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Space Saving Solutions: Nesting Tables

It's a Side Table, it's a Night Stand, It's a Coffee Table! Nesting Tables Put a Surface Right Where You Need One

Becky Harris December 27, 2010

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected." I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More

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The turn of a new year comes with massive "Get Organized!" goals, and along with these efforts we often wonder how we can save space. Nesting tables are hard working sets that save floor space when you need it, but can provide added table surface space when necessary. These handy sets are great to use as side tables, coffee tables, and even nightstands. If you purchase a set, their versatility will never cease to amaze you.

Modern Modern

Modern - $398

These Eclipse Nesting Tables can be spread out to make a large coffee table, spread around the room as side tables, or be overlapped closer together.

Contemporary Living Room by Philpotts Interiors

Philpotts Interiors

This handsome set of nesting tables fits snugly next to the chair and provides a surface for a table lamp. When company comes over the tables can be spread around the room to hold drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

Contemporary Living Room Contemporary Living Room

Here a set of side tables has been composed in a staggered arrangement, each level sticking out a few inches so that the surface is not blocked by these wingback chairs. This kind of versatility ensures you will always be able to use them with almost any seating arrangement.

Contemporary Family Room by CNW PRODUCTION

Another staggered pose allows the tablescape to extend at different heights.

Contemporary Living Room by Giulietti Schouten Weber Architects

Giulietti Schouten Weber Architects

Nesting tables with clear glass tops take up even less visual space. Note how the extra seating stools nest underneath the sofa table in this room. This "nesting level" creates a unifying horizontal plane as your eye takes in the whole room.

Beach Style utopia projects

These geometric tables are not technically nesters, but they have borrowed bits of the aesthetic from classic nesting tables.

Traditional Family Room by Sutton Suzuki Architects

Sutton Suzuki Architects

This is a traditional set of nesting tables. They have been extended to match the depth of the sofa.

Modern Living Room by David Churchill - Architectural Photographer

David Churchill - Architectural Photographer

Modern furniture designers have adapted the look to form circular nesting coffee tables.

Modern Living Room by User

Here's an aerial view of the round nesting coffee tables. They function as trays with legs.

Traditional Living Room by Rick Hoge

The choices available seem to know no bounds; there is even a set for those who love wild animal prints!

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Hillsdale Presque Isle Wood Counter Height Swivel Stool

Hillsdale Presque Isle Wood Counter Height Swivel Stool

$175

3 Drawer 4 Door Cabinet L60"W14"H36" Silver Clear, Silver/Clear Mirror

3 Drawer 4 Door Cabinet L60"W14"H36" Silver Clear, Silver/Clear Mirror

$1,061

Pomona Metal and Wood Bench

Pomona Metal and Wood Bench

$300

Viper 26" Counter Height Swivel Gray Faux Leather Bar Stool

Viper 26" Counter Height Swivel Gray Faux Leather Bar Stool

$227

Alpine Furniture Flynn Mid Century 2 Drawer Wood Nightstand in Acorn Brown

Alpine Furniture Flynn Mid Century 2 Drawer Wood Nightstand in Acorn Brown

$189

Hodedah 7 Drawer Chest in Black

Hodedah 7 Drawer Chest in Black

$315

Comments (4)

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Becky Harris

Oh cool, I did not know that - the image is from Design Within Reach's catalog! I wonder how many other shots in their catalog are from there?

Like December 29, 2010 at 7:21AM

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PRO

Casart Coverings

Your subject recalled to mind a set of traditional mahogany nesting tables that belonged to my mother. They were always nested together between two chairs in the living room. She gave them to my daughter who lives in a rowhouse in Old Town Alexandria. Space and function are premium considerations for furniture there. She uses them in her den for end tables or even TV tables when people gather to watch a game. It's nice for me to walk into my daughter's home and see something that belonged to my mother being used in a different way by a different generation!

1 Like December 29, 2010 at 9:51AM

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ellie48

I love nesting tables. They are functional and we are all looking for function!! Thanks again. A good post.

Like February 5, 2012 at 9:48AM

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