They Were Big In The 90s — Now It's The Side Table We Want In Our Homes

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When it comes to furniture, it's rare to find something that truly feels fun and out of the ordinary. Take tables for example. They typically have a few things in common: four legs and a tabletop. Some unique and eccentric options might have, who knows, three legs and some bright colors, but there's not much more to it. That is, of course, until you've seen this absolutely wild '90s side table that we want in our homes again.

We're talking about the James the Butler serving tray side table. This is a table that was produced by the Bombay Company between 1992 and 1994. It's a playful vintage piece that's a vibrant take on maximalism. No matter where you place it and what you use it for, it's a fantastic way to lean into the kitsch home decor trend and bring some fun into your home.

This side table has a large circular black base upon which is perched James, a butler dressed in a black jacket, white collar, and striped pants. James is holding a serving tray in front of him, which is what you'll use as the table. His face is where all the fun happens: he has gray hair and a receding hairline, bushy eyebrows, and dramatic sideburns. His face is carved with deep wrinkles, a pink lip, and blue eyes. From the side, he has a long and caricatural face. From the front, he's just a few inches thick, with sad droopy eyes and a bored expression. The table is made of painted wood and resin and it's measures about 33 inches tall. The serving tray itself measures around 9 by 9 inches. 

If you look up Bombay tables on eBay or Etsy, you'll find tons of regular wooden tables. To find this specific piece, look up "James the Butler," and you'll get better results. These fun '90s pieces can usually be found secondhand for around $200 to $300 each. There is also a woman version of the table, which is called "Millie the Maid." And if you dig a bit deeper, you might find rare models like "Henry the Butler," which cost upwards of $300. Other fun options by the Bombay company are wine holders, like "Dudley the Bellhop" (a beagle) and other butler figures. If you're lucky, you might stumble upon some of these fun finds at your local antique market, thrift store, or secondhand shop. 

If you're lucky enough to find one, you might wonder how to use it. These types of playful pieces are a great way to incorporate vintage decor into your maximalist home. In order to do so, place James front and center in your home — don't try to hide him away in a corner. For example, he can stand on the side of a couch as a convenient side table to hold drinks and snacks while you watch movies or play board games with friends. During a party, use James to hold up snacks in the living room, or place several cocktails onto his serving tray near the entrance for guests walking in. Another option is to place James the Butler in your bedroom or guest room, if you're not creeped out by his presence. There, you can use his tray as a beside table to hold a book, a candle, or an alarm clock.