Over the past few months, I’ve been working on saying “no” to more and more things. But, when Pottery Barn asked if I would be a part of the Pottery Barn PINterior Decorating Challenge…well, how could I say no to that? Here’s the basic idea of the challenge…Pottery Barn would send a “mystery item” from their catalog and then I would have to use it in two creative ways. I’m competing against four of my peer bloggers (Shaunna, Beth, Melissa and Emily.) A few days after signing on, I received the item from Pottery Barn. It was a set of Tanner Nesting Tables…
I unpacked the tables and put them in my office while I pondered how to use them in two creative ways. The only rule was that I wasn’t allowed to alter the tables.
LOOK ONE
The thing that immediately came to mind was to stack them to make an Etagere, so that’s what I did. This idea could work well in the bathroom for toiletries or in the kitchen or dining room to hold serving pieces and pretty pantry items.
I wasn’t sure if the idea would work, but the tables were very sturdy when stacked, especially since they have screw-on rubber feet.
I stocked the top tier with cutting boards, a dry goods canister, some glasses and drinks.
I included the Antique Silver Salt & Pepper Shakers to keep them handy and add a bit of variation in height and texture.
There isn’t a shelf on the larger table, so they can be nested, so I used a large breadboard supported by the metal cross rails, to create an additional shelf.
An antique market basket is filled with potatoes and onions and tucked underneath.
The makeshift shelf supports utensils and plates, making setting the table a snap.
I topped the whole thing off with an ironstone punch bowl filled with a boxwood topiary and stood some more breadboards up behind for additional height.
I love the look of these tables stacked! The only thing I would say about it, though, is that I wouldn’t stack them in a home with toddlers who are pulling up on pieces of furniture. It’s pretty stable, but that could be dangerous.
LOOK TWO
I had to give this one a bit more thought. I didn’t want to just use them as an end table or nightstand, so what else can I do? My son gave me the inspiration. He’s been really into desks lately and has been declaring various work surfaces in the house as “his desk.” Hmmm…this could be a little desk! I set them side-by-side and tucked in a little chair and it was just the right size.
The larger table is perfect as the primary work surface…
…and the smaller desk provides storage space.
A glass surface makes a great desk since it’s smooth, easy to clean and durable.
A flashlight can even be put under the table to make it a “light box” for tracing.
I included some art supplies…
…and a vintage wire basket holds blank paper…
…and a locker basket holds books and school readers.
What I think is so cool about this look is that it would be a great for a grandparent’s home. These nesting tables can be side tables for every day and then a special desk when grandkids come to visit. I love furniture that is versatile.
This is a contest, so keep an eye on the Pottery Barn Facebook Page to for a chance to vote for your favorite design. (HERE is the direct link to vote.)
Disclosure: Pottery Barn sent me the nesting tables and a $100 gift card to participate in this decorating challenge. All opinions and ideas are my own.
77 Responses
I’m an artist and we artists are supposed to be creative but I would have been lucky to come up with one idea! Those are really excellent ideas!!! Bet ya win!
I have these tables. I love what you have done with them; thanks for the ideas once I get bored with them as end tables! I’m pinning…well done!
Brilliant!
Fabulous ideas! You have such a flare for home creativity, how I wish you lived closer to me in CA, or me to you, how I could benefit from your expert decorating ideas! Alas, I have relied upon your blog for that void! I enjoyed your blog for years, you are a true inspiration to me! You have my vote to win, best of luck!
I have these tables and never thought to use them in these ways THANKS!
love love love look #1!!! Brilliant idea!
What a wonderful idea! I love the versatility of these pieces and it has really gotten me to thinking! Now I’m looking around our house and the garage to see what I can use while trying to think outside the box… more so than I already do!
I love the desk idea – you’re gonna win!!!!
I’ve checked out the other ladies and have to say you’ve totally rocked this contest! Hands down, no comparison.
i so agree with you.
I also have these tables. I’ve had them for several years and they’ve always played the same old part, side tables. These ideas are fabulous!!! I REALLY love the etagere idea. One idea is good for small children the other one is good for people without. Nice job!
MARIAN! You knocked it out of the park woman! I love that you used the tables differently – the etagere is seriously inspired. I could see that in an awkward empty space in my dining room that is too small for regular furniture pieces.
