Dune Diwan Sofa

Overview

Dune Diwan is a modular seating system inspired by the Middle Eastern Majlis. The product page says it was designed in collaboration with UNStudio, and the brochure and the news item credit the design to Ben van Berkel / UNS. Poltrona Frau presented it on 7 April 2025.

Image source: Poltrona Frau — Dune Diwan Sofa · © Poltrona Frau and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy

Composition

The system has eight upholstered seating modules, in Pelle Frau® leather or in fabric that is completely removable. The seats are almost always asymmetrical, and the modules can be used singly or stacked, side by side or overlapping, with corner or protruding elements, cushions, supports, low tables and armrests.

Accessories

A central table, a tray, an incense burner and a vase combine oak, leather and stainless steel, and a rug is offered in various dimensions and colours.

East and West

According to the page, Dune Diwan is the meeting of East and West: a seating system that reinterprets the ancient tradition of the Majlis, Arab spaces for conversation, as fluid places of hospitality and sharing. The brochure says the idea behind it is a space dedicated to community, dialogue and listening that blends two ways of coming together.

Low and stacked

Poltrona Frau explains in the brochure that the padded cushions of Dune Diwan can be placed singly on the floor for traditional Majlis seating, or stacked for a more classic, Western-style look. The collection does not include the traditional sofa with armrests at both ends.