Folding Card Table
Table (Utility/Folding) · Modern/Utility (Late 20th to 21st Century) · Likely a major utility brand such as Lifetime, Cosco, or Mainstays.
Type
Table (Utility/Folding)
Style Period
Modern/Utility (Late 20th to 21st Century)
Material
Steel/Aluminum frame with a vinyl or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) top and plastic foot caps.
Age Estimate
Contemporary (circa 2010-present).
Dimensions
Height: 28-30 inches; Width/Depth: 34-36 inches square. This is a standard size for residential card tables.
Origin
Likely manufactured in China or the USA; widely available through big-box retailers.
Designer/Maker
Likely a major utility brand such as Lifetime, Cosco, or Mainstays.
Value Estimate
$20 - $50 (Retail/Secondary market value).
Description
A square, black folding utility table designed for portable use, extra seating, or recreational activities. It features a minimalist, functional aesthetic with four independently folding legs that tuck into the underside for flat storage. Its presence in this setting is purely functional, serving as a display platform for decorative porcelain figurines.
Key Features
Collapsible legs, square top with rounded corners, lightweight portability, and a monochromatic black color scheme.
Color & Finish
Solid black matte finish on the top surface with a black or dark grey powder-coated finish on the metal frame.
Construction Method
Mass-produced industrial manufacture; metal frame is likely powder-coated steel with riveted or bolted folding mechanisms.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Mechanical assembly using rivets, bolts, and welds suitable for industrial mass production.
Wood Grain & Species
None; the piece is comprised of synthetic materials and metal.
Surface Treatment
Non-porous synthetic top coating designed for easy cleaning and water resistance; frame is powder-coated for scratch resistance.
Upholstery Details
None; however, the top features a stretched vinyl or padded synthetic surface typical of recreational folding furniture.
Hardware & Fittings
Steel folding leg brackets with gravity locks or slide locks; plastic floor glides.
Origin & Provenance
Likely manufactured in China or the USA; widely available through big-box retailers.
Condition Notes
Very Good; the surface appears even and the structural frame is intact, showing no signs of heavy wear or rust.
Interesting Facts
The modern folding table was popularized in the mid-20th century to accommodate the American craze for bridge and board games, eventually evolving into the highly durable plastic/metal hybrids seen today.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of domestic flexibility and temporary hospitality, used across various social strata for holidays, games, and extra workspace.
Similar Pieces
Bridge tables (usually smaller and fabric-topped) or banquet tables (long and rectangular). Distinguishable by the square dimensions and all-metal/plastic build.
Care & Maintenance
Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap; avoid abrasive cleaners that might scratch the vinyl or powder coating; store in a dry environment to prevent hinge rust.
Value Estimate
$20 - $50 (Retail/Secondary market value).
Sustainability Notes
Low sustainability due to the use of virgin plastics and non-biodegradable materials, though the durability and long lifespan offer some environmental benefit through reuse.