What Are Shaker Cabinets?
Shaker style cabinetries are classic kitchen cabinets, featuring a recessed center panel, a flat surface, square edges, and straight lines. Designers also call them five panel doors design. These cabinet doors come with a central panel. Moreover, shaker cabinets don’t have ornamentation and intricate design, as the objective is to keep them practical, modest, and minimalist.
Generally, homeowners prefer them over other cabinet styles because they are easy to maintain. The best part is adding something as small as elegant hardware can help them stand out.
Of them all, the white shaker is the most popular choice, and you can find them in both modern and classic kitchen interiors. These cabinets offer you straight lines on a recessed panel, creating a simple and sleek look in your kitchen. The simplicity of these cabinets allows you to play with different colors (such as grey cabinets).
The Origin of Shaker Style
The shaker is the name of a religious group created in 1747 in the North West of England. This was the sect that split from the Quakers. In addition to it, the full title of this group was the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearance. You also need to know that shakers were famous for their communal and celibate lifestyle. This sect also had promoted the equality of the sexes. You can say that this was the primary reason that helps them stand from other sects.
People also began to know them because of their simple and decent lifestyle. Along with it, they also emphasize the usage of technology. In fact, shaker believed that the functionality of the product should be the priority of everyone who was making things no matter what the purpose is.
Clearly, the shaker greatly focused on workmanship rather than only advocating about religious practices. Hence, their focus on lifestyle is pretty relevant to today’s age, especially in terms of kitchen design.
So, when they settled in the eastern parts of New England, they began to sell their signature furniture. Now, we recognize them as shaker style.
The Features of Shaker Cabinets
Despite having an old design, shakers appear good from the back or side as they look from the front. Plus, their high quality and well-planned craftsmanship ensure to keep an eye-pleasing appearance. Well, this is also the reason why these cabinets have a traditional look.
It is important to note that the main feature and property of these cabinets is their panel that frames the front door. This panel sits right on top of the solid wood frame. Craftsmen connect these frames with mortise and tenon joints, which is a straightforward joint where a thin piece of wood is inserted in another piece of wood.
What are the Different Types of Shaker Cabinets?
Shakers are the best kitchen cabinets because they offer you a gorgeous ambiance with less or no adornment. Besides that, you can find shaker cabinets in a great variety of stains, colors, and woods. For the colored cabinets, manufacturers use MDF, while the most popular colors include off-white, white, navy, gray, and sage green.
You can also find some cabinetry with beadboard inserts, which give them a vintage touch on their simple surfaces. Homeowners can also install shaker doors in different ways. You can recess them into a cabinet door with hidden or exposed hinges. Or you can simply overlay them on top of the frame.
Also Read Advantages & Disadvantages of Single vs. Double Basin Kitchen Sinks
Benefits of Shaker Style Cabinets
There are several benefits of purchasing these cabinets. The most significant one is that they have a timeless design. You can always find them in fashion, whereas other cabinets get in and out of the trend. When it comes to trendy colors, you can paint them in any tint, which is popular in the market.
Due to its composition and usage of right and high quality of wood, they deliver exceptional life expectancy. This is why they are also easy to clean and maintain. So, you need less time and effort to wipe down the dirt, debris, stains, grease, and other things from it.
Another thing you need to know is that they have a good resale value. Shaker cabinetry can appeal to a great number of buyers. This is because you can incorporate them in modern, traditional, and transitional kitchen styles. They are also pretty affordable cabinet options than others, allowing homeowners to maximize their investment in kitchen renovation and remodeling elements.
Disadvantages of Shaker Kitchen Cabinets
Since shaker cabinetry is associated with minimalist design, it might not complement some home styles. If you have elaborate molding and columns throughout your home, the shakers will not blend with the decor and design.
Shakers are not also the best choice for people who are looking for luxury finishes. It’s true that this style and price tag appeal to most buyers, but some buyers look for more features and decorations.
What Kitchen Style is Best for Shaker Cabinets?
As we have discussed, the minimalist appearance of shaker cabinetry allows you to introduce them to several kitchen styles. However, some of the kitchen themes and interiors look insanely beautiful and stand out when you add shakers to them.
Farmhouse-style kitchens are one of the best placements for shakers of all colors, like blue shaker or grey shaker. Since this type of kitchen encourages practicality, the functionality and craftsmanship of these cabinets resonate with farmhouse kitchen’s requirements.
The down-to-earth appearance of cottage-style kitchens is another best place to install shaker cabinets. When you pair them with some vintage hardware, they provide you a cozy, homespun touch to your kitchen. On the other hand, you will not be wrong if you say that craftsman-style kitchens are practically the best fit for shakers. Furthermore, the less is more approach of this kitchen design and its focus on natural wood make shaker the best option for craftsman style kitchens.
Bottom Line
Shaker cabinets are one of the best cabinet styles that have incredible features and characteristics to offer. You can also buy them as ready to assemble kitchen cabinets. If you want something in the budget that also has a pleasing look and timeless feel, you need to go for the shaker cabinetry. Plus, if you want a long lifespan and durability, you can invest in shakers from Walcraft Cabinetry that will surely pay for themselves.
