What Are Shaker Cabinets, and Are They Still in Style?

Few elements are as pivotal in kitchen and bathroom design as cabinetry. Among the various styles available, Shaker cabinets stand out for their versatility, simplicity, and enduring appeal and are one of the most popular cabinetry styles today. 

Originating from the Shaker religious movement in the 18th century, these cabinets are characterized by their clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and functional design. Shaker cabinets seamlessly blend traditional charm with modern practicality, making them a popular choice for contemporary and classic kitchens alike.

If you’re considering adding Shaker cabinets to your home, here’s what you need to know about this timeless style including what they are, pros and cons, and expert tips for styling them.

What Are Shaker Cabinets?

Shaker cabinet doors are a style of cabinetry with a simple raised frame border. They offer clean lines and a timeless minimalist design free from additional ornamentation or intricate detail work. The border around the door, commonly called the shaker panel, is traditionally about 2 ¼-inches to 2 ½-inches wide all the way around, with a recessed center in wood or glass.

Available in various finishes and colors, Shaker cabinets easily complement a range of kitchen styles from traditional to modern. They are popular for homeowners seeking a timeless, simple, and elegant look.

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The History of Shaker Cabinets

Shaker cabinets are part of the wider Shaker design style of furniture developed by the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, commonly known as Shakers, in the 18th century. The Shakers believed in integrity, craftsmanship, self-reliance, pacifism, and communal living. They were entirely self—sufficient: growing their food, sewing their clothes, and building their houses and furniture.

The Shakers’ guiding principles led to a unique design style founded on simplicity, practicality, and quality. These principles are evidenced in Shaker cabinets’ simplicity and enduring charm, which remain popular today.

Are Shaker Cabinets Still in Style?

Thanks to their timeless appeal, versatility, and simple elegance, Shaker cabinets are still very much in style. They recently enjoyed a boom in popularity due to the farmhouse and modern farmhouse design aesthetics, which heavily featured this classic cabinet style. But they pair well with numerous design styles and can be customized to suit nearly any space.

If you want Shaker cabinets in your home but want a fresh and modern look, Julia Lauve, co-founder and principal designer at interior design firm WORKSHOP | studio, recommends an extra-thin or wide border. 

“This tried-and-true door can be elevated with a slim shaker or double shaker profile in a rich color for a modern take on the conventional white cabinet farmhouse look,” she says.

Pros and Cons of Shaker Cabinets

Before installing Shaker cabinets in your home, you should be aware of the pros and cons of this style. According to design experts, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Pros of Shaker Cabinets

• Simple design that pairs well with numerous styles. 
• Affordable compared to more intricate cabinetry styles.
• Easy to modify and personalize.
• A timeless choice that won’t go out of style.

Cons of Shaker Cabinets

• Requires more intricate cleaning than simpler designs.
• Often seen as a “builder-grade” door.

Pro Tips for Styling Shaker Cabinets

With their clean lines and simple design, it’s hard to go wrong with Shaker cabinets. However, experts agree that there are a few things to remember if you want to add this classic style to your home. 

First, avoid wood with too much character (like knots or a heavy grain), says Andrea Lackie, founder and principal designer of Andrea Lackie Design. Whether you ultimately paint the cabinets or not, this added texture will be too distracting for this simplistic style. 

Additionally, designers recommend you spend some time looking at cabinet hardware and selecting pieces that you love to help combat the “builder-grade” effect that Shaker cabinets can have on a space,

“This will prevent your cabinets from looking ‘cookie cutter’ and can instead be an expression of your personal style (plus, hardware can be swapped out if you change your mind!),” Lackie says.

Another way to combat the builder-grade look is to ensure your Shaker doors are inset, meaning they are flush with the cabinet frame. This will give the cabinets a more elevated and custom appearance.

Lastly, while Shaker cabinets are versatile and go with many design styles, experts say they should be avoided in mid-century modern spaces. Instead, opt for a simple slab door in white or a warm wood stain to nail the mid-century modern look.