Butler's Pantries Are Trending—Here's How to Add One to Your Home If You Have the Space (2024)

If you hear the words "butler's pantry" and immediately think it's something that only the upper crust of society would have, think again. Once common in large, luxurious homes, butler's pantries are gaining steam as modern amenities for any home as they provide much-needed storage and prep space, especially for those who like to entertain. But what exactly is a butler's pantry in the modern sense? And what were they historically used for? We spoke with experts to explain what this curious little room is, how it's different from rooms like sculleries or kitchen pantries, and what you can use a butler's pantry for today.

What Is a 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 extra storage space, a prep area, and a staging area for entertaining. Modern-day butler's pantries can store anything from hosting essentials like platters and silverware to small kitchen appliances that would take up valuable space in the main kitchen. They can also house wine fridges, co*cktail accouterments, prep sinks, and more.

Historically, a butler's pantry was exactly what it sounds like. "Butler's pantries were named justly," says Chad Graci, owner of Graci Interiors. "It was a service room for the butler to manage anything he was directly in control of, such as silver and other lock-and-key items. I'd say that today, they are used similarly for overflow items associated with food and drink."

The Difference Between a Butler's Pantry and a Scullery or Kitchen Pantry

Many people often use the terms "butler's pantry" and "scullery" interchangeably, but there are notable differences between the two. Sculleries are most often used as an extra prep kitchen, while butler's pantries provide storage for entertaining essentials. Butler's pantries are usually between the dining room and the kitchen, while a scullery is generally more of a "back kitchen."

As for the difference between a butler's pantry and a kitchen pantry, a butler's pantry very often has a small sink and possibly a small refrigerator and includes storage space for platters, glassware, silverware, and china. And a butler's pantry generally doesn't have doors since it's a pass-through space. A kitchen pantry typically only stores food and doesn't have space for food and beverage prep or staging.

Modern-Day Uses for a Butler's Pantry

If you're in the process of renovating your kitchen area or are thinking about purchasing a home that has a butler's pantry, you might be wondering how to best use this space. Think of it as a bonus area that can keep your main kitchen free of clutter—especially for entertaining items. "Nowadays, if clients have the space to allow for it, we find that they won't want their prep area for drinks and appetizers in the same space where they're entertaining," says Barbra Scarpulla, designer and project manager for Brattesani Designs. Following are a few beautiful ways you can put a butler's pantry to good use.

Add a Coffee Bar

Butler's pantries are great for stowing away small appliances that you don't want in your main kitchen. "It can be a good place for appliances that could generally clutter up the kitchen," says Graci. "For example, espresso machines, toaster ovens, and the like." Use part of your butler's pantry as a coffee bar if you are using it to house your coffee and espresso machine. Keep mugs and cups within easy reach and store sugar, creamer, and extra coffee and tea in cabinets.

Install a Wet Bar

A butler's pantry is the perfect spot for a wet bar, which is a storage and prep area for making co*cktails. All you need is a small sink, storage for your favorite spirits and co*cktail glasses, and space for your co*cktail garnishes.

House Your Dishware

Free up valuable cabinet space in your kitchen by using the butler's pantry to store your dishware, silverware, servingware, and more. In this butler's pantry, designer Sara Hillery wanted to complement the modern updates to the Federal Revival home while also giving it a classic relevance via the dramatic paint. "Since this space is used mainly for serving and the storage of dishware, the moodiness of the space helps to create a calming environment that packs a punch, giving its user a different experience in contrast to the home’s lighter dining room," says Hillery.

Add an Extra Wall Oven

Perfect if you typically host large family gatherings during the holidays and need the extra oven space, adding a wall oven or two in a butler's pantry will help get all of those dishes seamlessly to the table. "In this butler's pantry, we recommended moving a wall oven, steam oven, ice maker, and beverage cooler into this space for a few reasons," says Scarpulla. "The clients had a 48-inch oven and stove in their main kitchen and didn't necessarily require a wall oven outside of needing it for major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Moving extra appliances into this space allows the clients to prep appetizers as well as large holiday meals in a space just outside of the kitchen."

Store Wine

If you're an avid wine collector, or simply love good wine, use your butler's pantry as wine storage, like in this space designed by Hillery. "This space was inspired by this client’s love for the Eastern seaside and this deep blue-green paint is reminiscent of the ocean," says Hillery. "This tone helps to create a sense of depth and highlights the unique architectural features of the space—including the pantry’s impressive wine storage—while not contrasting so much with all of the bottles to keep the space feeling harmonious."

Store Frequently Used Food and Supplies

Because a butler's pantry is the perfect extra space for food prep, it can help to store frequently used items there. Here, the butler's pantry has open shelving installed to house both pantry staples and glassware up top, while the counter space is used for holding bowls, baking dishes, coffee mugs, and more.