1 table is good; 2 or 3 are better

An unexpected coffee table can be one of the best ways to add character to a room. Here's my favorite idea these days: Use nesting tables in front of a sofa instead of beside it.

I picked this set up at a consignment store recently and love not only the table shapes (two rectangular and one round), and varying heights, but also the versatility they offer.

Sometimes they stay put; sometimes they are separated to hold snacks or a laptop computer. The accessories are always changing, too. It's just that kind of landscape.

Here are a few other examples I spied:

Set of three black wicker tables from Target, for $89.99:

This round pair from Crate & Barrel for $399:

And this trio from Restoration Hardware for $299.99: