Parlour facts for kids

Parlour (also spelled parlor) is a word for a special room in a house. It comes from the French word parloir, which means "a place for speaking". This is because a parlour was a room where people would meet and talk.

In some places, like Turkey, a similar room might be called a kiosk. The Bible even mentions a "summer parlour". This was a small room on a roof. It had open windows to catch cool air. It also had a door for visitors.

What is a Parlour?

A parlour is usually a formal room. It is often found in large houses or mansions. In the late 19th century, families used their parlour for special times. They might open it only on Sundays or for important visitors.

Displaying Special Items

Families would keep their best furniture in the parlour. They also displayed art and other valuable things there. It was a room to show off their finest possessions.

Funerals and Changes Over Time

Sometimes, if someone in the family died, their body would be placed in the parlour. This was done while the funeral was being planned. During the 20th century, homes started to change. The parlour slowly became what we now call a living room.

Parlours in Monasteries

Long ago, in the Middle Ages, the word "parlour" was used in monasteries. Monasteries were places where monks or nuns lived. They had two types of parlours.

Outer Parlour

The 'outer parlour' was a room for meeting visitors. Monks or nuns would use it to do business with people from outside the monastery. It was usually near the main entrance.

Inner Parlour

The 'inner parlour' was a different kind of room. It was a place where monks could talk quietly. Monasteries often had rules for silence in other areas, like the cloister. The inner parlour allowed them to chat without disturbing others who were studying.

Other Uses of the Word

Today, the word "parlour" is still used for some businesses. You might hear of an "ice cream parlour". This is a place where you can buy ice cream.

Different Types of Parlours

There are also "pizza parlours" where you can get pizza. Sometimes, you might find a "beer parlour" or a "wine parlour". The word can even describe a coffee shop, like a "coffee parlour". It can also mean a place that offers a special service, such as a tattoo parlour.

See also

In Spanish: Locutorio (arquitectura) para niños

Images for kids

• 

  A Greek Revival Parlor in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

• 

  Georg Janny, parlour in Makartstil style.