Short answer: a good Arabic majlis is built around conversation: seating on three or four sides facing a central coffee table, generous space between guests, warm lighting, and one or two statement pieces that welcome visitors. Plan the seating first, then the centre table, then the walls (mirrors, screens, art), and finally lighting and textiles.
What is a majlis?
The majlis (مجلس, "a place of sitting") is the reception room of an Arab home, where guests are welcomed with coffee, dates and conversation. It can be traditional floor seating, a modern sofa arrangement or a mix of both. In many villas there is a men's majlis near the entrance and a family or ladies' majlis inside.
Step 1: choose the layout
| Layout | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| U-shape | The classic majlis, 8–16 guests | Seating on three sides, open side facing the entrance or a feature wall |
| Square (four sides) | Large formal majlis | Leave a clear gap on one side for entry and serving |
| L-shape | Apartments and family majlis | Add two armchairs opposite to close the circle |
| Two facing sofas | Small rooms | Coffee table in between, side tables at each end |
Step 2: spacing that works
- Allow about 60 cm of seat width per guest.
- Keep 40–45 cm between the seat edge and the coffee table, so guests can reach their cup.
- Leave at least 90 cm for walkways behind or beside seating, wider for serving trays.
- A 122 × 122 cm coffee table suits a U-shape majlis of about 4.5 × 4.5 m; for longer rooms, use two tables or a long rectangle.
Full numbers are in our majlis and dining room size guide.
Step 3: the furniture you need
- Seating: low floor seating or sofas along the walls.
- The centre table: the star of the room. A Salema mother-of-pearl coffee table with "Ahlan wa Sahlan" (welcome) in Kufic script makes the message of the majlis literal.
- Side tables: one at each corner for coffee cups and incense. The Dimash side table has 792 hand-set pieces.
- A feature wall: a carved crown mirror opposite the entrance reflects light and makes the room feel larger.
- A screen: a carved room divider to separate the majlis from the rest of the home or to frame the entrance.
- A game set: a backgammon board for long evenings.
Step 4: lighting
- Use warm white light (2,700–3,000 K). Cold light flattens mother-of-pearl.
- Mix ceiling light with lamps and wall lights, so the inlay catches light from the side.
- Lanterns and dimmers make the room feel more intimate in the evening.
Step 5: colours and textiles
- Let the wood and shell lead; keep walls in sand, cream, warm grey or deep green.
- Add a large rug to anchor the seating and soften acoustics.
- Repeat one accent colour across cushions and curtains.
Modern vs traditional majlis
A modern majlis uses simple sofas and clean walls, with one or two Damascene pieces as the focus. A traditional majlis uses floor seating, richer textiles and more carved pieces. Both work: the key is to choose one hero piece and not compete with it.
Designing a majlis for a palace, villa or hotel?
For several majlis rooms, matching sets or custom sizes, see our project procurement guide or our page for architects and designers.
Frequently asked questions
What furniture is in a majlis?
Seating along the walls, a central coffee table, side tables, a rug, and decorative pieces such as mirrors, screens and lighting.
What size coffee table do I need for a majlis?
Around a third to a half of the seating area's length. A 122 × 122 cm table suits most medium U-shaped majlis rooms.
How do I make a small majlis look bigger?
Use an L-shape, a large mirror on the wall opposite the window, warm layered lighting and a rug that runs under the front legs of the seating.
Can I mix Damascene furniture with modern sofas?
Yes, and it often looks best that way. Keep the sofas plain so the inlaid pieces stand out.
