Home parlor decor essentials: A balance of past and present

The parlor, occupying part of the house, has been around since the Victorian era. After the early 19th century, the parlor became an essential part of the home, especially that of a middle- or upper-class American owner. In the parlor, guests, along with the owner of the house, gather to enjoy an afternoon or evening of entertainment. Because the parlor reflects the personality of each family, the focus when decorating the parlor is on artwork, the piano if any, and other decorative elements, such as: Sculptures, vases…

Once upon a time, families placed their best and most impressive possessions in the parlor, which is usually connected to the home’s main entrance. In modern times, the parlor can be more functional.

8 Essential Steps to Set Up Your Parlor

Modern Reception Hall

1. Take the correct measurements, before buying any furniture for the lounge, paying attention to the walls with windows and doors, as these areas limit the layout of the room.
2. A homeowner doesn’t have to be an interior designer or architect to think about what she wants her parlor to look like. When she takes the time to draw a floor plan, she can get a better idea of what pieces of furniture she needs to buy. This can help her figure out if she has enough room for a long sofa, and the extra cabinet to display her cutlery collection. In other words, think about the floor plan as a first step, then make a list of the important items that the lounge should have.

A distinctive chandelier in the parlor (photo from unsplash)

• Choosing a decorating style is the most difficult part of designing a home parlor, as the chosen style guides the purchase of furniture. Think modern, contemporary, classic, or rustic… To make it easier for you, answer the following questions: What will I be doing in my reception, how many people will typically spend time there, and will I be hosting parties? The answers can help you understand the type of furniture you’ll need; if you plan on hosting parties, for example, a double sofa with accent chairs and cushions may give you more flexibility to create an inviting, conversation-starting reception. Ditch the idea of buying a sectional sofa.
• The sofa is the largest piece of furniture in the living room, and it will determine how the rest of the pieces are arranged. Look for a sofa that will become the focal point of the decor, with enough space around it to walk around without constantly tripping over the edges of the sofa or coffee table. In general, when choosing tables, chairs and cushions, make sure they are easy to move around.
• You should find a rug that is large enough to cover the floor and extend under the front legs of the furniture. Keep in mind that when the rug is small, the parlor will look disjointed.
• For your living room to look cohesive, you need three types of lighting: Ambient lighting, functional lighting, and accent lighting. To achieve this, you might consider a combination of an overhead chandelier, a table lamp, a floor lamp next to the main sofa, and a wall lamp. Depending on the style of the lounge, you can choose lighting fixtures.
• Choosing the right paint color is very important, in harmony with the furniture and the style of the decor. Neutral colors are preferred in this type of room. Lighting also plays a crucial role in choosing the right paint colors.

Green and personalized accessories

A parlor with a plaque above the fireplace (photo from unsplash)

No lounge decor ideas would be complete without wall decor, especially the addition of paintings, and the distribution of accessories on the surfaces, such as: Cushions, blankets, mirrors, and decorative items.

Remember that when you add accessories, these pieces are a reflection of your taste and preferences, personalizing the space and stimulating conversations between guests and the homeowner. Mirrors create an illusion of space and light, making the space feel larger and more welcoming. Plants also play a role in bringing the space to life.

On the other hand, to keep the lounge functional, make sure there is enough storage space for shoes, bags and jackets, which can be tucked away.

A pleasant smell in the lobby

The homeowner should take care to scent the house, especially the living room, with scented candles or a diffuser.