Short answer: A nesting table set is two or three tables of graduated sizes that slide under one another, so you pull one out only when you need it. We do not sell a classic set of nesting tables, but our Ombra coffee table and Ombra side table are nesting pieces, because their ottomans slide under the table. For the same flexibility, our Arca side tables connect into a coffee table, and our Stella and Solis tables change height.
A small living room has to handle quiet evenings, guests and the occasional laptop session, usually with one or two tables. The sections below explain where nesting tables help, how to plan the floor space, and which of our pieces nest, connect or change height when the room does.
On This Page
- What are nesting tables, and when do they help?
- What we do not sell
- How do I plan space for a small living room?
- Our space-saving tables compared
- What are the best tables for a multi-use living area?
- Our recommendation
- Explore our tables
What are nesting tables, and when do they help?
Nesting tables are sold as a set: a larger table with one or two smaller tables stored underneath. They suit a room that is quiet most days and busy a few times a month, because the extra surfaces cost no floor space until you pull them out. They also let you place a drink within reach of each guest without leaving permanent tables in the walkway.
They help least where you need one stable, larger surface each day, such as a laptop or a meal, because a set gives you several small tops rather than one big one. This is general advice about tables, not a product specification.
What we do not sell
We do not sell a classic nesting or stacking set of two or three tables that slide inside one another, and no product page of ours describes one. What we do have are nesting pieces: our Ombra coffee table and Ombra side table, whose ottomans slide under the table. Beyond those, we offer tables that change role: they connect, rise, tuck in or double as seats. Our guide to choosing a side table covers heights against the arm of your sofa, so we focus here on floor space and flexibility.
How do I plan space for a small living room?
Plan the floor first and the table second. These steps use our product sizes and the clearances we give in our other guides.
- Measure the clear floor. Tape the footprint of a table on the floor and live with it for a day before you order.
- Keep the paths open. We suggest at least 30 inches (76 cm) for walking paths, and 36 inches (91 cm) where traffic is busy. Leave 14 to 18 inches (36 to 46 cm) between the sofa and the coffee table.
- Add up the depth. For a coffee table that is 21.7 inches (55 cm) deep, the sofa gap plus the table plus the path beyond it comes to 65.7 to 75.7 inches (167 to 192 cm) from the front of the sofa. That is simple arithmetic on the guidelines above, not a Cozey specification.
- List the jobs. Decide whether the table has to hold drinks, serve guests, carry a laptop or give an extra seat, then choose pieces that cover those jobs with the fewest items.
- Plan two footprints. Know how much floor you use on an ordinary day and how much you can give up when you have guests.
Our guides to open-plan layouts and to furnishing a small apartment apply the same numbers to whole rooms.
Our space-saving tables compared
These are the sizes listed on our product pages. Each table comes in oak and walnut except the Solis, which is steel.
Our space-saving tables compared
| Table | Footprint | Height | How it saves space | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arca side table | 21.7 x 21.7 inches (55 x 55 cm) | 13.8 inches (35 cm) | Two connect into one coffee table | A pair that changes roles |
| Arca coffee table (two connected) | 43.4 x 21.7 inches (110 x 55 cm) | 13.8 inches (35 cm) | Separate it again when the room changes | Sofa front in a small room |
| Ombra coffee table | 43.3 x 21.7 inches (110 x 55 cm) | 13.3 inches (33.9 cm) | Nesting piece: the ottomans slide under the top | Guests who need a seat |
| Ombra side table | 19.7 x 19.7 inches (50 x 50 cm) | 19.7 inches (50 cm) | Nesting piece: shelf, with an ottoman that slides under the top | Beside a chair |
| Eclipse side table | 19.9 inches (50.5 cm) across | 20.5 inches (52 cm) | Round, with a removable top tray | Tight walkways |
| Mensa side table | 19.7 x 19.7 inches (50 x 50 cm) | 16.3 inches (41.5 cm) | Pull-out tray; optional shelf | A tray within reach |
| Tessella side table | 20.1 x 20.1 inches (51.1 x 51.1 cm) | 20.0 inches (50.9 cm) | Slim square, pairs with the Tessella coffee table | A matched pair beside the sofa |
| Solis | 21.7 x 12.8 inches (55 x 32.5 cm) | 20.7 to 30.7 inches (52.5 to 78 cm) | Only 12.8 inches (32.5 cm) deep and height adjustable | Laptop or snack height |
| Stella coffee table (one unit) | 23.6 x 23.6 inches (60 x 60 cm) | 18.5 to 26.4 inches (47 to 67 cm) | Expands by adding units | A coffee table that becomes a work surface |
The Mensa side table is 20.1 inches (51 cm) high with the optional shelf. Finishes and options can change, so check each product page before you order.
What are the best tables for a multi-use living area?
Match the table to the job, then check the footprint.
- A surface that appears and disappears: two Arca side tables stay apart as end tables, or connect with foot connectors into one coffee table 43.4 inches (110 cm) long. The curved version has hidden storage and the fluted version has open storage.
- An extra seat: the Ombra coffee table and the Ombra side table are our nesting pieces. The coffee table comes with two ottomans, each 17.7 x 13.8 inches (45 x 35 cm) and 11.8 inches (30 cm) high, under a tabletop with 12.4 inches (31.4 cm) of clearance. The ottoman covers are removable and washable. Allow free floor for the ottomans to come out.
- A work or dining height: the Stella rises to 26.4 inches (67 cm), and the Solis reaches 30.7 inches (78 cm). Both let a living room serve as a desk or a table for a quick meal.
- Serving guests: the Eclipse has a removable top tray and the Mensa has a pull-out tray, so you can carry drinks to the sofa and leave the table in place.
- A narrow room: the Solis is 12.8 inches (32.5 cm) deep, and the round Eclipse has no corners to catch a hip.
Our guide to coffee tables with storage compares the storage features, and our guide to storage ottomans that double as seating covers seating that also stores things.
Our recommendation
Pick by how the room changes.
- Quiet most days, guests sometimes: an Ombra coffee table or side table, whose ottomans slide under the top, so the extra seats cost no floor space until you need them.
- One flexible pair: two Arca side tables, used apart at either end of the sofa or connected in front of it.
- A room that doubles as a workspace: the Stella, which goes from 18.5 to 26.4 inches (47 to 67 cm), or the Solis beside the sofa.
- Tight walkways: the round Eclipse side table or the shallow Solis.
If you want a second opinion on your floor plan, our team can look at your room in a free design consultation.
Explore our tables
Product specifications can change. Check the current dimensions on the product page before ordering.