And the desk? Man! I’d love putting these tables next to my dual recliner (only one side has a table right now). My youngest likes to pull chairs over and try ‘working’ while I’m reading or watching TV. We could both have a place using the tables as a desk.
See, this is just another reason why I adore you. Wait, was that stalker-ish?
I checked out the others — you WIN!!! Brilliant ideas as always.
Stacking? Brilliant!!!
I love BOTH ideas, and would have never come up with either one on my own! 😉 I love seeing how your creative mind works – I bet you’ll win the contest, my dear!
you never cease to amaze me with your ideas and special touch. kind of like a midas touch only much much better than gold! thank you for your inspiration and i hope that you win! i love pottery barn and what i just bought is their savannah daybed, which i might be posting more about after it arrives this month! i can’t wait!!! – karen
Excellent ideas! You may have inspired me to buy the nesting tables.
I am wondering though…do you really keep your potatos and onions on the floor?
Ha, no. I actually keep them in the pantry or fridge. I used to keep them out in a basket on a rolling cart, but then I had kids and needed to get them out of the way!
Good grief! I just looked at the other bloggers entries and they are all nice and all but your creativity knocks theirs out the water!
The tables looks amazing in both contexts. I LOVE them both!!
You are so brilliant! These are both beautiful, stylish solutions!!
Just voted and I see you are in the lead. Not surprised!
How clever of you! I’ve been wanting end tables and this may just be the solution The grandkids come over and I can get the tables out. Yea!!
Looks awesome…as always. Question, what kind of antlers are those mounted beside the unit? They look good. My dad hunts & we have a nice set mouted in our living room. Thanks!
Your ideas ROCK! I just voted for you!
Marian, you have such flair; loved both of your ideas; thx for the inspiration!
Marian, you are anointed for what you do! So with it, comes the the will and the do, and the favor. Nothing can beat that! Go girl!
Lots of love from North Africa! 🙂
Brigitte, one of your silent followers.
genius! I was drawing a total blank thinking of how you could use them beside the typical end table way!
Hi Marian, I think both arrangements look very nice. I really like the stacked usage in the kitchen and it wouldn’t have occurred to me to stack the tables but the vertical storage is great.
Your accessories are lovely too and and I really love all the beautiful cutting boards. I collect them as well.
Where did you find the one large board with the large “purse-like” handle?
I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for one like that.
Have a nice day,
Lisa
You are so clever!
If PB would have sent those tables and told me to come up with unique ways of using them they would still be in the box. I love the idea of stacking them and a desk for the kiddos when they are visiting the grandparents is brilliant.
You are always such an inspiration! Thanks!
As soon as I saw the tables I thought ‘Yikes! So not Marian’s signature style’ … but you DID it! You made them yours and with flair! Yeah for challenges and thinking outside the box!
When I first saw the picture I thought, no it can’t be those. Wow you made them look awesome!! Great job.
I have been following your posts for a while now and must congratulate you on these two Pottery Barn creations….your mind must work overtime….I really liked both of your ideas. Keep on keeping on…….
You never disappoint Marian, even with “not your norm” pieces of furniture. Love both of your ideas!
WOW!! My original thought was…how could you come up with something with those tables as they were so modern looking? You are amazing and I love both ideas but especially the 1st one for your kitchen!
Oh Marian, you can make anything look absolutely fabulous. You win!
Marian:
You’re ideas are amazing. What great ways to use those nesting tables. I voted for your looks as I think it shows the best thought on how to use these tables in an entirely different way. Wonderful job!
Your two ideas were a hit with me. For someone with a small kitchen, I loved the idea of using the two stacked to create storage. The desk idea was great, especially for those little ones who want their very own desks. Great ideas! I’m sure you made Pottery Barn proud!
Beautiful! I love your creative ideas. It’s fun to see what all of you did for the challenge!
-Shelley
Wow! Very impressive! You certainly have a gift when it comes to decorating. Glad you take the time to share it with others! 🙂
I love the desk idea the best!! Very cute and practical. Happy to see you are adding to your Shop!! Any chance of getting gold color German glass glitter?? That would be great!!
You are SO stinkin’ creative!!!
