Koran Stands #JDP

I saw these Koran stands in a stationary store here in Jeddah.  I've seen them before but not such a wonderful selection of them.  They come in a variety of sizes. The taller floor stands above are very similar to the music stands I remember using when I was in the band in high school.  They also are adjustable to higher or lower heights.

The shorter Koran stands are used while sitting on the floor or can also be used for reading at a table.  The small carved wooden stands in the middle photo can be folded up flat.  Some stands are quite plain and others are decorated with Arabic script from the Koran or other Middle Eastern designs.

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Our World - Saudi Saddle

The red bedouin print curved item on the right is used as an armrest for Saudi seating on the floor.  Cushions are placed directly on the floor along the edges of a room, and oftentimes these "saddles" are placed around to use as armrests.

The above photo shows an outdoor event I attended years ago with many saddles used on the red cushions.  Below is an example of the Saudi style seating with cushions placed along the edges of the room. 

Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.

Saudi Inlaid Furniture

Saudi taste tends to run on the fancy, overly designed, elegant side. This matching seating set plus coffee and end tables were found in a large office building's lobby near the elevator.  The furniture pieces have intricate designs of inlaid work adorning them.  The preference here seems to be for more ornate designs rather than practical or comfortable.  

Jeddah Ashley Furniture in Arabic

It's always surprising to see how many large chain stores are here in Saudi Arabia.  I didn't expect to see Ashley Furniture here in Jeddah, but it is!

Saudi Bench Seating

I've actually seen these exact seats in several places around this area. They are very popular Saudi style outdoor seating.  Other styles may have armrests and cushions to sit on, but the wooden frame and painted designs are very typical.

Jeddah Restaurant Seating

Saudi style seating often means cushions on the floor.  Many restaurants here in Jeddah offer this type of accommodation in private dining rooms.  This is just one small section of the private room which would be used by a large party or large family.  The food is also served family style with everyone sharing.

Jeddah Waldorf Astoria Chandeliers

The crystal chandeliers in the exquisite Waldorf Astoria Hotel of Jeddah are absolutely stunning.  This hotel has the biggest crystal chandelier I have ever seen - which extends three stories and is surrounded by a staircase.  The photos just don't do it justice. 

Jeddah Waldorf Astoria Lobby

The rambling lobby of the elegant Waldorf Astoria Hotel of Jeddah is divided into several more intimate gathering areas, instead of having one large lobby like many hotels do.

The five star hotel's name in Arabic is Qasr al Sharq and it is located on the Corniche Road in Jeddah which runs along the Red Sea.  The beautiful new Jeddah Waterfront is right outside the Waldorf.

The attention to detail is evident everywhere in this luxurious facility.  It offers, among other things, a gorgeous ladies spa, and two restaurants - an Italian restaurant called Aromi, and a Middle Eastern cuisine restaurant called Mataam al Sharq.

Jeddah: Decorative Woodwork

This gorgeous decorative detail was on piece of furniture in one of the old homes down in Al Balad, the oldest part of Jeddah.

Jeddah: Al Balad Oldstyle Home Interior

Small stained glass panels like these shown here were common features of the old homes of yesteryear in Jeddah.  Carved wood furnishings and beautifully patterned fabrics all worked together to make the old style homes warm and welcoming.

Our World: Jeddah's Elegant Antique Seating

The photos in this post were all taken in one of the old museum homes down in the Al Balad area of Jeddah.  Saudis tend to have very formal taste in furnishings, like this amazing inlaid wood and tapestry couch.  Doesn't exactly look all that comfortable to lounge around on though ...

This intricately painted wooden chair sports a woven seat.  I don't know about those back rails or the seat part being all that comfortable either.  Looks rather stiff and upright, but I guess the beauty of it was more important than comfort.

Carved wooden frame with rich red velvet cushions were very typical of the old style era.  Some modern homes might incorporate something like this as a visual accent today.



Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.

Jeddah: Antique Inlaid Telephone

Have you ever seen a phone like this before?  I hadn't, until I laid eyes on it in Jeddah's Al Balad district.  I was on a tour of the museum homes in the old part of Jeddah and this was on display as part of the furnishings of a time gone by.  I believe a phone like this may have been imported from either Syria or India, where this type of inlay work is made.  

Jeddah: Old Style Furnishings

The old Saudi seating style consisted of a stiff wooden elevated frame topped with cushions. The prints shown here are very traditional old style patterned upholstery. The back cushions were often covered with fitted lace caps to protect the fabric longer.

Jeddah: Old Carved Armoire

Now this type of elegant colorful armoire would easily adapt to modern decor in homes today.  What a fantastic accent piece this would make.  

Jeddah: Decorative Chest

An original furnishing of one of the old residences in Al Balad, the oldest part of Jeddah.

Jeddah: Chic Home Decor

It's fascinating to me to see items like this for sale in Saudi Arabia, especially when there seems to be a problem with displaying living creatures as a whole. There are no statues of people to be found and sculptures that feature animals, like camels or horses, are never shown in their entirety. I've been told that it has something to do with preventing idolatry...

Our World: Saudi Style Seating

The traditional Saudi outdoor seating is different from the patio seating where I come from.  For one thing, the height of the seating is usually either much higher or much lower than a regular chair or couch height.  I don't know why this is - I've never gotten satisfactory answers to this question.

Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.

Bedouin Accessories

This post contains some of the accessories one might see with featured Bedouin decor..  Above is a collection of lovely brass serving pieces.

Red carpets are a must-have for Bedouin decor, as well as dark carved wood items.

Arabic script paintings or wall hangings are also very typical when one thinks of Bedouin style home furnishings.  

Bedouin Decor

Besides geometric designs and mostly red colors, Bedouin style also involves lots of tassels as well as darked carved wood pieces.  . 

Bedouin Pattern

I love the traditional geometric Bedouin pattern in red, white, and black.  This design style for furnishings is very common here in Saudi Arabia.  It is reminiscent of Native American Indian geometric designs.  Many Saudi restaurants feature this type of design element.  Typical Saudi couch seating is usually achieved by cushions placed directly on the floor or is elevated on a frame a bit higher than normal couches.