BEAUTY PARLOUR During the Victorian era, the parlor was the front room of every middle and high-class homes and for some, used exclusively to receive and entertain guest and for others, used as an environment for family intimacy. The parlor was the reflection of who the family was and therefore a lot of money and thought went into consideration for the furnishings and designs. The word parlor originates from the French word parlëure or parler which means “to speak” or “conversation .” In the 18 th and 19 th century, having a parlor room was proof o f having a high ranking status. Although the United States during the 19 th was in the process of establishing an American identity that did not reflect the European culture, they held on to the parlor that did belong to European culture to maintain the portrayal of civilization. It was the reflection of the United States willpower to achieve the “American Dream.”