front room

noun3

1. •
   A room near the entrance of a building.

   • She did not knock at the door, which stood open, but, somewhat to Fermi's amazement, walked at once into the front room, which was plainly the room of state. — 1880
2. •
   Such a room that serves as an entryway, initial reception area, or waiting room.
3. •
   A living room or similar room in such position that is used for entertaining guests or for special occasions.

   • The front room, the parlor, seemed to us children to be a room of much splendor, but was open for general use only on Sunday evening or on rare occasions when there were parties. — 1913