South Australian families can order a raised, upholstered Arabic majlis, a low Arabic floor sofa or a softer Afghan toshak set from Sofhu. All are made to measure in Türkiye from your wall measurements, filled with 32 kg/m³ foam, finished with zippered washable covers and shipped free to Adelaide and the rest of the state. Quotes are given by measurement.
- Products
- Arabic majlis, Arabic floor sofa, Afghan toshak
- Made by
- Sofhu, manufacturer, in Türkiye
- Sizing
- To your wall measurements
- Foam
- 32 kg/m³ (32 DNS) high-density foam
- Covers
- Zippered, removable, machine washable
- Shipping
- Free worldwide, including South Australia
On this page
Toshak, floor sofa or majlis? In South Australia that is often the first decision, because Afghan families and Arab families live side by side in Adelaide and each knows a different kind of seating. Sofhu makes all three in Türkiye, cut to your walls and shipped free. This page explains the difference, what suits the houses and the climate here, and how to order an Arabic majlis in South Australia from the maker.
Afghan toshak, Arabic floor sofa or Arabic majlis
The first two look alike from the doorway and feel different when you sit down. The third is a different product altogether.
| Afghan toshak | Arabic floor sofa | Arabic majlis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat | Long, thin, soft floor mattress | Thicker, firmer floor mattress | Sofa height, on an upholstered base |
| Back | Loose pillows on the wall | Shaped loose back cushions | Tall fixed backs |
| Arms | None by tradition | Armrest blocks | Arm bolsters |
| Use | Sitting, eating, sleeping | Sitting and hosting | Formal hosting |
A toshak room is laid with mattresses end to end around the walls, and the same mattress serves as a bed at night. An Arabic floor sofa is a fuller low set, with back cushions and an armrest for each stretch of seating. An Arabic majlis is raised and fully upholstered, built as structured units like the taupe and gold set at the top of this page. Sofhu builds any of them, and can combine the low ones, for example a toshak-style seat with shaped back cushions. Our article on the Afghan toshak compared with the Arabic majlis goes deeper, and what is a toshak covers the basics.
The cream floor sofa above, with burgundy bands, is one of Sofhu’s Afghan-style designs arranged in a U-shape. The style page on the Afghan toshak and the existing premium Afghan toshak page show more.
From the cameleers’ mosques to Adelaide today
South Australia has some of the earliest mosques in the country. They were built by Afghan cameleers, and the oldest in Adelaide dates from 1888–89. Muslim community life here goes back well over a century.
The present-day communities are larger and more varied. Afghan, Lebanese, Iraqi and Syrian families are among those who live in Adelaide today. A Lebanese or Syrian household may want the low sofa and cushions of the Levant. An Iraqi family may want a big guest room with long rows. Afghan families often want the toshak they know. All of it starts from the same question: how long are your walls?
Planning the room in a single-storey house
Many Adelaide family homes are detached and on one level. That usually means a front lounge or a second living area that can be given over to guests, with a door that closes.
All three run along the walls, so list the walls that are clear from skirting board to window sill.
- Three clear walls allow a U-shape, the layout with the most seats, as in the grey majlis pictured below.
- Two clear walls meeting in a corner give an L-shape.
- One long wall takes a single row, which also suits a hallway alcove or a sunroom.
Mark every door swing, floor vent and built-in cupboard before you measure. Our guide on how to measure a room for a majlis shows the method, and the Arabic floor sofa page explains the pieces that make up a set.
Arabic floor seating for hot, dry summers
South Australian summers are hot and dry. Humidity is rarely the worry here. Heat and strong light are.
- Linen is the coolest cover. Sofhu describes it as refreshing in hot weather because of its porous structure.
- Flat woven fabrics stay cool and hide dust well in patterned weaves.
- Velvet and chenille are warmer to the touch. They suit a cooled room, or a household that entertains mostly in winter.
- Pale colours show dust sooner. Mid tones are forgiving.
Keep the seating away from a window that takes direct afternoon sun if you can. Sofhu has not published a sun-resistance rating for its fabrics, so it is worth asking which it recommends for a bright room. Every cover is zippered and removable for washing.
What the foam density means
Sofhu’s seats use 32 kg/m³ polyurethane foam, which the Turkish trade calls 32 DNS. A cubic metre of it weighs about 32 kg. Density tells you how much material is in the cushion. It does not tell you how hard it is. Denser foam generally keeps its shape longer than the light foam in many cheap floor cushions, which can feel firm at first and flatten sooner. If you want a softer toshak feel or a firmer majlis seat, say so. There are no springs.
Majlis sofa delivery to South Australia
The set is made after you order, vacuum packed and sent by cargo carrier from Türkiye to your address. Shipping is free worldwide. When it arrives, open the sealed bags carefully by hand and let the foam expand to full height.
Taxes or duties may apply depending on the destination. Ask Sofhu how this works for your order, and read importing a majlis to Australia. For the national overview, see Arabic sofas in Australia.
Send your measurements
Send the wall lengths, a note of doors and windows, a few photos, and whether you want a toshak, a floor sofa or a majlis. Use get a quote by measurement or WhatsApp.
Local detail is on the Adelaide page, and the full range is on the Arabic majlis page. Neighbouring states: Victoria and Western Australia.
