What is an Arabic majlis?
Majlis is an Arabic word meaning a place of sitting. In the UAE and across the Gulf, it describes both the room and the gathering itself: a space for welcoming guests, sharing coffee and dates, discussing family and community matters and marking occasions. The custom of the majlis is part of the region's recognised cultural heritage.
In a home, the majlis is usually near the entrance so guests can be received without passing through private family areas. Larger villas often have more than one, such as a formal majlis for guests and a family or ladies' majlis. Each has different needs for seating, privacy and finish.
Traditional and modern majlis design
A traditional Arabic majlis uses floor seating. Firm seat cushions run along the walls, with upright back cushions against the wall and firm arm cushions placed at intervals. A carpet covers the centre of the floor and low tables hold coffee and dates. The arrangement keeps everyone at the same level and facing each other.
A modern majlis keeps the perimeter layout but raises the seating. A modern majlis sofa is a long, low, deep sofa running along the walls, often with no arms between sections, upholstered seat cushions and loose back cushions. Many Dubai homes now mix the two: sofa height seating for elders and guests who prefer it, with floor cushions for younger family members and children.
| Feature | Traditional floor majlis | Modern majlis sofa |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 10 to 20 cm | 35 to 45 cm |
| Seat depth | 70 to 90 cm including back cushion | 60 to 75 cm |
| Back support | Loose firm back cushions against the wall | Fixed or loose back cushions on a frame |
| Arm support | Firm arm cushions placed along the seat | End arms, sometimes bolsters |
| Frame | None, or a low plinth | Timber frame with legs or a plinth base |
| Feel | Relaxed, intimate | Formal, easier to stand from |
Majlis layouts: U, L and perimeter seating
Majlis design always starts with the room plan. The seating faces inward so conversation flows and no guest has their back to another. The common layouts are:
- Full perimeter: seating on all four walls with a break for the door. The most traditional arrangement and the most seats
- U shape: seating on three walls, leaving one wall for a television, display or window
- L shape: two walls, suited to smaller rooms or family majlis spaces
- Facing pairs: two long runs facing each other across a carpet, good for long narrow rooms
- Outdoor majlis: low seating in a garden, tent or covered terrace, made with outdoor fabrics
Planning seat runs
Allow about 60 to 70 cm of seat length per person for comfortable seating. Corners need care. A square corner cushion avoids an awkward gap and keeps back cushions continuous. Leave at least 90 cm of clear floor in front of seating for serving and moving through the room.
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Home visits across Dubai, written quote within 24 hours, fitted on a fixed date.
Floor seating cushions and majlis cushions
Floor seating cushions are the heart of a traditional majlis. The seat is built like a firm mattress, usually 8 to 15 cm of high density foam so guests sit on it for hours without sinking. Seat depth of 60 to 80 cm allows guests to sit cross legged or with legs folded.
Back cushions, called masnad in many Gulf homes, stand upright against the wall and must be firm enough to lean on without folding. Smaller firm cushions or bolsters provide arm rests. Soft scatter cushions are layered on top for comfort and colour. See our floor cushions and majlis pages.
| Cushion | Typical size | Fill |
|---|---|---|
| Floor seat | Cut to room, 60 to 80 cm deep, 8 to 15 cm thick | High density foam, often fibre wrapped |
| Back cushion | 50 to 60 cm high, 15 to 20 cm thick | Firm foam or dense fibre |
| Arm cushion or bolster | 40 to 60 cm long | Firm foam or tightly filled fibre |
| Scatter cushions | 45 x 45 or 50 x 50 cm | Feather or fibre |
Which fabric is best for an Arabic majlis?
A majlis is used heavily, often by many guests at once, so fabric durability comes first. Choose upholstery fabric rated at 25,000 Martindale rubs or more for seats, and 40,000 or more for a majlis used very often or for hospitality spaces. Back cushions and scatter cushions can use lighter fabrics.
Velvet, chenille and woven jacquard are the classic choices because they wear well and carry deep colour. Plain fabrics on seats with pattern on the back cushions is a balanced approach. Some families choose motifs inspired by Al Sadu, the traditional Bedouin weaving of the region, through trims, cushions or rugs. Arabic majlis fabric should also resist fading if the room gets direct sun, and loose covers on seat cushions make cleaning far easier after large gatherings.
Colour and pattern in majlis design
Traditional majlis interiors often use deep, warm colours such as burgundy, deep red, gold, green and navy, with patterned back cushions and carpets. Modern majlis design tends towards calmer palettes of sand, stone, taupe, cream and charcoal, with colour and pattern added through cushions, trims and a rug.
Whatever the palette, a majlis works best with a clear hierarchy. Keep the large surfaces, the seats and back cushions, in one or two related fabrics. Use the smaller cushions and arm cushions for pattern and contrast. Repeat one colour in the curtains to tie the room together.
Contrast piping on seat and back cushions is a classic majlis detail. It outlines each cushion and makes long runs of seating look crisp and ordered. Embroidery, braid and tassels are also traditional, used on back cushions and arm cushions rather than on seats where they would wear.
Majlis design for different rooms
Formal guest majlis
Usually the largest and most finished room. Full perimeter or U shape seating, durable velvets or jacquards, layered curtains with a pelmet and generous lighting. Plan for the largest number of guests you expect.
Family majlis
A more relaxed room for daily use, often with a television. An L or U shape works well. Choose performance fabrics and removable covers, as children and long evenings are hard on fabric.
Apartment majlis
In smaller spaces, a modern majlis sofa along one or two walls with floor cushions that can be stacked away gives flexibility. Lighter colours make the room feel larger.
Curtains and lighting in a majlis
Because a majlis often faces the street or the entrance, privacy matters. Layered curtains work well: a sheer for daytime light and privacy, and a heavier lined or blackout curtain for evenings. In double height majlis rooms, motorized tracks make tall curtains easy to open and close.
Pinch pleat and wave headings in rich fabrics suit formal majlis rooms, often with a pelmet or decorative track. Matching curtain fabric to back cushions or trims ties the room together. See made to measure curtains, sheer curtains and motorized curtains.
Practical details for Dubai homes
We make majlis seating to measure across Dubai. We visit with fabric samples, draw up the layout, agree foam density and finishes in writing and fit on an agreed date. Book a home visit to start.
- Specify removable, zipped covers on seat cushions so they can be cleaned professionally after large gatherings
- Choose mid and deep tones that hide coffee and food marks
- Plan seating away from direct air conditioning vents, which make long sitting uncomfortable
- For outdoor majlis seating, use solution dyed outdoor fabric and quick dry foam
- Keep a few spare cushions in the same fabric for very large occasions
