Art Deco Chrome and Walnut Reading Stand or Over Bed Table
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Art Deco Chrome and Walnut Reading Stand or Over Bed Table This is a one off and very beautifully designed versatile piece, the table has an easily adjustable height, so when set l...
Walnut
Chinoiserie Breakfast Tray Table on Faux Bamboo Folding Stand c.1890
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in this beautiful antique Chinoiserie Breakfast Tray on Faux Bamboo Folding Stand C.1890. This tray is very versatile you can use it for breakfast in bed or as a tray table or s...
Metal
Victorian Mahogany Over Bed Reading Stand by John Carter, 1870
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Victorian mahogany, over bed reading stand table, This is a very beautiful and versatile piece, the table has an easily adjustable height, so will sit over a bed or a chair, and t...
Mahogany
Antique English Oak Folding Reading & Breakfast Table with Gallery Sides
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Both decorative and highly practical, this versatile piece could be used as a breakfast-in-bed table, reading stand, laptop table, serving tray or occasional table.
Brass
Carved Pine Breakfast Bed Tray Table
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Carved pine breakfast bed tray table. This is a good Country Piece, it has a scratch carved decoration on the top.
Pine
Victorian Walnut, Reading Stand Over Bed Table, Tray Table
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Victorian walnut, reading stand over bed table, This is a very versatile piece, the table has an easily adjustable height, so will sit over a bed or a chair and this tilts too if...
Walnut
Rare Antique Victorian Foldable Breakfast / Reading Bed Tray
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Antique Victorian Rare Reading / Breakfast Adjustable Bed Tray. Ideal for Persons Wishing To Read, Write or Eat While Relaxing In Bed.
Mahogany
19th Century Adjustable Campaign Reading Tray
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Leveson also made folding Campaign beds. Used as a serving tray or a bed reading table, this wonderful piece will add the romance of the sophisticated yet casual world traveller to y...
English Mahogany Bed Service Tray
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An English mahogany bed service tray, early 20th century.
Mahogany
Bed Tray by Robert Wengler, Copenhagen, Denmark, 1930s-1940s
By Robert Wengler
Located in Lund, SE
A rattan bed tray by Robert Wengler, Copenhagen, Denmark. Labeled with metal makers mark, 1930s-1940s.
Rattan
Adjustable Bed Side or Reading Table, Biedermeier
Located in Berlin, DE
For use on a bed or fireplace chair, as a tray or as a reading pad.
Brass
Sold
H 9.25 in W 25 in D 17 in
Pair of Oak Victorian Collapsible Bed Trays or Lap Desks, Turn of the Century
Located in Crockett, CA
Pair of traditional style Victorian turn of the century bed trays or lap desks. The legs are collapsible for easy compact storage. The trays have a recessed edge at the front and a r...
Oak
English Chinoiserie Tole Tray Table
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a very good example of an English Victorian Tole Tray decorated with a Chinoiserie theme. The tray is in overall very good condition with normal indications of use over its 1...
Metal
$1,430
H 33.86 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
Antique 19th Century Bamboo Two Tier Side Table with Lacquared Chinoiserie Decor
Located in Steinheim am Albuch, BW
Charming and highly decorative chinoiserie bamboo side table with two lacquered tiers. Both shelfs are hand painted in blacks and reds and gold and for its age the the colors of the...
Wood, Bamboo
$1,800
H 27.25 in W 24.88 in D 21 in
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Chinoiserie Bamboo Hand Painted Lacquer Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Chinoiserie Table A striking 19th century Aesthetic Movement bamboo Chinoiserie table, featuring hand-painted birds in flight and perched amon...
Bamboo, Wood, Paint
$3,700
H 30.25 in W 75 in D 31.75 in
Antique English Country Farm Dining Breakfast Table Farmhouse 75" Wide Oak 19thC
Located in Tyler, TX
CHARMING Antique English Country Farmhouse Oak Breakfast Dining Table ~~75" Wide~~Late 19th C. This table has "the look"~~one of our most often requested items~~Versatile size~~turn...
