Figure 1.--Here we see two American boys (from the 1920s) sitting in the same large rocking chair. This looks to be a parlor that is making the transition to living room. The older of the two boys (about 9 years old) seems to be reading to his younger brother (about 7-8 years old). Both wear above-the-knee knickers with long black stockings. It is a bit unusual to see a rocking chair large enough to hold two occupants, but of course the boys are young and fairly small. Reading was a common home activity in the 1920s before TV and other electronic entertainments (except radio, of course). This looks to be a family living in a comfortable middle-class (perhaps upper middle-class) home. Notice the piano.

The formal 19th century parlor is the fore-runner of the more relaxed 20th century living room. The primary difference is formality. It appears to have been an American creation, primarily after World War I when we begi to hear the term living room being used rather than parlor. The modern living room is in addition to wear guests are entertained also an entertaiment center, where the television is commonly locted unless as in larger homes there is also a family room. And the children tend to have much more access to the living room than they did the 19th century parlor which would be kept for formal activities. Living room is an American term. Sitting room was once used, but is now not very common. Front room (because the living room is usually at the font of the house) is another American term that is still used. The British (and former British colonies) call it as the lounge room or lounge. The living room has many of the same functions as the 19th century parlor such as entertaining adult guests. When guests are not being entertained, the living room is often used for a range of informal activities. The children might play there in the afternnon and early evening. Family members might read there, although beginning in the mid-20th century it became more of an entertaiment center. The phonograph and then the radio were generally placed there. And of course this usage only increased with the appearance of television not to mention all the modern devices like VCRs and DVDs. The rise of the personal computer and devices like smart phones and note pads have reversed this trend. These are devices often used in more private rooms rather than the all purpose living room or family rooms. There are major differences from country to country. American homes and apartments tend to be larger than those in Europe. And this living rooms and family rooms tend to be larger and more important. American living rooms commonly have sofas, stuffed chairs, occasional tables, and bookshelves, and lamps. Fire places are popular, but optional. The living room for many middle-class families is a mukltiple purpose room. More affluent families might have other rooms (dens and recreational rooms) that take on some of the finctions of a basic living room.

Chronology

We do not have a lot of parlor/livingroom information before the 20th century. there are some paintins, but relatively few. The formal 19th century parlor is the fore-runner of the more relaxed 20th century living room. The primary difference is formality. They were so formal that often children were not permitted in to parlor except under supervised appearances. There were often lots of items that could be broken. And expenses rugs that could be soiled. This was especially true in America and a few other countries where so many boys went barefoot. Of course boys did not have shoes in many poor countries, but this was not the case in Americ and a few other countries like Australia and New Zealand. And barefoot boys would track all kinds of dirt into the home and very quickly ruin carpets. A good example is an unidentified boy on a family outing. American boys in the 19th century might have only worn shoes in the winter and when dressing up. And carpets were an important part of any fashionabale parlor. This continued into the early 20th century. It appears to have been an American creation, primarily after World War I when we begin to hear the term living room being used rather than parlor. Children by the 1940s began to see the term 'parlor' as a little old fashioned. And the shift is reflected by the name. The living room became the center of life. It was here the radio and then the TV was placed and often where the childrn plyed when indoors.

Terminology

Sitting room was once used, but is now not very common. I think it had the same basic meaning as parlor where visitors were received. Front room (because the living room is usually at the font of the house) is another American term that is still widely used. The British (and former British colonies) call it as the lounge room or lounge. British usage seems to be shifting to the american usage. A British reader tells us, "This would be the place where a family would spend most of their time. The sitting room would be where you relaxed around th TV or video player these days. When friends visited you would go to this room. The living room might sub as the dining room when one had guests." We are not sure about the terms used in other countries such as France and Germany.

Purpose and Usage

The living room has many of the same functions as the 19th century parlor such as entertaining adult guests. When guests are not being entertained, the living room is often used for a range of informal activities. The children might play there in the afternnon and early evening. The modern living room is in addition to wear guests are entertained also an entertaiment center. Family members might read there or play board games. It was in the parlor that the piano and stero viewer were located and late in the century the phonograph. The entertaiments options increased significantly in the 20th century, especially after World War I, perhaps why the term living room became popular. The living room in many homes became someting of an entertaiment center, unless as in larger homes there was a fmily room. The radio were generally placed there when it was tge cenrt of family entertainment (1920s-40s). They were devices enjpyed by the whole family. And of course this usage only increased with the appearance of television not to mention all the modern devices like VCRs and DVDs. The rise of the personal computer and devices like smart phones and note pads have reversed this trend. These are devices often used in more private rooms rather than the all purpose living room or family rooms. Children tended to have much more access to the living room than they ever did to the 19th century parlor. The parlor would be kept spotless for formal activities. The use of the living room, however, varied a great deal from familky to family. I can recallin the 1940s, my brother ad I were allowed to play in the living room in front of the TV. Some of my friends, however, were not allowed to play in the living room.

Country Trends

Living room is an American term. There are major differences from country to country. American homes and apartments tend to be larger than those in Europe. And this living rooms and family rooms tend to be larger and more important. American living rooms commonly have sofas, stuffed chairs, occasional tables, bookshelves, and lamps. Fire places are popular, but optional. Most families wanted one if thery could afford them. The living room for many middle-class families is a mukltiple purpose room. More affluent families might have other rooms (dens and recreational rooms) that take on some of the finctions of a basic living room in more modest homes. If here was go be a photograph of the familky, especially of the kids, perhaps for the annual Christmas card, it would be normally taken in the living romm.

Created: 12:15 AM 6/19/2011
Last updated: 4:53 AM 6/22/2012