What is a card table?

Initially, the card table was used exclusively for playing cards. Nowadays, it fits perfectly into the interior of any kitchen and living room and performs various functions.

Historical reference

This piece of furniture got its name from the popular card game “ombre”, which originated in Spain. It began to enjoy particular popularity in France and England from the mid-16th century. They began to make a table especially for the game, which is called a card table. At first, ordinary tables were used for these purposes, upholstered with green cloth. In the mid-18th century, the game came to Russia, and with it this type of furniture too.

It becomes the main component of fashionable living rooms and salons of that time and indicates the prosperity and high social status of the owners. Gradually, the structure and mechanism become more complex: supporting and turning mechanisms are added.

Later, other entertainment appears, and card tables become less in demand. They began to be used for other games, and then as tables for tea, coffee, newspapers, souvenirs, flowers, and simply as an exclusive piece of furniture.

What does it look like

Card tables have many modifications. The main types include the following:

• Folding type products.Additional parts are attached to the sides, which can rise and significantly increase the surface area.
• Sliding options. The surface usually consists of two parts that move apart to the sides. You can add an additional element to the central part.
• Transformers. In this design, the tabletop can easily be turned over and turned into a coffee table or kitchen table. This is possible due to the fact that one side is covered with cloth, while the other remains smooth.

Often this is made to order for a specific interior and the wishes of the customer. A wide variety of materials can be used. There are richly decorated tables, the tops of which are covered with carvings, finished with enamel, ivory, gilding and other expensive materials.

REFERENCE! The cheapest models are considered to be products made of plastic and metal. They have a strong steel support and are particularly practical and reliable.

Which interior does it suit?

The uniqueness of card tables lies in the fact that you can choose a suitable design for almost every interior style. So, for a classic style, a semi-antique model, designed in the Empire, Classicism or Baroque style, is suitable. Expensive models are made from selected types of wood.

This type of furniture is especially appreciated by lovers of exquisite interior items. Antique card tables can be purchased at antique shows. Many interesting stories of a bygone era and a certain fashion are associated with these interior items.

Every year the opportunity to purchase such furniture on the antiques market becomes less and less. This is due, first of all, to their small number of surviving copies.Also, such furniture is most often made to order. It is possible to exactly repeat samples from centuries ago. Of course, only wealthy people can afford such furniture and this emphasizes their status.

A high-tech interior will be decorated with a product with a modern design on metal supports with a plastic or frosted glass surface. It is also covered with green cloth. There are exclusive models with one leg. They take up minimal space and can be easily moved to another location. Modern materials make it possible to make countertops of various colors and shades that imitate a wooden base. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to choose a product for almost any type of interior.

IMPORTANT! The main thing is that the card table matches the rest of the furniture and the overall style of the interior.

Features and Benefits

Card tables occupy a special place among other types of furniture. The following are their main features:

• Symmetrical, strictly proportional shape. Initially, this was necessary to ensure that each player occupied the same space at the table, and the game took place on equal terms. The traditional shape is considered to be square, but various rectangles are also found.
• Lack of footing. The small size of the furniture does not allow a person to sit comfortably if the product contains legs. Therefore, they are made without them or they come up with specially shaped legs that will not interfere with sitting.
• The presence of retractable drawers is very convenient for storing small items and accessories. Usually in such variants there are one or two such compartments.
• Luxurious decor.In most cases, this piece of furniture is made of valuable wood and richly decorated in an antique style.

Their popularity and main advantage are due to their versatility. For example, one side of the surface may be intended for playing chess and checkers, and the other for playing cards or other games.

ATTENTION! Most often, a card table combines a gaming table and a kitchen table. It has a durable folding design and a metal frame.

Before choosing the appropriate option, you need to clarify for what purpose the table is being purchased and where it will be located. We hope that this article will be useful and help you choose an interesting and multifunctional item.