Parlor vs. Salon: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 6, 2023
A parlor is a room for receiving guests; a salon is a place for beauty treatments or a gathering for intellectual discussion.
Key Differences
A parlor is historically known as a designated space within a home, particularly in larger or more traditional houses. It's intended primarily for the reception of guests or for family gatherings. This term brings to mind an image of Victorian homes with elegant rooms dedicated to entertaining visitors. On the other hand, a salon has a dual definition: it can refer to a place where people receive beauty or hair treatments, or it can signify a gathering of intellectuals to discuss art, literature, or other topics.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
In the context of hair and beauty care, when people mention a salon, they're often talking about a commercial establishment where professionals offer services like haircuts, manicures, or facials. Whereas a parlor wouldn't typically be associated with these commercial services, but rather with the personal, residential space in a home.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Interestingly, the intellectual salon gatherings have their roots in 17th and 18th-century France, where influential individuals would host gatherings to discuss philosophical and cultural topics. This usage contrasts with the parlor, which is tied more to informal, private family gatherings or social visits in someone's home.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
It's worth noting that regional and cultural differences can influence the use and connotation of both terms. For instance, in some places, a tattoo parlor is a common term, aligning the word more with a commercial setting. In contrast, a salon in European historical contexts could very much mean a prestigious gathering, quite different from a place to get a haircut.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Comparison Chart
Primary Definition
A room in a home for receiving guests
A place for beauty treatments or intellectual gatherings
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
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Cultural Origin
Associated with Victorian homes
Hair/beauty context or French intellectual gatherings
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Associations
Informal gatherings, family settings
Haircuts, beauty treatments, or elite intellectual meets
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Parlor and Salon Definitions
Parlor
A room in an inn or club where people can converse.
Guests at the inn shared stories in the parlor.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
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Salon
An establishment where a hairdresser, beautician, or couturier conducts business.
She has an appointment at the salon for a haircut.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Parlor
A shop or business providing specified goods or services.
She bought the ice cream from the corner parlor.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Salon
A reception room in a large house.
Guests were received in the grand salon during the ball.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Parlor
A sitting room in a private house.
The family gathered in the parlor to play board games.
Sara Rehman
Oct 06, 2023
Salon
An exhibition of works of art.
The annual salon showcased emerging artists.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
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Parlor
A place of business for certain trades or activities.
Jake got his tattoo at a downtown parlor.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Salon
A regular gathering of eminent people (especially writers and artists) at the invitation of a notable person.
The poet was invited to the salon hosted by the duchess.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Parlor
A room in a monastery or convent where conversations with outside visitors occur.
The nun waited in the parlor to speak with her family.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Salon
A hall or place used for the exhibition of works of art.
Her painting was displayed prominently in the salon.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Salon
A large room, such as a drawing room, used for receiving and entertaining guests.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Parlor
A small lounge or sitting room affording limited privacy, as at an inn or tavern.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Parlor
A business establishment with one or more rooms equipped and furnished for a special function
A tanning parlor.
A funeral parlor.
An ice-cream parlor.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Parlor
The living room of a house, or a room for entertaining guests; a room for talking; a sitting-room or drawing room
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Salon
A commercial establishment offering a product or service related to fashion
A beauty salon.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Parlor
(archaic) The apartment in a monastery or nunnery where the residents are permitted to meet and converse with each other or with visitors from the outside.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Salon
(arts) An art gallery or exhibition; especially the Paris salon or autumn salon.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Parlor
A shop or other business selling goods or services specified by context.
A tattoo parlor
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Salon
An apartment for the reception of company; hence, in the plural, fashionable parties; circles of fashionable society.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Salon
An apartment for the reception and exhibition of works of art; hence, an annual exhibition of paintings, sculptures, etc., held in Paris by the Society of French Artists; - sometimes called the Old Salon. New Salon is a popular name for an annual exhibition of paintings, sculptures, etc., held in Paris at the Champs de Mars, by the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts (National Society of Fine Arts), a body of artists who, in 1890, seceded from the Société des Artistes Français (Society of French Artists).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Parlor
A room for business or social conversation, for the reception of guests, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Parlor
A room in a private house or establishment where people can sit and talk and relax
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
FAQs
Can a parlor be a commercial space?
Yes, terms like "tattoo parlor" or "ice cream parlor" refer to businesses.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Is a parlor always located in a house?
No, while traditionally in homes, "parlor" can refer to places like tattoo parlors or ice cream parlors.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Is "parlor" a dated term?
While associated with older homes, "parlor" is still used, especially in certain business contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Is a salon always a place for beauty treatments?
No, it can also refer to an intellectual gathering or an art exhibition.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Is a "parlor game" played in a parlor?
Historically, yes. It refers to indoor games suitable for a parlor setting.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Are salon discussions always formal?
No, while historically prestigious, they can range in formality.
Harlon Moss
Oct 06, 2023
Can a house have multiple parlors?
Yes, larger houses, especially historical ones, might have several parlors.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Can a salon offer spa services?
Yes, some salons expand their offerings to include spa treatments.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Is a salon strictly European in origin?
While its intellectual context has French origins, the term is used globally.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Was a parlor used daily in older homes?
It was primarily for special occasions or receiving guests.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Can a salon be in someone's home?
Yes, some professionals have home-based beauty or hair salons.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Is "pizza parlor" a common term?
Yes, it refers to a place where pizzas are made and sold.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
What's the main difference between a salon and a parlor?
A parlor is traditionally a home room for guests, while a salon is for beauty treatments or intellectual discussions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
Can a salon be dedicated to just one service, like nails?
Yes, there are specific nail salons, hair salons, etc.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Is "parlour" the British spelling of "parlor"?
Yes, "parlour" is the British version, while "parlor" is American.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Can a parlor be used for formal events?
In larger homes, yes, a parlor can be a more formal reception room.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Do modern homes still have parlors?
While less common, some homes, especially those with traditional designs, might have a space designated as a parlor.
Janet White
Oct 06, 2023
Is a funeral parlor a place for gatherings?
It's a place for funeral services and viewing of the deceased.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 06, 2023
Is there a difference between a salon and a beauty salon?
No major difference; "beauty" specifies the type of services, but both can offer beauty treatments.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
