Key Difference – Butler vs Valet
Butler and valet are two domestic workers in a large household. Both these positions were originally found in homes of noble and wealthy families. At present, butlers and valets can be also found in hotels and similar establishments. The key difference between butler and valet lies in their duties and responsibilities. A butler is the chief manservant of a house and supervises other servants whereas a valet is a personal male attendant of a man responsible for his clothes and appearance. The above-mentioned is the traditional difference between butler and valet. However, it is also important to note that there are variations in the responsibilities of butlers and valets in modern households.
Contents
- Overview and Key Difference
- Who is a Butler
- Who is a Valet
- Side by Side Comparison – Butler vs Valet
Who is a Butler?
A butler is traditionally the chief manservant of a large household. He is in charge of all other servants in the house. Butlers are usually male and are in charge of male servants. They are usually in charge of the dining room, pantry and wine cellar. Traditionally, butler was the most experienced worker in the household. Names such as majordomo, house manager, staff manager, chief of staff, estate manager and head of household staff are also used to refer to a butler. Responsibilities of a butler may change depending on the employer’s lifestyle.
Responsibilities of a Butler
- Supervising and training household staff
- Serving meals and drinks, answering the door and telephone, setting the table and serving formal meals
- Taking care of the wine cellar, and the valuable possessions of the house (china, crystal, etc.)
- Managing the household budget and organizing events
- Assisting with the family and household security measures
In addition, butlers are expected to respect the privacy and confidentiality of the employers and to remain invisible and available. Butler positions are typically live-in positions and may even require travelling with the employer. Butlers may be also required to perform valet duties and light housekeeping. Thus, they should be flexible in terms of tasks and schedule.
Who is a Valet?
A valet is traditionally a man’s male attendant who is responsible for his clothes and appearance. Valets are typically responsible for the clothes, and personal belongings of the employers and other minor details.
Valets are usually men. The rough female equivalent of valet is ladies’ maid. Valets are traditionally employed by gentlemen belonging to noble or wealthy families. In grand houses, the master of the house usually keeps a valet; if the family is very wealthy, the sons of the master may also have their personal valets. However, in a small household, the butler may double as the valet.
Responsibilities of a Valet
- Storing and keeping inventory of clothing, jewellery and personal accessories
- Assisting in toiletries, dressing, and hair styling
- Packing and unpacking for travelling and serving light meals
- Doing light mending, pressing, polishing shoes, etc.
- Providing personal assistant to the employer
It is also important to know that in the USA, valet refers to an employee who parks and takes care of vehicles.
What is the difference between Butler and Valet?
Butler vs Valet |
|
| Butler is the chief manservant in a household. | Valet is a man’s personal male attendant. |
| Responsibilities | |
| Butler is involved in supervising the staff, taking charge of the kitchen, pantry, wine cellar and dining room, organizing events, greeting guests, assisting with security arrangements, managing the budget and inventory, etc. | Valets have responsibilities like assisting with toiletries and dressing, taking care of clothes and accessories, packing and unpacking for travel, assisting with storage and inventory of personal items, etc. |
| Authority | |
| Butler is in charge of the whole household staff. | Valet is not in charge of other staff members. |
| Female Equivalent | |
| Butler is roughly equivalent to a housekeeper. | Valet is roughly equivalent to a ladies’ maid. |
| Seniority | |
| Traditionally, butlers were the most senior worker of the household. | Valets may not be as experienced as butlers. |
Image Courtesy:
“Alonzo Fields – White House Butler” By White House employee (via Citizendium) (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
“Detail of gentlemen’s valet in walnut” By Wabhughug – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia