Tea Tables

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Tea Tables

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EMBRACE THE FANCY CHARMS OF A VINTAGE TEA TABLE

Don’t let their antiquated-sounding moniker fool you. Vintage tea tables aren’t the blaring anachronisms you might think. Yes, these stately tables were once integral in the now-defunct ritual of high tea, but that doesn’t mean they’re talismans of a bygone era. Perfect for bringing a sense of provenance to any space, vintage American and English tea tables are worth employing in living rooms, bedrooms, and beyond. Strictly a coffee consumer, but intrigued by the notion of adding an antique tea table to your space and want to know more? Read on to discover everything you need to know about this pedigreed perch.

What Are Tea Tables?

Tea tables originated in late 17th century England. While tea had been circulating among the high courts since 1650, limited trade routes had prevented the drink from going mainstream. However, as trade routes increased and more tea leaves infiltrated the market, tea-drinking grew in popularity among the common English classes. Aiming to mimic the high teas that were held in royal courts, the English began holding afternoon teas. These hours-long teas were part social affair, part epicurean, with bite-size sandwiches and pastries arranged on serveware which more often than not rested on a small serving table. To fill the demand for these small serving tables, furniture makers began crafting “tea tables,” small, rectangular tables often outfitted with a raised rim to act as a sort of tray. To own a tea table in the 17th century was considered to be the epitome of good taste.

As time wore on, the tea table evolved to fit shifting consumer tastes. Rectangular top tables fell out of fashion around 1720, as round-top tea tables became all the rage. Many even came equipped with tilting tops that could be flipped up to reduce the table’s footprint when not in use. Craftspeople also adopted the reigning styles of the day into designs, including Chippendale, Queen Anne, Georgian, and later on, Victorian style. Queen Anne tea tables are likely to feature rectangular tops with simple, understated cabriole legs and oftentimes a scalloped apron of some kind. In contrast, Victorian tea tables are often heftier pieces of furniture with round or octagonal tops. Many feature elaborate bases with several supporting posts and scrolled feet or hefty plinth bases.