What Is a Butler’s Pantry? A Classic Way to Upgrade Storage & Hosting at Home

A butler’s pantry, also called a scullery, is a prep and service space between the main kitchen and the area where you’re hosting, such as a dining room. Unlike many other pantries, a butler’s pantry features closed storage, countertops, a sink, and other amenities.

If you love hosting for the holidays or entertaining in general, keep reading. Now that you’re sure what a butler’s pantry is, let’s find out if you should add it to your kitchen remodel. 

Butler’s pantry vs. walk-in pantry

A butler’s pantry isn’t a substitute for a walk-in pantry. Some walk-in pantries can be large enough or have additional features that combine the purposes of both. However, in most homes, the following differences set them apart.

Do I need a butler’s pantry?

Most people get by just fine with a regular dry-goods walk-in pantry. The need for a butler’s pantry comes solely from your routine and lifestyle. Here are some common reasons owners choose one:

• You own a large collection of drinkware, serving dishes, or fine dining ware that would clutter your main cabinetry.

• You entertain like a pro and want to control foot traffic in and out of the main kitchen.

• You prepare larger batches of food or drink, but don’t want to clutter up the kitchen.

• You would prefer an additional work zone for cooling, staging, plating, or packing up food.

What goes in a modern butler’s pantry?

The possibilities are nearly endless and scale to what you need. Here are some of our favorite features to add to the design for hosting homeowners.

Coffee and beverage stations.

Your morning wake-up spot before you head into the hustle and bustle of your kitchen. This also reduces clutter on kitchen counters.

Ice makers and wine refrigerators. 

Entertaining a group that always needs a second glass or extra ice? Keep your cooking zone clear by inviting friends to freshen up in the butler’s pantry instead.

A second dishwasher.

A smaller dishwasher in this pantry is perfect for maintaining a sparkling supply of clean glasses and utensils. 

Warming drawers.

The sides are ready, but the turkey isn’t. Keep casseroles, breads, and extra batches toasty. 

Attractive displays for glassware.

One or two open shelves with glasses for guests lets them help themselves with ease. The rest is concealed in cabinets. 

What doesn’t go in a modern butler’s pantry?

Seating, bulk food storage, and large sinks do not make the best use of this space. You should also consider avoiding butcher block and rather opt for countertop materials that wipe clean in a snap, like quartz. 

Are butler’s pantries outdated or trending?

Butler’s pantries are trending. They haven’t been this popular since the 18th century, to be honest. 

Homeowners appreciate them because they help keep their kitchens clean. Plus, they’re a good space to keep small appliances like toasters and coffee makers set up and ready to go. 

Butler’s pantries are most common in homes with a lot of square footage. But now, even smaller homes are transforming nooks and niches into serving spaces. 

Find designs for every pantry.

There are no rules when it comes to building the pantry that best fits your needs. Collaborate with a professional designer to find your magic combination of features, whether you’re hosting or just want to get organized. 

The Designery is your local source for cabinetry in all styles, colors, and finishes, plus custom hardware and premier countertops. Let us help you devise bespoke storage solutions that make life easier.

“Our experience was that of professionalism, care, and the desire to do a good job. They were very knowledgeable and attentive through the entire process. We look forward to working with them again.”

Jennifer, The Designery client

Drop by your nearest showroom today.