Oak
Bamboo Occasional Table with Lacquered Top, English, ca. 1880
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Bamboo Occasional Table with Lacquered Top, English, ca. 1880. The art of using bamboo in furniture making originated in China, dating as far back as the early 1600's and would later...
Bamboo, Rattan
English Chinoiserie Style Faux Bamboo Lacquered Tray Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming English chinoiserie style faux bamboo cocktail table featuring a paper-maché lacquered tray top decorated with intricate Asian motifs. The tray has parcel gilt pagodas and l...
Wood
$1,361Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 50.4 in W 34.26 in D 19.69 in
Victorian Carters Telescopic Reading Table
By John Carter
Located in Dereham, GB
Victorian Carters Patent Telescopic Reading / Music stand, Walnut Lectern, with fold down support, & pair Brass front swivel supports, Beech Support bracket,with open centre slot , ...
Brass, Iron
$1,695
H 24.5 in W 32.5 in D 14.5 in
Early 20th Century Antique English Oak Folding Campaign or Camp Table
Located in Peabody, MA
An early 20th century English oak folding campaign or camp table. Folded size 37.5" high, 15" wide, 4" thick.
Oak
$1,200
H 19 in W 31.5 in D 25.75 in
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.
Lacquer
19th Century Chinoiserie Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th century chinoiserie table, probably Chinese export, circa late 19th century. This was probably originally intended as a sewing table, but it is a versatile size and can be used ...
Metal
$2,354
H 29.14 in W 33.08 in D 16.93 in
Antique Victorian Carter’s Patent London Mahogany Adjustable Bed Reading Table
By John Carter (Furniture)
Located in Glasgow, GB
An original 19th century mahogany Carter’s Patent revolving bed or reading table dating to c.1890. Of super quality & design this versatile table was intended to be used under a bed ...
Brass
$4,895
H 19.5 in W 28.75 in D 21.88 in
Chinoiserie Papier Mache Tray Table (Tray on Stand) from England
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful English tray table or tray on stand from the Aesthetic Movement Period, featuring a rectangular tray of papier mache with a recessed center showing a decorative Chinoiser...
Wood, Paper
$5,975
H 28 in Dm 28 in
Art Deco Gueridon Table in Book-Matched Walnut, Lacquered Legs & Nickel Sabots
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Art Deco Gueridon table was realized in France circa 1935. It features a four-pointed base in bookmatched walnut capped on the ends with brushed nickel sabots. Four str...
Nickel
$2,200
H 28.75 in W 39.38 in D 23.5 in L 28.75 in
French 19th Century Oak Refectory Style Bistro Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French, late 19th century solid oak table from a bistro or cafe, like an abbreviated refectory-style table for a wide range of functions around the home. The planks of the top surfac...
Oak
Stylized Art Deco Chrome and Mahogany Side Table
Located in Norwood, NJ
Art Deco chrome and mahogany side table. Four chrome plated rounded flat metal legs. Mahogany square top and base. Comes with glass top not photographed.
Metal, Chrome
19th Century French Chinoiserie Side Table in Lacquered Wood
Located in Stockbridge, GA
19th century French chinoiserie side table.
Wood
$1,150
H 18 in W 24.5 in D 17.5 in
Wonderful Bamboo Oval Handpainted Tole Coffee Cocktail Side Tray Table
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Bamboo Form Base Oval Handpainted Tole White With Gold Coffee / Cocktail / End / Removable Tray Table
Metal
Rosso Glass Wall Mirror
By Specchi Veneziani
Located in Milan, IT
Crafted in the finest Murano tradition, this exquisite Venetian mirror is a true work of art. Assembled with crystal and gold elements, and adorned with red glass flowers, each piece...
Glass
Art Deco Outdoor Hook for Shopping Bags Vienna Around 1920s
Located in Wien, Au
Art Deco Outdoor Hook for Shopping Bags Vienna Around 1920s Original condition
Metal
$4,679Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 23.63 in Dm 27.56 in
Rezzonico chandelier 5 arms clear Murano glass, multicolor details by Multiforme
By Multiforme
Located in Venezia, Veneto
Kia Ora chandelier 5 lights clear Murano glass with blue and ruby trims, multicolour vitreous paste details. Kia Ora is the combination of the traditional Venetian structure with g...
