banktafels

Banktafels are a category of furniture term used in Dutch to describe tables designed to accompany seating, such as benches or sofas. The word banktafel literally combines bank (bench or seating) and tafel (table). In English-language contexts, these pieces are often described as coffee tables or sofa tables, but banktafels may differ in proportions or function from those terms.

Design and form: Banktafels are typically low-profile and elongated to sit in front of a bench or sofa. Shapes commonly include rectangular or oval tops, though some historical examples are L-shaped to fit corner seating. Construction ranges from solid wood and veneered surfaces to metal frames with glass tops. Many models include a lower shelf or shallow drawers for storage or display.

Usage: Placed in living rooms, lounges, or waiting areas, banktafels provide a surface for beverages, books, lamps, or decorative objects. Their scale is usually matched to the seating height to allow easy access while seated.

Context and variation: The concept is found across Dutch and European interior practice, with variations that reflect different design eras, from traditional to mid-20th-century modern. In contemporary furniture, banktafels are often chosen for clean lines and emphasis on practicality, sometimes integrating additional storage or modular features.

See also: coffee table, sofa table, end table.