I was just looking at those today for a possible Christmas gift for my daughter. Thanks for the inspiration!! Now, I need to decide. 🙂
I love what you did and what I love the most was that you didnt use them as nesting tables but that you came up with 2 different uses.. Im not sure what I would have done myself thanks for always inspiring me.. My vote is for you. Goodluck
Well I’ve gotta say MMS that anyone would have a hard time beating that stacked idea. You have the absolute perfect accessories in it and topped with that boxwood ball is perfect!
Good luck! You’ve got it in the bag!
WOW! Inspiring! Well done and good luck!
Once again, I absolutely LOVE your creativity!! Home run, girl!! I just voted & have to say that everyone else must feel the same as I noticed you have a commanding lead!! Yayyy!! Blessings!
I’m sold! They look great. You always have great ideas. They’re going to recruit you for more projects . I would want you to sell my merchandise too.
hands down…you win!! love your posts and your ideas!
I think you nailed it Marian!
YOU ARE WINNING BY A HUGE MARGIN…GO GIRL!!!!
I like the first.
BTW, the ironstone dishes in the first setup…the white ones…I have that set. Or at least I did have. I think I have sold the plates and serving dishes. Last time I checked I only had cups and saucers and the cream and sugar set left.
Which of course made me fall in love with the “feel” of ironstone. A few weeks later I found THREE ironstone bowls in a rent house. Turns out they were Pier 1 Bianca ironstone…I didn’t even know they HAD ironstone dishes. So naturally I have been googling for weeks trying to put together an entire 16 piece set…plates, salad plates and bowls. So much for falling in love with a discontinued set….grrrrr…..
Wow, that’s amazing, Marian! They really looked pretty uninspiring in their original condition. Great job!!
Loved what you did Marian, and the photos are great. Just hope that you actually don’t store potatoes and onions together in the same basket …..both will rot much more quickly if you do. (But it makes for a lovely photo).
Cheers,
Nancy
Great ideas….you are so creative!
You are so creative– it is astounding! Made me want to run out and get those tables. I might just do that. And it was so nice of you to link to the others. You are a classy lady.
I SO admire your ability to look at furniture with an unbiased eye to come up with a new way to use it. i would never have thought to stack the tables! That is only one sign of your creative genius and a real gift!
I love how you stacked the tables. A truly beautiful look. Voted for you as well 🙂
Pure genius!!
So creative! It’s so fun to see the possibilities.
Wow! So creative!! I never would have though to dp that! You have a new follower 🙂
http://www.fortheloveofdecorating.com
You killed it…You are the only person who didn’t use them as nesting tables!! Loved the desk idea for grandkids.
So stinkin’ clever! Love them stacked. And now I need more wooden cutting boards. 🙂
You win!!! Hope they shower you w gifts.
Checked out your competition and hands down you far exceed them in creativity. I love the fact you think out side the box which is what I push myself to do. You further inspire me to look at things differently. Thanks Marian.
Both styles work wonderfully, I especially love the first image and will be pinning immediately I press ‘post comment’. You are very clever, I would probably have stared at those tables for several days and still not come up with such creative ideas.
Lee
I LOVE the ways you came up with to use the tables, especially stacked! I thought your ideas were the best. Thanks for sharing – you’re always so inspiring!
Hands down, your’s is the most creative! You get my vote.
Divine…love the open look they give…plus the accessories are perfect….love the wooden boards and the antlers on the wall….I will be taking some of these ideas for our cabin.
Thanks for the inspiration!
I had to like PB on FB to vote for you! Very clever!!
VERY creative. And, as always, your styling and photography are exceptional!
Marian, I voted for you! I thought your ideas were the best especially the desk/art table for your son. Linda
I have these tables and I LOVE them as a desk! What a clever idea!
Gorgeous! I love the kitchen one the best…you are a great stylist. And the desk is just right for a little boy.
You were definitely the most creative! I just voted and you’re smoking the competition!!
Absolutely love the stacking idea! And a light table? Awesome idea! But my fav is how you work the ironstone into a kid’s space! Tried and true to your love!
My favorite out of all the entries was your creative use as a desk…absolutely loved the idea-especially for someone with a small space.
I just ordered these for my daughter and son-in-law!! Only because you showed how versatile they are. 😉 Thanks!!