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Tray Tables For Sale
Antti Hakkarainen, 1930s´Wrought Iron Serving Table, Taidetakomo Hakkarainen
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
The wrought iron tray-table by Antti Hakkarainen made by Taidetakomo Hakkarainen is a beautiful piece of furniture. The tray part with beautiful ceramic tiles can be removed and used...
Category

Early 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Metal, Iron

Walnut Serving Cart or Console Table with Two Sliding Shelves, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. This serving cart / console table features a walnut frame with brass details and casters. It is a vintage piece therefore it might show slight traces of use, bu...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Folding Black Wooden Tray Table Stand
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage folding black wooden tray table stand. Size is 17.5" diameter x 18 height will hold a metal tray from 19 inches to 24 inches diameter. The ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Moorish Tray Tables

Materials

Wood

Revertable Oak Coaching, Campaign 0r Butlers Table A very clever design
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Revertable Oak Coaching, Campaign 0r Butlers Table A very clever design and a good quality sturdy piece, the table legs fold out to make a perfect square, and they have a top slot ...
Category

1930s Campaign Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Oak

Country French Provincial Style Two-Tier Tole Tray Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming country French provincial painted two-tier tray table featuring a dramatic mustard yellow finish. Crafted in Italy from painted tole metal. Each tray has a galleried edge an...
Category

20th Century Italian French Provincial Tray Tables

Materials

Metal

Laurameroni "Tray" Coffee Tables Set in Custom Materials
Located in Monza, IT
Low squared coffee table with "tray effect". Tubular base in acid-etched iron "Storm" and top in Ziricote wood. The tray coffee tables, with a modern and creative design, are desi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tray Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Champaner Tray Table Large in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Located in Noida, DL
Champaner Tray Table Large in Brass, Viya by Vikram Goyal The mystery of life is that one ends up left by going right, up by going down, and outwards by looking inwards. Simple in c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Brass and Glass Bar Cart by Cesare Lacca, Italy, 1950s.
Located in Catania, CT
This brass bar or service cart, designed by Cesare Lacca and produced in Italy in the 1950s, is in excellent vintage condition. It shows typical signs of age and use, consistent with...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Antique French Chinoiserie Papier Mache Tray Lobed Bowl
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous antique 19th-Century French Chinoiserie dark red burgundy papier mache japanned scalloped tray or lobed bowl with an Asian chinoiserie design. This fine tray is hand made ...
Category

1880s French Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Paper

Tray Table with Candle Slides. Swedish Empire
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Swedish Empire tray table with pull-out candle holders, crafted in birch with diamond inlays in maple and light satinwood stringing along the aprons and corners. The legs are...
Category

Early 19th Century Empire Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Metal

beautiful art déco TRAY marquetry from different types of wood serving tray
Located in Mannheim, DE
Art Deco tray with inlay work of various types of wood veneer (walnut, birdseye maple, rosewood). The frame is made of solid beech. Made in the 1920s to 1930s. Very beautiful marquet...
Category

1930s German Art Deco Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Wood

Moorish Moroccan Style Folding Brass Tray Drink Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome middle eastern Moroccan style brass top drinks table or tray table featuring a weathered patina on the etched top. The six leg base has a hexagonal shape with mother-of-pear...
Category

20th Century Asian Moorish Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Ico Parisi Mid-Century Mahogany Bar Cart with Trays and Bottle Holder, MB 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant bottle trolley with two pull-out trays in Khaya Anthotheca Mahogany with mid-century gold aluminium and brass handles. This fantastic piece was designed in Italy by Ico and Luisa Parisi for Mb...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tray Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Brass

A Large, Finely Inlaid George III Victorian Mahogany Oval Butler s Tray
Located in Germantown, MD
A Large Victorian period George III Style Inlaid Mahogany Two Handle Galleried Oval Tray. Solid brass handles. Good antique condition with patina. Measures 24.5" in width, 14.50" in ...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Moorish Inlaid Mother of Pearl Six Legged Brass Tray Top Folding Side Table
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Moorish inlaid mother of pearl six legged brass tray top folding side table. The inlay work makes this folding tray an exceptional handmade side table. An ebonized hand carved turne...
Category

Late 19th Century Moroccan Moorish Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Wood

Extra Large Rectangular Tray in Shagreen with Bronze Patina Brass by Kifu Paris
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This extra-large rectangular tray by Kifu Paris features a luxurious white shagreen surface framed in bronze patina brass, creating a refined contrast between texture and metal. Meas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

1960s Diseños Caaesa Folding Butler s Tray Table Hand Painted Gold Leaf
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Diseños Caaesa Folding Butler's Tray Table Hand Painted Gold Leaf on Wood Still Life Stamped by maker. 31 h x 18 d x 32 Folded 38 h x 8.75 d Wood has decorative carvings paint...
Category

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

Materials

Gold Leaf

Hans J. Wegner, tray table in solid ash. PP35
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner tray table in ash. Model PP35, Made by PP møbler.
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Shagreen Tray inlaid with Shell and Bronze Patina Brass 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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Cosmos Tray in Coal Black Shagreen, Blue Pen Shell Brass 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

Circular Cosmos Tray in Cream Shagreen, White Shell and Brass 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

Late 20th C. Regency Style Yew Wood Removable Tray On Table Stand
Located in Morristown, NJ
20th c., A beautifully crafted antique-style tray table, combining intricate woodworking with classic design elements. The tabletop is made of richly figured burl wood, featuring a s...
Category

1990s American Regency Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Folding Tray Fratelli Reguitti Bed Rectangular Laminated Wood, 1950s , Italian
Located in Rome, IT
Folding midcentury tray table Fratelli Reguitti bed rectangular laminated wood, 1950, Italian design.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Plastic, Laminate, Wood, Beech

Butler Tray Table by Baker Solid Mahogany Extends 7 Serving Table High Quality
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
Butler tray table, with a folding X-base; made from Book-Matched Solid Mahogany in Superb Craftsmanship and still in Excellent condition. Our Butler Tray Table was built in Michigan ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Set of Four Acrylic and Brass Serving Trays with 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 specific...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Victorian Mahogany and Marquetry Oval Tray Table
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
An ovoid form tray with two curved handles and a scalloped gallery rim on a felt lined oval Stand to create a low table. The center with musical trophies marquetry.
Category

1870s English Victorian Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Oval Tray in Coal Black Shagreen with Bronze-Patina Brass 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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Oval Tray in Cream Shagreen with Bronze-Patina Brass 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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Shagreen Tray with Blue Pen Shell 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

Rectangular Tray in Natural Cream Shagreen Bronze Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This elegant rectangular tray by R&Y Augousti is a stunning display of luxurious craftsmanship. With its sleek natural cream shagreen surface, it exudes sophistication, while the con...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Shagreen Tray Inlaid with Shell and Bronze Patina Brass 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. A classic rectangle tray revisited; this Kifu Paris Chital II tray inlaid...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

1960s vintage gold brass and crystal coffee table Italian design
Located in None, IT
Coffee table with casters, gilt brass crystal frame and mirrors, with pull-out tray, lighter and ashtray, Italian design, 1960s. CONDITION: In good condition, may show signs of wear...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Chinoiserie Lacquer Tray on Bespoke Stand, Circa 1880-1890 s.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Chinoiserie Lacquer Tray on Bespoke Stand, Circa 1880-1890's.
Category

Late 19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Large Antique Edwardian Oval Quality Figured Mahogany Tea Tray on Stand
Located in Suffolk, GB
Large Antique Edwardian oval quality figured mahogany tea tray on stand having a removable quality figured mahogany oval tea tray with brass carrying...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Tray Tables

Materials

Other

18th century, Italian Baroque Lacquered and Gilt Center Tray Table
Located in IT
18th century, Italian Baroque Lacquered and Gilt Center Tray Table This baroque table in lacquered and gilded wood was made in Turin in the eighteenth century according to the chara...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Wood

Hexagonal Plate in Solid Brass Gold Italian Design 1970 Tray
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Hexagonal plate in solid brass gold Italian design 1970 tray, elegant piece.
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Black Forest Oak Tray with Foliate Carving and Branch Handles, circa 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
A richly carved Black Forest serving tray in oak, dating to the late 19th century, circa 1880. This hand-carved piece showcases the traditional craftsmanship associated with the Blac...
Category

Late 19th Century European Black Forest Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Oak

Stunning Antique Arts Crafts Era Carved Oak Folding Display / Drinks Cabinet
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish and practical design, drinks table. If you are looking for a good quality, good condition and stylish drinks table or cabinet than this antique specimen could be the one. Th...
Category

Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

English Antique Military Campaign Design Butlers Tray and Folding Stand
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Bevan Funnell Military Campaign George III Butlers Tray. With folding Stand having foldable galleried handles brass idents and feet A wonderful tray for drinks...
Category

20th Century British British Colonial Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

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

Shagreen Tray Inlaid with Shell and Bronze Patina Brass 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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Shagreen Tray with Blue Pen Shell 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 skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Cocteau tray is a stunning tabletop piece for any space. Available in light or dark colour way inlaid in a mixture of shagreen, pen shell and bronze-patina brass. This listing is for the dark colour way: blue pen...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Extra Large Round Tray in Shagreen with Bronze Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Extra Large Round Tray by R&Y Augousti exudes elegance with its luxurious black shagreen surface, expertly framed in bronze patina brass. This hand-crafted tray, with its clean l...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Laurameroni "Tray" Coffee Tables Set in Custom Materials
Located in Monza, IT
Rounded coffee table with "tray effect". Tubular base in acid-etched iron "Storm" and top in tin back-painted glass. The Tray coffee tables, with a modern and creative design, are...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tray Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Outdoor Serve Table with Sheet Metal Perforated Rectangular Tray, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Authentic fifties outdoor garden serve table in perforated sheet metal lacquered in white with one removable rectangular tray incorporating a wrought iron bottle holder and one maga...
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass, Wrought Iron

