Are you getting that nesting feeling? It's that urge to buy not just one table but several little ones as well. Gabrielle Fagan looks at why nests of tables are back in fashion.

If you ever have the feeling that one is a lonely number and two, or even three, seems more attractive, then you've obviously got that nesting feeling.

Not to say you're yearning for the patter of tiny feet - rather you're falling for the charms of nests of tables.

Out of fashion for so long, with their dated image reminiscent of overdressed rooms and surfaces cluttered with trinkets, nesting tables have bounced back into style.

Now they come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, designs and materials.

Elaine Boyle, product development manager for New Heights furniture company said: "Nests of tables have really had an image makeover in recent years and there's now an excellent choice of styles including streamlined versions for modern homes as well as the more decorative for traditional homes."

She believes their revived appeal lies in their versatility - perfect for space-starved modern homes.

Elaine continued: "In smaller rooms a large coffee table, although useful, can be too dominating.

"A family of three - all of which can be stacked one inside the other when not wanted - can be much more useful.

"Also people prefer clean, open spaces in their homes now rather than cluttered ones, so stack-away tables are perfect."

Pamela Taylor, cabinet buyer for Furniture Village, has also noticed the growing trend for nesting.

She said: "Nests of tables have seen a big rise in popularity in recent years, especially in more modern styles such as glass.

"Space has become more of an issue for many people so the practicality and space-saving features of nests of tables make them strong sellers."

So turn the tables on lack of space and increase your family by taking your pick of some of the best nests of tables in town.

Nest in style

  • It's very yesterday to arrange tables together so they are staggered with a couple of inches of each showing.
  • Instead either display them fully nested so they are in a clean block, or use the tables individually scattered in different areas of the room.
  • There's no need confine these tables to the living room. Let them be useful in other areas: one in the lounge, one as a telephone table in the hall and another as a bedside table.
  • Avoid cluttering their surfaces, they are too compact to successfully display possessions. Far better to use them for lamps or useful beside the chair items.

Smart nests

  • The Pier's range is renowned for its global influences and its nest of three pine tables, Coco Shell, comes from China and has a decorative inlay of coconut shell tiles.

It costs £175.

Clever nests

  • Those who like a coffee table but would like a little extra table space on occasions could opt for Marks & Spencer's (picture above) nest of coffee tables.

Two rich chestnut-coloured tables are styled in a modern take on Indian-inspired furniture.

They're made in Sheesham wood and cost £399.