Everything you need to know about a butler’s pantry
Whether you are looking at buying or selling a property and have been doing your research, or a home renovation is something that you have been thinking about and you have been talking to architects and builders, chances are you will have come across the term ‘butler’s pantry’ when discussing kitchen layouts and designs.
And if you, like many others when they first heard the term, had no idea what a butler’s pantry was and why you should perhaps consider having one in your home, then you have come to the right place, because this article will attempt to answer all your questions.
What is a butler’s pantry?
A butler’s pantry, also sometimes called a serving pantry, is basically a room that is used for the preparation of food and for cleaning up after meals, away from the kitchen, which can be seen by everyone. Unlike a regular pantry, which is mainly used for storing food, a butler’s pantry is more like a small kitchen within your kitchen, and is used more for storing appliances and items.
The term originated during the olden days, when having butlers was common practice among those of a certain social and economic standing. It was in the butler’s pantry that a butler would be tasked with storing items including the family silver, and it was also there that a butler would go about the cleaning and counting of said silver. In Europe, some butlers even slept in the butler’s pantry, as it was their job to keep the silver safely locked away.
Today, butler’s pantries are making a bit of a comeback in many homes, even though butlers are not. These are usually located in between the kitchen and the formal dining room, and are especially useful when entertaining, as they function as staging areas for the serving of meals. Generally, a butler’s pantry would contain countertops for food preparation purposes, and plenty of storage for cutlery and crockery, dining room articles and décor such as candles, table linens, and even wine. Some of the more elaborate versions might also contain a refrigerator (just for drinks) and a small sink.
Why should you install a butler’s pantry?
a) Extra space
You get an extra room to store items, prepare meals and clean up. You might not think it necessary initially, but there will be times, especially if you like entertaining, when you will be grateful for the additional space.b) A closed-off area
Perhaps the best thing about a butler’s pantry is the fact that it has a door. That means that you can make as big a mess as you need when preparing all those platters of food, and then simply walk out to greet your guests when the time comes, shutting the door behind you so that nobody can see the dirty bowls and plates, bits of food strewn about, opened packages and tins, etc.c) Versatility
Just because most people use the butler’s pantry for storage and food preparation does not mean that you have to follow suit. Fill it with glassware and drinks, and transform your little space into a cosy corner where your guests can help themselves to a bite and a tea or a coffee. Want to inject fresh life into your kitchen and pantry without undertaking a massive home renovation? Whether for property selling purposes or personal use, sometimes a home styling exercise is all you need to pull off that remarkable makeover. Contact us today for more information; we would love to see how we could help!WHAT WE STYLE
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