eettafel

An eettafel is a dining table used in Dutch-speaking households to serve meals. It functions as the central surface for eating and related activities such as conversation, games, or homework. In many homes the eettafel is located in the dining room or kitchen and serves as a focal point during everyday meals and social gatherings.

Most eettafels are rectangular and made of wood, but round, square, and oval shapes are common. Materials range from solid timber such as oak, beech, and walnut to laminated boards, glass, or metal. Many models include extendable leaves (uitklapbladen) to increase seating capacity. Typical height is around 72 to 78 cm; length and width vary according to room size and seating needs.

Historically, dining tables have been a fixed element in households, with greater variation in size and style during the 19th and 20th centuries. In Dutch culture the eettafel is a central place for family life and conversation, and the term is used to refer both to the furniture and the activity of eating together.

Care depends on materials; wooden surfaces are usually cleaned with a damp cloth and dried, with oil, wax, or polish used to maintain the finish. Avoid excess moisture and direct heat; use placemats and coasters. When selecting an eettafel, consider room dimensions, seating capacity, and the possibility of extensions.

See also dining table.