How Many People Does a Majlis Seat? A Hosting Guide for Ramadan, Eid, and Family Gatherings
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An L-shaped majlis seats five to six adults on the base cushions and up to nine with floor cushions. A U-shaped majlis seats eight to nine and up to twelve. Here is how to plan seating for iftar, Eid, and large family visits.
By Mariam, Floorsofa.co · Updated October 2026
An L-shaped majlis seats five to six adults on its two base cushions, and a U-shaped majlis seats eight to nine on three. Each 75-inch base holds three adults at about 25 inches per person. The three floor cushions in a complete set add three more places.
Seating capacity by set
| Set | On base cushions | With floor cushions | Children instead of adults |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single base (75 in) | 3 | n/a | 4 |
| L shape (2 bases) | 5 to 6 | 8 to 9 | up to 8 on bases |
| U shape (3 bases) | 8 to 9 | 11 to 12 | up to 12 on bases |
The lower number in each range allows for the corner, where two bases meet and one seat is shared.
How much space does each guest need?
Plan 24 to 26 inches of seat width per adult for a relaxed evening, and 20 inches when people sit close for a meal. Children need about 16 to 18 inches.
How do you seat more people than the set holds?
- Use the floor cushions. Place them on the rug facing the seating to close the circle.
- Use the ottoman as a seat. It is 24 inches square and firm.
- Take the armrests off the ends. That frees about 8 inches per end.
- Seat children on the rug. They usually prefer it.
- Keep two folding chairs ready for elders who find low seating difficult.
Setting up for iftar or a floor meal
Traditional meals are served on a cloth (sufra) laid on the floor in the middle of the seating.
- Move the ottoman aside and lay the cloth on the rug.
- Pull the floor cushions to the open side so guests sit all the way around.
- Leave one clear path from the kitchen to the cloth. In a U shape, that is the open side.
- Covers are machine washable at 30°C, so spills are not an emergency. See our cleaning guide.
Setting up for Eid visits
Eid means many short visits. A U shape works best because new arrivals can sit without anyone moving. Keep the center open, put sweets and coffee on the ottoman, and leave floor cushions stacked in a corner for the busiest hours.
Ordering in time for Ramadan or Eid
US orders arrive about three business days after a one-day preparation, by UPS Express. To be safe, order at least two weeks before the date you need it: large sets ship in several boxes that can arrive on different days, and you will want time to air the foam and wash the covers once.
Frequently asked questions
Can six adults sit on an L-shaped majlis?
Yes, three on each base, with the two in the corner sitting slightly closer. Five is roomy.
Can guests sleep over on the majlis?
Yes. Each base cushion is 75 inches long and works as a single guest bed, so an L sleeps two and a U sleeps three.
Is a U shape always better for hosting?
Only if the room allows it. A U needs a 130-inch wall and 75 inches on each side. In a smaller room, an L with floor cushions seats nearly as many.
Can I add extra floor cushions to my order?
Yes. Send a custom request with the number you need.
Compare the two layouts in our L vs U guide, or go straight to the U-shaped sets.
