How to Set Up an Arabic Floor Sofa: Unboxing and Layout in 6 Steps
- 4 min reading time
Setting up an Arabic floor sofa takes no tools: open the vacuum-packed boxes, let the foam expand, place the base cushions against the wall, then add backrests, armrests, rug, and ottoman. Here is the order that works.
By Mariam, Floorsofa.co · Updated October 2026
An Arabic floor sofa needs no assembly and no tools. You unpack the pieces, let the foam expand, and arrange them: base cushions against the wall, backrests behind, armrests at the ends. Plan for about 10 minutes once the boxes are open.
What arrives?
A set ships by UPS Express in several boxes. The boxes can arrive on different days. That is normal for multi-box shipments; your tracking page lists each one.
The foam pieces are vacuum-packed, so the boxes are much smaller than the sofa. A complete L-shaped set contains:
- 2 base cushions (75 x 27.5 x 8 in)
- 4 backrest pillows and 1 corner backrest
- 2 armrest pillows
- 3 floor seat cushions
- 1 ottoman
- 1 rug (47 x 71 in)
Step 1: Wait until all boxes are in
Check the box count against your tracking page. You can open what has arrived, but lay out the room once everything is there.
Step 2: Open the packs carefully
Cut the outer plastic with scissors, pointing the blade away from the fabric. Do not use a box cutter through the wrap; it can slice the cover underneath.
Step 3: Let the foam expand
Once the vacuum seal is opened the foam starts to rise within minutes. Lay each piece flat with space around it and give it time to reach full size before judging the height or firmness. A light new-foam smell is normal and fades with airing.
Step 4: Place the base cushions
For an L shape, put one base along the long wall and the second along the short wall so that the two meet in the corner. The finished footprint is 102 x 75 inches. For a U shape, one base goes on the back wall and one on each side: 130 x 75 inches.
Not sure it fits? See our measuring guide.
Step 5: Add backrests and armrests
Stand the large backrests on the base cushions, leaning against the wall. The smaller corner backrest fills the corner. Put an armrest at each open end.
Step 6: Finish the center
Lay the rug in front of the seating, set the ottoman on it as a low table, and place the floor cushions where extra guests will sit.
Common setup questions
Do the pieces attach to each other?
No. They hold their place by weight and by leaning on the wall. This is what lets you rearrange the room in minutes.
Will it slide on hardwood or tile?
The bases are heavy enough to stay put in normal use. A rug or a non-slip rug pad under the bases stops any movement on polished floors.
Can it go on carpet?
Yes. Carpet adds a little softness and grip.
A box is missing. What should I do?
Check the tracking for each box first; a later delivery date is common. If a box shows delivered and is not there, message us with your order number the same day.
A cover looks creased from the packing. Will it flatten?
Yes. Creases relax as the foam fills out over the first days. A garment steamer on low speeds this up.
Three layouts to try with the same L-shaped set
| Layout | How | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Corner L | Bases meet in a corner | Everyday living room |
| One long bench | Bases end to end, 150 inches | A long wall or under a window |
| Two facing benches | Bases on opposite walls, rug between | Tea, games, conversation |
Ready to order? See the 8-inch L-shaped sets.
