What is a quartetto nest?

A quartetto nest is a set of four tables designed to stack inside one another in a single column. They were created to save floor space until extra surfaces were needed. In period interiors, these tables moved around the room for tea, sewing, or holding lamps. The nesting design kept the room uncluttered when the tables were not in use.

How do I date these tables?

Dating relies on timber choices, leg shapes, and inlay styles matched against the historical periods recorded. Edwardian and late Victorian pieces often revive earlier Sheraton or Georgian aesthetics. Examining the underside, secondary woods, and construction methods helps separate original turn-of-the-century pieces from later revivals. Subtle shifts in edge moulding and veneer thickness also guide attribution.

Are all four tables the same size?

No, each table in the nest is progressively smaller than the one above it. This graduated sizing allows the second, third, and fourth tables to slide completely out of sight beneath the main table. The largest table carries the primary surface top, while the smallest sits right at the bottom of the stack.

Where should I place them?

These tables suit sitting rooms, studies, or drawing rooms where flexible surface space matters. You can stack them beside a sofa or armchair as a single lamp table. When visitors arrive, you simply lift them out and scatter them across the room to hold cups or books.