Shaker-style cabinets offer
a simple design.
The Shakers were a religious sect that believed in social equality and practiced celibacy. Over the course of their existence, they have made a number of cultural contributions to society because of their belief in diligent labor. Shaker-style cabinets were first introduced by the Shakers in the late 1700s. Cabinets were simple in design and finish and reflected the ideals of balance and symmetry. Their cabinet designs are a popular option today. Does this Spark an idea?
Design
Shaker-style cabinets have a simple design with a plain front, simple knobs and handles and clean lines. A basic Shaker-style cabinet door is known as a five-piece door -- a recessed panel framed by two horizontal rails and two vertical stiles. According to the Simply Beautiful Kitchens website, a common stile and rail width is 2.5 inches. The hallmark of Shaker-style cabinets is the use of sturdy wooden dovetailed joints in lieu of glue or nails in the corners. Shaker-style cabinets offer a timeless design that can easily be incorporated into modern or more traditional decor.
Materials and Finishes
Shaker-style cabinets are made mostly from hardwoods from the Northeastern regions of the U.S., according to the Helpful Kitchen Tips website. Maple and cherry are most commonly used, but cabinets are sometimes made from woods such as oak and Douglas fir. They are usually made with a natural wood finish or they can be painted. Cabinets are often painted in cream colors, but dark reds and blues are also popular. Shaker-style cabinets are typically produced without beading or molding because the Shakers considered ornamentation unnecessary, but they can be made to look more modern with elegant hardware. Knobs and handles are often made of wood or brass.
Practicality
Shaker-style cabinets offer orderly space with room for fairly large objects, since they are often ceiling height. There are several built-in options available as well, such as plate racks, spice drawers and pull-out drawers. Shaker-style cabinets are meant to avoid clutter. The ultimate goal is to be able to put all items away from view, since the Shakers believed in an orderly home.
Cost
The cost of Shaker-style cabinets can vary, depending on how they are constructed. Custom-made cabinets can be expensive, while manufactured ones are more reasonably priced. However, manufactured cabinets will not last as long and do not offer as much durability. Shaker-style cabinets with dovetail joints and hardwood construction will typically last much longer, and although they may cost more initially, they may not need to be replaced for decades.
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