11 Best Compact Nest-of-tables Creators Love
Presenting a bold statement: Nesting tables are the single most underrated space-saver and style booster you can add to your living room this year.
I’m writing as someone who obsessively shops for small-format furniture and watches top YouTubers like House & Home, Mr. Kate, and Living Big In A Tiny House test pieces on camera. I’ve curated 11 compact nest-of-tables that creators love, tried many myself, and paired each pick with practical advice so you can shop confidently.
Why nest-of-tables? (short version)
Nest-of-tables is the ultimate multi-tasker: they give you layers, flexible surface area, and sculptural interest without stealing floor space. Need extra serving surfaces for guests? Pull them out. Want a layered vignette beside a sofa? Stack them. Want a bedside duo for reading and coffee? Nest them.
How I chose these 11
I leaned on three things creators praise on YouTube: build quality, visual versatility, and compact footprint. I prioritized reputable brands with accurate product pages and reliable dimensions. I also weighted reviews for real-life wear (kids, cat claws, morning coffee spills). Finally, I tested styling potential—texture, finish, and how the set photographs for Pinterest.
1) West Elm Tiered Metal Nesting Tables (West Elm Tiered Side Table Set)
I saw these on multiple decor channels for their sculptural metalwork and matte finish. The set includes three tables with progressively smaller tops that tuck neatly under each other.
- Features: Powder-coated steel frames, stamped metal tops with a subtle lip, stackable design.
- Materials & finish: Black matte and Warm Brass frame options; textured metal tops.
- Dimensions (typical): Large: 20″ W x 18″ D x 20″ H; medium: 16″ W x 14″ D x 18″ H; small: 12″ W x 12″ D x 16″ H.
- Visuals: The matte metal reads modern-industrial, and the warm brass option gives a glam edge.
- Why creators love it: Sturdy enough for daytime styling shoots and light enough to shift around the room quickly.
- Personal testimonial: I used the black set beside a linen sofa for a month—perfect for a lamp and an evening glass of wine. The finish resists fingerprints better than I expected.
- Value proposition: Great mid-range price for a set that looks designer and travels well between rooms.
Who should buy: Small apartments, industrial or modern interiors, and anyone who wants a low-maintenance metal finish.
2) Article Seno Nesting Tables (Article Seno Coffee & Side Table Set)
Article’s Seno set blends Scandinavian curves with a compact footprint. Minimal lines, warm wood grain, and tapered legs make this one a perennial YouTube favorite.
- Features: Solid oak veneer tops, tapered solid wood legs, effortless nesting geometry.
- Materials & finish: Natural oak, walnut, or black-stained finishes; clear lacquer protective coat.
- Dimensions: Large: 24″ L x 16″ W x 18″ H; medium: 20″ L x 14″ W x 16″ H; small: 15″ L x 12″ W x 14″ H.
- Visuals: The grain runs beautifully across the tabletops, giving depth in photos and in person.
- Why creators love it: Timeless look that pairs with mid-century modern pieces or contemporary neutrals.
- Personal testimonial: I styled mine with ceramic vases and a woven tray—they’ve held steaming mugs without a mark.
- Value proposition: Solid build and versatile finishes make it a long-term investment for modest budgets.
Who should buy: Lovers of mid-century modern aesthetics and wood textures.
3) CB2 Peek Nesting Tables (CB2 Peek Nesting Table Set)
CB2’s Peek set is a light, airy option with glass tops and slim metal frames that won’t visually clutter a tiny space.
- Features: Tempered glass tops, powder-coated steel frames, non-slip pads.
- Materials & finish: Clear glass with black or matte brass frames; optional smoked glass for moodier styling.
- Dimensions: Large: 22″ W x 18″ D x 19″ H; medium: 18″ W x 14″ D x 17″ H; small: 14″ W x 12″ D x 15″ H.
- Visuals: Transparent tops keep the floor and rugs visible—perfect for making a small living room feel bigger.
- Why creators love it: Photogenic on camera and easy to clean after craft or snack sessions.
- Personal testimonial: The smoked glass version added just enough drama to my neutral scheme, while still reading delicate.
- Value proposition: Keeps the feeling of openness and doesn’t compete with patterned rugs or art.
Who should buy: Owners of small spaces who want to maintain visual openness.
4) IKEA GLADOM Nesting Tables (IKEA GLADOM Side Table Set)
IKEA’s GLADOM nesting tables are budget-friendly classics that show up everywhere in creator flats and dorms.
- Features: Lightweight, tray-style tops, folding legs on some variations.
- Materials & finish: Powder-coated steel; white, black, and sometimes pastel options.
- Dimensions: Typical: Large: 19.5″ W x 13.75″ D x 22″ H; small: 15.75″ W x 11.75″ D x 19″ H.
- Visuals: Clean, utilitarian, and ideal for quick rearrangement.
- Why creators love it: Super affordable and dependable for staging and quick shoots.
- Personal testimonial: I’ve used the white set as a temporary bedside table—easy to move when guests stay.
- Value proposition: Extremely accessible price, decent durability for everyday use.
Who should buy: Students, temporary renters, and those needing flexible furnishing on a budget.
