What is a Chinese tea table?

A Chinese tea table is a piece of furniture traditionally used in China for preparing and serving tea. It usually held a pump for drawing water and a basin for washing teacups and pots. The top doubled as a surface for resting teacups in between sips. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Chinese tea tables.

What are tea tables called?

Tea tables have different names across various regions and cultures. Japanese tea tables are called chabudai, and British tea tables are sometimes called teapoys. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique and contemporary tea tables from some of the world’s top sellers.

Irish Tea Table

George Iii Mahogany Card Table

Fold Over Game Table

Irish Chippendale

Irish Mahogany Furniture

Antique Folding Card Table

Irish Bar

Irish Georgian

Chippendale Silver Table

Irish Tea Table For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the Irish tea table you’re looking for. Each Irish tea table for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, mahogany and metal. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect Irish tea table — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. When you’re browsing for the right Irish tea table, those designed in Georgian, Regency and Baroque styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made Irish tea table over the years, but those crafted by Howard Sons Ltd are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is an Irish Tea Table?

Prices for an Irish tea table can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $2,200 and can go as high as $90,000, while the average can fetch as much as $7,900.

Finding the Right Card-tables-tea-tables for You

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.

Questions About Irish Tea Table

What is a Chinese tea table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A Chinese tea table is a piece of furniture traditionally used in China for preparing and serving tea. It usually held a pump for drawing water and a basin for washing teacups and pots. The top doubled as a surface for resting teacups in between sips. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Chinese tea tables.
What are tea tables called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Tea tables have different names across various regions and cultures. Japanese tea tables are called chabudai, and British tea tables are sometimes called teapoys. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique and contemporary tea tables from some of the world’s top sellers.

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