If you hear the term “butler's pantry” and immediately think it's something only the upper echelons of society have, think again. Once common in large, luxurious homes, butler's pantries have emerged as a modern amenity in every home, providing much-needed storage and preparation space, especially for those who love to entertain. But what exactly are butler's pantries in the modern sense? And what were they used for historically? We spoke to an expert to explain what this strange little room is, how it differs from rooms like cupboards and kitchen pantries, and how you can use your butler's pantry today .
What is Butler's Pantry?
A butler's pantry is a small room or passageway that usually connects the kitchen to the dining room and often serves as additional storage space, a prep area, or a prep area for entertaining. A modern butler's pantry can store everything from entertaining essentials like platters and silverware to small kitchen appliances that take up valuable space in the main kitchen. There is also room for a wine refrigerator, cocktail supplies, and a prep sink.
Historically, the butler's larder was exactly what its name suggested. “Butler's Pantry has a rightful name,” says Chad Graci, owner of Graci Interiors. “It was a service room for managing things that were within the butler's direct control, such as silver and other lock-and-key items. Today it is similarly used for overflow items related to food and drink. And I think you are.” . ”
Sarah Essex Bradley | Design by Chad Graci
Difference between Butler's Pantry and Cupboard or Kitchen Pantry
Although many people often use the terms “butler's pantry” and “scullery” interchangeably, there are notable differences between the two. The cupboard is most often used as an additional prep kitchen, and the butler's pantry is used as storage for entertaining essentials. The butler's pantry is usually located between the dining room and the kitchen, while the galley is generally more of a “back kitchen.”
As for the difference between a butler's pantry and a kitchen pantry, a butler's pantry has a small sink and sometimes a small refrigerator, and often includes storage space for platters, glassware, silverware, china, etc. . Also, a butler's pantry is a transit space, so it usually doesn't have a door. A kitchen pantry typically stores only food, with no space for food or beverage preparation or preparation.
Modern uses for the butler's pantry
If you're renovating your kitchen area or considering purchasing a home with a butler's pantry, you may be wondering how best to utilize this space. Think of it as a bonus area to keep your main kitchen organized, especially for entertaining items. “We now know that if a client has the space they can tolerate, they don't want the beverage and appetizer preparation area to be in the same space as entertaining,” says Barbra, designer and project manager at Brattesani Designs. Scarpulla says. . Here are some beautiful ways you can put your butler's pantry to good use.
add coffee bar
Amy Mazenga / Alexandra Koehler Design
A butler's pantry is perfect for storing small appliances that you don't want in the main kitchen. “It can be a good place to put appliances that can generally clutter the kitchen,” he says Graci. For example, an espresso machine or a toaster oven. Use part of your butler's pantry as a coffee bar if you are using it to store your coffee or espresso machine. Keep mugs and cups within reach, and store sugar, creamer, and extra coffee or tea in the cabinet.
Install wet bar
Dustin Halleck | Design by Alexandra Koehler
The butler's pantry is the perfect place for a wet bar, a storage and preparation area for making cocktails. All you need is a small sink, a place to store your favorite spirits and cocktail glasses, and space for cocktail garnishes.
store tableware
Michael Hunter | Design by Sarah Hilary
Free up valuable cabinet space in your kitchen by using a butler's pantry to store dishes, silverware, flatware, and more. For this butler's pantry, designer Sarah Hilary wanted to give her Federal Revival home a modern update, while also giving it some classic relevance through dramatic paint. “As this space is primarily used for serving and storing tableware, the atmospheric space helps create a punchy, calming environment, providing a different experience for users as opposed to a bright dining room in the house.” ,” says Hilary.
Add an additional wall oven
Photo by Mary Kelly | Design by Brattesani Designs
Ideal if you have many large family gatherings for the holidays and need additional oven space. Adding a wall oven or two to your butler's pantry will help get all your food to the table with ease. “For this butler's pantry, we recommended moving the wall oven, steam oven, ice maker, and beverage cooler to this space for several reasons,” says Scarpulla. “The client had a 48-inch oven and stovetop in the main kitchen, but they didn't necessarily need a wall oven unless it was needed for major holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. By moving additional appliances into this space, clients will also be able to prepare appetizers for big holiday meals in a space just outside the kitchen. ”
store wine
Kip Dawkins | Design by Sarah Hilary
If you're an avid wine collector or just love good wine, use your butler's pantry as wine storage, like this space designed by Hilary. “This space was inspired by the client's love of the eastern seaside, and this deep teal paint is reminiscent of the ocean,” Hilary says. “This tone helps create a sense of depth and highlights the unique architectural features of the space, such as the impressive wine storage in the pantry, while also ensuring that the contrast between all the bottles isn't too strong and creates a sense of harmony in the space.” I will keep it.”
Store frequently used foods and supplies
Amy Mazenga | Design by Paloma Contreras
A butler's pantry is a great additional space for meal prep, so it can help you store frequently used items. The butler's pantry here features open shelves to store pantry essentials and glassware above, while counter space is used to store bowls, baking dishes, coffee mugs, and more.
