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Tray Tables For Sale
Small Lacquer Tray - Black
Located in London, GB
A minimal rectangular tray crafted in high-gloss lacquer, with sharp edges and cut-out side handles for ease of use. Available in a range of rich hues, the reflective gloss finish ca...
Category

2010s English Tray Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Contemporary Six Petal Tray in Cream Lacquer and Antiqued Copper by Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Six Petal Tray Antiqued Copper Cream Lacquer Hand Repoussé Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief onto sheet metal. This te...
Category

2010s Tray Tables

Materials

Copper

Set of Four Acrylic and Brass Serving Trays and Stand by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful set of four serving trays and stand designed by Charles Hollis Jones. The trays are executed in white acrylic and solid brass, these trays are one of the 20 pieces specifi...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Set of 9 Mid-Century German Space Age Modular Paper Office Tray Container, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Space Age Modular Paper Office Tray Container from Helit, 1960s, Set of 9, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Addi...
Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Plastic

Brandino Low Tray Table by Enrico Tonucci
Located in Milan, IT
A chic accessory to add a functional surface in a modern living room, this tray table is crafted of solid walnut treated with oil to give it a protective, glossy finish. The X-style ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Postmodern Italian Plastic Tray from Guzzini 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Italian Plastic Tray from Guzzini, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional inf...
Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Plastic

Mid-Century Brass Tray with Teak Veneer, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Brass Tray with Teak Veneer, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 Additional information: Materials: Metal, Teak Style: Mid-Century Modern Color: Brown ...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Oval Tray in White Quartz with Polished Stainless Steel by Kifu Paris
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Kifu Paris Oval Tray in white quartz with polished stainless steel brings an air of refined sophistication to any setting. The hand-crafted white quartz surface boasts a smooth, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Quartz, Stainless Steel

Rare Mid-Century Alminette Teak Folding Tray Table Norway, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This Mid-Century Norwegian Alminette Teak Folding Tray Table by f.m. Produkt, Frederiksberg Metalvarefabrik from the 1960s exemplifies elegant design and practicality. Comprising two...
Category

1960s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Hand Carved Alabaster Leaf Tray
Located in Miami, FL
Hand carved leaf tray made of Alabaster, 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Alabaster

Luigi Massoni Serving Trolly Guzzini
Located in Den Haag, NL
White plastic trolley This 1970s Italian serving trolley was designed by Luigi Massoni for Guzzini. The trolley features two trays, made of white plast...
Category

1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Plastic

Late 19th/Early 20th Century French Louis XV Carved Oak Tray Top Tea Table
Located in Forney, TX
A lovely French Louis XV style hand carved oak two-tier tea / dessert server table with beautifully aged warm patina. circa 1900 Born in France at the turn of the late 19th / early ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Oak

Folding rush Tray table Mirrored top France 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Folding rush Tray table Mirrored top France 1970
Category

1970s French Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Folding Beech Table by Mogens Koch for Rud Rasmussen
Located in San Francisco, CA
A beech folding table by Mogens Koch produced by Rud Rasmussens and signed with applied metal manufacturer's label to frame. Lightly restored.
Category

1960s Danish Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Set of 2 Mid-Century Danish Teak Tray with Glass, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Teak Tray with Glass, 1960s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Glass, Teak Style: Mid-Century Modern Co...
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Glass, Teak

Set of 7 Mid-Century Space Age Bowls and Tray Set from Emsa, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Space Age Bowls and Tray Set from Emsa, 1960s, Set of 7, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Mater...
Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Plastic

