stoeltje

Stoeltje is the diminutive form of the Dutch word stoel, meaning chair. It denotes a small chair or a diminutive seating piece. The term is used in everyday Dutch to describe chairs designed for children or any compact seating furniture. A stoeltje can range from a simple wooden stool without a back to a lightly cushioned chair with a backrest. In nurseries and homes, stoeltjes are common as affordable, lightweight, and easy-to-store seating. Some stoeltjes are designed to be placed at dining tables or desks to help children reach the tabletop, while others are independent pieces used for reading, playing, or dolls' furniture.

Materials vary widely, including wood, plastic, and metal alloys. Design considerations emphasize safety, such as rounded edges, stable bases, and appropriate height relative to the user. Care and maintenance depend on material: wood may be treated; plastic can be cleaned with soap and water; metal frames may require rust protection. In historical furniture, small chairs appeared in various styles, reflecting broader trends in domestic life.

In Dutch usage the word also serves as a generic term for any small chair, and it is sometimes used affectionately or whimsically. The concept contrasts with stumps or stools (kruk) and with larger armchairs. See also chair, stool, high chair.