How to Create a Luxury Majlis Interior Design: 15 Practical Ideas to Inspire You

The Majlis is more than a seating area. It’s the heart of traditional Omani and Gulf hospitality. Whether you’re welcoming guests for coffee or want a peaceful space to relax, a luxury Majlis blends elegance, comfort, and cultural style. But how do you bring these elements into your own home?

The following 15 practical tips will help you design a Majlis-inspired decor for your living room. You’ll find everything you need to create a space that’s inviting and refined – from seating and fabrics to lighting and scents

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1. Choose a Statement Layout

Start with the layout. A traditional Majlis usually places seating along the walls to encourage conversation. For a luxury twist, choose a U-shape or L-shape configuration with deep seating that invites people to sink in and stay a while.

Tip: If you have the space, consider separating the Majlis into zones—a main seating area for guests and a smaller reading or a tea nook for you to enjoy quiet moments.

 

2. Invest in High-Quality Seating

Seating is the centrepiece of the Majlis. In my experience, sofas are deep and comfortable or large floor cushions give supportive backrests. You could use velvet, silk, and premium linen to acquire an elegant look.

Luxury detail: Look for hand-stitched details, carved wooden legs, or metallic accents on the furniture for a more refined finish.

 

 

3. Use a Muted, Elegant Colour Palette

Luxury Majlis interiors often rely on a balanced colour palette. Think soft neutrals, warm taupes, ivory, gold, and greys. You can also add a rich accent colour like emerald green, a rich blue, or burgundy for depth.

Keep the base tones soft and layer accent shades in cushions, curtains, and accessories.

Websites such as Elephant Stock can give you some great ideas of palettes and shades to include.

Sample palettes:

 

 

4. Layer with Traditional Textiles

Layered fabrics give the Majlis its signature warmth. Use a mix of Persian-style carpets, embroidered throw pillows, and light curtains. Omani or Gulf-inspired motifs. For example, geometric patterns or palm leaves will add an authentic touch.

Tip: Combine different textures—silk cushions, cotton throws, velvet seats for a rich tactile experience.

 

5. Go Big with the Rug

A large, high-quality rug can anchor your Majlis and elevate the space instantly. Choose one that extends under all the seating to unify the room.

Look for:

• Hand-knotted Persian, Kashmiri or Afghan rugs

• Neutral tones with either subtle traditional patterns or some modern Arabic geometric elements

• Rich reds, blues, or muted greys depending on your palette

Avoid small rugs. They can make the room feel disjointed.

6. Incorporate Carved Wood Accents

Wood adds warmth and structure. For a luxury Majlis, look for carved wooden screens (mashrabiya), ornate coffee tables, or inlaid sideboards.

Ideas:

• Wooden lattice wall panels

• Solid walnut or teak coffee tables

 

7. Create an Elegant Lighting Plan

Layered lighting is key. Start with a central chandelier. For this, classic crystal, modern gold, or a lantern-inspired fixture work well. Add table lamps, wall sconces, and floor lamps to create a warm and inviting glow.

Lighting tips:

• Use warm LED bulbs (2700K)

• Add dimmers to control mood

• Avoid harsh white lights. They kill the cozy atmosphere.

8. Add Brass or Gold Accents

Metallics add instant luxury. Incorporate touches of brass, gold, or antique bronze through:

• Curtain rods

• Lamp bases

• Decorative trays or vases

• Mirror or frame edges

Even a small amount of metal can uplift the overall design.

 

9. Use Built-In Wall Niches or Shelves

Many traditional Majlis feature recessed wall shelves or niches to display beautiful objects, books, or Islamic art. If you’re renovating, consider building these in.

Decorate with:

• Handcrafted ceramics

• Oud and incense burners

• Framed calligraphy or family heirlooms

It’s a great way to blend tradition and design.

 

10. Include Signature Arabic Scent Elements

No luxury Majlis is complete without the right scent. Burn oud or frankincense in a stylish mabkhara (incense burner). You can also use:

• Scent diffusers with amber or musk notes

• Handmade scented candles in ceramic holders

• Bowls of dried rose petals or herbs

DIY Tip: Create your own frankincense burner. Click here to read the ‘9 Beautifully Simple Frankincense Burner Ideas You’ll want to try.’

 

11. Hang Art That Reflects Heritage

Wall art sets the tone. Consider:

• Calligraphy in gold or silver foil

• Prints of Islamic architecture

• Black-and-white portraits from the region

• Geometric watercolours

Choose simple, large-format frames or even a gallery wall with matching frames for elegance.

12. Choose Curtains That Frame the Room

Long, flowing curtains that go down to the floor add a soft, luxurious touch. Choose fabrics like sheer linen for light filtering.

Tips:

• Hang them high—close to the ceiling—to make the room feel taller

• Use tiebacks in gold or rope to add subtle detail

13. Bring in Natural Elements

Luxury doesn’t have to mean over-designed. Add organic touches to balance formality with ease:

• A large potted palm or fiddle leaf fig in the corner

• Fresh flowers or eucalyptus branches (unless you’re allergic to eucalyptus like me!)

• A woven basket with rolled-up throws or magazines

Natural materials like wood, rattan, and stone help create warmth.

14. Keep the Coffee Table Low and Stylish

In Gulf design, coffee tables tend to be lower and wider, often designed to hold trays of dates, coffee cups, and sweets.

Tips for styling your coffee table:

• Add a decorative tray with Arabic coffee cups (finjan)

• Include a ceramic or brass bowl

• Place a book or two on regional art or design

Go for symmetry and function. Make it welcoming and practical.

15. Add Personal Touches to Make it Yours

Luxury also comes from authenticity. Add elements that tell your story:

• Framed photos of family members or friends

• A handmade piece you bought from a souq

• A cushion cover you sewed yourself

• A painted tile that you bought during a trip

These are the details that turn a beautiful space into your space.

Bonus Tips for a Different Type of Majlis

Depending on your space and audience, you might want to adapt your Majlis style slightly. Here are some options

Modern Majlis

• Blend Gulf tradition with minimalism

• Use neutral palettes with one bold accent

• Include subtle LED strip lights in coves or niches

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I design a luxury Majlis on a budget?
Absolutely. Start with just a few core elements: a great rug, layered cushions, and good lighting. Gradually build in decorative details over time. Focus on textures and balance rather than high costs.

Q: Does a Majlis have to follow strict traditional design rules?
No. While traditional Gulf elements help, you can blend styles. For example, Moroccan or Andalusian touches work beautifully in a modern Majlis. The key is to keep the space welcoming and elegant.

Q: Should I separate the Majlis from other parts of the home?
If possible, yes. A designated room makes it easier to maintain its aesthetic and function. But if space is limited, you can define the Majlis zone with a rug, screen, or different lighting.

A luxury Majlis isn’t about being flashy. It’s about creating a space that’s beautiful, welcoming, and thoughtful.

Whether you’re redesigning an existing room or starting from scratch, the 15 ideas above give you a clear and practical path to build a Majlis that truly reflects your sense of home and hospitality.