5) Pottery Barn Tanner Nesting Tables (Pottery Barn Tanner Rectangular Nesting Tables)
Pottery Barn’s Tanner set is classic and chunky—leaning into refined traditional looks that photograph warm and inviting.
- Features: Solid pine tops, thick square legs, lower stretcher on the largest table.
- Materials & finish: Distressed walnut and whitewashed finishes; sealed top for durability.
- Dimensions: Large: 24″ L x 18″ W x 20″ H; medium: 20″ L x 14″ W x 18″ H; small: 16″ L x 12″ W x 16″ H.
- Visuals: The distressed finish adds lived-in character for cozy, cottage-like rooms.
- Why creators love it: Durable, substantial, and excellent for layered styling.
- Personal testimonial: I’ve used this set to anchor a reading nook—the top accepts a lamp and a stack of books without wobble.
- Value proposition: Looks high-end and lasts longer than many mass-market options.
Who should buy: Fans of farmhouse, cottage, and traditional interiors.
6) West Elm Box Frame Nesting Tables (West Elm Box Frame Nesting Table Set)
This set is more geometric—a boxy profile and inset tops that feel modern and sculptural.
- Features: Box-frame metal base, inset engineered wood tops, anti-scratch felt pads.
- Materials & finish: Black or antique brass frames; oak or walnut-finish tops.
- Dimensions: Large: 22″ W x 17″ D x 20″ H; medium: 18″ W x 14″ D x 18″ H; small: 14″ W x 12″ D x 16″ H.
- Visuals: The negative space inside the box frame creates a floating-top look.
- Why creators love it: Strong silhouettes that read well on camera and hold styling props securely.
- Personal testimonial: The walnut top warmed up my cool-toned living room and resisted water rings better than expected.
- Value proposition: Designer aesthetic with practical finishes.
Who should buy: Modern stylists and anyone wanting a sculptural statement without huge scale.
7) Restoration Hardware Teen Milled Nesting Tables (RH Teen Nesting Set)
Restoration Hardware’s entry-level nesting set for teens is built to last and feels like a mini heirloom.
- Features: Solid wood construction, mortise-and-tenon joints, protective finish.
- Materials & finish: Whitewashed oak, natural oak, and dark-stained options.
- Dimensions: Large: 24″ L x 16″ W x 20″ H; medium: 19″ L x 14″ W x 18″ H; small: 15″ L x 12″ W x 16″ H.
- Visuals: Clean lines, tactile wood grain, and a weighty presence that photographs warm.
- Why creators love it: Feels premium and will survive the wear-and-tear of busy family life.
- Personal testimonial: I used this in a living space with kids—the finish hides tiny scratches well.
- Value proposition: Higher price, but excellent longevity and classic looks make it a cost-per-year winner.
Who should buy: Families and those who require durable, long-lasting pieces.
8) Target Threshold Brass Nesting Tables (Threshold Brass Nesting Table Set)
Target’s Threshold line often partners practicality with trend-aware finishes, and their brass nesting tables are very buzzy.
- Features: Metal frames, faux marble tops (lightweight engineered), rubber feet.
- Materials & finish: Antique brass legs, white-veined faux marble tops.
- Dimensions: Large: 20″ W x 16″ D x 18″ H; medium: 16″ W x 12″ D x 16″ H; small: 12″ W x 10″ D x 14″ H.
- Visuals: The warm brass and white-vein tops read luxe at a friendly price.
- Why creators love it: Cheap to replace and perfect for quick luxe shoots without the marble heft.
- Personal testimonial: I used one as a plant stand—zero staining and easy to reposition for light.
- Value proposition: High visual impact for low spend.
Who should buy: Trend-focused buyers who want the marble look without the marble price.
9) Crate & Barrel Morrow Nesting Tables (Crate & Barrel Morrow Nesting Set)
Crate & Barrel’s Morrow set balances mid-century lines and modern materials for a refined but approachable aesthetic.
- Features: Solid wood rims, engineered wood tops, bentwood legs with a slight flare.
- Materials & finish: Walnut veneer tops with maple or walnut legs; matte lacquer finish.
- Dimensions: Large: 23″ L x 16″ W x 19″ H; medium: 19″ L x 14″ W x 17″ H; small: 15″ L x 12″ W x 15″ H.
- Visuals: The rim detail and tapered legs catch the light for a photogenic shadow play.
- Why creators love it: It’s elegant in both sleek modern apartments and layered boho rooms.
- Personal testimonial: I loved how the walnut tone popped against a cream rug in my living room photos.
- Value proposition: Classic, versatile styling with good construction for the price.
Who should buy: Those who want a designer feel that’s still approachable and practical.
10) AllModern Clareton Nesting Tables (AllModern Clareton Set)
AllModern’s Clareton set has a contemporary edge with mixed materials that read fresh in photos.
- Features: Marble-look ceramic tops, black metal bases, nesting profile with rounded corners.
- Materials & finish: White ceramic-look tops with matte black frames; sometimes an option in green-veined ceramic.
- Dimensions: Large: 21″ W x 15″ D x 20″ H; medium: 17″ W x 13″ D x 18″ H; small: 13″ W x 11″ D x 16″ H.
