Afghan Toshak Floor Seating, Made to Your Room

Which Afghan-style sets carry the toshak look?

The Afghan Gul sets carry it most closely, with rows of octagonal medallions on a gold, maroon or navy ground, a nod to the repeating medallions of Afghan and Turkmen rugs. Their seat cushions, backrests and bolsters are the standard parts of the Arabic floor sofa range, so a toshak-style set is planned on the same 75 × 27.5 in (190 × 70 cm) seat.

Afghan Gul L-Shaped Floor Sofa Set

Floor Sofa Sets · L-shaped · 3 colors

Afghan Gul Single Floor Sofa Set

Floor Sofa Sets · Single wall · 3 colors

Afghan Gul U-Shaped Floor Sofa Set

Floor Sofa Sets · U-shaped · 3 colors

Where does the toshak come from, and what are its parts called?

The toshak comes from Afghan homes, where guest rooms are often furnished from the floor up, with toshak (mattress) seats along the walls and balesht bolsters behind them. Hosts and guests share one height, and the same room can seat a whole family for an evening. The atelier's toshak-style sets keep that shape but trade the old stuffed mattress for zippered covers over foam. A low seat keeps everyone close enough to share one plate. Afghan sofa sets for Minnesota homes follow the same low line, with each run cut to its wall.

How many guests fit on each toshak layout, and what does the full set add?

Guests per layout follow the cushions, two or three to each 75 in (190 cm) seat, so a U with three seats welcomes eight or nine. The full set brings three pouf pillows of 27.5 × 19.5 in (70 × 50 cm) and a foam ottoman of 23.5 × 23.5 × 8 in (60 × 60 × 20 cm) to the seating. Ask us whether a matching rug is included with your set.

A standard L covers about 75 × 102 in (190 × 260 cm) of floor, and a U has sides of about 75 in (190 cm), 130 in (330 cm) and 75 in (190 cm). For rooms with doors, windows or an odd corner, compare the drawings in majlis layouts.

How low should a toshak-style seat sit?

For the feel of a traditional toshak, a 4 in (10 cm) seat keeps you close to the floor, and 8 in (20 cm) is the usual low seat for everyday sitting. Afghan Gul sets are also made at 12 in (30 cm) and 16 in (40 cm), which older relatives usually find easier to get up from after a long meal. A seat can be built from two loose 4 in (10 cm) layers too, and the upper layer comes off to make a floor bed for relatives who stay over. I find the 8 in (20 cm) seat the kindest middle ground for a family room, low enough for old habits and easy enough to leave at the end of the night.

What is inside the cushions, and can the covers be ordered alone?

Each cover holds a foam insert, without a frame or springs, and the cushions are ready to sit on once they are unpacked. Seats use high-density polyurethane foam — ask us for the exact density for your build. Covers unzip and can be machine-washed on a gentle 86°F (30°C) cycle with a mild detergent. Covers alone, without foam, can also be ordered when a set needs a new color, and single pieces can be added at any time through Arabic floor cushions and spare majlis pieces.

• Seat cushion: 75 × 27.5 in (190 × 70 cm), at the height you choose
• Balesht backrests: two per seat, sized 35.5 × 16 × 4 in (90 × 40 × 10 cm) for a single run and 37.5 × 16 × 4 in (95 × 40 × 10 cm) for L and U layouts
• Corner backrest: 23.5 × 16 × 4 in (60 × 40 × 10 cm), one at each inside corner
• Armrest bolsters: round, 19.5 × 8 × 8 in (50 × 20 × 20 cm) each

How does a toshak-style seat feel after the first weeks?

After the first weeks, buyers tend to notice firmness before anything else, because the seat holds its shape instead of sinking toward the floor through a long evening of sitting upright with guests. That firmness sits between firm and medium-firm, and the filling can be made softer or firmer on request.

How is a toshak-style set planned and ordered?

Planning starts with the room, so send each wall's length and mark the doors and windows. Custom orders start with a layout plan for your approval. Made-to-order sets take a little longer than ready ones — ask us for the current timing. The cushions are cut, sewn and finished in Istanbul, then pressed, rolled and vacuum-sealed so they travel in compact boxes that each carry a tracking number.

1. Choose your delivery countryTell us your country in the quote form and we'll confirm delivery.
2. Share your room
3. Talk it through (optional)Ask us for a design consultation — we can talk through your room on a video call.
4. Approve your layout and quoteCustom orders start with a layout plan for your approval.
5. Confirm and pay securelyCustom orders are paid in stages through a secure payment link — your quote sets out the schedule.
6. We make it in IstanbulProduction time depends on your layout and the season — ask us for the current schedule.
7. Approve the finished piecesCustom orders are photographed and filmed for your approval before they ship.
8. Packed and sent
9. Unbox and arrange