Traditional Pakistani Furniture: Deewan, Takht, Jhoola, Tea Trolley and More

Short answer: the best-known traditional Pakistani furniture pieces are the deewan, a low wooden seating platform with cushions; the takht, a wide wooden platform for sitting and resting; the jhoola, a hanging wooden swing; the tea trolley for serving guests; and carved pieces such as the jharokha mirror and wooden chest. Many are made in the Chinioti carving tradition in solid Sheesham.

The deewan

A long, low wooden seat with a mattress and bolster cushions, placed against a wall. It seats more people than a sofa of the same length, and it is ideal for family gatherings. Modern deewan sets come as corner arrangements or with matching side tables. See our wooden deewan sets.

Use it today: in a TV lounge, a guest room that doubles as a sitting room, or a verandah.

The takht

A wide, sturdy wooden platform, traditionally used for sitting, eating, praying and sleeping in courtyards and baithaks. It is larger and lower than a deewan and usually has no back.

Use it today: as a daybed in a lounge, or on a covered roof or lawn for summer evenings.

The jhoola

A wooden swing, either hung from a ceiling beam or suspended in its own carved frame. Chinioti swings are known for their carved and jaali frames. See our wooden swings.

Use it today: a free-standing frame swing works on a verandah, lawn or large lounge without ceiling hooks.

The tea trolley

A wheeled wooden trolley with two tiers, used to bring chai and snacks to guests. It is one of the most used pieces in a hospitable home. See tea trolleys.

Use it today: as a bar cart, a bedside trolley or mobile storage beside a dining table.

The peerhi

A very low wooden stool or seat, traditionally used in kitchens and courtyards. It survives today as a decorative low seat or plant stand.

The jharokha mirror

A mirror framed like a jharokha — the carved projecting window of old havelis. It brings architectural heritage into a bedroom or entrance. See our stand mirrors.

The carved wooden chest (sandook)

A solid wood chest for storing bedding, clothes or a bride's belongings, often with brass fittings.

Use it today: at the foot of a bed or as a coffee table with storage.

The carved wall panel

A section of naqashi or jaali carving hung as art — the modern descendant of carved doors and ceilings. See decor items.

How to mix traditional furniture into a modern home

1. Choose one or two traditional pieces per room, not all of them.
2. Keep the wood tone consistent with your other furniture.
3. Use plain walls behind carved pieces so the detail stands out.
4. Choose modern cushion fabrics on deewans and swings to update the look.

Traditional furniture survives because it solves real problems: seating more guests, serving them easily and using outdoor space. That is why it still fits modern homes.

To understand where this craft comes from, read why Chiniot is famous for furniture.