In the 18th and early 19th century, however, the term hutch or hutch table referred to a tabletop set onto a base in such a way that when the table was not in use, the top pivoted to a vertical position and became the back of a chair or wider settee;  this was a very useful form at a time when many homes had a large room used for multiple functions, because it allowed a large dining table to swing up and out of the way.
During the 18th and early 19th centuries, though, the term hutch or hutch table described a tabletop supported by a base that could be folded upwards when not in use, transforming into the back of a chair or wider sofa; this was a practical solution at the time since many homes had large rooms serving multiple purposes, enabling a large dining table to be easily stowed away.