- Visuals: The ceramic top adds a tactile, cool surface that looks premium in close-ups.
- Why creators love it: Ceramic resists heat and scratches better than laminate; it shoots very lens-friendly.
- Personal testimonial: My coffee dripped once and wiped right up—no stain, no panic.
- Value proposition: Ceramic-look durability at AllModern price points.
Who should buy: Buyers who prioritize scratch resistance and a clean, contemporary look.
11) Anthropologie Merwin Nesting Tables (Anthropologie Merwin Marble Nesting Tables)
Anthropologie goes for high-style pieces that photograph well, and the Merwin collection is no exception—marble tops and ornate legs create a boutique feel.
- Features: Real marble or marble-look options, decorative metal legs, hand-finished patinas.
- Materials & finish: Carrara-style marble tops with aged gold or antique brass legs.
- Dimensions: Large: 22″ W x 18″ D x 20″ H; medium: 18″ W x 14″ D x 18″ H; small: 14″ W x 12″ D x 16″ H.
- Visuals: Marble veining catches the light; aged metal adds warmth and character.
- Why creators love it: It reads luxurious on camera and anchors refined living rooms.
- Personal testimonial: When I styled this set, the veining and brass patina delivered magazine-ready shots with minimal fuss.
- Value proposition: Higher price, but exceptional visual payoff for staging and long-term style.
Who should buy: Style-forward shoppers who want a showpiece for curated interiors.
What to Look For: A Practical Buying Guide
Choosing a nest-of-tables is about balancing size, material, and lifestyle needs. Ask these questions before you buy:
- How much floor space do I have? Measure the area where the largest table will sit and the clearance for moving chairs.
- What will I use them for? Daily coffee and laptops require sturdier surfaces than occasional serving or decor.
- Do I have kids or pets? Choose durable tops (ceramic, solid wood, sealed veneer, or tempered glass) and consider rounded corners.
- Do I want them to match my style or contrast? Wood tones warm, metal adds edge, and glass lightens a room.
- How important is stacking tightness? If you plan to store them nested most of the time, check how flush they become—some leave gaps that collect dust or small items.
- Do I care about weight? Heavy marble or solid wood is stable but harder to move; lightweight metal or laminate is easy to reposition.
Materials & Maintenance Cheat Sheet
- Solid wood: Warm, repairable, and ages beautifully; needs periodic waxing or touch-up.
- Veneer over MDF: Lighter and cheaper; check edge banding for durability.
- Metal: Durable and low maintenance; powder-coated finishes resist chips.
- Glass (tempered): Elegant and easy to clean; can show fingerprints and needs care around kids.
- Marble/ceramic: Luxurious and scratch-resistant, but porous marble needs sealing.
Styling Tips I Use Regularly (and creators love on camera)
- Layer heights: Use the tallest table for a lamp, the medium for a plant, the small for a stack of books.
- Textural trio: Pair wood, metal, and textile (a woven coaster or small runner) to create depth in photos.
- Odd numbers: Style with an odd number of objects for a balanced, Pinterest-friendly vignette.
- Functional staging: Keep a nest table clear for temporary laptop placement—this sells the idea of multi-function use to non-decor shoppers.
FAQ
Q: Can nest-of-tables be used as nightstands? A: Absolutely—especially in small bedrooms. Use the largest for a lamp and alarm clock; the smaller ones hold nighttime reads or a water glass.
Q: Are nesting tables stable enough for drinks? A: Most modern designs are stable for normal use. For heavy or wobbly sets, use rubber coasters or anti-slip pads. Avoid placing very heavy items on the smallest table if the legs are slender.
Q: Do nest-of-tables scratch floors? A: They can if they don’t have protective feet. Look for felt pads or add adhesive felt protectors to protect hardwood.
Q: How do I clean different tops? A: Wood: damp cloth, mild soap, dry immediately. Glass: glass cleaner. Marble: pH-neutral cleaner; reseal yearly. Metal: mild soap and water; avoid abrasives.
My top pick for most women
If I had to pick one set to recommend to a broad audience, it would be the Article Seno Nesting Tables. The combination of tactile wood grain, durable finish, and mid-century lines fits so many homes. It’s easy to style, robust for everyday use, and photographs beautifully for Pinterest-ready corners.
Quick comparison (visual shoppers’ shortlist)
- Best for tiny spaces: CB2 Peek (glass keeps it airy).
- Best budget pick: IKEA GLADOM.
- Best durable family option: Restoration Hardware Teen.
- Best luxe look: Anthropologie Merwin (real marble).
- Best all-rounder: Article Seno.
Final notes — practical buying advice
Measure twice, check delivery dimensions (will it fit up your stairwell?), and read recent customer photos to verify color and grain. Consider weight if you’ll move the tables often. If you’re styling Instagram or Pinterest boards, pick pieces with interesting edges and finishes—the small details make for compelling close-ups.
I’ve relied on these tips myself while teaming pieces with sofas, rugs, and lamps. The right nest-of-tables not only saves space but also becomes the quiet hero of your living area—functional, flexible, and undeniably stylish.