19th Century English Mahogany Satinwood Etagere Tray Table
Located in London, GB
This is a truly exceptional antique English Edwardian mahogany and satinwood marquetry oval two tier 'etagere', in the manner of Edwards & Roberts, circa 1890 in date. Crafted from the best flame mahogany, note the wonderful grain to the wood and the beautifully inlaid decoration with musical trophies within scrolling foliage and kingwood crossbanding. Masterfully inlaid with Sheraton influences, this etagere has an elegant refined look. The removable glass bottomed tray can be used to serve drinks, etc. It is raised on elegant square section tapering outswept legs with a shaped cross stretcher. The craftsmanship and finish are second to none. THE BOTANICAL NAME FOR THE MAHOGANY THAT THIS ITEM IS MADE OF IS SWIETENIA MACROPHYLLA AND THIS TYPE OF MAHOGANY IS NOT SUBJECT TO CITES REGULATION AND DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY RESTRICTED MATERIALS. Condition: In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 84 x Width 89 x Depth 55 Dimensions in inches: Height 33.1 x Width 35.0 x Depth 21.7 Edwards & Roberts was founded in 1845, and had premises at 21 Wardour Street London. By the 1892 they occupied more than a dozen buildings in Wardour Street, where they continued to trade until the end of the century. They became one of the leading London cabinet makers and retailers working in a variety of styles, both modern and revivalist. Their business also involved retailing, adapting and restoring the finest antique furniture and there are many examples of their earlier furniture with later embellishments bearing their stamp. Edwards & Roberts specialised in marquetry, inlay and ormolu. Marquetry is decorative artistry where pieces of material (such as wood, pewter, or brass silver) of different colours are inserted into surface wood veneer to form intricate patterns such as scrolls or flowers. The technique of veneered marquetry had its inspiration in 16th century Florence. Marquetry elaborated upon Florentine techniques of inlaying solid marble slabs with designs formed of fitted marbles, jaspers and semi-precious stones. This work, called opere di commessi, has medieval parallels in Central Italian "Cosmati"-work of inlaid marble floors, altars and columns. The technique is known in English as pietra dura, for the "hardstones" used: onyx, jasper, cornelian, lapis lazuli and colored marbles. In Florence, the Chapel of the Medici at San Lorenzo is completely covered in a colored marble facing using this demanding jig-sawn technique. Techniques of wood marquetry were developed in Antwerp and other Flemish centers of luxury cabinet-making during the early 16th century. The craft was imported full-blown to France after the mid-seventeenth century, to create furniture of unprecedented luxury being made at the royal manufactory of the Gobelins, charged with providing furnishings to decorate Versailles and the other royal residences of Louis XIV. Early masters of French marquetry were the Fleming Pierre Golle and his son-in-law, André-Charles Boulle, who founded a dynasty of royal and Parisian cabinet-makers (ébénistes) and gave his name to a technique of marquetry employing brass with pewter in arabesque or intricately foliate designs. Etagère is a piece of light furniture which was extensively made in France during the latter part of the 18th century. It consists of a series of stages or shelves for the reception of ornaments or other small articles. Like the what-not it was very often cornerwise in shape, and the best Louis XVI examples in exotic woods are exceedingly graceful and elegant. In modern usage, an étagère is often used to refer specifically to a long-legged shelf unit that fits over a bathroom toilet...
Category

1890s English Edwardian Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Set of 4 MidCentury West German Pottery WGP Stacking Bowls with Teak Tray, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century West German Pottery WGP Stacking Bowls with Teak Tray, 1960s, Set of 4, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Material: Ceramic, Teak C...
Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Teak

Art Deco Tray in Wood Marquetry, circa 1930
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Art Deco tray in wood marquetry, circa 1930.
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Walnut

Laurameroni "Imperfetto" Coffee Tables Set in Custom Materials
Located in Monza, IT
Low table with hexagonal base and rounded top with Ruggine decoration. Part of the Imperfetto Collection, they take up the modern design of the table from the same collection with...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tray Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Mid-Century Plastic Trolley Bar Container Table by Marcello Siard for Longato
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
What an iconic and vibrant piece Italian 1960s furniture this container table on wheels is. It is marked.
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Plastic

Antique Victorian Quality Oval Satinwood Inlaid Tray
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Victorian quality oval satinwood inlaid tray having a superb quality satinwood inlaid oval tea table with a shaped gallery edge and brass carryi...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Satinwood

Bar Cart in Cream Shagreen with 3 Removable Trays by Kifu, Paris
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 skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Kifu Paris bar trolley in cream...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Everlast Folding Aluminium Tray
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual serving tray with folding legs. Manufactured by Everlast, circa 1940s with "Fallen Leaves" design by Mary Wright. A Hollywood Regency and Art Deco or Industrial style.
Category

1940s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Tray Tables

Børge Mogensen, Tray Table or Cart
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen tray table with frame of mahogany. Plates of black laminate. With cutting board etc. Mounted on wheels. Model 5370, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Category

