tavolinë

Tavolinë is the Albanian word for a table, commonly referring to a small or coffee table that accompanies seating. It denotes a flat-surfaced piece of furniture usually supported by legs, used for placing drinks, books, or decorative objects. In everyday speech it appears in homes, offices, and cafés, and may also describe certain compact work surfaces.

Etymology and sense: The term tavolinë is generally treated as a loanword derived from the Italian tavolino, meaning small table, and adapted to Albanian phonology. Its use reflects historical contact with Romance languages in the Adriatic area. While tryezë is the broader Albanian word for table, tavolinë often carries the nuance of a smaller or auxiliary table, though regional variation can blur this distinction.

Variations and usage: In contemporary Albanian, tavolinë appears in furniture catalogs, interior design discussions, and everyday speech. Common types include coffee tables, side tables, and desk-height tables. Materials range from wood and metal to glass, with designs spanning minimalist to ornamental.