The living room is often considered the heart of a home, a place where families gather to relax, entertain, and spend quality time together. In modern times, we commonly refer to this space as the living room or the family room. However, in the past, this room was known by various names that may be unfamiliar to us now. Let's take a trip back in time and explore the top 10 olden day terms for the living room.Introduction to Olden Day Living Rooms
The term "parlor" was commonly used in the 19th century to refer to the formal living room. It was a room reserved for special occasions and receiving guests. The parlor was often decorated with elegant furniture and expensive fabrics, and it was a symbol of status and wealth.1. Parlor
Similar to the parlor, the drawing room was also a formal space used for entertaining guests. This term was more commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries, and it derived from the fact that guests would "withdraw" from the dining room to this room for after-dinner socializing.2. Drawing Room
The sitting room, also known as the sitting chamber, was a more casual living space used for everyday activities such as reading, sewing, or playing games. It was often located on the ground floor of a home and was considered the most comfortable room in the house.3. Sitting Room
The front room was another term for the formal living room, and it was usually the first room you would enter when entering a home. It was typically the largest and most well-decorated room in the house, and it was used for receiving guests and hosting special events.4. Front Room
Similar to the front room, the reception room was used for receiving guests and entertaining. This term was more commonly used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was often associated with wealthy and aristocratic families.5. Reception Room
The term "salon" comes from the French word for "living room" and was used to refer to a formal, elegant space used for social gatherings and cultural events. Salons were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially among the upper classes.6. Salon
The term "parlor room" is a combination of the words "parlor" and "room" and was commonly used to describe a space that was both formal and comfortable. It was a place where guests could relax and socialize while still maintaining a sense of elegance.7. Parlor Room
The family room, also known as the sitting room or living room, was a space where the family would gather to spend time together. This term became more popular in the mid-20th century as homes became more casual and less formal.8. Family Room
The den was a more masculine and informal version of the family room. It was typically located in the basement or a secluded area of the house and was used for watching TV, playing games, or working on hobbies.9. Den