As I’ve mentioned before, one of the joys of blogging is that it pushes me to try ideas outside my usual creative zone. This fall I accepted a fun challenge: style a set of nesting tables from Pottery Barn in two different ways, without making any permanent changes to them. At first it felt odd—nesting tables are so small and specific in purpose. But the more I thought about it, the more possibilities I saw.
I chose to explore two directions that both celebrate making the most of small spaces.
For the first look, I decided to use the nesting tables in a totally unexpected way: as a raised shelf on my kitchen counter to serve treats at a party. At first it seemed a little strange—after all, who puts a table on a counter? But once I pushed past that hesitation, the idea made perfect sense. The extra height creates visual interest and frees up counter space underneath for dishes or platters. It turned an ordinary counter into a layered dessert station that felt intentional and festive.
Creative decisions often come with a bit of self-questioning—will anyone think it’s odd? Will it look out of place? But the point of creativity is to set aside those worries and focus on whether the idea works for your life and space. The nesting tables felt right on the counter, and I’ll happily use them that way again.
For the second styling, I used the tables in a more traditional way—on the floor—yet still thought beyond just placing them as a plain side table.
There’s beauty in simplicity. Instead of over-conceptualizing, I imagined a cozy corner where I could relax with a cup of coffee, curl up in a chair, and keep a basket of current projects nearby. By separating the nesting tables slightly, they provided ample surface area for a lamp, a drink, reading material, and a small stack of books, all without overwhelming the corner. The layout felt intentional and welcoming—a small destination within the room.
These tables are delightfully versatile. Their compact size lets you tuck them into tight spaces, and because they separate easily you can use one or both depending on the need. They’re perfect for small homes or rooms where flexibility and efficient use of space are priorities.
Nesting tables are among the most practical and adaptable pieces you can own for a small space. Whether you elevate them to create a party display or position them to form a cozy reading nook, they offer functionality without taking up much room.
Note: This styling was part of a friendly Pottery Barn design challenge with other bloggers. I received the nesting tables for the project but was not otherwise compensated.