What are Shaker Cabinets?

Understanding Shaker Style Cabinets

Shaker Cabinets are the most popular cabinet style due to their simplicity and elegance. These cabinets take their name from a religious group called the “Shakers” or “Shaking Quakers” who followed a minimalist design philosophy.

Continuing from this design philosophy, the Shakers placed a high value on functionality, durability, and quality in their craftsmanship. This focus on practicality and straightforward design has made Shaker cabinets a popular choice for homeowners for centuries. The history of Shaker cabinets dates back to the late 18th century, where they were crafted with the belief that making something well was in itself, an act of prayer. This commitment to excellence and simplicity has endured, allowing Shaker-style cabinets to remain a timeless addition to any home, embodying a heritage of skilled craftsmanship and utilitarian design.

Shaker-style cabinets follow a simple clean design, with straight lines, flat center panels, and originally square edges. The shaker doors are made by 3 parts:

• Stile: The stiles are the vertical frames that run the height of the door on either side. In shaker doors, stiles provide structural support and define the door’s vertical boundaries. They are typically made from solid wood and are crucial for hanging the door and attaching hardware. The stiles’ straightforward, clean lines contribute to the door’s classic look.
• Rail: Rails are the horizontal components of the door frame that connect the stiles at the top and bottom, and sometimes in the middle. In shaker doors, the top and bottom rails are thicker to support the structure and add to the door’s aesthetic by creating a distinct frame around the flat panel. Like stiles, rails are usually made from solid wood and are designed to maintain the door’s integrity and shape over time.
• Center Panel: The Center panel is the central piece of the shaker door, sitting flush within the frame created by the stiles and rails. This panel is characterized by its flat, unadorned surface, which embodies the shaker principle of simplicity and functionality. The panel is often made from wood or engineered wood and is designed to contract and expand with changes in humidity without affecting the door’s structure or appearance. This minimalist design element is key to the shaker door’s timeless appeal.

Shaker Cabinets Design Variations

COLOR

Shaker cabinets are considered the most popular choice of cabinets and due to their popularity, many cabinet manufacturers now offer them in an endless array of colors to suit every taste and home style. Many homeowners and contractors opt for a versatile approach, purchasing shaker cabinets in basic grey or white and then giving them a new life with a fresh coat of paint in a color that perfectly fits their vision.

While white remains the top favorite for its classic and clean look, we’ve seen a growing trend in requests for more adventurous hues. The past couple of years colors like cool blues, soothing greens, sleek blacks, natural unfinished wood, and elegant greys have been all the rage among our customers. These trending colors add a unique touch to homes, making shaker cabinets a fantastic choice for those looking to combine timeless design with a splash of modern flair.

MATERIAL

Shaker cabinets aren’t just versatile in color; they’re also crafted from a variety of materials to fit every taste and budget. From the warm tones of maple and cherry to the light and airy feel of birch and the sustainability of eucalyptus, there’s a material out there for everyone. And here’s a neat trick some manufacturers use to make these cabinets even better: they combine solid wood stiles and rails with HDF (High-Density Fiberboard) flat panels. This smart blend creates a super sturdy cabinet that’s ready to handle anything. It means your shaker cabinets won’t just look good; they’ll stand up to the test of time, resisting the natural swelling and shrinking that comes with changes in humidity. So, you get the timeless beauty of wood with added durability.

SHAKER DOOR STYLES

Like everything else shaker style doors have evolved and in the cabinet market you can now find shaker style doors in different styles. Below we have highlighted some of the most popular door shaker door styles.

1. SKINNY SHAKER

The Skinny Shaker style features a thin frame that offers a sleek and minimalistic look. This style is perfect for those who prefer a modern twist on the traditional Shaker design. Its clean lines and simple form make it a versatile choice for various kitchen styles.

2. CLASSIC SHAKER

The Classic Shaker style is known for its timeless design, featuring a five-piece door with a flat panel. This style is adaptable and fits well into any kitchen, from modern to traditional. The classic Shaker’s straightforward and functional design has made it a favorite for years.

3. SHAKER WITH BEVELED EDGES

The Shaker with Beveled Edges introduces a slight detail to the traditional Shaker style, with edges that angle inward. This subtle touch adds a hint of depth and sophistication to the cabinets without overwhelming the simplicity of the Shaker design. Our True Dove Shaker range showcases this elegant design, perfect for a refined kitchen aesthetic.

4. DOUBLE SHAKER

The Double Shaker style doubles up on the traditional frame, offering more depth and detail to the cabinet doors. This style is great for those looking to add a bit more character to their kitchen while keeping the classic Shaker simplicity. Check out our Double Shaker Smokey Grey cabinets for an added touch of sophistication.

5. SHAKER WITH SLAB DRAWERS

Combining the classic Shaker style with slab drawers creates a balanced look that brings the best of both worlds. The slab drawers offer a smooth, uninterrupted surface that contrasts beautifully with the framed Shaker doors. Our Bay Shaker range incorporates this style for those aiming for a sleek yet inviting kitchen space.

SHAKER CABINETS BOX STYLES

Shaker cabinets come in three main box styles: full overlay, partial overlay, and inset box. Each style offers unique benefits and can change the overall look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom. Whether you prefer a more modern look or a classic, timeless design, there’s a Shaker cabinet style that fits your needs. Below, we explain each style and highlight the benefits, making it easier for you to choose the right one for your home.

1. FULL OVERLAY

Full overlay cabinets offer a modern and sleek appearance, with doors and drawers covering the entire face frame. This style provides a continuous, unbroken surface that’s easy to clean and maintain.

2. PARTIAL OVERLAY

Partial overlay cabinets feature doors and drawers that cover part of the face frame, leaving a portion visible. This style offers a more traditional look, creating visual interest through the visible frame sections. Our Luxor lines like Luxor Express provide an elegant take on the partial overlay style, adding charm and character to any room.

3. INSET BOX

Inset box cabinets have doors and drawers set inside the cabinet frame, flush with the front. This style is known for its precision craftsmanship and the neat, tidy lines it brings to cabinetry. Choosing an inset box style, you get a refined and sophisticated look that adds a touch of class to any space.

While the size and theme are important in choosing cabinets, your personal taste should be the main factor. To help you with this decision, you can consult with CabinetSelect design experts. They can give you personalized advice and guidance to find the best Shaker cabinet for your home and style.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are Shaker cabinets different from regular cabinets?

Shaker cabinets have a unique design, featuring a five-piece door with a flat panel in the middle. This gives them a clean and elegant look, unlike regular cabinets that have a single slab of wood or metal for the door.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chris Alexakis

Chris is Director of Product & Design here at CabinetSelect.com. He's certified as a Florida State Building Contractor (CBC1256670) with many years of construction experience. Most important, Chris is passionate about kitchen design – Whether you're building a new home or remodeling an old one, he has plenty of experience and the right tools, ideas and solutions to help create a beautiful kitchen in any space, large or small.