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Børge Mogensen, Tray Table or Cart
Børge Mogensen, Tray Table or Cart
$1,235 Sale Price
20% Off
Handsome Mahogany Butlers Tray Table on Folding Stand
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Handsome mahogany butlers tray on folding stand; stand has needlepointed straps with medallions as the cross supports.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Georgian Mahogany Oval Butlers Tray on Stand
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A very good quality late 18th century, Georgian period, mahogany oval butlers tray of Panelled design, retaining original brass hinges to folding sides with pierced carrying handles, raised on later square leg mahogany stand. During the 18th and 19th centuries a coffee table was not what we regard as a coffee table in the 21st century. Coffee tables back then were always full height, effectively side tables. The modern, low, coffee table is really something which began to be seen during the early 20th century onwards. Based on the above there is a variety of different methods to incorporate a coffee table into an interior for people who wish to furnish their properties with genuine antique furniture, whilst still allowing for the practicalities and function which is required in modern times. Therefore as is now normal with by far the majority of these butlers trays which we see, due to the fact they make absolutely perfect coffee tables, this has been removed from its original, tall, folding stand at some point and fitted onto a lower, more practical and sturdy stand constructed from old antique wood. It’s worth noting that generally this means an old broken table...
Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Rectangular Tray in Shagreen with Bronze Patina Brass by Kifu Paris
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Rectangular Tray in White Shagreen with Bronze Patina Brass by Kifu Paris is an epitome of understated elegance, designed to captivate with its simplicity and luxurious materials...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Portofino Large Square Tray in Black Leather
Located in Milan, IT
Impeccably handcrafted in black saddle leather, this sculptural and sophisticated tray is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and minimalist balance. Its square silhouette boasts...
Category

2010s Italian Tray Tables

Materials

Leather

Georgian Mahogany Butler s Tray on Stand, c.1800
Located in Savannah, GA
A Georgian mahogany butler’s tray on stand, circa 1800. 29 ½ inches wide by 20 ¼ inches deep by 30 inches tall measured folded down: 35 ¼ inches wide by 26 inches deep by 26 ¼ inche...
Category

Early 1800s Georgian Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

English reticulated standing rim tole tray, c. 1780-1800
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Reticulated stand rim oval tole tray with pierced hand grips. The tray has been repainted in coral red with two inset painted gold oval lines. The top edge has two chips to the paint...
Category

Late 18th Century British Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Tin

Solid Brass Tray with Engraved Decorations of Flowers Plants and Birds Italian
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Solid brass tray with engraved decorations of flowers plants and birds Italian, 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century Mahogany English Butler s Serving Bar Tray on Wooden Stand
Located in Savannah, GA
Large mahogany butlers tray on stand featuring a rectangular shaped tray with a surround gallery. with handles on either end for easy access. On folding X frame stand with heavy wove...
Category

1890s English Regency Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Large Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Round Red Tole Tray
Located in Pearland, TX
A large Mid-Century Chinoiserie dark red round tole tray with gold details. No maker's mark. This stunning tray is a nice large size decorated with hand painted figures in a Chinese ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Tray Tables

Materials

Tôle

Antique Rare Bamboo Two-Tiered Tray Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Rare antique two-tiered bamboo tray table. Both trays are removeable. The trays are both finished in a lacquered japanned style. The top has two handles making it very easy to move a...
Category

19th Century English Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Bamboo

Fredrik A. Kayser Teak Vatne Lenestolfrabikk Side Tray Table, Norway, 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
Solid teak side table with removable tray, Norway, 1950s circa. Made and marked by VATNE Lenestolfabrikk Norway, by the designer Fredrik A. Kays...
Category

1950s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak

Solid Brass Sculptural Italian Design Gold Flowers Engraved 1970 Minimal Design
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Solid brass sculptural Italian design gold flowers engraved 1970 minimal design.
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Small Georgian Mahogany Butlers Tray on Stand
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Good Quality And Unusually Small Georgian Mahogany Butlers Tray, Of Diminutive Proportion, Having Elegant Shaped Sides With Pierced Carrying Handles And Well Figured Top, Housed On Later Square Chamfered Leg Mahogany Stand. During the 18th and 19th centuries a coffee table was not what we regard as a coffee table in the 21st century. Coffee tables back then were always full height, effectively side tables. The modern, low, coffee table is really something which began to be seen during the early 20th century onwards. Based on the above there is a variety of different methods to incorporate a coffee table into an interior for people who wish to furnish their properties with genuine antique furniture, whilst still allowing for the practicalities and function which is required in modern times. Therefore it is now incredibly common to find 18th and 19th century trays of varying shape, size and design utilised as coffee tables. As with all the others that we have seen this particular tray has been fitted onto a low, practical and sturdy stand constructed from old antique wood. It’s worth noting that generally this means an old broken table...
Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Laurameroni "Imperfetto" Coffee Tables Set in Custom Materials
Located in Monza, IT
Set of two hexagonal low tables. One in mahogany and one with green parchment finish. Part of the Imperfetto Collection, they take up the modern design of the table from the same ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tray Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Folding Campaign Tray Table by Kipp Stewart and Stewaart McDougal for Drexel
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
1546 Midcentury walnut folding tray table by Drexel 1960
Category

1960s Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Palazzo Eight Valet Tray in Beige
Located in Milan, IT
Expertly crafted in a distinctive figure-eight formation, the geometric frame of this refined valet tray is made entirely of cream-colored travertine limest...
Category

