In a Saudi home, the majlis is no ordinary room; it is where the host receives guests, and it reflects their taste, generosity and standing. Its design starts before its door: with the entrance, the guest route, the toilet, the dining room and the kitchen that serves the hospitality. A beautiful majlis in the wrong place exposes family privacy or disrupts hospitality at every occasion. This guide explains the principles of majlis and entrance design: routes, seating layout, lighting, air conditioning for large gatherings, identity and materials, and the main entrance.
The Route Before the Room
- A separate outside entrance to the men's majlis, so guests do not pass through family spaces.
- A guest toilet next to the majlis, with a washbasin in the corridor if possible.
- A separate route to the women's majlis, connected to the kitchen for serving.
- A dining room close to the majlis and the kitchen, served without passing the guests.
This separation is one of the things most often forgotten in small villas. Read: Villa design mistakes.
Seating Layout
- Seating around the perimeter suits the traditional style, while seating groups suit large majlis rooms.
- Enough circulation space for serving coffee and refreshments.
- A hospitality corner with a sink and services if possible.
- A visual focal point: a feature wall, a fireplace or an artwork.
| Majlis type | Suitable layout | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional majlis | Floor seating or sofas around the perimeter | Suits large numbers |
| Contemporary majlis | Facing seating groups | Suits smaller conversations |
| Flexible majlis | Movable seating and a sliding partition | Opens onto the dining room for occasions |
Lighting
Soft general lighting, concealed ceiling lighting, and accent lighting for decorative elements. Control at different levels changes the majlis atmosphere to suit the occasion. See our lighting design service.
Ventilation and Air Conditioning
A majlis receives large numbers at once, so it needs air conditioning sized not for the household but for the maximum number of guests, with good ventilation for incense and coffee aromas. AC outlets are best placed away from seated guests' heads. See our MEP design services.
Sound Insulation
Noise from the majlis during occasions should not reach the bedrooms and family lounge. Sound insulation of walls and doors, and placing the majlis away from bedrooms, solve this.
Identity and Materials
Many draw on elements of local architecture for the majlis: wood, carvings and earthy colours. This is consistent with the values of authenticity promoted by the King Salman Urban Charter. Read: The Najdi style and The Salmani style.
The Main Entrance
- A transitional space that blocks direct views into the interior.
- A cabinet for shoes and coats.
- Welcoming lighting and a mirror.
- A main door consistent with the facade.
Common Mistakes
- A majlis without its own entrance, so guests pass through the lounge.
- A guest toilet that is far away or exposed.
- An oversized majlis at the expense of everyday living spaces.
- Air conditioning insufficient for occasions.
- A dining room far from the kitchen. Read: Kitchen design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place for the men's majlis?
Close to the street with its own entrance, and away from family spaces.
Do I need two majlis rooms?
It depends on the family's customs and the scale of hospitality; what matters is separating the routes.
What is a suitable size for the majlis?
It depends on the usual number of guests and the villa's area; the designer balances it against living spaces.
Can the majlis be in an outdoor annex?
Yes on large plots, and it is an excellent solution for privacy if the requirements allow.
How can I see the majlis before construction?
Through 3D design.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that designs majlis rooms and entrances with routes that protect privacy, layouts, lighting and air conditioning suited to hospitality, and an identity inspired by local architecture. Learn about our interior design services, or Learn more about our Project Access & Egress Design service. contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.