---
title: "Afghan Toshak: Floor Cushions and Balesht Backrests"
url: "https://orientalsofa.com/premium-afghan-toshak/"
lang: "en"
dir: "ltr"
date_published: "2024-11-21T00:00:00+00:00"
date_modified: "2026-10-13T00:00:00+00:00"
author: "Sadeem"
---

# Afghan Toshak Floor Seating, Made to Your Room

An Afghan toshak is a low floor mattress seat, named after the Dari word for mattress, laid along the walls with back bolsters called balesht behind it. The atelier's version keeps that low line with foam seat cushions of 75 × 27.5 in (190 × 70 cm) in zippered Afghan-pattern covers, each one seating two to three people.

## Questions buyers ask

### Do you make Afghan-style floor seating, like a toshak set in an Afghan print fabric?

Afghan-style floor seating is part of the range: heritage-pattern toshak-style sets and boho diwan models in shades such as navy and maroon. Some textures, such as one particular green Afghan weave, are hard to match exactly, so ask for photos of Afghan sets made earlier.

### How big is the seat cushion in a toshak-style set?

Each seat cushion in a toshak-style set measures 75 × 27.5 in (190 × 70 cm), the same seat used across the floor sofa range, and the standard version is 4 in (10 cm) thick. Afghan Gul sets are also made at 8 in (20 cm), 12 in (30 cm) and 16 in (40 cm), so choose the seat height before the set is cut.

## 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](https://orientalsofa.com/floor-sofas/) range, so a toshak-style set is planned on the same 75 × 27.5 in (190 × 70 cm) seat.

- [Afghan Gul L-Shaped Set](https://orientalsofa.com/urun/afghan-gul-l-shaped-floor-sofa-set/)
- [Afghan Gul Single Set](https://orientalsofa.com/urun/afghan-gul-single-floor-sofa-set/)
- [Afghan Gul U-Shaped Set](https://orientalsofa.com/urun/afghan-gul-u-shaped-floor-sofa-set/)
- [Anatolian Kilim L-Shaped Set](https://orientalsofa.com/urun/anatolian-kilim-l-shaped-floor-sofa-set/)
- [Anatolian Kilim Single Set](https://orientalsofa.com/urun/anatolian-kilim-single-floor-sofa-set/)
- [Anatolian Kilim U-Shaped Set](https://orientalsofa.com/urun/anatolian-kilim-u-shaped-floor-sofa-set/)
- [Atlas Cotton Floor Couch](https://orientalsofa.com/urun/atlas-cotton-moroccan-style-floor-couch/)
- [Atlas Diamond Couch](https://orientalsofa.com/urun/atlas-diamond-moroccan-style-floor-couch/)
- [Atlas Shag Wool Couch](https://orientalsofa.com/urun/atlas-shag-wool-moroccan-style-floor-couch/)
- [Atlas Stripe Couch](https://orientalsofa.com/urun/atlas-stripe-moroccan-style-floor-couch/)
- [Gingham-Trim Linen Single](https://orientalsofa.com/urun/gingham-trim-linen-single-floor-sofa-set/)
- [Milas L-Shaped Set](https://orientalsofa.com/urun/milas-l-shaped-floor-sofa-set/)

## 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](https://orientalsofa.com/minnesota-afghan-toshak-floor-sofa/) follow the same low line, with each run cut to its wall.

| Word | Written | Where it comes from | Piece in the set |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| toshak, also spelled tushak | توشک | Dari, meaning mattress | Seat cushion, 75 × 27.5 in (190 × 70 cm) |
| balesht | بالشت | Dari, a back bolster | Backrest of 37.5 × 16 × 4 in (95 × 40 × 10 cm) in L and U layouts |
| doshek | دوشك | A related floor-mattress word in Turkish and Iraqi Arabic | The same seat cushion |

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

| Layout | Seating along the wall | Guests | Full set |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| One straight run | 75 in (190 cm) | 2 or 3 | 10 pieces |
| L-shaped | 150 in (380 cm) | 5 or 6 | 14 pieces |
| U-shaped | 224 in (570 cm) | 8 or 9 | 19 pieces |

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](https://orientalsofa.com/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](https://orientalsofa.com/floor-cushion/).

- 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

> A buyer in Missouri wanted a dark green Afghan-style U-shaped set with 8 in (20 cm) floor cushions. The first plan was fabric only: three seat covers, ten backrest covers, four armrests and an ottoman, with foam to be bought locally. Comparing that with a filled set, the buyer weighed the effort of sourcing foam and cutting it to size, and chose the filled version instead. Because the family had not moved in yet, they asked whether the set could stay vacuum-sealed until then, and were advised to unpack within about a week so the foam could recover its shape. The set arrived in two boxes, the second a little later, and the buyer praised the speed and asked where to leave a review.

## 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.

> Families planning for Eid or a wedding season usually start early, measuring the room while there is still time to change a corner. For the choices that shape a quote, from layout to fabric, read [what shapes a majlis quote](https://orientalsofa.com/guides/what-shapes-a-majlis-quote/) before you send your walls.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can a toshak set be made for a long family room with many guests?

A long room is seated by adding cushions rather than stretching them, since no seat piece is made longer than about 75 in (190 cm) and the wall is divided between several cushions. Armrests and pillows are then spaced along the run so it never feels crowded.

### Will a toshak set sit well with an Afghan rug we already own?

Gold, maroon and navy Afghan Gul covers sit comfortably beside an Afghan or Persian rug that is already in the room. If you are keeping your own rug, order the seating-only step instead of a step that includes the matching rug.

### Can a toshak set be packed up again when a family moves house?

Foam that has left its vacuum bag stays at full size and cannot be pressed flat again at home, so a move means carrying the cushions as they are. The covers unzip if you want to pack them on their own, and a sealed set should be opened within about a week of delivery.

## Related pages

- [Turkish Kilim Rugs to Match Your Majlis](https://orientalsofa.com/kilim-rugs/)
- [Velvet Floor Sofa Sets and How Velvet Lives in a Room](https://orientalsofa.com/velvet-sofa/)
- [Arabic majlis sets, made to the walls of your room](https://orientalsofa.com/arabic-majlis/)