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.
In historical contexts, during the 18th and early 19th centuries, the term hutch or hutch table referred to a versatile piece of furniture that could transform from a tabletop into a chair back or wider sofa; this was particularly useful in homes with large rooms serving multiple purposes, where a large dining table could be easily concealed.