Exactly What Are Shaker Cabinets, Anyway?
In almost every before-and-after design show, there are a reliable set of materials chosen for the big kitchen reveal. Wood flooring is a must, of course, as is marble countertops. It’s also true that most televised homeowners smile at the sight of pendant lights above islands and shiny hardware on soft-close drawers. But the backdrop that’s usually behind it all, the detail that often makes all open-concept dreams come true, is Shaker cabinets.
Perhaps you’ve heard a host or two say that they want this type of cabinet in their renovation, or you’ve watched as homeowners pick this option from others. And as you sit there watching, you’ve probably wondered, “What are Shaker cabinets?”
“Shaker cabinets are simple, clean, and timeless,” says Hunter Macfarlane, project expert at Lowe’s. “They are characterized primarily by their doors, which consist of two flat-side rails, two flat-top rails, and a flat-inset panel.”
The cabinets are named for the Shakers, a religious community that was founded in England before settling in North America during the mid-18th century, and they denote the building principles that defined their surroundings. The Shakers believed in the honesty that could be found in simplicity, and their "dwelling houses," which were scattered mostly in New England before reaching the Midwest and the South, reflected this sentiment as saltboxes of clean lines and tidy corners.
While their rectangular homes and unadorned furniture may be seen as plain, Shaker style has endured for centuries thanks to its focus on outstanding craftsmanship. And when that’s paired with its other characteristics of minimalism and natural materials, the Shaker aesthetic can easily be interpreted for a modern eye. It’s no wonder that television audiences like to see these cabinets in updated kitchens.
“The Shaker style is known for its durability and function,” Macfarlane continues. Those two attributes are why they’re so popular for renovations, since they can withstand the various needs that may occur in the so-called hub of a home. A Shaker cabinet can also adapt to a variety of color palettes, whether homeowners opt for classic white or choose a more current shade. And finally, Shaker cabinets also balance well with bold details, like geometric lighting and shiny hardware, resulting in a stylishly layered finish.
The next time you’re watching a design show and you’d like to feel as in-the-know as the host, remember these three traits about Shaker cabinets:
It’s all about the power of clean lines. “This allows the cabinets to function beautifully without overpowering a kitchen’s aesthetic,” Macfarlane says. “There are no ornate patterns, providing a subtle and elegant look.”
Precision is the point. “Shaker cabinets are a style in which the simplicity of design is the statement,” he continues. “The flat edges catch dirt and grime a little more than others, but aren’t a major issue.”
The style may be simple, but it’s versatile. “Shaker cabinets can be made from any cabinet-grade wood,” he says. “Typically, they’re painted but can be left natural or stained.”
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