I was wondering if anyone here knew why a green felt playing surface became standard for card tables, and when/where that might have first occurred. I was watching Downton Abbey and saw that it was like that at the turn of the century, and was just curious how far back it went.
Note: I did a cursory search for "gaming" and "green felt" and checked the Fun and Games section of the FAQs, but if I missed something I apologize in advance.
Green wool baize was popular to line many things with, from gaming tables to writing desks, even doors or as tablecloths, by the 18th century. It is imitated by cheap felt, made by amassing many tiny fibers rather than weaving a cloth and teasing it. Green was the most popular choice because it is considered easier on the eyes, still said today to be the least fatiguing.