Difference Between a Hutch & China Cabinet

Appearance

• China cabinets feature two glass doors. Many china cabinets also feature glass sides encased in wood. This serves the purpose of fully displaying fine china or figurines. China cabinets often feature locks on the doors, as well. Hutches typically feature smaller display areas. While hutches often feature glass doors, the doors are much smaller than those found on china cabinets. Hutches are made from wood and can be painted or designed to fit the style of a house.

Unit

• Hutches are not one piece like china cabinets. Hutches typically consist of two separate pieces. The lower part of a hutch features two or three drawers that are ideal for housing utensils or other objects. The top part of a hutch is detachable and features shelves for displaying fine china or other dishware. China cabinets do not have detachable pieces. China cabinets often feature cabinets at the bottom instead of drawers. Above the cabinets is an area to display fine china. China cabinets often feature mirrors and back lights for displaying purposes. Often, china cabinets also feature grooves in shelving to securely hold plates.

Uses

• Hutches are less formal than china cabinets. Hutches are often multipurpose and can be used in a variety of rooms. Bathroom hutches, for example are used to house linens and towels. A kitchen hutch is used to house anything from wine and spices to dishes and dishrags. Hutches are also used to house fine china and special occasion utensils. China cabinets are not quite so multipurpose and are more formal. China cabinets are often placed in dining rooms and areas that do not receive as much foot traffic. China cabinets are specifically designed to display fine china and dishes that are not for everyday use. More shelving and less drawer space makes using a china cabinet for more than display purposes difficult. Certain china cabinets also feature glass shelving specifically designed to display pieces that are not handled often.

Additional Display Space and Serving Areas

• China cabinets do not have serving areas. Due to the detachable upper piece of a hutch, a serving area or additional counter space separates the drawers or cabinets from the upper display area. This area is ideal for displaying decorative pieces or for use in serving guests.