2010s Italian Tray Tables

Materials

Travertine

Palazzo Eight Valet Tray in Black
Located in Milan, IT
Striking in its simplicity, this valet tray is a sophisticated addition to an entryway. The original figure-eight silhouette is made entirely of cream-color...
Category

2010s Italian Tray Tables

Materials

Travertine

Art Deco Sideboard Mirror Tray A lovely stylish piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Art Deco Sideboard Mirror Tray A lovely stylish piece, the tray is made with a mirror at the centre of its 6 sided frame a very useful piece and in good sound condition The Tray is ...
Category

1920s Art Deco Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Walnut

Great Side Tray Table, USA, 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
The table was not build to carry a heavy item such as a lamp, cup of coffee and a book is a better idea.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Black and White Pilastro Telephone Table with Perforated Rack
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960's Pilastro telephone table with white top, black perforated slanted magazine rack and chrome wire frame. In original condition with visible wear, and visible patina to the frame...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Late 20th Century Round Wood and Aluminum Inlay Lazy Susan
Located in Dallas, TX
Add decorative flair to a kitchen island, dining table, or serving buffet with this stylish late 20th-century Lazy Susan. The circular top, measuring 22 inches in diameter and 2.75 i...
Category

Late 20th Century American Tray Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Bar Trolley in Cream Shagreen Shell with 3 Removable Trays by Kifu Paris
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 skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Kifu Paris bar trolley in cream...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

1900s French Carved Wooden Butlers Tray Table
Located in High Point, NC
A 1900s French carved wooden butler’s tray table distinguished by its intricate detailing and elegant, portable form. The tray features raised, hand-carved gallery sides with decorat...
Category

Early 20th Century French Tray Tables

Materials

Wood

Aulis Leinonen and Tapio Wirkkala Beech Rythmic Veneer Trolley, Asko 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare and elegant wooden trolley in lacquered beech and rhythmic veneer, manufactured by Asko in Finland for only two years from 1950-1951. The design is a team effort between the world renowned Tapio Wirkkala and Aulis Leinonen...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Beech, Birch, Lacquer

Wicker, Bamboo and wood Bar, Breakfast or Tea Tray Table, German, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Striking mid-20th century Tray Table made of metal and bamboo with hand-woven wood and wicker fittings. Wood and wicker drink tray on top. Nice addition to your home, patio or garden. You can also use it as breakfast tray table...
Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Metal

French 19th Century Tray Table
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This charming piece is made of tole lacquered in black with gilt patterns.
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Metal

Shagreen Tray with Mother of Pearl and Brass Inserts 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

Liberty and Co Tudric 042 A large Arts and Crafts pewter tray with heart handles
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co. A large Arts and Crafts pewter tray with riveted style heart shaped handles. Stamped Tudric 042.
Category

Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Pewter

Hakou D Tray by Mason Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Hakou D tray by Mason Edition Dimensions: 60 × 26 × 9 cm Materials: Glass and iron Colours: transparent, fume or light pink glass + black metal base All the poetry, delicacy an...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Iron

Vodo bedside table / stool, in oak and metal, by Accardi Buccheri for Medulum
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Vodo is a line of furniture redefining internal landscapes. Objects made of bent sheets of metal, recalling voids like windows opened towards inhabited spaces, sculptures that become a bench, a bookcase, a bedside table or a consolle. Elementary forms inspired by architectural shapes...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Sheet Metal

Imperial Grand Rapids Mahogany Butlers Tray Table, Circa 1960s
Located in Germantown, MD
Imperial grand rapids mahogany butlers tray table, Circa 1960s. Good vintage condition. Measures 24"W x 20"D x 26.75"H W5.
Category

Mid-20th Century American American Classical Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Midcentury Colonial Tray Table Brass Bamboo Style Maison Jansen, France 1960s
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Midcentury Tray Table Brass Bamboo Style Maison Jansen, France, 1960s. colonial style removable tray. base can be folded.
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century Papier Mache Tray on Stand
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A very attractive mid 19th century oblong papier maché tray having elegant hand painted and gilded floral decoration housed on later square tapered leg stand (What better way t...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Paper

Morex Midcentury Three Levels Brass and Smoked Glass Italian Bar Cart, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Exceptional midcentury brass and smoked glass bar cart on three levels. This three-level service cart was produced by Morex in Italy during 1970s. The elegance of this wonderful p...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Antique Folding Silver Table, Chinese, Serving Tray, Afternoon Tea, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique folding silver table. A Chinese, mahogany two piece serving tray, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Delightful example of Chinese Chippendale ta...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Wood

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.

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