The parlor was a space in the 19th and early 20th middle class home dedicated to entertaining guests and displaying stylish furnishings and decorations. This 1890 advertising photograph features a parlor with decorative wallpaper, large pictures, upholstered furnishings and other decorative objects.
Image from the Library of Congress.
When speaking of social classes, and particular things that symbolized the classes people belonged to, this photo would be a great conversation starter with students to connect to their lives. When teaching, we must speak of real-life experiences, and I am sure students would be able to connect this photo to other photos they have seen and/or some of their family members may have pianos in their homes; possibly similar to the same set-up in this photo.