Majlis vs Moroccan Sofa vs Diwan: What Is the Difference?
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A majlis, a Moroccan sofa, and a diwan are all low seating that runs along the walls so people face each other.
By Mariam, Floorsofa.co · Updated October 2026
A majlis, a Moroccan sofa, and a diwan are all low seating that runs along the walls so people face each other. The difference is height and structure. A Gulf-style majlis sits directly on the floor with no frame. A Moroccan sofa sits on a raised wooden base, usually 12 to 16 inches high. A diwan is a long, low bench, often built into the room. They grew from the same idea of a shared sitting room.
How do they compare?
| Majlis (Gulf style) | Moroccan sofa | Diwan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it comes from | Arabian Peninsula | Morocco and North Africa | Persian, Ottoman, and Levantine homes |
| Seat height | 4 to 8 in, on the floor | Usually 12 to 16 in | Varies, often 10 to 18 in |
| Structure | Foam cushions only | Wooden base plus mattress | Built-in or framed bench |
| Typical layout | L or U along the walls | Wall to wall, often U | One or more walls |
| Moves easily | Yes, piece by piece | Base is heavy | Often fixed |
| Fabric style | Woven patterns, often kilim-inspired | Brocade, damask, solid velvet | Varies by region |
What is a majlis?
Majlis means "a place of sitting" in Arabic. It is both the room where guests are received and the seating in it: base cushions on the floor, backrests against the wall, armrests at the ends, and an open center for a rug and a tray of coffee or tea. UNESCO lists the majlis as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Our guide to the majlis covers its history.
What is a Moroccan sofa?
In a Moroccan salon, seating runs around the room on wooden platforms called sedari, topped with firm mattresses and bolsters. The higher seat makes it closer to a Western sofa in feel. Because of the wooden base, it is usually built or ordered to the room's exact size and is harder to move.
What is a diwan?
The word diwan traveled through Persian, Arabic, and Turkish; it gave English the word "divan." In homes it means a long, low seat along a wall, sometimes built in, sometimes a raised bench with cushions. In Turkey the related sedir is a low bench along the walls of a traditional sitting room.
Which one suits an American home?
For most rentals and modern houses, the floor-based majlis is the practical choice:
- No frame: it ships in boxes by UPS and goes up any staircase.
- No assembly: about 10 minutes to arrange.
- Movable: the same set can be an L today and two facing benches tomorrow.
- Washable: zippered covers go in the washing machine.
If you want a higher seat, the 8-inch bases are the closest you get to a Moroccan feel without a wooden platform. See 4-inch vs 8-inch.
Are the names used interchangeably online?
Often. Shoppers search for "Arabic sofa," "majlis sofa," "Moroccan floor couch," and "diwan" for very similar products. When you compare listings, ignore the name and look at the seat height, whether there is a frame, and whether the cushions are filled. We explain the naming in one product, many names.
Frequently asked questions
Is a majlis the same as a floor sofa?
In everyday use, yes. "Majlis" also names the room, while "floor sofa" names only the seating.
Can I make a majlis look Moroccan?
Yes. Brass lanterns, a low round tray table, and solid-colored bolsters bring a Moroccan feel to a floor-level set.
Which is more comfortable?
It depends on what you are used to. A higher Moroccan seat is easier to stand up from; a floor majlis lets you sit cross-legged and stretch out.
Do you sell Moroccan sofas with wooden bases?
No. We make floor-based majlis sets in 4-inch and 8-inch thickness, plus custom sizes.
See our majlis sets: U-shaped · L-shaped.
