Are Nests of Tables Old Fashioned?
Nests of tables are incredibly practical, especially in small rooms where saving precious space is important. They can easily be pulled out to create more surface space when you're hosting guests, and tidily stored away when not in use. However, practicality doesn't always equal beauty, so you may be wondering whether they're a worthy investment piece or too old-fashioned to be worth the purchase. In this post, we'll explore the history and future of nests of tables to help you decide whether or not they are right for your space.
Are Nests of Tables Old Fashioned?
Not at all! It's like asking whether a desk or barstool is old fashioned; it all depends on the style you choose. Although there are some traditional designs of nests of tables that have a more antique appearance, there are plenty of contemporary styles to choose from that will look fresh and modern.
If you're concerned about your nest of tables looking old fashioned, it's worth looking out for contemporary design styles in your nest of tables. The following features are ideal to look for if you'd like your tables to have a up-to-date, fresh look:
- Metallic accents
- Soft, curved shapes
- Juxtaposed elements (e.g. contrasting colours or materials)
- Marble
- Soothing, earthy colours
- Fuss-free designs
Design Features to Avoid
Certain materials and silhouettes are associated with vintage or period styles. If you're concerned about your nest of tables looking old fashioned, there are some features you may want to steer clear from. These can include:
- Dark woods like mahogany
- Glossy finishes on dark woods
- Cabriole legs
- Trumpet legs
- Ornate, complex detailing on legs and border of table
History of Nests of Tables
Nests of tables are thought to have first been invented towards the end of the 18th Century by an English cabinetmaker, Thomas Sheraton. The tables were originally known as quartetto tables, as they came in sets of 4. These tables were often found in the drawing room and used for games like checkers or crafts such as needlepoint. Their association with textile crafts, often performed by women, led to them becoming more commonly linked to women.
Nests of Tables in the Present
Nests of tables remain a popular choice for many homes today. Like side tables, coffee tables, and console tables, they don't go out of fashion but adapt to current trends. These changes can be seen in the materials they're made from, colours, and their overall shape. Today, nests of tables often used in a similar way to coffee tables. They provide an expandable surface for holding drinks, food, books, decorative items, newspapers, board games, or crafting supplies.
Contemporary Nest of Tables Ideas
If you love the space-saving design of nesting tables but want to ensure they fit your home's contemporary aesthetic, we've gathered some tips with examples to help you get inspired.
1) Complement your existing furniture
This set of 2 nesting tables blends seamlessly into the contemporary decor style of the other furniture and decor pieces. The black marble top coordinates with the black velvet of the seat, while the burnt gold frame beautifully complements the other metallic accents in the room. When choosing a nest of tables for your interior, look for pieces that will combine well with the other furniture and decor pieces through colour, leg style, and texture.
2) Rounded Shapes
An on-trend design feature that will help your nest of tables look fresh and contemporary is rounded details. A circular or oblong tabletop or base, for example, can help give you nest of tables an up-to-date appearance.
3) Stone and Marble Surfaces
One of the characteristics of vintage nesting tables is the use of rich, dark woods like mahogany. To ensure that your table strongly departs from this classic style, you could opt for popular contemporary material types for the surface of your table. Materials such as stone, marble, plastic, and metal are fantastic options. This table, for example, is made using faux marble so it is light and easy to manoeuvre but provides the same effect as real marble.
4) Simple, minimal designs
Contemporary furniture often stands out from older styles with clean, minimalist designs. Present-day pieces tend to have simple lines and flat surfaces without excessive ornamentation. Nesting tables with straightforward legs and consistent surfaces are a good indicator that they are up-to-date and wouldn't look out of place in a contemporary home.
Nests of Tables Don't Have to be Old Fashioned
Most furniture pieces are available in both vintage and modern styles. If you look for nesting tables with features typical of contemporary designs, they won't seem outdated. Seeking out tables with minimal silhouettes, earthy tones, round shapes, and metallic details is a great way to find up-to-date pieces.