Shaker Cabinets
Elevate Your Kitchen Design with this Elegant and Practical Choice.
Are you looking to give your newly remodeled kitchen a timeless yet stylish look? If so, consider installing shaker kitchen cabinets. Shaker-style kitchen cabinets have simple, straight lines and flat-paneled frames. As a result, they offer a minimalist yet sophisticated look. They come in a full range of sizes, styles, and colors that can fit any space. This article covers the top things you need to know when considering Shaker cabinets for your kitchen.
What Are Shaker Style Cabinets?
Let’s begin with a basic shaker cabinet definition and some history. A Shaker-style cabinet is a five-piece door with two stiles, two rails, and a recessed center panel. Shaker cabinet designs are linear and symmetrical, with no beading, carving, or ornamentation. Drawers can be five-paneled or flat-fronted.
This enduring furniture style originated in the 1770s with the Shaker movement. Shakers held core values of self-sufficiency, utility, and simplicity. Well-made, functional furniture with a minimalist design reflected these beliefs. Interestingly, Shaker cabinet makers were also the first to incorporate built-in cabinetry in domestic architecture. These built-in cabinets were the precursor of our modern fitted kitchens.
The aesthetic has had many revivals over the years. There are also serious collectors of original Shaker furniture. If you want to learn more about this uniquely American handicraft and precursor to our modern Shaker cabinets, The Met has a fantastic essay you can read.
Why Are Shaker Cabinets So Popular?
Data from the 2023 Houzz Trends Study illustrates the enduring popularity of Shaker Cabinets – 61% of homeowners chose the style for their recent kitchen renovations. What are the three main reasons Shaker Cabinetry is so popular?
- Modern Classic: Shaker kitchen cabinets represent a design aesthetic that has stood the test of time. Its minimalist, clean lines can bring a sense of sophistication to your kitchen.
- Stylish Adaptability: Shaker cabinets offer remarkable versatility-you can tailor them to suit your taste.
- Excellent Value: Simple, sturdy craftsmanship with no fancy millwork makes these cabinets cost-effective to manufacture, allowing cabinetmakers to concentrate on quality construction and materials.
Different Types of Shaker Kitchen Cabinets
Shaker kitchen cabinets come in a variety of types, with each offering its unique look. The traditional 5-piece shaker cabinet door has 2 ¼ inch stiles and rails – the outside border around the central panel. There are modern and contemporary versions that feature both broader and narrower stiles and rails. Of note-Cabinets of the Desert also recommends using a one-piece, routed Shaker door. The one-piece Shaker is a better choice for the desert climate since it overcomes the high potential for separation of the stiles and rails due to expansion and contraction at the joints.
As you can see from our comparison photo, the wider borders lean towards a country kitchen feel, and the narrow and micro borders have a more transitional and modern character. Additionally, you can design shaker cabinets with glass doors or wire insets for the central panel to display valued items. Other accents, such as beadboard insets or crown molding can help you add the desired character to your kitchen.
Design Considerations for Shaker Cabinets
When designing your Shaker kitchen cabinets, there are several things to consider. Shaker cabinets were originally built of northeastern hardwood. Current finish styles cover the range from natural wood to gently distressed paint.
Based on the other materials like flooring, countertop, and backsplash tiles you use in your kitchen design, you can choose a wood finish – maple, oak, cherry, pine, walnut, and more are available. Or painted kitchen cabinets are another long-lasting and beautiful finish choice. Many homeowners choose white cabinet paint for a versatile neutral base, adding color with other finish choices. Grey, blue, and green are also popular cabinet paint color choices.
Check out our recent projects to see transitional kitchen designs, including Shaker cabinets, featuring this whole house cabinetry installation in La Quinta. Houzz also hosts a Kitchens with Shaker Cabinets Ideas page with hundreds of ideas to inspire your kitchen design. You will see that despite their traditional origin, Shaker cabinets’ simple and clean lines work beautifully in almost any style kitchen.
How To Clean Shaker Cabinets
To keep your kitchen cabinets looking their best for years to come, caring for them properly is essential. They are easy to clean and maintain, making them an excellent choice for busy households.
First, dust them regularly using a soft, dry cloth to keep dirt and grime from building up. A fun and useful tip -you can use compressed spray air to easily clear the dust off the edges around the central panels. Occasionally use a very mild cleaner and a soft cloth to clean any spills, grease, or messes. Other common sense precautions include not placing hot items or greasy food directly in or on your cabinets. Finally, check all hinges and screws annually to ensure all parts are in working order.
Benefits of Installing Shaker Kitchen Cabinets
Choosing new kitchen cabinets is a significant decision, and Shaker cabinets offer an irresistible combination of style, durability, and functionality. On-trend yet timeless; these cabinets are the perfect choice for a homeowner seeking beauty and long-term value.
Visit our showroom or contact us so we can help you choose your own modern classic!