Shaker cabinets stand out as a popular choice among various kitchen cabinet designs. You probably saw them in magazines, design websites and even your neighbor’s kitchen. But if you don’t know what Shaker kitchen cabinets are, our blog can help explain them and show many different styles of kitchens that they improve easily.
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What are Shaker Kitchen Cabinets like?
Shaker kitchen cabinets have been popular for a really long time because they have a classic and flexible style. There are some important things to know about them. Shaker cabinets are made with five pieces of wood – two vertical sides (called stiles), two horizontal top and bottom pieces (called rails), and a center panel. This gives the cabinets a handmade and classic look. Shaker kitchen cabinets are known for their clean and simple appearance. They have straight lines and aren’t cluttered with a lot of decorations. This makes them suitable for both traditional and modern kitchens. One of the main features of Shaker cabinets is the center panel that is set back. This adds depth and can be made from various materials like wood, glass, or metal. These are usually made from solid wood or high-quality plywood, making them strong and durable. They’re also easy to take care of and can last a long time. You can paint or stain Shaker cabinets in any colour you like, making them versatile for different kitchen styles – from classic to modern.
If you’re thinking about getting Shaker cabinets for your kitchen, here are some extra things to consider:
Type of Wood: Shaker cabinets can be made from various types of wood like maple, oak, cherry, or pine. The wood you choose affects the look and cost of your cabinets.
Finish: You can paint or stain Shaker cabinets in different colours. If you want a more rustic appearance, you can even go for a distressed finish.
Hardware: The knobs, pulls, and handles you choose for your Shaker cabinets can change the overall look. Traditional hardware gives a classic appearance, while sleek and minimalist hardware offers a more modern look.
Some Popular Trends
Classic White Shaker Cabinets
Old white kitchen Shaker cabinets look perfect and make the room bright and new. Their basic layout without any extra fancy stuff makes them easy to handle. They work well with various types of decor and blend easily without any issues. Use normal colours for a traditional look or different shades for a fresh touch, but with white Shaker cabinets, every kitchen looks neat and well-stocked.
Two-Tone Shaker Cabinets
Two-coloured shaker cupboards look fresh by using different colours or patterns. By following this design plan, white top cabinets can be paired with darker bottom ones to create an attractive and interesting kitchen.
Open Shelving with Shaker Cabinets
Putting in open shelves with Shaker cabinets gives the kitchen a modern look. This allows homeowners to display unique items and give their own look. This combination makes a fair balance between being useful and looking good. It lets you show off your pretty items but also keeps old-style Shaker cupboards looking nice.
Glass Front Shaker Cabinets
Kitchen cupboard doors made of glass make it look fancy. They let organized things be seen easily. This design choice makes the cupboards a nice showcase for fancy plates, which helps to make an open and welcoming space.
Dark Stained Shaker Cabinets
Shaker cabinets with dark stains make you feel fancy and cozy. They give a lot of richness to your kitchen’s look. These cupboards make a big difference when put with light countertops and backsplashes. They look better overall by having this contrast.
Farmhouse Style with Shaker Cabinets
A farmhouse-style Shaker kitchen cupboard looks cute with worn-out or dirty finishes. This design choice, with farmhouse touches like an old sink and rough tools, makes the space feel warm and welcoming.
Minimalist Shaker Cabinets
Shaker cabinets with a minimalist design are simple and helpful. They have a clean look without much clutter. Combined with simple tools and basic colours, this style makes a clean kitchen that focuses on fashionable beauty.
Matte Black Shaker Cabinets
The style of matte black finishes is seen in Shaker cabinets, adding a strong and modern touch to the kitchen. When used with metal decorations and light-coloured countertops, matte black Shaker cabinets create a strong design look.
Transitional Style with Shaker Cabinets
Going from old styles to new ones, Shaker cabinets in a modern kitchen find the perfect mix. This design mixes old Shaker features with new hardware and fixtures, creating a style that is both timeless and updated.
Island Accent with Shaker Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets around the edges are joined by a different colour or finish on the island, making it stand out and hold everything together in one place. This plan makes things look better, helping the counter stand out in your kitchen’s design.
Advantages of Shaker Style Kitchen Cabinets
- Timeless Design
Shaker kitchen cupboards have a simple and lasting style that goes beyond fads. Their basic, neat shapes and simple design help make a look that stays attractive and up-to-date for many years.
- Versatility
Shaker cabinets are very flexible and good for different types of kitchens. If you like old-fashioned, modern or in-between looks, Shaker cabinets can fit into different styles.
- Easy to Clean
Simple and quick to clean, the flat surfaces of Shaker cabinets make them a good choice for kitchens. The fewer details or grooves, the less dirt and grime can collect. This makes it easier to clean.
- Adaptable Finishes
You can easily change the look of shaker cabinets by using different finishes. If you like light white, dark stained or strong colors, Shaker cabinets offer a flexible panel where you can show your design ideas.
- Enhanced Durability
Shaker cabinets are usually built with strong things, which makes them long-lasting and hard to break. Their strong build allows them to handle everyday kitchen tasks.
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Shaker Kitchen Cabinets
- A common mistake is not taking proper measurements. Make sure to measure the kitchen and each cabinet carefully. This will prevent problems like misalignments, gaps or closeness during installation.
- Not planning for things like fridges, stoves, or washing machines can cause problems when they are being set up. Make sure there is enough room for things like refrigerators and ovens to open all the way without getting in the way of cupboard doors.
- Making Shaker cabinets wrong can make them look bad and ugly. Use some of your time to set up each cabinet correctly, making sure that doors and drawers work well.
- Not checking the state of walls before putting them up can cause issues. Broken or uneven walls might make it hard to put in the cabinets properly. Get the walls ready, so you have a good surface for putting things up.
- Choosing the wrong parts, like hinges or handles, can mess up how Shaker cabinets work and look. Make sure the picked machines fit with the look and size of your cabinets.
- Not checking your storage needs can lead to not having enough cabinet space. Look at the things in your kitchen and think about how to store them well so you can use everything fully.
- Poor lighting plans can change the way your Shaker cabinets look in total. Make sure you have good lighting for tasks under the cabinets and spotlights to show off their design features.
- Not paying attention to ventilation needs can cause problems with cupboards over time, especially near places for cooking. Make sure you have good airflow to stop harm from heat and water.
- If you intend to paint or finish Shaker cabinets, moving too fast can lead to a bad outcome. Spend some time getting the surfaces ready and use the suggested steps for painting or finishing.
- Trying to do a DIY job without the right skills and tools can cause pricey mistakes. Getting a pro makes sure the job is done right and without problems caused by not knowing what they’re doing.
