Relevant categories: Desks,Cabinets and Chests,Seating and Chairs
(Above photo - Victorian Display Cabinet )
In 19th-century Victorian England, many homes had a room called the parlour. It was mainly found in front of the house and served various purposes, such as being the home's social centre. Even though people have since gotten rid of the Victorian parlour, the fact that it existed makes it of great interest. In this write-up, we shall focus on the reasons for the existence of the room. Of importance is how it was excluded from modern homes. Read on for irrefutable facts about the Victorian parlour:
1. It Was the Home's Social Centre
(Above photo - Victorian Credenza - Antique Sideboard Display Cabinet 1860 ) The parlour was initially designed as part of monasteries. Nuns and monks would meet there and have conversations with other people while sticking to the rules of the nunnery or monastery. "Parlour" is a word that was borrowed from the French word "parley," which means "to talk."
The parlour couldn't remain in its monastery and nunnery confines. Soon, the growing 18th-century and 19th-century middle class began to add the room to their houses. While some people built parlours to serve specific functions, others did it as a show of their improved status. So, the parlour became the social centre in many private homes across England. Women would gather in the parlour for tea. Couples would meet and court in the parlour.
Homeowners often reserved the best furniture for the parlour. Here, you would find the finest art displayed to act as conversation starters or silence breakers. During a funeral, family and friends were received in the parlour, where the deceased lay. That explains the reason for the emergence of funeral parlours.
2. Societal Changes Influenced the Parlour
(Above photo - Victorian Balloon Back Arm Chair - Leather Seat Deep Button 1880 ) As society advanced, there arose various types of businesses to provide the same services as the parlours. For example, care for the dead shifted to the funeral parlours. Dating couples chose to do their thing in restaurants, amusement parks, and movie theatres. They didn't have to deal with prying relatives in the new specially-established businesses. Other family members followed suit when spending evenings at home became unattractive.
3. Technology Changed How We Live
(Above photo - Victorian davenport desk ) The Victorian parlour lost its appeal when people discovered new ways of doing things. They no longer had to conform to long held styles, buildings, and societal norms. Thanks to the invention of electricity, technology took centre-stage. Soon, people were using horseless carriages, telephones, and telegrams. Besides, the two world wars equalized people across social classes like never before.
Homes had fewer servants and more gadgets. As people bought more radios and television sets, they discovered new things to do at home. Some of the long-held social mores on family activities, entertainment, courting, and clothing were gradually relaxed. The Victorian parlour soon became the living room as we know it today.
(Above photo - Victorian dining set )
Unlike before when families listened to each other, they listened to the radio. A young man would bring a lady for an introduction to his parents before taking her on a date. Friends met for a cup of coffee, movie marathons, and so on. There was no way they could continue referring to the room as a parlour.
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