Nesting Tables: Perfect for Function and Style

When decorating a room, particularly one smaller in size, it seems obvious to choose furniture that is suitable for the space available while providing an element of functionality without skimping on style and design. Furthermore, choosing something with mobility, flexibility and practicality as distinguishing features means embracing the best of both worlds. 

Nesting tables are the perfect example and the ultimate trendy table to incorporate into your home. They offer the surface space of a traditional coffee table while having the design advantage of effortlessly stacking away, creating movement and flow in an open area.

What is a Nesting Table?

Nesting tables, or quartetto tables as they are sometimes known, are a wonderful accent piece regardless of the size of your home. Instead of buying a single accent table or bulky coffee table, you can get a set of two or three, each slightly smaller than the last, made to fit together in a perfect stack. 

The slight difference with nesting coffee tables is they are typically two larger round tables that can be used separately, stacked together or displayed in an interlocking pattern for maximum usage.  Round coffee tables are the most versatile shape for entertaining and match many interior décors. Unfortunately, the sharp edges of square and rectangular designs impede those walking around the furniture and create a safety hazard for small children and pets. 

They come in a variety of sizes, designs, materials and colours, meaning you will never be short of choice when outfitting your living areas. They are used mainly in the lounge but can be used in the bathroom and bedroom too. Furthermore, they are a clever addition to a playroom, providing easily accessible work tables for crafts and other activities, particularly for multiple children of various ages and heights. 

The Rise in Popularity

Although the original designs and ideas surrounding nesting tables can be dated back to the 18th century, years before the British cabinetmaker Thomas Sheraton was first credited with publishing the first drawings of a Quartetto in 1803, the true popularity and function of this accent piece were only fully utilised and appreciated post World War II. This was because large families were forced to live in small homes due to destruction, safety and requisition during the war. 

These days, as more and more people turn to smaller living spaces, either due to rising housing costs, personal preference or simple convenience, their dual purpose of function and style has pushed them into the spotlight, becoming the go-to choice for space-saving furniture. They are one of the few pieces of furniture that work equally well in a sprawling mansion and a tiny apartment. 

Adjustable Table Spacing

Nesting tables offer a lot of flexibility with their design. Coffee tables are an essential part of a properly styled living room, but if the area is on the smaller side, you may struggle to find an option that can be functional in everyday living. 

For entertaining, you can spread snacks and drinks across both tables, maximising the offered surface space for your guests. And once they leave, you can quickly push them back together to regain leg room and increased walking space. 

Space Saving

When space is limited, you run the risk of overcrowding a room trying to fit in all the basics you may need. Items like a sofa and television will feel like non-negotiables, but attempting to make a space livable might require you to axe items that take away functionality, such as side chairs, end tables and potentially your coffee table. 

A nesting table, whether regular or coffee table, can help you split the difference. Their round shape makes them easier to navigate, despite taking up the same room as a standard coffee table. This allows you to create more walkways without giving up table space. 

Their interlocking design allows you to adjust the table space available, making it suitable for solo dinners, couples date nights or an evening at home with friends. 

Finally, you will likely never have them fully separated or completely nestled. For this reason, arrange them anywhere in a room where you want to improve the flow of space and accommodate your needs. 

Embrace White Space

By design, nesting tables have to have a lot of available legroom to be used, meaning you won’t get much-added storage space, but they will have a less visual impact than a traditional coffee table. 

You can use this available white space to your advantage, as it can help a small living room or bedroom feel bigger and more open. If you choose to arrange them mostly separately from each other, the interlocking curves, tiers and shared design features create an elegant and cohesive centrepiece for your room without taking the same space needed for a typical coffee table. 

Less is More

A significant factor in the appeal of nesting tables is that they don’t look like space-saving solutions once they have been set up. While there are plenty of stylish multi-function furniture pieces available, they can sometimes make an area look cramped and bulky, especially if it is a small space to begin with. 

In fact, these simple cascading designs add motion and interest to a room while offering adaptability to suit your needs and the overall function of the purchase. This will allow any space, regardless of size, to always feel fresh and usable without compromising on style. 

Functional for all Rooms

The beauty of a nesting table is that its function and style can be utilised in multiple rooms around your home, allowing you additional opportunities to benefit from its design. While they are best used in the living room and bedroom, they offer a wonderful space to store toiletry items in the bathroom without taking too much of the limited area. 

Furthermore, they are perfect to use in a hallway as the larger table can be used for displaying photos, flowers or other design pieces. In contrast, the tucked-away portion can be used for essentials and storage—a win-win situation for functionality and design.