The Complete Guide to Shaker Cabinets

Shaker cabinets are a popular style of cabinetry known for their simplicity, functionality, and timeless appeal. Here’s everything you need to know about Shaker cabinets.

Origin 

Shaker cabinets originated from the Shaker religious community that was active in the 18th and 19th centuries in America. They were well known for their pacifism, equality, and manufacturing. They pioneered many items that changed America and the world. Washing machines, circular saws, and wrinkle-free cloth are just a few of their inventions.

Today, their furniture and wood-burning stoves are highly sought after. Of course their minimalist approach to design and quality construction make their idea of cabinets the most popular in the kitchen in just about any kitchen.

Design

Shaker cabinets have a distinct design characterized by a five-piece door with a recessed center panel and simple, clean lines. The doors typically have flat, square frames and a plain, unadorned appearance.

They are most popular in white, but gray is a close second. Deep blues and greens are well-loved new-comers to the line up.

Simplicity 

Shaker cabinets are celebrated for their minimalist aesthetic. They have no ornate details, elaborate carvings, or decorative elements. The straightforward and understated design speaks for itself.

They are perfect for minimalist designs like hygge, mid-century modern, or adding a pop of contemporary to more vintage styles.

Versatility 

Shaker cabinets are the chameleons of the design world. They can adapt to rustic styles like farmhouse or bring a touch of hominess to more ornate, traditional styles. You can use any type of metal or color for hardware. They pair well with various color schemes.

Not only are they adaptable style-wise, they are a great addition to any room of the house from the kitchen and bathroom, to the laundry room or office.

Durable Construction 

Shaker cabinets are known for their sturdy construction. You can get them in natural woods or in sleek MDF or HDF.

At RTA Cabinet Store, we ship them directly to your door where you can easily assemble them and install them. It’s a snap with our 3-D interactive instructions by BILT.

Timelessness 

Shaker cabinets have endured as a popular choice for centuries due to their timeless appeal. The simple, unpretentious design has a classic quality that transcends trends and remains relevant in different design eras.

That means that they never go out of style and will always look fresh. No worries about Shaker cabinets looking dated.

Easy Maintenance 

The smooth, flat surfaces of Shaker cabinets make them easy to clean and maintain. Their straightforward design reduces the risk of dust and debris accumulation, simplifying the cleaning process.

Give them a regular dusting then use a damp cloth and mild soap for an occasional deep clean.

Customization Options 

While Shaker cabinets have a signature look, they can be customized to suit individual preferences. You can choose different finishes, colors, and hardware options to personalize the cabinets and match your overall design scheme.

Variations on the Shaker cabinet offer a hint of detailing without taking away from classic Shaker look. It’s a perfect fit to add some additional personality to your space.

Availability 

Shaker cabinets are widely available from various manufacturers and suppliers. They are a popular choice in the cabinetry market, so finding options in different price ranges and materials should be relatively easy.

Take advantage of RTA Cabinet Store’s Quick Ship Guarantee® and get your Shaker cabinets shipped from our facility in 3 business days.

Affordability 

Shaker cabinets are often considered a mid-range option in terms of pricing. While the cost may vary depending on factors like materials, finishes, and customization, they are generally more affordable compared to highly ornate or custom-designed cabinets.

Get additional savings with ready-to-assemble cabinets that you assemble and install yourself. It’s easy to do plus the most affordable way to go.

Find Your Favorite Shaker Style

Shaker cabinets come in many different styles and colors. Let us help you narrow down your search.

Wood Shaker Cabinets 

The combination of solid wood and Shaker style is the original favorite. They add a more rustic look to your kitchen and include natural wood grain with knots and variations that come with wood.

Try our Carolina Hickory Shaker cabinets or our Rustic Shaker cabinets to get the look.

White Shaker Cabinets 

White has been the Shaker cabinet to have for the last decade. The clean lines and fresh color introduce a light yet grounded style in a bright and modern way.

Try our Weston White Shakers for classic styling or opt for our Florence White Shaker for a little extra detailing. If you prefer the frameless cabinet look, try our Frameless White Shaker. Or for a warmer, more ivory white, check out the Artisan Shaker.

Gray Shaker Cabinets 

Gray has been the standard cabinet color alongside white for generations of kitchens. It’s never dated and goes with everything.  

For a deeper shade go with Stone Grey or Storm Grey Shaker cabinets. Lighter options include a dove gray Gunnison Shaker and Gainsboro Gray. For something with a bit of variation (a wood look style) try Florence Slate or Smokey Grey. 

Greige Shaker Cabinets 

Somewhere between beige and gray, greige is an on-trend color that has versatility and warmth. They come in varying shades with some tending toward darker grays and some nearly white.

Check out Springfield Shaker for a barely-there color that’s right on trend. Weston Sand Shaker is one of our bestsellers and has a stronger greige color that’s still understated.

Blue Shaker Cabinets 

Up and coming favorite, deep blue shaker cabinets are quickly rising to the top for on-trend kitchens. Neutral enough to not be trendy and unique enough to make a statement, navy blues and midnight blues make a great addition to the kitchen.  

Explore Navy Blue Shaker or Florence Midnight Blue cabinets. 

Detailed Shaker Cabinets 

Most Shaker cabinets have a straightforward trim around the outside edge of the cabinet but some add a hint of detail.  

All of our Florence Shaker line features a slim outline on the inside of the door that, on closer inspection, has a bit of ornamentation that sets them apart. Gainsboro Gray and Ostland White have similar design. 

Thicker and Thinner Trim Shaker Cabinets 

While all Shaker cabients follow the same pattern, some have wider or narrower framing around the door. Minimalists appreciate the thinner trim and the thicker trim adds more oomph to the kitchen. 

Take a look at Radnor Slab or Devon Slab cabinets for a wider trim and Cinder Shaker or Rustic Shaker for a narrower look.  

5 Piece vs Slab Shaker Drawers 

There are two basic construction options when it comes to the drawer fronts that come with your cabinets. The 5-piece drawers look just like the traditional shaker door. The slab version is a single piece of wood with no trim on the drawer.  

Slab Shaker options include best sellers like Carolina Hickory (natural wood) and Easton White Slab cabinets. For 5-piece options, consider Weston White or Sand or Florence Shaker cabinets.

Shaker cabinets offer a timeless and versatile option for cabinetry, combining simplicity, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re looking for a classic or contemporary style, they can be a great choice for your home. 

Shop our entire lineup of Shaker cabinets today! 

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