Chrome, Steel
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Tortoise Shell
Late 20th Century European Card Tables and Tea Tables
Metal
1950s Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Card Tables and Tea Tables
Walnut
Early 1800s American Federal Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century Neoclassical Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
1870s Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century French Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ormolu
18th Century English Chippendale Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Italian Romantic Card Tables and Tea Tables
Brass
18th Century English George I Antique Card Tables and Tea Tables
Ebony
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.