Majlis Aquarium Design: A Centrepiece for Emirati Homes

The majlis is the room where a home receives its guests, so what is in it says something. A well-made aquarium here is a quiet talking point: the slow movement of water and fish suits a space designed for conversation. These are the approaches that work, and what to settle before the cabinet is built.

Where the tank sits

In a majlis the seating usually runs along the walls, so the tank is best placed where it is visible from the main seating and not behind someone’s back. A built-in tank in a panelled wall, framed like part of the joinery, looks most natural. A divider can separate the majlis from an adjoining space while keeping it open.

Blending with the interior

The tank should look as though it was designed with the room. That means matching the panelling, stone or fabric around the opening, hiding the equipment in the cabinet and choosing lighting that suits the evening use of the room. Our wall aquarium ideas show the built-in options.

What goes in the tank

For a space used for guests, hardy, colourful fish and a clean, restful aquascape keep the display looking good without frequent changes. Freshwater suits most majlis tanks, and saltwater is possible with a higher service commitment. See aquascaping in Dubai and saltwater vs freshwater.

Service and cooling

The equipment has to be reachable without disturbing the room: a service door or rear access from an adjoining space, with space for the sump and chiller. Cooling is a must in the UAE, see aquarium chillers.

A practical checklist

• Choose the wall and confirm its strength.
• Decide whether it faces one room or two.
• Provide a service route and a place for the equipment.
• Choose finishes that match the room.
• Agree a maintenance plan before handover.

Freshwater aquariums start from AED 15,000 and saltwater from AED 20,000, with size, material and finish deciding the rest. See the custom aquarium service or arrange a site visit.

FAQ

Can a majlis aquarium be built into a panelled wall?

Yes. The opening can be framed to match the panelling or stone, with the equipment hidden in a cabinet or service room.

How much does an aquarium cost?

Freshwater aquariums start from AED 15,000 and saltwater from AED 20,000. The final price depends on size, material and finish.

Further reading: Aquarium (Wikipedia)