The majlis is one of the most important rooms in a UAE home — a space for welcoming guests, for family gathering, and for the kind of relaxed, extended hospitality that defines Gulf culture. Getting it right matters. The Property Masters makes custom majlis furniture in Dubai: traditional floor-level seating, raised majlis sofas, L-shaped and U-shaped configurations, in fabrics and cushion arrangements suited to the setting and the climate. Each piece is made to the dimensions of your majlis room, in the style — traditional or contemporary — that reflects how you use it.
Understanding the Majlis — and Getting the Furniture Right
The role of the majlis in a UAE home
The Arabic word majlis (مجلس) literally means "a place of sitting." In UAE homes — whether a large villa or an apartment — the majlis serves as the formal reception room: where guests are received, where family gathers for celebrations and occasions, and where the extended hospitality that is central to Gulf culture takes place.
The furniture needs to serve this function — generous seating for groups, arranged to facilitate conversation, comfortable for extended periods, and finished to a standard appropriate for guests.
Traditional vs contemporary majlis
- Traditional Arabic majlis — continuous low floor seating running around three or all four walls; cushioned divan-style bases with cushion backrests; often with a central rug and coffee service arrangement. Guests sit cross-legged or with legs extended; the closeness to the floor creates an intimacy characteristic of the traditional style.
- Contemporary / modern majlis — a majlis sensibility executed in a more European sofa idiom: raised seating, often L-shaped or U-shaped, with generous proportions and a formal arrangement that still fills the room and encourages group seating. Common in newer UAE homes and apartments.
- Hybrid — a raised majlis sofa arrangement with some floor cushion areas; works well in large rooms where different guests prefer different seating heights.
Floor-level majlis seating
- Divan base — a low, continuous upholstered platform running along the walls; typically 25–35 cm in seat height.
- Backrests and cushions — large cushion backrests resting against the wall or a continuous low backrest panel; cushions in matching or complementary fabric.
- Bolster cushions — at the corners and ends; decorative and functional.
- Central arrangement — a large traditional rug, a low coffee table or floor tray, and a standing Arabic coffee urn (dallah) arrangement is the traditional centrepiece.
Raised majlis sofas
- L-shape and U-shape configurations — fill three walls of the room with seating; generous proportions for group comfort.
- Seat height — typically lower than a standard European sofa (around 35–40 cm) to maintain a grounded, relaxed feeling.
- Arm and back height — often taller and more upright than a lounging sofa; appropriate for formal guest reception.
- Corner joins — a clean corner section that completes the run without a gap or an awkward angle.
Fabrics for majlis furniture
Majlis fabric choices need to balance aesthetics with practicality — these pieces get heavy use during gatherings.
- Brocade and jacquard — traditional patterned weaves in gold, burgundy, green and cream; the classic choice for a formal traditional majlis.
- Plain weave in rich colours — a cleaner, more contemporary look in deep jewel tones or neutral cream.
- Velvet — luxurious and visually rich; popular for contemporary majlis seating.
- Durability note — fabrics in a majlis receive more contact than a living-room sofa; we advise on weave weight and cleanability at the consultation.
Cushion and finish details
- Cushion fill — firm HR foam core with a fibre or feather wrap; allows extended sitting without the cushion collapsing.
- Piping and trims — contrasting piping or fringe trim is a traditional detail that adds definition.
- Tassels — on bolster cushions; a traditional Arabic decorative element.
- Embroidered panels — custom embroidery on cushion fronts for a formal or ceremonial majlis.
A well-furnished majlis reflects on the host. We approach every majlis project with the respect that this space deserves — designed knowledgeably and built to last. Call or WhatsApp +971 50 928 5264 or visit the custom furniture hub.
What Affects the Cost of Custom Majlis Furniture
- Room size and linear metres of seating — a majlis that runs around all four walls requires considerably more material and labour than an L-shape on two walls.
- Floor vs raised — floor-level divan seating and raised sofa bases have different construction profiles.
- Fabric choice — brocade and velvet cost more than plain performance weave; custom embroidery is an additional craft cost.
- Cushion fill and configuration — feather-wrapped cushions and bolster sets add to the cost.
- All prices subject to +5% UAE VAT.
Free quote after a consultation and room measure. Call or WhatsApp +971 50 928 5264.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a traditional and a modern majlis?
A traditional Arabic majlis features continuous low floor-level seating (divan) running around the walls, with cushion backrests and a central rug arrangement — guests sit close to the floor in the classic Gulf style. A modern majlis uses raised sofa-height seating in an L-shape or U-shape configuration, often with more contemporary fabric choices, while still filling the room with generous group seating suited to formal reception. Many UAE homes use a hybrid of both.
How much does custom majlis furniture cost in Dubai?
Majlis furniture is priced by the linear metres of seating, whether it is floor or raised height, fabric choice and cushion specification. We quote every majlis free after a room measurement and consultation. All prices are subject to +5% UAE VAT.
What fabrics are traditionally used in Arabic majlis furniture?
Traditional majlis seating uses brocade and jacquard weaves — patterned fabrics in rich golds, burgundies, greens and creams — with embroidered cushion panels and tassel trim. Contemporary majlis pieces often use velvet or plain weaves in deep jewel tones or cream. We advise on both aesthetics and durability for your use case.
Can you make majlis furniture for an apartment in Dubai?
Yes. Majlis rooms are common in UAE apartments as well as villas. We size the seating to your room — whether it is a dedicated majlis room or a formal sitting room — and design the configuration to fill the space appropriately without overloading it.
Do you make the cushions and backrests as well as the base?
Yes. The full set — divan base or sofa frame, backrest cushions, seat cushions, bolsters and decorative trims — is all part of the same custom commission. We design and make everything as a coherent set in the same fabric family.
Can I get a combined sofa and majlis for a large villa living room?
Yes. Large villa living rooms often benefit from a majlis area on one or two walls and a more relaxed sofa arrangement in the centre or opposite corner. We design both as part of one scheme. See our custom sofas page for detail on made-to-measure sofas.