Figure 1.--Here we see a Victoian or more likely an Edwrdian parlor (about 1910). It is not identified, but we think it is American. Parlors were beginning to become more welcoming to children. The boy actually has a play area. We are not entirely sure why there is a central placed potblly cast iron fireplace rather than a more welcoming wall fireplace. A reader writes, "You bring up a good point about the cast iron fireplace. Usually they had glass and could be placed in the center of a room (as well as other locations) so a room heated more evenly and some people found them more inviting and safer because the fire was contained and some rooms were heated more evenly. My wife had a wood stove in her place and loved to watch the flames dance behind the glass inserts." None other than Benjamin Franklin began the process with the Pennsylvania/Franklin stove (1742). The Industrial Revolution made cast iron more accessible. Cast iron combination fireplaces began to become mainstream (late-19th century).

The Victorian parlor was the most formal, beautifully decorated room in 19th-century homes. The name parlor came from of course the French word parler, meaning 'to speak'. It denoted a space where adults could speak and socialize. It was a new family space associated with the rise of the middle class as a result of the Industrial Revolution. This mean that ordinary people could have fine things and share their new possessions with family and friends. It was the family space explicitly reserved for receiving guests and socializing with friends and family and a variety of callers. It is where calling cards and eventually carte de visite (CDV) portraits were deposited if the family was not at home. It was in the parlor that family, friends, and other callers were hosted. It was also where mother most meticulously crafted and devoted the full attention to creating a wonderful atmosphere demonstrating her refinement. Few Victorian mothers worked and they devoted their energies om domestic m functions like creating an inviting parlor. It was also a place where the family wealth could be conspicuously displayed. It was the the most elaborately appointed room in a Victorian home. The parlor is generally associated with the Victorian era. The actual design and function evolved throughout the 19th century and might vary from family to family. Victorian parlors were noted for both layers and colors. The walls were covered with plush velvet draperies, patterned wallpapers, and dark, muted tones. One author described palettes like deep burgundies, French pearl-gray, pale apricot, and dark greens. It is said that nature abhors a vacuum. That certainly was the home decorating philosophy of Victorian ladies. The idea was fully decorated spaces. Victorians packed their parlors full of decorative objects, potted palms, crystal glassware, and fine porcelain. In addition were knick-knacks and objects of sentimental value. This of course varied from family to family, but by mid-century, photography entered the picture. Not only family portraits, but photographic images from all over the world--viewed with stereoscopes. Most families had a collection of stereo view cards. It is in the parlor that the family Bible, musical instruments (especially a piano, and framed portraits of treasured loved ones were kept. There was also formal furniture. Parlor furniture was often selected more for its appearance and craftsmanship than any assessment of physical comfort. Especially important were button-tufted settees, carved armchairs, and center tables. The parlor was often at the center of the 19th century home, but not of family life. Families varied on how the parlor was used. While most used it for company and the children usually did not have free access to it--often excluded except for rare occasions. here were too many enticing objects that little hands might break a well as interrupt conversation. In some cases the parlor was used more of a family room, but this was in a minority of homes. In such cases the children were more welcome--but on their best behavior. After the turn of the 20th century, a transition began with the parlor by the time of World War II emerging as the living room (1940s).

Created: 4:23 PM 5/31/2026
Last updated: 4:19 PM 6/4/2026