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 skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Lunar light...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Figured Mahogany Tray Table on Painted Base
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Vintage figured mahogany oval tray with standing scolloped rim mounted on a painted conforming apron with four square tapered legs terminating in spade feet.
Category

20th Century Tray Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany, Paint

Midcentury Solid Brass Tray Carved in the Shape of Leaf Italy 1950 Signed RANA
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Midcentury solid brass tray carved in the shape of leaf Italy 1950 signed RANA.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Marquetry Table Top with Kaleidoscopic Pattern, Made in Italy
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Incredible marquetry table top in kaleidoscopic mirroring patterns, using various hardwoods. Table top consists of eight sections, forming a circular whole. Old world intricate marq...
Category

1980s Italian Eastlake Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Wood

1940s Georgian Mahogany Glass Tray Top Pedestal Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Georgian style vintage mahogany tray top pedestal table. Loose tray top. Clean vintage condition of the 1940s. Measures 26.5W x 19.25D x 19H. Fo...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Georgian Tray Tables

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

Dish Made In Silver Plated Brass From 1930s
Located in Lejre, DK
This elongated dish, crafted from silver-plated brass and dating back to the 1930s, is a beautiful example of the elegant design and fine craftsmanship of the early 20th century. The...
Category

1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Silver, Brass

Antique French Louis XVI Neoclassical Inlaid Glass Tray Top Table
Located in Forney, TX
A sophisticated French antique Louis XVI style Neoclassical taste convertible mahogany serving table. Born in Paris, France in the early 20th century, hand-crafted of warm, rich, solid mahogany wood, the elegant Parisan dessert server / cocktail drinks bar cart / tea table having a large removable tray top with brass handles and glass bottom, resting on a two tiered table, the upper and lower tier tabletop featuring striking mahogany with stunning grain detail, warm hue, rich coloring, and beautifully aged patina that adds a rich dark warmth, distinctive depth and mellow luminous sheen that can only be acquired over long periods of time. The upper level is framed by intricate exotic boxwood and ebony banding and stringing raised rim, the lower level having four drop down shelves that can act as extensions, each shelf having serpentine shaped stepped molded edge and patinated brass hardware, all rising on four squared tapered legs garnished with four rows of satinwood sting inlay. The fine antique serving table...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage French Lucite Tray Table
Located in Austin, TX
Tray table from France featuring a Lucite x-shape base that folds out to support a Lucite tray top. The Lucite tray is framed with brass trim and features a textured pattern througho...
Category

1980s French Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Corner furniture triptych, Italy 1970s
Located in Napoli, IT
Corner furniture triptych
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Anglo Indian Inlaid Server with Trays
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout vintage Anglo Indian server or bar crafted in indigenous hardwood with an ebonized finish featuring drop leaves, turned legs, three trays and floral bone inlays throughout. Closed depth is 18...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Tray Tables

Materials

Bone, Hardwood

1950s Hanging Metal Brass Tray Mid Century Modern Chinoiserie Wall Decor 35 in D
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large vintage Asian handcrafted round tray with a patina from the 1950s. The tray features a hanging hook, allowing it to be displayed on a wall or placed flat as a centerpiece on a ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinoiserie Tray Tables

Materials

Brass

Laurameroni "Tray" Coffee Tables Set in Custom Materials
Located in Monza, IT
Low elliptical coffee table with "tray effect". Tubular base in acid-etched iron "Storm" and top in Alambra Brown marble. The Tray coffee tables, with a modern and creative design...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tray Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Art Deco Side Tray Table, 20th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
Elegant French walnut Art Deco Tray Table on Removable Wheels (20th Century) Crafted with a richly varnished surface, this exquisite side table embodies the geometric sophistication ...
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Tray Tables

Materials

Walnut

Swedish 19th century oak butlers tray from Bäckaskog castle
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century oak butlers tray from Bäckaskog castle circa 1890 Fine quality butlers tray on stand from Bäckaskog castle in Sweden.  Removable tray with 3/4 moulded gallery and turne...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Gothic Revival Antique Tray Tables

Materials

Oak

Kartell Multi Rectangular Tray Table by Piero Lissoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is an articulated system of table surfaces for the home or office. The construction concept of the design is based on small tables and shelf systems, with patterns and finishes ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tray Tables

Materials

Plastic

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.