Blown Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
Modern Brass + Walnut Ava Sconce in Tan Leather, Plug in
By Lostine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Add an element of elevated design to your walls with the custom-made Ava Wall Sconce. A perfect marriage of form and function, its brass arm and full range of motion shade lock into ...
Brass
$55,000
H 22.5 in W 175.5 in D 87.5 in
'Tucroma' Leather Bed and Nightstands by Guido Faleschini for i4Mariani, Italy
By Guido Faleschini, i4 Mariani
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This famous 'Tucroma' bed design, as seen in the Lenny Kravitz Architectural Digest magazine photoshoot, was designed by Guido Faleschini in the 1970s and produced by i4Mariani (Ital...
Chrome
$2,978Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 59.85 in W 34.26 in D 13.39 in
Early 1900s Globe Wernicke Four Tier Glazed Sectional Barrister's Bookcase
By Globe Wernicke
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Globe Wernicke four tier glazed sectional / modular / barrister's bookcase 1920s Comes apart in sections for easy transportation. Height 152cm Width 87cm Depth at top and base plin...
Brass
$3,662
H 39.38 in W 29.53 in D 33.08 in
Stunning Henning Kjærnulf Style High Back Armchair of Solid Oak Denmark 1970s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Stunning Danish Henning Kjærnulf style high-backed farmers chair. Crafted by Danish skilled carpenter in the 1970s, reupholstered with new sheepskin and new rubber girths. The fram...
Oak, Sheepskin
19th Century Italian Gold Gilt Headboard
Located in San Angelo, TX
Stunning Italian gold gilt headboard featuring blue and white upholstery. Keep as is or reupholster to your liking. This is such a unique and gorgeous piece and is ready to hang on t...
Upholstery, Hardwood, Giltwood
$18,100Sale Price|24% Off
H 39.5 in W 53 in D 25 in
Important Maison Jansen Velvet and Gilt Canapé, c. 1930s, Signed
By Maison Jansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful Maison Jansen settee in emerald green velvet and gilt frame, signed underneath with remnants of Jansen stamp. Incredible collectors piece, with exquisite detail and craft...
Wood, Velvet
19th Century Chinese Canopy Wedding Bed
Located in Marbella, ES
This is a wonderful example of a canopy bed from Shanghai Province, China. Made of Chinese Northern Elm, this bed features hoofed feet and multiple floral carvings. The exterior ...
Gold Leaf
French alp wood armchair
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Unique French alp wood armchair
Wood
$1,445
H 29 in W 18 in D 18 in
Chinoiserie Two Tier Side Table With Brass Paw Feet, Maison Bagues Style
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just arrived! This wonderful Chinoiserie Two Tier Side Table With Brass Paw Feet, in the Maison Bagues Style The two shelfs have a different decor, one with a figure on a horse, th...
Wood
Vintage Brass And Opaline Glass Ceiling Light
Located in London, GB
Vintage Style Brass & Opaline Ceiling Light. The frame formed of tubular brass with ball, spindle and finial decoration. Two large glass shades with brass trim. Ideal for a kitchen i...
Brass
Serving Tray on a Folding Stand
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style serving tray with a removable top with a herringbone reed surface in a bamboo frame with brass handles on a mahogany folding base carved with a palm leaf motif...
Bamboo
Raymond Subes French Art Deco Steel and Marble Console Table
By Raymond Subes
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Deco steel console table with a verde antico / green marble top and conforming base joined by scrolling apron & legs (Attributed to RAYMOND SUBES)
Marble, Steel
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.
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Fans of the French film star may be surprised to learn that he had a flair for furniture with sleek lines and disco-era flash.
Like other pieces in the firm’s Candy Box collection, the cheerful limited-edition design showcases French craft.
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
The designer’s innovative use of an unexpected material gives this console a lift.
The stately piece brings both gravitas and whimsy to any work space.
Use them as tables or stools, indoors or out.