Shaker Style Cabinets – The Timeless Design for Home Interiors

Shaker style cabinets were created by the “Shakers”, one of the utopian sects that migrated to the New World at the end of the 18th century. They were led by an English woman named Ann Lee, and with her, the Shakers established a foundation that would be present in their lifestyle, and therefore, in the furniture used in their homes. Hence the invention of Shaker-style cabinets.

They have their own invention, the so-called “tilted chair.” This had an ingenious mechanism at the end of both legs that kept it on the ground when the occupant of it leaned on the backrest. Nowadays, Americans and English homeowners include shaker cabinet doors in their kitchens, living rooms, and even bathrooms. All is in the imagination.

Below, some things you should know about the shaker style cabinets and how you can incorporate them into your household. 

 

(Imagine credit: Naked Kitchens)

 

Cabinets are essential in the Shaker theme

This style does not require the best interior designers in the world, but it does call for a good cabinetmaker. And in case that cannot be, a lot of wood. The principles of austerity and homogeneity of this style make it clear.

There are three types of cabinets installed in the Shaker look. Inset cabinets are more stable and only have drawers. These cabinets are designed to keep utensils like forks and spoons.

Partial overlay cabinets combine drawers and doors. They normally have two doors and one drawer above them. There is a 1-1 ¼ inch gap between the doors.

Finally, full overlay cabinets, which have no drawers but doors covering the entire cabinet face. The doors have knobs and pull to open.

Simplism and elegance

Minimalism always catches the eye. The Shaker design is more focused on objects that have a specific purpose. The Shaker interior design is functional, pretty, and elegant, and should not be confused with expensive or luxurious, but with a well-done job. Most cabinets contain straight, defined lines, and lack patterns.

 

 

Functionality and homogeneity

We have already mentioned that everything had a function and Shaker-style cabinets are made of wood. In addition to this, we can add more things. The colonial-style color palette implies that the walls should be cream and wood, better pine and bare. The tablecloths and other decorative fabrics are unnecessary if you want to follow the authenticity of the style. Oak cabinets are part of this style.

The objects used in the house should be minimal. This makes the style well-received in small spaces, where everything gains strength and character and does not dwarf the space. Everything is much more orderly this way. The placement, therefore, is very important.

Clutter-free and cut to fit cabinets

Another very important principle is cleanliness. The cabinets are recessed and don’t gather dirt underneath. The furniture is as light as possible, so it can be transferred to other rooms seamlessly. Beds had wheels in the beginning, but now they don’t. Inset cabinets make up the décor in most shaker-focused rooms because they are waist-high and take up little space.

Wood kitchen cabinets can be in gray, white, and black in most American homes, but gray kitchen cabinets are what owners like the most.

What to do with the furniture?

Apart from the Shaker style cabinets, this style uses wooden chairs, cabinets, desks, bookcases, clocks, foot warmers, sewing boxes, and brooms, as well as many useful and carefully crafted items that can match them in the living room and studio.

Color of Shaker-style cabinets and fittings

Colors in the Shaker-focused theme are slightly varied. Most cabinets are gray, light green, white, and pastel, and some are black. The color of the cabinets and Shaker cabinet doors generally harmonize with the color of the walls and the floor. However, the color of mats can be different. Maybe darker (burgundy).

 

 

Shaker cabinets do not have motifs. You won’t see anything extravagant on them. They are unicolor.

White and black match perfectly. If the walls are white and the flooring is black, add a black cabinet to it to get better color consistency.

Wood is best

Shaker-style cabinets are simple with a rustic but elegant air. Install practical wooden furniture, wooden shelves, space for dishes, drawers of all sizes in the kitchen and living room. Oak cabinets play a vital role in the Shaker trend.

Although the Shaker-style decoration is more recommended for small homes, it is true it comes in handy for large and country houses as well.

Cabinets, candles, and wood round tables decorate shaker-themed settings. Building a DIY Shaker design should not take a rocket scientist and does not need a huge investment.

If you want to get insights into the Shaker interior design, pop over to Pinterest and take a look at the Shaker style cabinets gallery.