What Is A Butler's Pantry? Here's Everything You Need To Know, According To Designers

Stroll around a dinner party in some Southern homes, and you’ll find yourself in a butler’s pantry: an underrated multi-functional space between the kitchen and the dining room that's used for storage and serving. Sometimes called a scullery or a serving pantry, butler's pantries come in handy for preparing food, storing dishware, and organizing extra pantry items.

"I always thought of butler’s pantries as awkward spaces used for storing silverware, china, table linens, and serving pieces,” explains Devin Shaffer, lead interior designer at Decorilla. “I get more excited about them now because they have changed over time to be a more luxurious feature that provides functionality and a touch of elegance.”

You don't need an actual waitstaff to make use of the space, either. Butler's pantries are a game-changer for today's Southern hosts if they're designed with intention. Here’s what you should know about butler's pantries before creating your own.

History

True to their name, butler's pantries were originally used by butlers during the 19th century in wealthy American and English homes. Mealtime and entertaining essentials like china, silver, and crystal were kept there, often under lock and key. The butler acted as a security guard to prevent theft, sometimes even sleeping there. This space between the kitchen and dining room was also where they frequently prepped and plated meals.

Modern Uses

Coffee Bars and Wine Cellars

If you have the luxury of this extra space, keep it luxurious and make it a destination. Whether it's for your cup of joe first thing in the morning or a bottle of red to share with your girlfriends, you'll never regret having a dedicated area for a moment of joy.

Extra Storage Space

The benefits of extra storage can never be overstated. “If you love to cook and constantly feel like you're lacking space for cookware, dishes, and dry goods, a butler's pantry could solve that problem,” says Judi Kutner, licensed realtor and founder and CEO of Virtual Staging. “It also keeps those items hidden away when company is over so your kitchen stays tidy.”

Appliance Garage

If you're blessed with enough outlets and counter space, clear off your counters and move your appliances into the butler's pantry. Don't forget to dig through your cabinets for them, too. Just think, how much storage you'll get back!

Entertaining

Is your house the place to be on Friday nights? Do you have a big family that loves to invite themselves over? “Being able to have a separate area to plate desserts, store extra serving pieces, or mix drinks gives you more flexibility for parties and events,” Kutner says. “Some folks even use the space as a second kitchen if they have a lot of guests needing to use the actual kitchen at the same time.” The fact that you can hide dirty dishes and clutter is even better.

Food Prep and Plating

If it ain't broke, why fix it? Keep using your butler's pantry as intended: as the final destination before your food reaches the table. This is especially useful for entertainers and big families who simply never have enough room to prep and plate.

Cons to Consider

More Cleaning and Maintenance

Let’s face it, Kutner has a point here: “Keeping another entire room tidy is more work. It could easily become neglected or disorganized over time instead of serving its purpose. For some families, a regular pantry might work just as well without all that added responsibility.”

Expensive to Build

While you’re not building out a second kitchen, Shaffer points out that creating a butler’s pantry still requires many of the same ingredients, including cabinetry, countertops, and potentially even appliances. Want to put in a little sink? Add on plumbing too.

Takes Up Space

“I’ve found that not all homes have the necessary space to add butler’s pantries without having to sacrifice other important surrounding areas,” says Shaffer. “In smaller homes where you don’t do too many gatherings or have a family, the pantry might end up being useless and won’t justify its cost and the space it takes up.” Basically, it has to make sense for your lifestyle.